We are very excited about the new draft Colorado Springs Parks Master Plan! It's ambitious, visionary, and sets the stage for solving many of the most persistent problems in our parks system. 

Some of the highlights:

• Sets priorities for critical trail connections, particularly getting to the east of Powers Blvd, and connecting a 60-mile loop around the entire City.
• Proposes adding more than 20,000 acres of open space in the west, southwest and east of the City.
• Suggests ways to take care of and improve on what we have now, and how to pay for it.
• Compares what we have (and how much we spend to take care of it) to similar cities.
• Includes population and recreation trends.

The public comment period is open now, with a target close date of July 23rd. Don't wait! Download the plan at this link and get your comments in today! Email [email protected] with corrections, comments, or issues with specific statements. Please reference a Plan page number in your email.

The City of Colorado Springs Parks Department is looking for a few good dogs (and people) to launch the inaugural Bark Ranger program. As a Bark Ranger you will help to positively reinforce great pet behavior in our parks and educate the public about the benefits of keeping dogs leashed and proper waste disposal.  Bark Ranger duties can take place during your regular walks in the park--no need to solicit, you will answer any inquiries from the public and make notes about the type of pet behavior observed during your hike.

The first Bark Ranger informational meeting and training will occur at the end of the month. If you are interested in learning more or participating please contact Dylan Voneiff at [email protected] for additional information.

Friends of Cheyenne Ca�on have a trail maintenance day, Saturday July 19th, and they are in need of Crew Leaders! There are plenty of volunteers, but they need people to lead teams on the project. If you have crew leader certification and would like to help, please contact Jeremy Bise: [email protected]. 

Colorado Springs is about to get their first public pump track! City staff and a professional bike park builder will be on site and need volunteers to help build the park.

• Thursday & Friday July 17 & 18, 3 pm - 7 pm.
• Saturday & Sunday July 19 & 20, 10 am - 2 pm.
• Monday, July 21, 3 pm - 7 pm.

Come one day, or all the days--bring a shovel if you can, otherwise tools will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes and work gloves. Contact [email protected] for questions, or call 303-775-0962.

 Trails and Open Space Coalition partners with the Pikes Peak Road Runners for the ADT Marathon (which includes a half-marathon, relay marathon, and kids' "fun run" as well). We need 250 volunteers to help coordinate the race.
* Saturday August 30 - Packet Stuffing, Antlers Hilton from 1 to 3.
* Sunday August 31 - Race Registration and Packet Pickup, Expo at the Antlers Hilton, 11 am to 5 pm. Loading and unloading gear at America the Beautiful Park most of the day.
* Monday September 1 - Race day--lots of opportunities, something for everyone.
To sign up or get more information, email [email protected]. 

• The Greenway Trail is closed by Pikeview Reservoir, south of Garden of the Gods Road., for installation of a new storm drain by Colorado Springs Utilities. 
• Templeton Gap trail is closed for upgrades between Sinton and Nevada.
• There is a dirt detour on the Greenway at America the Beautiful Park, where heavy equipment is coming in to create the Creekside water project. Road bikers take care!

Forever views on the Mt. Muscoco trail.

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