Amazing Volunteers and A Lot of Outdoor Updates
Volunteer and Volunteer Group of the Year
We congratulate Bob Falcone (Hiking Bob) and the RISE|Southeast organization for recently being awarded Volunteer and Volunteer Organization of the Year by our Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services department.
Last week during the monthly Parks Board meeting, city staff highlighted the many nominees and their very inspiring stories. They are all true dedicated professionals giving of their time, talents, and energies to programs throughout our Parks department and they are all deserving of our utmost respect. Bob Falcone and RISE|Southeast went above and beyond in 2022 and we are all incredibly fortunate to have role models like these individuals making significant contributions!
PARK AND TRAIL News
Mount Cutler Parking Enhancements
On Wednesday, April 19th, construction in the parking area at the Mount Cutler Trailhead in North Cheyenne Canon Park will begin and last for around 6 weeks. This project will increase parking efficiency, reduce erosion and create defined parking spots. The Mt. Cutler Trail will remain open and North Cheyenne Canon Road will remain open during the project.
Photo Credit: City of Colorado Springs
Red Rock Canyon Open Space Updates
The realigned Hogback Valley/Chamberlain and Scenic Overlook Trails are now open. The new Hogback Valley Trail crosses the old trail alignment in multiple places. Visitors are encouraged to slow down and exercise caution at these intersections. The Scenic Overlook Trail provides incredible views of the red sandstone canyons that make this park so popular. Revegetation and decommissioning work to close the old trail alignment will begin the week of April 24th.
More Information about Projects in Red Rock Canyon OS
Photo Credit: City of Colorado Springs
“Dog Beach” has Reopened
South Suburban Reservoir in Stratton Open Space has reopened to dogs for the season. When visiting, follow all posted rules and follow Leave No Trace Principles to protect the water.
Learn More About Stratton Open Space
Photo Credit: City of Colorado Springs
North Slope Recreation Area Update
We are excited to see that the multi-year repair project on the dam at Crystal Creek Reservoir is nearing completion. The water level is rising and they have started restocking with brown trout. This very popular destination along the Pikes Peak Highway will be ready for recreational activities when the North Slope Recreation Area reopens for the season on May 1st.
This is good timing as we recently attended the stakeholders meeting hosted by Colorado Springs Utilities where they gave an update on the upcoming project that will impact access to both North and South Catamount Reservoirs. The 77 year old dam at South Catamount requires significant repair and CSU is planning on closing and draining it at the end of the 2023 season.. The closure and restricted roadway access to the dams is planned to impact the 2024/2025 seasons. Access via foot and bicycle will still be possible from the trails accessible from Edlow Road during the project.
Friends of Mueller SP: Outdoor Gear Drive
The Friends of Mueller State Park is collecting gently used outdoor gear to be sold on June 24 as part of Mueller’s Outdoor Skills Day.
The Friends Group, which raises money for improvements to the park, will be accepting donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, at the Woodland Park Senior Center.
Donations will be collected in the parking lot of the center at 321 N. Pine St., across the street from the U.S. Post Office. The group is unable to accept bikes, skis or ski boots. But the donation of other outdoor gear will be much appreciated.
TOSC
Happy Earth Month!
Earth Month was first declared April 4th, 1970. 53 years later we still celebrate with local clean-ups and fundraisers supporting conservation organizations.
Veda has again chosen TOSC to be their Earth Month recipient. Stop by any of their 3 salons and check out a lovely 7-speed bike that could be yours! We thank Veda’s Staff for being great supporters of our community!
Exploring the Eastside:
Kane Ranch Open Space
Kane Ranch Open Space was unveiled for public access just over a year ago in March 2022. As part of 440 acres donated to El Paso County Parks by rancher Andy Kane, it provides a feeling of the remote prairie though it is only 4 miles east of Fountain.
The location features expansive grassland views punctuated by large cottonwood trees along now-dry Williams Creek. A sandy crossing of the creek bed welcomes hikers, equestrians and cyclists to the trail through remnants of the historic ranch, including a water trough and windmill base. A gradual slope allows for an interesting perspective of the Front Range at the southern edge of the 3.5-mile lariat loop.
This prairie desert environment boasts drought-tolerant native plants like cholla and other cacti. Watch for bright yellow Meadowlarks cheerfully singing the signature song of the prairie. Use caution and stay on the trail as this is rattlesnake territory.
The Exploring the Eastside Series is a project of TOSC Intern, Cimarron Hatch.
Scoop the Poop Challenge
Sat., April 29th 9-12:00 PM
It is no secret that the Colorado’s Front Range has some of the most spectacular views, trails, parks and scenery in the entire country. However, with these privileges we enjoy as Coloradans, we must also take on the responsibility of keeping these places clean and as undisturbed as possible.
Over the last few years, a number of parks around the state have had to close and shut down their space because of copious amounts of pet. Railyard Park in Denver has closed multiple times to address dog waste issues. Carter Park’s Dog Park in Breckenridge closed due to issues with people not cleanup up after dogs. Evergreen’s Elk Meadow Park closed its dog park indefinitely in 2017 (the closure is still in place) because of contamination to area water sources due to dog waste. Our community needs to be proactive to keep problems due to dog waste from arising so that our land managers in the Pikes Peak Region are not put into the same position as our neighbors to the north and west.
The responsibility of keeping Colorado clean does not fall on the shoulders of a single individual. A great way to help keep the trails clean and free of waste is to spread the word about the sixth Scoop the Poop Challenge that will happen during the last weekend of April! Thanks to the support of Heuberger Subaru , this event will be featured at Falcon Regional Dog Park, Bear Creek Dog Park, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and Cottonwood Creek Park. The goal for this event is for no dog poop to get left behind! Help TOSC and Heuberger achieve this goal by picking up at these parks and beyond!
More Information and Learn More About Heuberger Subaru in the Community
The writing for this article was done by USAFA Cadets who are assisting with marketing and communications for the event.
TOSC at Work
As the Community Engagement Coordinator for TOSC, Allen Beauchamp has had the pleasure to meet and work with groups all throughout Colorado Springs and El Paso County. The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) of RISE|Southeast has turned out to be one of the most inspiring. The YAC was formed to provide youth from Southeast Colorado Springs a pathway to supporting the mission of RISE, enhancing Southeast Colorado Springs from within through resident-led change.
One of the first projects that the YAC became involved with was the renovation of Panorama Park. Through this work, the YAC took on engaging their local community, had their vision and voice captured in many design elements of the project, and have become lead ambassadors promoting community-informed improvements for this neighborhood park that has a brilliant future.
Following the successful Panorama Park project, the YAC determined that the Sand Creek Trail, providing safe connectivity through much of SECOS and spanning the 80910 and 80916 zip codes would be their next focus for improvement. Working with their partners at the Trust for Public Land they have provided input to Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services on proposed enhancements to their section of this valuable urban trail that will include additional benches, lighting, and artwork. Allen continues to be impressed by the YAC’s vision for their community and the insights they bring to the project. He looks forward to sharing updates as the Sand Creek Trail projects unfold this Spring and Summer!
Community Events
2nd Annual Earth Weekend Trail Work Collaboration: 3 Parks in 3 Days
April 21st, 22nd, 23rd
Each Day: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
The Guardians of Palmer Park, Friends of Ute Valley Park, Friends of Peregrine Parks and Open Spaces and the City of Colorado Springs Parks Staff have teamed up for the 2nd Annual Earth Weekend Trail Work Collaboration. The projects will include: Blodgett Open Space on Friday, April 21, Palmer Park on Saturday, April 22 and April 23. Additionally, Goat Patch Brewing is back once again to sponsor the event by providing drink tickets to all those who come out and help.
Registration is Required
- Friday at Blodgett Open Space: https://cerv.is/0132×3832
- Saturday at Palmer Park: https://cerv.is/0132gnKoQ3T
- Sunday at Ute Valley Park: https://cerv.is/0132gQiPEGc
Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Community Fest Saturday
April 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
South Campus location 1181 Plaza Drive, Highlands Ranch.
The festival promises to be an amazing day filled with fun activities for the whole family. Attendees can look forward to meeting Broncos’ cheerleaders, Miles the mascot, and Touch-A-Truck opportunities with local police and fire departments. Additionally, there will be free caricature artist, face painting, photo booth, DJ, games, raffle for prizes, giveaways, magicians and so much more.
Garden of the Gods Park: Motorless Morning
Sat., April 29th 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This special event will eliminate motor vehicle access within the park from 5:00 a.m. through 12:00 noon.
During Motorless Morning, visitors can park their vehicles at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center (1805 30th Street), Garden of the Gods Trading Post (324 Beckers Lane, Manitou Springs) or in the overflow parking lot at Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site (corner of 30th Street and Gateway Road).
As always, the park will remain free and open to the public. Park rules and regulations, including speed limits, apply; however, skateboards and longboards are welcome on park roads during this event. There will also be designated slow zones and one-way traffic. At noon that day, the park will reopen to motor vehicles.
Volunteers are needed. Questions? Call 719-219-0108.
More Information: https://gardenofgods.com/events/calendar/motorless-morning/
Fountain Creek Family Fun Day
Saturday, May 6, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Explore outdoor activity stations including puppet shows, dinosaur fossils, bug sweeps, kite making, pond critters, crafts, and more. Free slice of pizza for all participants from Papa Murphy’s. FREE to activity duty military with I.D. $5 per person/$4 per member. Prepaid registration recommended, but not required.