CoS and our Dogs, Happy Trails, and Starlight was Spectacular
That’s a Wrap
This past weekend, the Garden of the Gods was host to the Trails and Open Space Coalition’s 27th Starlight Spectacular. Close to 600 riders, runners, and walkers of all ages took part in this wonderful night time tradition. They lit up the Garden, Old Colorado City, and Pleasant Valley Neighborhood with blinking lights, glow sticks, costumes, and big smiles.
We had participants from out of town, out of state, and even from out of the country!
Nearly 100 people volunteered to help with registration, course marshaling, set-up, and tear down of this incredible event and we are incredibly grateful for their support and time.
The Starlight Spectacular is TOSC’s main fundraising event of the year and money raised goes toward our mission of protecting trails, parks, and open spaces for us and the generations to come. Sincere thanks to all those who participated, sponsored, and volunteered to make it all happen.
PARK AND TRAIL News
2023 Listening Tour with Mayor Yemi and City Council
Please plan to attend one of the 5 remaining Listening Sessions with Mayor Yemi and Members of City Council. It’s your chance to be heard on issues that matter to you! Are you concerned about safety on our trails? Let him know. Should parks general fund support return to pre-recession levels? Tell him so. What about increasing LART (the Tourist Tax) as a way to fund the parks and trails tourists use?
Mayor Yemi will set the strategic direction of the city and wants your input.
- Aug 11, 5:30 -7:30 COS City Hub(4304 Austin Bluffs Parkway)
- Aug 18th, 5:30-7:30 Hillside Community Center (925 S. Institute)
- Aug 25th, 5:30-7:30 Pikes Peak State College (2070 Interquest Parkway)
- Sept 1, 5:30-7:30 Hybl Center UCCS (4925 N. Nevada)
- Sept 8th, 5:30-7:30 SE Armed Services YMCA (2190 Jet Wind Dr)
- Sept 9th 10am – noon Microsoft Teams ( link to be posted)
For more information:https://coloradosprings.gov/ListeningTour
We Love Our Dogs and It Shows!
Wallet Hub just released their TOP 100 Pet Friendly Cities.
Colorado Springs is #5!
The company measured Pet Budget, Pet Health and Wellness and Outdoor Pet Friendliness.
We scored very well in Pet Health & Wellness and well in Outdoor Pet Friendliness.
Our weather, # of dog parks and pet friendly trails all boosted our score.
TOSC’s website lists dog parks in our region. Check it out here.
Moving Upstream:
Protecting our Water Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow
Colorado Springs Leadership Institute, Colorado Springs Utilities, and El Pomar Foundation’s Pikes Peak Heritage Series invite you to a panel discussing the past, current, and future state of water in the Pikes Peak region and Colorado.
August 30th 3:30pm
Penrose House Garden Pavilion
Free and Open to the Public.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace has introduced a FREE online course: Training for All. This course calls upon people of all different backgrounds and outdoor experiences to take action by participating in Leave No Trace’s free 45-minute virtual outdoor education.
This summer, choose nature and learn how you can Leave No Trace.
Join Friends of El Paso County Nature Center and Celebrate Happy Trails!
Friday, August 16th, 6-9pm
Bear Creek Nature Center
Great food, wine, music and incredible desserts.
Support your nature centers and the future Fox Run Nature Center!
Volunteer Work Day
Wednesday 8/16/2023
5:30-7:30PM
Come join the Friends of Ute Valley on our Wednesday night volunteer work session! We will be focused on closing, rerouting and drainage in the central valley as per the master plan. Please wear pants and closed-toe shoes, bring work gloves, eye protection, sunscreen, water, and snacks.
Meet up location is at Ute Valley Park, New Parking Lot located on Ute Valley Trail off Rockrimmon Blvd.
TOSC
Our 27th annual Starlight Spectacular was made possible thanks to these generous sponsors.
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
LART (Lodging and Auto Rental Tax)
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park
Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
Peak Vista Community Health Centers
Please Support Them and Thank Them!
Get your Starlight on
Exclusive Starlight Spectacular shirts are available in our Bonfire Shop (along with other cool TOSC items) – order your very own 2023 Starlight hoodies, long sleeve shirts, and tees while they are available!
Community Events
Austin Bluffs Open Space Workday – Rim Trail
Monday, Aug 21, 2023
8:00am – 1:00pm
Join volunteers at Austin Bluffs Open Space to refine a short segment of the Rim trail. This special Monday session will work a variety of items including: monowalls, reworking/creating drains/drain armoring and refining tread.
Info plus Registration: https://cerv.is/0132gTViUss
Meet at University Park Blvd and Rockhurst Blvd, street parking, see above link for details. You must register at the above link.
Trail Stewardship: Gray Back Peak Day 3
Saturday August 19
07:30 AM to 04:00 PM
Help realign the Gray Back Peak Trail, which is near Emerald Valley off Old Stage Road! The Colorado Mountain Club will be building new trail to bypass a section that is too steep and eroded — and the new trail will also have much better views of Emerald Valley and Mount Vigil. On this third workday, they will finish this segment by building some final rock walls, joining the new tread to the old, and blocking off the old trail.
Volunteers, we will rendezvous at El Pomar’s Penrose House Conference Center, 1661 Mesa Ave, Colorado Springs, at 7:30 to carpool up Old Stage Road
Volunteers must bring work clothes & gloves, water, snacks, lunch, sunscreen, and hat. The work area is about 0.9 miles and about 400 feet elevation from the trailhead. This project is open to the public, aged 16 and up — under 18 requires the presence of a parent or guardian.