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
News Wednesday May 11, 2022
Trust For Public Land – Annual ParkScore Released For 2022, Colorado Springs ranks #58, well behind Aurora (#33) and Denver (#18). Why does it matter? ParkScore is a snapshot
News Wednesday April 27, 2022
Platte Ave over Sand Creek Bridge Project Last week, TOSC staff took part in a site visit of the Platte Avenue Bridge Project. Along with
Penrose Trails
Penrose Trails by Eric Swab Did Spencer Penrose (1865-1939) build hiking and equestrian trails on Pikes Peak? He was certainly interested in trails as a
Shooks Run Trail Closure
Update 10/2021: A section of Shooks Run Trail between Lilac and Uintah streets will be affected by construction as Colorado Springs Utilities replaces an aging
Foothills Trail Detour
Update 10/2021: A temporary detour will divert Foothills Trail users starting Monday, Oct. 25 and will continue throughout the duration of the project. Starting Nov.
Pikes Peak Greenway Temporary Closure and Detour
Update March 18, 2022: A portion of the Trail has reopened for public use. Get ready to enjoy a smoother ride
Setting The Record Straight On 2C
Clarifying 2C From Its Naysayers From: Richard Skorman Dear Friend, I wouldn’t be writing you about this if it wasn’t necessary. I’m writing to set the
News Wednesday June 30, 2021
Get Out Spread Out Goes National! TOSC was honored to be invited by Trust for Public Land to present highlights of our Get out Spread
News Wednesday June 23, 2021
Legacy Loop – Pedal Our Past This past Saturday, we kicked off the 2021 TOSC Member Outings with a wonderful 10 mile Legacy Loop ride! It was