Pet Tribute Tree- Fox Run Regional Park
New residents may not know about the “Pet Tribute Tree” in Fox Run Regional Park. Between now and January 1st, park at the trailhead along Rollercoaster Rd. and take the northern trail that parallels Baptist Rd. Roughly 1/4 mile up the trail at the first intersection look for a lovely white pine to your left covered with ornaments honoring favorite pets. Each year the ornaments are carefully placed on the tree by a local couple and then wrapped up and stored away in early January. Horses, cats, rabbits, a turtle and many dogs are honored with pictures and poetry – a moving tribute to beloved pets.
PARK AND TRAIL News
Fishers Canyon Open Space
A year ago voters approved proposition 2D which allowed the city to keep excess tax revenue to fund fire mitigation projects. We are delighted that the first large-scale project is Fishers Canyon Open Space. 89 acres is undergoing treatment to create a healthier, more fire-resistant forest. TOSC successfully submitted Fishers Canyon to the TOPS Working Committee to purchase with TOPS funds. Once it’s planned, new trails will extend the Chamberlain Trail which will one day stretch from Blodgett Open Space to Cheyenne Mtn. State Park.
Interested in volunteering for the TOPS extension ballot measure in April of 2023? Email us at info@trailsandopenspaces.org.
New MTB downhill trail-
Austin Bluffs Open Space
A new black diamond trail called ‘Black Sheep’ has been completed by local Park Rangers, COS mountain bikers, Criterium Bike Shop and SRAM in the Austin Bluffs Open Space. The MTB trail is hand cut and uni-directional. This trail build was a community driven effort spearheaded and built by local mountain bike riders in close coordination with the Colorado Springs Parks and Rec office.
The open space has about 10 miles of designated trails that highlight the geologic formations that consist of magnificent outcroppings, bluffs, mesas and valleys. Pulpit Rock stands at the northwest corner overlooking Colorado Springs. MTB locals are excited for the newest trail addition to the open space.
Winter Hiking with Dogs
Hiking with dogs in the winter takes some extra consideration and care to keep everyone safe. Here are some tips to think about before you take your dog out on the next cold adventure.
- Protect Paws: Dog booties guard against exposure to ice and snow.
- Carry Extra Water: Dogs need extra water to help with keeping energy levels up when it’s cold.
- Dog Jackets: For dogs that don’t have winter friendly fur, jackets cut down on issues with wind and help keep the core warm.
- Carry an Insulated Pad or Blanket: When you take breaks or if an emergency happens, this will give dogs a more comfortable space to rest.
- Beware of Lakes and Streams: Dogs do not understand hazards with partially frozen bodies of water. Keep them safe by keeping them leashed when around water. Have a plan if a pet falls into freezing water.
Animal ER Care, LLC. is a business partner of TOSC and sponsor of the Scoop the Poop Challenge. When pets need emergency services, Animal ER Care has two locations that are ready to serve you. Learn More about Animal ER Care. If you’re looking for a place to run your pup, check out our website for all the local dog parks.
Wishing you the best!
Our best wishes to John Stark! John served as Park Manager for Garden of the Gods Park but has taken a position as Parks Director for Manitou Springs. We look forward to working with you in your new position, John. Congratulation!
TOSC
RISE|Southeast Youth Advisory Council Pikes Peak Summit Trip
This past Saturday, the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) from the RISE|Southeast organization experienced the newly renovated Pikes Peak Summit complex (and awesome donuts!) via one of the newly acquired Cog Railway trains. It was an exceptional day for a trip to the top of America’s Mountain and was a great
reward for the youth, capping off a very busy year for them. The YAC was an integral part of the Panorama Park project, the largest neighborhood park renovation in the history of the city, and is now focusing on improvements along the Sand Creek Trail in Southeast Colorado Springs. TOSC has been a supportive partner for these efforts and we look forward to a brilliant future with the youth helping to guide the vision of a better-connected, safe, and vibrant place to call home. Look for additional updates on their efforts in early 2023! To learn more about efforts that RISE|Southeast has going on, give their Facebook page a like and follow along: RISE Southeast.
Give Campaign: The Home Stretch
We are thankful for the 100+ donors who have given a donation through the Give Campaign so far! These donations help support TOSC’s programs that promote stewardship in our open spaces and inspire people to use trails and parks to stay healthy. Every donation, for the first $26,600, is matched dollar for dollar by matching grant sponsors including 1 Source Insurance, 45 Degree Art Gallery, Absolute Body Balance, Bloom Foundation, Fossil Craft Beer Company, Kevin O’Neill, Luke A. Johnson, Attorney at Law, N.E.S. Inc., SRAM, Timberline Landscaping, Trails and Open Space Coalition Board of Directors, Urban Egg Eatery and Walker Schooler District Managers.
The Give Campaign Ends of Dec. 31! Make your Donation Here
Get Out Get Healthy this Winter Break
The children are out for Winter Break for the next couple of weeks! They do not have to spend the entire time indoors! Children’s Hospital Colorado has a great list of reasons why children should get
plenty of outdoor time and some activities to get them moving outdoors. Click here to learn more.
Children’s Hospital Colorado is a business partner of TOSC and sponsors the Get Out Get Healthy program.
Glad You Asked
Recently we received a note from a member wondering why a gate remains locked in Rampart Park. Kurt uses that parking area when he walks his dog. Parking is limited on weekends and opening that gate would relieve the pressure. We asked Parks Staff about it. We received a prompt response from Jason Mckee who supervises parks in that area. He tells us the gate was installed years ago to deter vandalism, late night parties and overnight camping. Staff was hoping if the gate was closed at night and opened during the day – problem solved.
Unfortunately daytime disruptive behavior moved to the dog park parking lot on the north end of the park. The decision was made to install an additional gate and keep it locked except for sports activities and special events. Complaints from dog park users prompted staff to reopen it. So a third gate was installed to keep disruptive activity away from the dog park community and a nearby senior living community. Jason ended saying “we have tried to make everyone happy knowing that is not possible , but we gave it a shot!” Kurt, thank you for your question and Jason, thank you for your answer. Sadly a few often spoil it for the rest of us.
Community
Tonight- Christmas Movie Night
Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort
Wed, Dec 21 5:30-7:30pm
FREE TO THE PUBLIC. Join us for a surprise holiday-themed family friendly movie each Wednesday in December on the big screen next to our cozy fireplace! Arrive early for Happy Hour pricing on locally brewed beers, wines and spirits from 4-6pm Popcorn, cookies and hot cocoa will also be available for sale. Facebook Event Page
El Paso County Search and Rescue – Rescue Run
Rain, Snow or 20 Below!
Jan 1st 10 AM
We are excited to be back with a new course to welcome in the New Year for our 45th time!
These items of interest were new last year and are returning for this year’s race: Start/Finish location change to: Norris-Penrose Events Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
NEW LAST YEAR: 5K and 10K start together at 10:00am. No race day registration. Online registrationends Dec 31, 6:00PM Mountain Time.
Guardians of Palmer Park- Work Day
Saturday January 7th – 9am
Join Guardians of Palmer Park for their monthly Work Day. Meet in the Maizeland entrance parking lot at 9am.
Pikes Peak Road Runners- Winter Series
Saturday January 14 – 10 A.M. Start
There are two series: the short series and the long series. Each series consists of four progressively longer races. You must choose your distance when registering. The Long Race starts at 10:00am. The Short Race starts at 10:20am. The courses are gravel/paved roads, packed double-track, and some single-track trails, which may or may not be snow-packed, icy, muddy, rocky, slushy, uphill and/or downhill. Elevation will vary from 6,000’ to 7,500’. Temperatures will range from 50°F to -25°F. Register here for the full series or a single race.