Latest news with #ColoradoSpringsParks
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Garden of the Gods completes crucial waterline project
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Tuesday, June 3, the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) department marked the completion of an improvement project at Garden of the Gods Park that will provide crucial access to water for park safety. The Garden of the Gods waterline project recently wrapped up, after eight months of ongoing work. The project was made possible by collaborations between PRCS, the City of Colorado Springs Office of Accessibility, Colorado Springs Fire Department and Colorado Springs Utilities. The project involved the installation of 8,000 feet of new waterline and 9 fire hydrants to enhance park and fire safety, and improve emergency response capabilities by ensuring a readily available water source. Additional improvements were made to enhance accessibility, with the creation of a fully accessible parking lot and ADA compliant trails into the Central Garden. Approximately 3,200 feet of asphalt was replaced to provide accessible parking nearer to the Central Gardens. A more sustainable, accessible concrete trail into Central Garden was also created. A little over two months ago, a fire burned dangerously close to the park and nearby homes. Fire Marshal Kris Cooper said these improvements will provide greater access to critical water infrastructure that could save lives and property in the event of an emergency. 'Over 5 million visitors to the park every year, and with that comes a lot of human activity. And unfortunately sometimes that creates fires. Humans are our greatest cause of fire in our area,' said Colorado Springs Fire Marshal Kris Cooper. 'We do spend a lot of time in the park… and so this gives us great benefit with added access.' Funding for the waterline project came from Colorado Springs Utilities, the Office of Accessibility, the Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax (LART), Park Land Dedication Ordinance (PLDO), and the Garden of the Gods Foundation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Master Plan approved for Fishers Canyon Open Space
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) said its Master and Management Plan for Fishers Canyon Open Space has been approved. According to PRCS, the open space, bordered by Pike National Forest to the west, Broadmoor Hotel holdings to the north, and Cheyenne Mountain State Park and the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station to the south, represents a significant addition to the city's natural spaces. The approved plan proposes a new trail system comprising about nine to 10 miles of enhancements in a 'wilderness-like' setting designed for a variety of users, including hikers, bikers, and equestrian riders. The Plan also includes designated zones for bouldering and rock climbing, along with a fully accessible, hiking-only trail loop complete with ADA-compliant trailhead parking. 'We would like to thank the entire community for their involvement in the planning process for Fishers Canyon Open Space,' said Britt Haley, Director of PRCS. 'This master plan will provide numerous benefits to our community, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation while also ensuring the preservation and conservation of its valuable resources and wildlife habitats. We are committed to protecting this unique landscape, allowing future generations to enjoy its beauty and ecological significance.' PRCS said one of the key highlights of the plan is its connection to the Chamberlain Trail, a 26-mile master-planned trail with the aim to connect multiple open spaces along the City's western edge including; Blodgett Open Space, Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Bear Creek Regional Park, Stratton Open Space, North Cheyenne Cañon Park, and Fishers Canyon Open Space. 227 acres or 66% of the open space is designated for wildlife and habitat protection, placing a strong emphasis on conservation, according to PRCS. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Caution advised as heavy rains create flooding dangers
(PIKES PEAK REGION, Colo.) — With the prolonged rainfall occurring in the region from Monday, May 5, through Wednesday, May 7, city leaders are issuing warnings about areas vulnerable to flooding and how people can stay safe and protect their properties. The City of Manitou Springs reported that officials are monitoring water quality, stormwater infrastructure, and roadway conditions throughout the community. The city paused operations at the water treatment plant due to high turbidity readings in French Creek and switched to the second water storage tank to continue providing safe and reliable water. 'We're very fortunate to have the new tank online,' said Denise Howell, City Administrator of Manitou Springs. 'It's proving to be a vital resource that allows us to maintain operations and reduce costs during challenging conditions.' The city encouraged community members to take the following precautions: Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters Ensure gutters and drains on your property are clear Know multiple exit routes from your neighborhood Prepare an emergency kit with water, medication, and important documents Sign up for Peak Alerts: Courtesy: Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services posted an advisory that many trails in the area are muddy and underpasses are flooded. Community members are asked to avoid muddy trails to prevent long-term damage and watch for flooding, especially in low-lying areas. Bicyclists are advised to consider alternate routes or transportation options until the rain lets up. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
