Advocacy is at the heart of what we do
Advocacy is essential to getting trails built, preserving open space,
and getting adequate parks funding.
Our work includes helping craft the future for our public spaces, with our partners in government, other nonprofits and community groups, and our members and partners. Our goal is to envision what can be, and work to make the vision a reality.
We joke about how “We go to all the boring meetings so you don’t have to,” but in fact TOSC is at every public meeting where policy, funding or planning for parks, trails and open spaces is discussed or decided—be it City Council, County Commission, Parks Advisory Boards, Master Plan work sessions, TOPS Working Committee, Trails Team, Colorado Springs Utilities, etc.—and is a respected voice for our public spaces. We weigh in on the issues, and report back to the public regularly.
We encourage you to connect with us at the Trails and Open Space Coalition.
We work to create a social and political climate in which local decisions to fund open space, parks and trails are approved and supported. We encourage organizations, businesses and individuals to get involved in the process. Government bodies do listen to their constituents. We help get the word out to the public about what the issues are, what decisions are being made, when public comment is requested, and how to make your voice heard. We listen to all our user groups—hikers, bikers, runners, equestrians—and work to get their concerns addressed.
Recent Advocacy News
Fall 2020 Parks Ballot Initiatives
This will be an unusual election with two competing park land exchange initiatives.“Protect our Parks,” was created and championed by the same folks who opposed
The Incline Reopens
Update 8/5/2020 – For nearly 5 months the Incline has been officially closed to users. TOSC has advocated for its reopening. A Memorandum of Understanding
Section of Palmer-Mesa Trail Closed
Update 8/3/2020 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department will begin improvements on a segment of the Palmer-Mesa Trail on Monday,
Temporary Closure on Catamount Trail
Update 7/31/20 – Trail closure 8/4/20 – 9/1/20 – Colorado Springs Utilities needs to perform routine maintenance on a water tank that serves Green Mountain
Northern Incline Trail Under Construction
Update June 9, 2020 – This new trail will provide Incline users who choose not to summit a safe option for returning to the
Manitou Incline Update
To Incline or not to Incline, that is the question. As you drive into Manitou Springs you will notice a large, portable, electric sign declaring
Please Do Not Close our Parks and Trails
To our Community and County Leaders: Please Do Not Close our Parks and Trails! Some communities around the country are closing parks. For example, Waterton
GoCoSprings Mobile App Malfunction
From a City Press Release dated July 22, 2019: COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The City’s GoCoSprings App, which provides an efficient way for residents to
Trip Line on Rock Island Trail
Update: According to Lt. Howard Black, the case had been transferred to detectives and has been elevated to a Felony Investigation. The community is urged