Title
An Ordinance Requesting a Supplemental Appropriation to the Trails, Open Space and Parks Fund up to $162,000 to Complete the Acquisition of Approximately 40 Acres of Property Identified as the Parcel 2 West CSMP Extension for the Purpose of Public Open Space and Trails
Presenter:
Kim King, Acting Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
Lonna Thelen, Design and Development Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
David Deitemeyer, Senior Program Administrator, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
Body
Summary:
Since 1996, when the City’s first Open Space Plan was adopted, the City of Colorado Springs has prioritized and worked to acquire property in and around the southern slopes of Cheyenne Mountain and Rock Creek Canyon for its special open space values. This action item provides the opportunity for the TOPS program to make a strategic acquisition of approximately forty (40) acres of property immediately adjacent to Cheyenne Mountain State Park, the majority of which was acquired through the TOPS program. Additionally, it offers the opportunity to partner with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to incorporate this property into the management of Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
Background:
The 2014 Park System Master Plan identifies the Rock Creek Canyon area as an open space candidate area. As early as 1996, the City’s open space master planning documents identified this area as having some of the highest natural resource values in our community. The TOPS Program has identified the 40-acre parcel in Rock Creek Canyon for acquisition as open space because it offers values that merit preservation. The property is located west of Highway 115 near the western terminus of Rock Creek Canyon Road, on the southern slopes of Cheyenne Mountain and adjacent to Cheyenne Mountain State Park (CMSP). Acquisition of the property would provide additional acreage for the CMSP, future trail access for the Cheyenne Mountain Heritage Trail, and further connect the park to the beautiful and rugged Rock Creek Canyon.
The TOPS Program has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). TOPS worked with CPW to acquire the original 1,680-acre CMSP. The City’s TOPS Program purchased an additional 1,000 acres of adjacent properties between 2007 and 2009 at the top of Cheyenne Mountain. Since 2015, an additional 546.2 acres in Rock Creek and near NORAD Road have been acquired by the TOPS Program, further expanding the park to more than 3,000 acres.
The City, in partnership with the Friends of Cheyenne Mountain State Park, acquired a 7-acre trail easement in 2018 providing the final legal connection for the Dixon Trail. One of the goals achieved through the southern expansion is the opportunity to advance the future development of the Cheyenne Mountain Heritage Trail, which would provide a truly unique trail experience around the base of Cheyenne Mountain. Further TOPS acquisitions in the Rock Creek area will continue the vision and opportunity of future trail access around Cheyenne Mountain.
More specifically, this parcel is located on the upper slopes of south Cheyenne Mountain and north of Rock Creek Canyon and known as Tax Schedule Number 75000-00-151. The property is contiguous to CMSP on the north and south boundaries and the Pike National Forest on the west boundary. The parcel features rugged forested terrain, mountain meadows, significant wildlife habitat, and scenic views. The parcel is undeveloped.
As it has with prior acquisitions, CPW has agreed to manage, maintain and operate the property as part of the state park. This management responsibility is consistent with other City owned property that comprise CMSP. Public access to the property would be provided through CMSP, via the existing trail system within the Park and as the Cheyenne Mountain Heritage Trail is designed and completed.
The TOPS Working Committee has toured the property. The City obtained a signed agreement to purchase the property in March of 2026 for the appraised value of $160,000. This agreement is contingent upon final approval by City Council and acceptance of the property based on the City’s due diligence work. The acquisition would be funded with revenues from the Open Space Category.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
The City is under contract to acquire the property contingent on a favorable Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board recommendation and City Council approval, for the negotiated value of $160,000. Acquisition of the property requires an appropriation in the amount of up to $162,000 from TOPS Open Space Category revenues to purchase the property, and to pay for real estate transaction costs. Parks Department finance staff estimates $11,791,295 is available in this category for this and other open space purchases.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
The TOPS Working Committee and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board were introduced to this acquisition at their respective April 2026 meetings. The TOPS Working Committee will consider this proposed acquisition at its May 6, 2026, meeting. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board is scheduled to consider this potential acquisition at its May 14, 2026, meeting.
Stakeholder Process:
Public meetings of the TOPS Working Committee and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board offer the opportunity for public comment. The Regular Session meetings of City Council also offer this opportunity.
Alternatives:
City Council may disapprove the proposed resolution, request additional information or suggest an alternative approach to the transaction.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
A motion to approve acquisition of approximately forty (40) acres of property identified by tax schedule number 75000-00-151 and to authorize the Real Estate Services Manager and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department Director to finalize the transaction.
Summary of Ordinance Language
An ordinance amending budget ordinance No. 25-95 (2026 budget appropriation ordinance) for a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $162,000 to the Trails, Open Space and Parks fund for the acquisition of up to 40 acres of property for the purpose of public open space and trails.