Glad You Asked, A Beautiful Tribute, and Great Bike Rides
Park to Park: Summer Family Stroll
July 15th, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
“Get Out and Get Healthy” with the Trails and Open Space Coalition, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Hike It Baby! Come along on a free guided family-friendly 2-mile roundtrip stroll from Mid Shooks Run Park to Patty Jewett Junction along the Shooks Run Trail. Children will have the opportunity to play at three different playgrounds while parents will have the opportunity to chat with Children’s Hospital Colorado staff and TOSC staff.
PARK AND TRAIL News
Storm Damage Updates
The month of July started with funnel clouds nearly touching down near Eleven Mile Reservoir and a brief touchdown of a small tornado that caused damage near Bear Trap Ranch in southwestern Teller County. As conditions dry out and stabilize, local land managers are making progress surveying damage caused by the flash flooding resulting from several June storms. In Black Forest, the Black Forest Trails Association has been diligent about relaying trail damage to El Paso County Parks Staff (especially in the area of the Woodlake/Palmer Divide Trail in northern El Paso County). If volunteer workdays are needed to repair this trail and other impacted parks across the system, we will post them on TOSC’s Trail Talk and on Facebook.
New Friends in Stratton OS
Congratulations to Jim Davies and Carol Beckman for resurrecting the Friends of Stratton Open Space. The previous leadership of this Friends Group did amazing work assisting City Colorado Springs Parks staff on numerous projects and providing presentations to the public to educate them on various nature topics. When opportunities arise to help the Friends of Stratton Open Space grow and volunteer in the park, we will post them here. If there’s an open space, park or trail you use often, and want to know if it has a Friends Group that could use your help, contact Aaron Rogers (TOSC Program Coordinator) at aaron@trailsandopenspaces.org for more information and we’ll get you connected!
Know Before You Go: Parking
The surge of summer visitors to local parks and trails has begun. In North Cheyenne Canon Park, park gates are closed when parking lots in the canyon hit capacity. In Green Mountain Falls, Law Enforcement is citing people who park their vehicles illegally or in restricted areas.
To avoid stressful situations at trailhead parking lots, keep these tips in mind:
-Only park in designated areas.
-Research your destination before leaving your house.
-Have a backup plan if parking lots are full (you can always email/call us for suggestions!)
-Arrive early. Arriving between sunrise and 9 AM for the best chance at finding solitude (and parking).
When your favorite park is busting at the seams with trail traffic, find quieter options on the TOSC “Get Out Spread Out” webpage.
Mosquitoes – More of Them!
The Bad News, it’s NOT your imagination. Recent wet weather has definitely allowed more mosquitoes to hatch in more places. Bug spray (and sunscreen) are recommended when you are out hiking or biking.
The Good News, this won’t increase your chances of contracting West Nile Virus. Ironically, during times of drought just as many human cases are reported. The reason? Birds carry the virus and during dry spells gather in larger numbers at dwindling water sources. Mosquitoes bite the birds and transmit the virus to humans. So yes, there are more mosquitoes but your chance of getting sick does not increase.
Get Outdoors and Enjoy!
Palmer Park Work Day
Brought by Guardians of Palmer Park
Saturday, July 8th
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (all groups)
There will be three separate working groups:
- Group 1 will do trash pickup throughout the park.
To preregister for this group go to:
- Group 2 will pick up dog waste (and any other trash that may be found) on the Yucca/Mesa trails (the dog off-leash areas).
To preregister for this group go to:
- Group 3 will do trail maintenance
To preregister for this group go to:
All working groups will meet at the Maizeland Parking Lot near the storage container next to the Baseball field. Crews will assemble there and be dispensed to the actual work sites.
Only preregistered volunteers will be accommodated. Volunteers are encouraged to provide their own work gloves and drinking water.
The Guardians of Palmer Park will provide tools.
Bike to Work Day 2023 was a Pedalin’ Success!
We would like to extend a sincere shout-out and hearty thank you to the 2023 Colorado Springs Bike Month & Bike to Work Day Committee for what was an incredibly successful event. The committee consists of members of City staff, several different organizations from throughout Colorado Springs, and a number of passionate volunteers who rolled up their sleeves and got it done in spectacular style! There were nearly 40 breakfast stations across the city and over 150 Corporate Champions.
This annual June Colorado tradition grows more every year and works to celebrate those who use a bike as a form of transportation, whether that be to work or for any other trip that may have been made by a car. Many of the breakfast stops reported record numbers of riders and we at the COS Sustainacenter saw nearly 140 pleasant pedalers (up from 74 last year) stop in for some pancakes, bacon, fruit, and coffee. Mayor Yemi and City Councilors Henjum, Avila, Talarico, and Leinweber delighted us by stopping by. We applaud our elected representatives for taking part in the day and including our office as a breakfast stop on their way to City Hall. Special thanks for our Sustainacenter partners who made the morning so fun and delicious!
Happy Parks Month!
July is National Park and Recreation month. Come out and celebrate with a free Zumba class this Thursday in Panorama Park. TOSC will be there with free dog park maps and information on how you can volunteer with local Friends Groups.
For a list of other fun, free events plus some online contests, click here.
Blackpackers Stroll and Stewardship Trail Cleanup
Friday, July 7th
6:00 – 8:00 PM
This Friday, join the Blackpackers as they perform one of their monthly cleanup events along their stretch of adopted Sand Creek Trail in Southeast Colorado Springs. This is a wonderful way to end the workweek, join in on a bit of stewardship, find out more about the mission of Blackpackers, and make a few friends while strolling along one of the newest segments of the Sand Creek Trail.
When: Friday, July 7th
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: 2322 S. Academy Blvd
Colorado Springs, CO 80916
Map link HERE
For more info, visit the Blackpackers event page: https://blackpackers.org/event/trail-clean-up/
Hiking Bob Update
Our good friend Hiking Bob is back in the CS Indy. We’ve missed him! Watch for his column featuring unique trails and great outdoor events not to be missed.
TOSC
Glad You Asked: Monument Preserve Structure
Recently on the TOSC Facebook page, we were sent this question:
“Hello. We were hiking in the Monument Rock area yesterday and came across this bunker. Does anyone know any history about it? Couldn’t find anything online.”
We reached out to local historian, Eric Swab, and he gave us this answer:
“This is part of the Monument Nursery probably built when the Civilian Conservation Corps was active in the production of seedlings. The building in the photo is the CCC Building No.26. Approximately 20’X150′. Concrete slab on grade with foundation curb walls with anchor bolt embedded. Some wooden sill plates still in place. I believe the stone and concrete structure at west end was a root cellar.”
Read more about the history of the Monument Nursery
More Monument Preserve Updates:
-Mount Herman Road recently reopened after being closed for weeks due to storm damage and rock fall. More Information
-Fire mitigation work has begun in the far northwestern area of the Monument Fire Center (Estimated 2-3 weeks to complete work). More Information
Legacy Loop with a Twist – Tour with Councilwoman Henjum
Kicking off July with a connectivity tour of the Legacy Loop with City Council District 5 Councilwoman Nancy Henjum, Allen Beauchamp provided a Legacy Loop with a Twist ride for a small group of pedalers. The route focused on a number of the ongoing projects creating additional trail segments and high-quality connections to our existing on-street bicycle infrastructure.
It was great to see the progress that has been made on the Rock Island Trail extension from Templeton Gap Road to the Shooks Run Trail, and we soon hope to celebrate the soft opening of this new high-value connection to the northern end of the Legacy Loop. Along the Pikes Peak Greenway, the riders crossed I-25 four times from Fontanero Road to America the Beautiful Park, using the Mesa Springs Greenway along the way. Being able to “feel” the differences in ways to connect from one trail system to the other.
Look for a future opportunity to join Councilwoman Henjum on a similar ride, tentatively planned for August. It is a wonderful way to experience the existing Legacy Loop, to get a behind the scenes look at future trail development opportunities, and immerse yourself in the rich history surrounding the vibrant core of Colorado Springs!
A tribute to Mary Kay Carlson
We know people love the Starlight Spectacular because they tell us! They proudly show off old t-shirts and share their stories of past rides.
A few years ago Erica Riley contacted us to tell us how much her mom, Mary Kay Carlson, loved the Starlight Spectacular.
She rode in the event between 2000 to 2005 but spoke of it often in the years to follow. Mary Kay usually went with a friend but her daughter (Erica) and her grandson tagged along a couple of times and loved it. After her Mom passed, Erica contacted us and wanted to support the event in Mary Kay’s honor. Her donation will allow 5 families and 10 individuals from SE COS to participate free of charge and enjoy the Spectacular event just like Mary Kay did years ago. Erica said that would please her Mom, who loved to bicycle and adored nature. Thank you Erica for honoring your Mom in this generous and unique way!
Where’s Water?
TOSC staff recently visited an ongoing project that our Stormwater Enterprise is spearheading at a very popular recreational destination in Colorado Springs. Can you tell us where this spot is?
Starlight Spectacular – Sign up Today!
Starlight Spectacular T-shirts are highly prized! Each year is unique in theme and design.
Make sure you secure yours by registering day! Only the first 500 entries are guaranteed a shirt.
We love our Bike Shop sponsors. Ted’s Bicycles, Old Town Bike Shop, and Criterium Bicycles have supported Starlight since the event started 27 years ago. (It was their idea to start the ride at 2 a.m. to see the sunrise!) They offer convenient packet pick up for participants who can pick up bike lights and get their bikes tuned before the ride.
Why buy your bicycle locally? There are several good reasons:
· Buying locally supports local jobs
· Local Bike shops provide repair and maintenance service. We need them to stay in business!
· Finding that perfect fit is much easier to do “in person.” Securing the right bike means you are more likely to ride longer and more often. That’s good for your health and the environment.
Another great sponsor and partner this year is Pike Ride. They’re back with more e-bikes for our Starlight participants. Sign up early and reserve yours today!
Community Events
Monument Valley Park
Musical Monday Concerts
6:30 PM
July 10 – Heather & Sam (Acoustic Duo – Rock, Country & Pop)
July 17 – Tribe w/John Wise (Blues, Reggae & New Orleans R&B)
July 24 – Frog’n Fiddle (Classic Rock, Bluegrass & Folk)
All Concerts Start at 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Lawn to the West of the Fine Arts Center Intersection of Mesa Road & West Cache La Poudre Street
Free Concerts! Bring a blanket/chair, a picnic, and a friend! Food Truck Available!
Date: Fri & Sat, July 7 & 8, 2023
Time: 7:30-9:00 p.m. (Fri) & 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. (Sat)
Audience: All!
Cost: $5 per person/$4 per member
Pikes Peak Trail Cats trail building
Saturday, July 8
Join Pikes Peak Trail CATS project with the Manitou Springs School District, as they build a new trail from the High School to the Intemann Trail. It is a great trail project, with 100 feet of stone work, over a 1000 feet of basic trail, easy parking and many dedicated trail builders. We work from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.
Volunteers get a Mustang Way t-shirt. (while they last)
Info and volunteer registration at www.PikesPeakTrailCATS.com
Pikes Peak-America’s Mountain: July Bird Walk
Sat., July 8th, 8:30 AM
Join local birding expert, Joe LaFleur, for a guided nature walk at Crystal Reservoir. Learn to identify the Pikes Peak birds by sight and sound, while also learning about the flowers, plants, and trees.
North Slope admission of $5 admission fee for each adult. If you plan to go to the summit after the program, please purchase the full admission price of: $15 per adult (16 and older), $5 for children (6-15). Guests wanting to drive to the summit will also need to make their timed entry reservation online at www.drivepikespeak.com. If you have any questions regarding this event please call 719-385-7325 and speak to a Ranger. BYOB” “Bring your own binoculars” – recommended but not required.
Happy Parks Month!
July is National Park and Recreation month. Come out and celebrate with a free Zumba class this Thursday in Panorama Park. TOSC will be there with free dog park maps and information on how you can volunteer with local Friends Groups. For a list of other fun, free events plus some online contests: https://coloradosprings.gov/parkandrecmonth