Parks - TOSC

The greater Colorado Springs area is blessed with a mild climate and tremendous outdoor recreation potential. The City of Colorado Springs, since it’s inception in 1871, has recognized the many benefits of setting aside land for parks and open spaces. The nearby communities of Manitou Springs, Fountain, Security Widefield have followed suit over the years. We are fortunate as well, to have a Colorado State Park, a number of El Paso County Regional Parks and close access to the Pikes Peak National Forest (not to mention Pikes Peak itself!).

COLORADO SPRINGS PARKS

Many people visit Colorado Springs to take in the spectacular sandstone features of Garden of the Gods Park. But as old as Garden of the Gods is, it was not the first park in the “Springs”.

The first city park in Colorado Springs, included in the initial town plans in 1871, is Acacia Park. It was initially called Acacia Square or North Park. General William Jackson Palmer donated land to establish Acacia and additional parks, including: Antlers Park, Monument Valley Park , North Cheyenne Cañon, Palmer Park, Pioneer Square Park (South Park), Prospect Lake and Bear Creek Cañon Park .

historic image of — Historic photo of Prospect Lake with Pikes Peak in the background

General Palmer donated a total of 1,270 acres of land, some of which was also used for scenic drives, tree-lined roadways and foot and bridle paths. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs’ iconic park was donated to the city in 1909 by the children of railroad magnate Charles Elliot Perkins, in fulfillment of his wish that it be kept forever open and free to the public. As a result, this amazing park can be enjoyed free of charge.

"PARKS FOR PLAYING, RUNNING, SITTING, OR WANDERING. THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS."

Neighborhood Parks – are up to six acres in size and may offer a combination of playgrounds, picnic areas, walking paths, and sports fields or courts. There are 135 neighborhood parks, totaling 903.9 acres as of May, 2013 (need updated number).
Community Parks – may range from 35 to 175 acres and offer larger facilities for sports activities, such as skateboarding, in-line hockey, multi-use fields and other sports facilities. There may be picnic areas, reservable pavilions for large group picnics, and gardens. As of May, 2013, there were 700 acres of community parks.
Regional Parks (City) – may range from 35 to 175 acres and offer larger facilities for sports activities, such as skateboarding, in-line hockey, multi-use fields and other sports facilities. There may be picnic areas, reservable pavilions for large group picnics, and gardens.[3] As of May, 2013, there were 700 acres of community parks, which includes among others Memorial Park and Monument Valley Park.
Open Spaces – There is a total of 4,702.3 acres of open space in Colorado Springs. The natural settings include rock formations, prairie grasslands, pine forests and hillsides and mountain foothills. Some of the key open space properties include Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Austin Bluffs Open Space, Stratton Open Space, Cheyenne Mountain State Park backdrop, and Blodgett Peak Open Space. Trails are frequently found in the open space. Some open space includes picnic areas; fishing, such as at Pikeview Reservoir #1; and wetlands at Sinton Pond Open Space. Beidleman Environmental Center is located at Sondermann Park.

el paso county parks

The El Paso County Park system was created by the County Commissioners in 1971 and plays an important role in providing parks and open spaces for the cities and rural communities of the Colorado Springs area.