City announces memorable new addition to Garden of the Gods Park

In response to rising summer temperatures and growing interest in new ways to experience the outdoors, the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (PRCS) Department today announced plans for a unique water-based recreational feature at Garden of the Gods Park.

The project, described as a "lazy river-style, geologically tantalizing experience," will offer visitors a never-before-seen vantage point of the park's iconic red rock formations while providing a relaxing way to cool off during the warmer months.

"This concept has been on the horizon for some time," said Acting PRCS Director Kim King. "Now that we've completed the waterline infrastructure in 2025, we realized we had both the capability and, more importantly, the audacity to do something like this."

Preliminary plans include a gently winding water route designed to complement the natural landscape, with designated entry points, scenic floating areas, and family-friendly features. Early concepts highlight float paths near some of the park's most recognizable landmarks, including a potential "Balanced Rock Bend."

Construction is scheduled to begin next week, with crews mobilizing on site beginning today, and is expected to progress throughout the spring. The project is anticipated to open ahead of Summer 2026, assuming everything goes according to plan and no one changes their mind midway through.

Garden of the Gods Park will remain open during construction; however, visitors may notice increased activity in key areas, including intermittent trail adjustments, minor traffic impacts near work zones, and the surreal experience of seeing heavy equipment preparing what appears to be a river where one did not previously exist.

For more information and updates on the project, follow the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department on social media.