Colorado Springs issued the following announcement on June 12.
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board approved two new master plans at its monthly meeting Thursday, June 11: the Austin Bluffs Open Space Master and Management Plan and the Downtown Historic Parks Master Plan for Acacia, Alamo Square and Antlers parks. The respective plans will guide future management of and improvements to these areas. Public input, collected over the last two years, was heavily incorporated in both plans.
“As always, we are grateful to the community members who took time to add critical perspective and valuable input to these plans,” said Karen Palus, parks director. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful parks and open spaces in our city that provide a wide variety of unique experiences for all users. These plans will help guide us in ensuring these areas thrive in serving the community for many years to come.”
Austin Bluffs Open Space Master and Management Plan
This plan includes the properties of Pulpit Rock Regional Park, University Park Open Space and Austin Bluffs Open Space, all of which make up of approximately 600 acres in the central part of the city. For the next 10-15 years, this document will guide the sustainable development of recreational opportunities along with appropriate management of the cultural and natural resources within the properties.
Some key highlights of the plan include:
- Creation of a new trail to the top of Pulpit Rock, a popular hiking destination
- Improved and additional parking along North Nevada Avenue
- Improved access to the open space from the surrounding neighborhoods
- Development of a sustainable and manageable 18-mile trail system within the open space
- Improved regional trail connectivity to other adjacent parks, trails and open spaces
- Improved wayfinding signage
- Rogue trail closure and open space restoration
- Protection of the open space’s unique history and natural resources
- Continued partnership and collaboration with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs for future access and trail connectivity
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