City of Colorado Springs, CO

09/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/03/2026 16:30

City releases draft long-term plan for parks, recreation, trails, open spaces, and cultural services

The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department has released the draft Park System Master Plan (PSMP), giving residents an opportunity to help shape priorities for the city's parks, recreation, trails, open spaces and cultural services over the next 10 to 15 years.

The draft updates the City's 2014 Park System Master Plan and is intended to guide how the City maintains existing assets, plans for future growth, expands recreation opportunities, protects natural and cultural resources, and makes investment decisions over the coming years while balancing community priorities with available resources.

Developed through community and City staff engagement, technical analysis and a comprehensive evaluation of the park system, the draft plan establishes a shared vision for the future. It is organized around four guiding principles that 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 draft plan includes goals and actions to maintain and improve existing parks and recreation facilities, strengthen recreation and cultural services, expand trails and open space, improve access and connectivity, protect natural and cultural resources, identify future investment priorities, and provide a long-term framework for meeting the needs of a growing community.

"Colorado Springs' parks, trails, open spaces and recreation opportunities are essential to our quality of life and part of what makes this community special," said Lonna Thelen, Design & Development Manager. "The draft Park System Master Plan is about caring for what we have today while thoughtfully preparing for the future. The draft reflects what we heard from residents, and we're grateful to the PRCS staff, partners and stakeholders, City leadership and the many community members who have helped shape this plan. We encourage everyone to review the draft and share their feedback to help inform the final plan before it is presented to City Council for consideration."

Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and provide feedback on its vision, guiding principles, goals and recommendations through an online survey (offered in English and Spanish) available Sept. 2-22. The draft plan and survey are available at ColoradoSprings.gov/ParkSystemMasterPlan.

The Parks Advisory Board will also receive a presentation on the draft plan during its Sept. 10 meeting, and public comment will be accepted. The meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. Residents are invited to attend in person or listen online. The agenda, including the anticipated timing of the presentation, will be posted the week of the meeting at ColoradoSprings.gov/ParksBoard.

Feedback received during the public comment period will help inform the plan as it moves through the Parks Advisory Board and City Council review process later this year.
Residents can also attend either of two informal, drop-in open houses to review information from the draft plan and speak directly with members of the project team. There will not be a formal presentation, and attendees may stop by anytime during the scheduled hours.
  • Community Open House
    Date: Thursday, Sept. 10
    Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
    Location: Piñon Valley Park (in the pavilion) - 5585 Mule Deer Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80919
  • Community Open House
    Date: Wednesday, Sept. 16
    Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
    Location: PRCS Headquarters - 1401 Recreation Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
In Accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA") and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the City of Colorado Springs will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities or those with Limited English Proficiency. Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid, language services, or reasonable accommodation to participate should make the request as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the event by contacting [email protected] orcall 719-385-6514 or Dial 711 or 800-659-3656 for Relay Colorado.
City of Colorado Springs, CO published this content on September 03, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 03, 2026 at 22:30 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]