We know You know trails!
You know the trails, and the gaps in our trail system. The ultimate goal of a well-connected system is for you to jump on your bike or put on your running shoes and easily/safely get to a trail for transportation, a work out or a leisure walk. Is there a spot along your route where a signal light is needed? Do you know someplace where a safer crossing could make a world of difference for trail users? Share that critical gap with us, info@trailsandopenspaces.org. And thanks!
PARK AND TRAIL News
Black Forest Section 16 Update
Lack of a quorum at the July EPC Parks Advisory Board meeting allowed several board members and parks staff to offer a listening session about the lease. Staff explained proposed terms: the lease is increasing from $452 to $21,825 per year and includes a 2.5% annual increase over the 10-year period. Given public support to retain the 91 acre – 4 mile loop trail and the slash/mulch pile, park staff is committed to renewing the lease and beginning a process of looking at potential purchase from the State Land Board. There is no word on purchase price. The county is looking at potential partners. A donation fund has been set up, if you would like to help support Black Forest Section 16 donate here.
Being Kind To Bees
There’s a new Pollinator Garden at Deerfield Hills Community Center to check out. The garden was designed and built by staff and volunteers of Keep Colorado Springs Beautiful with support from the Southwest Loves Southeast Project. Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC and Visit Colorado Springs also played a role in this great project. When partners come together the results can be magical.
El Paso County Parks has Terrain Hoppers!
EPC Parks “Trailability Program” has officially launched. Beginning this weekend, people with mobility challenges will be able to access the trails around Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers using special ATV’s funded in part by the Independence Center. El Paso County is the first county in the state to offer this program.
Carol Beckman – Volunteer Extraordinaire!
Congratulations to TOSC Member Carol Beckman for completing her second and final term on the COS Parks Advisory Board. Monthly meetings begin at 7:30 a.m. and often continue past noon. Carol also attended many park-related master planning meetings and events. Thank you Carol for your exemplary service!
Pet and Watershed Safety Event
TOSC partnered with Colorado Springs Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Rangers, Colorado Springs Utilities and the Pikes Peak Humane Society last weekend to promote pet and watershed safety at Stratton Open Space. Over 50 people talked with representatives from each organization to learn about the importance of keeping dogs leashed and picking up their waste. TOSC conducted a Scoop the Poop Challenge mini event that brought about 10 pounds of poop out of the open space.
TOSC
Starlight Spectacular
Sat. Aug 13, 8:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Come for the Rest Stops! Two great reasons to join us Aug 13th for our Starlight Spectacular in Garden of the Gods are the fantastic rest stops. Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub and Colorado Springs Cycling Club will be offering cyclists, walkers and runners a variety of snacks, drinks and entertainment. Thanks to both partners for making our 26th Starlight Spectacular truly spectacular.
Glow for Good
Last week was an excellent one for TOSC, highlighting the power of positive partnerships and collaboration! Urban Veggie hosted an event at Red Leg Brewing on Wednesday evening, putting on an inspiring yoga practice that included a bonus Crossfit session – talk about dynamic! TOSC was the nonprofit partner that benefitted both from the awesome yoga event and the generous donation of proceeds from Red Leg pints sold that evening during their weekly Craft for a Cause. We thank Christy Cole for her dynamic energy and creative abilities for curating so many fun aspects to the event and for putting together a fantastic list of sponsors that made the event possible. We are always open to joining forces with organizations and businesses that would like to support the mission of TOSC and help us to reach an even broader audience!
Blackpackers Family Ride
The first-ever Blackpackers Family-Friendly Bike Ride took place last Thursday, led by TOSC’s Community Engagement guy Allen Beauchamp. We’re happy to report that the rain held off and we had a fabulous time enjoying a friendly spin to Wildflower Park and back. This event was possible due to the partnership between Kids on Bikes, the Southeast Armed Services YMCA, TOSC, and multiple other organizations that have used the bike resources the bike libraries allow. A shout out to Patricia Cameron, the Executive Director of Blackpackers and TOSC board member for reaching out to see if there were opportunities available to engage their constituents this Summer. Going off of the initial feedback from the riders, I believe we’ll be looking at additional family-friendly rides (with popsicles!) in the future.
Activating both the Sand Creek Trail and visiting multiple parks along the way is just one of the benefits of this great location!
Thank You Kinship Landing
From time to time community partner Kinship Landing showcases local recreation non-profits and businesses. Their Get Outside Summer Edition encourages guests and residents to connect and learn more about “what’s out there.” Free beer, games and “give-aways” add to the fun. Thank you Brooke and Bobby Mikulas for including TOSC!
Community
Early Bird Hike & Bike at Garden of the Gods
Wed. July 27, 5:00 – 8:00AM
Take advantage of this chance to enjoy the park and its roadways without motor vehicles. E-assist bicycles are allowed, as are all other power-driven mobility devices and inline or roller skates. Per normal park rules, skateboards/longboards are not allowed. Please be mindful of and on the lookout for other users. Parking is available in the naturally-surfaced overflow lot near the park’s main entrance on 30th Street and in the parking lot at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post. Accessible parking spaces are available at the Trading Post.
Palmer Park Trail Work
Wed. Jul 27, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
The Guardians of Palmer Park invite you to join the trail crew next Wednesday Evening. Help maintain and improve the trails you love! Contact The gopalmerpark@gmail.com with questions.
Happy Trails at Cottonwood
Sat. July 30, 10:00 – 1:00 PM
Come meet members of the Bike Colorado Sprigs outreach team along the Cottonwood Creek Trail. Get free bicycle safety materials to share and get a refill your water bottle. Stop by to say hello and learn how you can get involved!
Cresta Pump Track Celebration
Tue. Aug 2, 10:30 – 12:00 PM
Cresta Open Space’s new mountain bike playground will have its ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday! It’s intended to be a skill-building amenity for riders as well as a fun detour for explorers pedaling between the open space and North Cheyenne Cañon Park. The area includes a pump track, as well as a “skills trail” with multiple rocks and logs. Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates partnered with Kids on Bikes and the Cheyenne Mountain High School mountain bike team to create this incredible community resource and are committed to helping maintain it.
ADVENTURE DAY at CMSP
Sat. Aug 6, 10:00 – 2:00 PM
Come out and participate in a “race” filled with activities designed to teach outdoor and survival skills at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. What kind of skills you ask? Archery, Fishing, Hatchet-throwing, Orienteering & Geocaching, Lassoing, Knot-tying, and more! As you make your way around the course, you will earn tickets as you complete skills. Use your tickets to get epic prizes, like camping gear or a mountain bike! Additionally, if you complete all the skills on the track, you can earn a special Adventure Day Race Medal! No registration required, but you do need a State Parks Pass. Event will take place at Limekiln Parking Lot and Trailhead.