Parks Advisory Board recommends Park System Master Plan for City Council approval

The City of Colorado Springs' Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Advisory Board voted Thursday to recommend approval of the Park System Master Plan (PSMP), advancing the City's long-range plan for parks, recreation, trails, open spaces and cultural services to City Council for final consideration.

The recommended plan updates the City's 2014 Park System Master Plan and provides a framework to guide decisions over the next 10 to 15 years. It addresses how the City cares for existing parks and facilities, plans for future growth, strengthens recreation and cultural services, expands and connects trails and open spaces, protects natural and cultural resources, and prioritizes future investments while balancing community needs with available resources.

The board's recommendation follows an extensive planning process that included technical analysis, evaluation of the park system, engagement with residents and City staff, and multiple opportunities for public input. Most recently, the City released the draft plan for public review in September and accepted feedback through Sept. 22, including through an online survey and two community open houses.

"Reaching this point is an important milestone and reflects a tremendous amount of work and input from across our community," said Lonna Thelen, the City's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Design & Development Manager. "The Park System Master Plan gives us a long-term framework for caring for the parks, facilities, trails, open spaces, recreation opportunities and cultural services our community relies on today while preparing for future needs. We appreciate everyone who participated in the process and helped shape the plan as it moves forward to City Council."

The PSMP is organized around four guiding principles that will guide future decision-making: Preserve Our Legacy by caring for existing parks and natural resources; Strengthen Community Connection through partnerships, recreation and cultural services; Create Exceptional Experiences by enhancing parks, trails and public spaces; and Invest in Our Future by planning for long-term sustainability and growth.

The PSMP is intended to serve as a long-term framework for decision-making and prioritization. Adoption of the plan does not commit the City to completing every identified project or action. Future work will continue to depend on community priorities, available resources, additional planning and applicable City approval processes.

The Parks Advisory Board's action is a recommendation to City Council and does not constitute final adoption of the plan. The PSMP will next be presented to City Council, which will make the final decision on adoption.

Residents can review the recommended Park System Master Plan and learn more about the planning process at ColoradoSprings.gov/ParkSystemMasterPlan.