Bear Creek Regional Park

History: In May 1899, El Paso County purchased the Liebig Ranch for $18,000. The property would eventually become Bear Creek Regional Park. The early 1900’s was the beginning of the Progressive Era, a time for social reform where concern for public health and safety was raised. In 1968, the county land that had been part of the original Liebig ranch purchase, except the buildings, was set aside for open space. In the early 1970s, a struggle ensued between developers, who were interested in constructing homes, and citizens, who wanted the property used as open space or a county park. In 1972, the land was turned over to El Paso County Parks and Recreation for use as a park for all citizens of El Paso County. In 1976, the Solar Trails Center was constructed and completed. Its purpose was to increase awareness and understanding of the natural and historic environment of these foothills. The development of Bear Creek Terrace was completed in 1986 and in 1987 the Park Administration Office building was added. In 1979, it was renamed Bear Creek Nature Center, and remodeled in 1993-1995 with a new emphasis on the foothills ecosystem. A fire destroyed much of the nature center in 2001. With the significant public support, the nature center was rebuilt and expanded to its present day form. The Bear Creek Dog Park was added in 1996 to provide an off- leash facility for dogs and is one of the more popular facilities in the park. Funds from Initiative 1A were used to upgrade Bear Creek Nature Center exhibits to provide a more interactive and educational presentation, resurface parking lots and tennis courts, and other facility improvements.  Bear Creek Regional Park Master Plan