Looking ahead in 2025: Trails, open spaces and parks programs

As a new year begins, the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) department is excited to begin a variety of projects. This year brings new opportunities to improve and enhance parks, trails and open spaces that benefit residents throughout Olympic City USA.

From revitalizing neighborhood parks to increasing connectivity through urban trail corridors, the following highlights key initiatives in store for 2025, reflecting PRCS commitment to creating welcoming and accessible outdoor spaces for all to enjoy.

Park System Master Plan

As the City of Colorado Springs continues to grow and evolve, so do the needs and desires of the residents. This year, PRCS will begin the public process to update the 2014 Park System Master Plan which aims to develop a vision for the city's park system for the next 10 to 15 years. An updated master plan ensures that the park system reflects current demographic trends, addresses the preferences of the community, develops a framework for prioritizing projects and allocating resources and incorporates best practices for sustainability and environmental stewardship. The project will kick off in early 2025 with data gathering, followed by public engagement and outreach.

Neighborhood and Regional Parks

Neighborhood and regional parks play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in the Colorado Spring community by providing recreational opportunities and social connections while supporting mental and physical health. PRCS realizes this value and will prioritize multiple parks projects this year including the construction of the Grey Hawk Park Master Plan that was approved in March 2024. The final design for this neighborhood park located in northeast Colorado Springs includes a soft-surface trail, play area, basketball court and bluegrass lawn. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

Stratton Neighborhood Park, located in the southwest, is another exciting project that is currently underway. With a rich local history that dates to the early 1900s, beginning with Winfield Scott Stratton's (W.S. Stratton) purchase of the Colorado Springs and Interurban Railway Company and his vision for the original "Stratton's Park". The City purchased the property in 2021 and is currently in the information gathering and outreach stage with a goal to create a master plan that balances community values and the natural and cultural aspects of this historic park.

Additionally, significant improvements will be made to the Veteran's Memorial in Memorial Park. This project, federally funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), will involve repairs to address concrete deterioration. The work is expected to begin in January with completion by fall of 2025.

Urban Trails

Enhancing connectivity within the City's urban trails is also a top priority for the department, with significant projects planned for the upcoming year. The Rock Island Trail, a vital link connecting Sand Creek to Constitution, is set to undergo development, featuring a pedestrian bridge across Sand Creek and providing approximately 1.95 miles of new trail. Design work is expected to be completed early in 2025, followed by construction throughout 2025 and into 2026.

The southeast portion of the Legacy Loopproject will focus on planning and partnerships, particularly emphasizing the connection of Shooks Run near Las Vegas Street. Current efforts include finalizing the paving of the trail north of Uintah Street, with an anticipated completion early 2025.

Phased improvements to Sand Creek are also underway, which include maintenance, wayfinding signage, and finalizing designs for underpasses. These enhancements aim to improve access and recreational opportunities along the creek, utilizing funding from the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) sales tax program and CDOT grants.

Open Spaces

Colorado Springs is known for its stunning natural landscapes, scenic views and open space recreation opportunities. The City is committed to protecting the open space ecosystem while providing a wide range of outdoor activities. Projects such as the reclamation of the Black Canyon Quarryand the development of the Blodgett Open Space trail system aim to restore and enhance natural areas and provide additional recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The reclamation of the Black Canyon Quarry, also known as the "Snyder Quarry", is designed to transform the site into a vibrant green space that supports local wildlife, improves water quality, and enhances the overall aesthetic of the area.

Meanwhile, Parks staff will begin implementing the Blodgett Open SpaceMaster Plan trail system. This includes improvements to the south trailhead, signage, and programing area along with the extension of North Douglas Creek Trail, and 54 acres of fuels mitigation in northern portions of Blodgett Open Space.

In addition, the year-long public process for the Fishers Canyon Open SpaceMaster and Management Plan will wrap up this spring. The public are invited to the final open house meeting on Jan. 22 and residents can expect to see the final plan by May.

Maintenance and Facilities

Maintenance and facilities projects are essential for ensuring that existing parks and recreational facilities remain safe, accessible and enjoyable for the entire community. PRCS has many maintenance projects planned this year including the completion of a new waterline in Garden of the Gods Park. This project will upgrade and enhance the park's water supply infrastructure, increasing water pressure to ensure a sustainable and reliable source for fire hydrants and restroom facilities within the park.

In addition to the waterline, PRCS, in collaboration with the Office of Accessibility, is installing a new accessible trail through Central Garden. This trail will connect to a newly renovated, fully accessible parking lot. The project is expected to be completed by June 2025.

Significant upgrades are planned at the Westside Community Center including a new HVAC system, roof and gutter replacements, and accessibility improvements, federally funded through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) and the Office of Accessibility. These renovations are projected to be completed in 2025, enhancing the quality of services provided to the community.

PRCS and the Office of Accessibility will also prioritize many other accessibility improvements in multiple parks across the city. These improvements include the construction and renovation of new restrooms, pedestrian ramps, accessible trails and park access to ensure accessibility for individuals of all abilities.

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