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, July 5, 2023
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

News Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Storms, Splashing Around, and Starlight Spectacular More Storms Impact Local Trails Rain, hail and tornados… oh my! June has been the wettest month in Colorado Springs history and

News Wednesday, June 21, 2023
New Ring the Peak site is live! Member Hike and Volunteer Opportunities Please be mindful of our parks and trails after all the rain!

News Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Raccoons, Bears, and Friends Groups. Oh, My! Illegal Camp Clean-ups When COS police Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) comes upon an illegal camp to be

News Wednesday, June 7, 2023
sTARLIGHT sPECTACULAR rEGISTRATION oPENS, TOSC MEMBER HIKE Registration for the 2023 Starlight Spectacular is OPEN! Join in the fun of this one-of-a-kind annual event benefitting

News Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Ribbon cuttings, trail crossing opens, and the cspd hot team talks trails Mt. Cutler Trailhead parking lot now open, improvements completed The Mt. Cutler Trailhead

News Wednesday, May 24, 2023
A New Mayor, Storm Damage, the New Parks Budget Storm Damage Updates Friends Groups across the region have been busy working to cleanup and repair

News Wednesday, May 17, 2023
A New Mayor, Storm Damage, the New Parks Budget Congratulations Yemi Mobolade The new Mayor of Colorado Springs! We look forward to working with you

News Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Mayoral Candidates Answer Questions and Scoop the Poop Success The Clock Is Ticking…. One week from now we’ll have a new COS Mayor. Be