Colorado Springs parks department launches 2027 Discover COS Calendar Photo Contest

The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is now accepting submissions for the 2027 Discover COS Calendar Photo Contest, inviting amateur and professional photographers to capture the beauty, recreation and unique character of the city's parks, trails and open spaces.

Now in its 14th year, the annual Discover COS Calendar celebrates the landscapes, wildlife and experiences that make Colorado Springs' park system special while highlighting the important role parks and recreation play in the community.

"We're excited to see Colorado Springs through the eyes of our community once again," said Skyler Rorabaugh, director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. "Every year, this contest showcases the incredible talent of local photographers while celebrating the places that connect us to nature, recreation and one another. We encourage photographers to explore both iconic destinations and neighborhood favorites throughout our park system."

Rather than selecting a specific annual theme, the 2027 calendar invites photographers to submit images that celebrate the beauty, character and experiences found throughout Colorado Springs' parks, trails and open spaces. From breathtaking sunrises and wildlife encounters to families enjoying neighborhood parks and memorable community moments, the City is looking for photographs that tell the story of recreation in Colorado Springs.

Submissions will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. Each photographer may submit up to five photographs.

Photographs taken at any City of Colorado Springs park, trail or open space managed by Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services are eligible and encouraged. Photographers are especially encouraged to capture images from:

• Red Rock Canyon Open Space
• North Cheyenne Cañon Park
• The Manitou Incline
• Legacy Loop
• Memorial Park
• Quail Lake Park
• Monument Valley Park

Winning photographs will be selected based on artistic quality, originality, technical excellence and how well they represent Colorado Springs' parks, trails and open spaces. Selected photographers will be recognized this fall.

Proceeds from sales of the 2027 Discover COS Calendar will support tree planting at Snyder Quarry in Black Canyon Open Space, helping restore native habitat at the City's new 163-acre ecological restoration site.

Photos may be submitted by:

• Email: [email protected]
• Mail or in person:
  Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
  Attn: April Allen
  1401 Recreation Way
  Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Complete contest rules, submission requirements, waiver forms and additional information are available at ColoradoSprings.gov/DiscoverCOS.