Title
An ordinance amending section 101 (Vehicular Traffic Limited) of Article 27 (Park Traffic Offenses) of chapter 10 (Motor Vehicle and Traffic) vehicular traffic limited of the code of the City of Colorado Springs 2001, as amended, pertaining to park traffic offenses.
Presenter:
Britt I. Haley, Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
Eric Becker, Maintenance and Operations Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
Body
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department is requesting a revision to Section 10.27.101 (Park Traffic Offenses) of the City Code. This proposed modification would broaden the scope of enforceable violations to include a wider range of unauthorized motorized activities within park boundaries. Expanding this definition will enable Park Rangers to collaborate more effectively with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) in enforcing restrictions on unauthorized motorized vehicle use on park property.
Background:
The PRCS Department has been steadily advancing its efforts to enhance the safety, accessibility, and stewardship of public parklands through a phased approach to enforcement. These efforts are designed to ensure that park spaces remain welcoming, well-maintained, and compliant with city regulations.
Phase One: Addressing Illegal Camping
In mid-2025, the PRCS Department successfully implemented the first phase of its expanded enforcement strategy. This phase focuses on equipping Park Rangers with the authority and tools necessary to identify and respond to abandoned and illegally placed camps on park property. These efforts have significantly improved the department’s ability to maintain clean and safe public spaces, while also supporting broader city initiatives related to public health and safety.
Phase Two: Parking Violation Enforcement
The second phase of enforcement is currently underway, and it aims to extend the authority of Park Rangers to address motor vehicles that are illegally parked on park property. This includes vehicles obstructing trails, damaging natural areas, or violating designated parking rules. By empowering Park Rangers to take direct action, the department is working to reduce environmental degradation and improve the overall visitor experience.
Phase Three: Collaboration with CSPD on Unauthorized Motorized Use
Looking ahead, the PRCS Department is preparing to launch the third phase of its enforcement strategy. This phase will focus on strengthening collaboration with the Colorado Springs Police Department to address unauthorized motorized use on park property, such as off-road vehicles and dirt bikes operating in restricted areas. By combining resources and enforcement capabilities, this partnership will help protect sensitive habitats, reduce noise and safety concerns, and uphold the integrity of park rules.
As part of that work, a revision is needed to the City Code to provide for enforcement of unlawful motorized use on park land. The City Attorney’s Office has drafted the necessary revisions which are reflected in the bold type on the attached draft ordinance.
Together, these steps reflect the department’s commitment to proactive, responsible, and community-focused park management.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
N/A
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
The nine member Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board (Parks Advisory Board), with all members present, voted unanimously to recommend this revision to City Council at its regular meeting on October 9, 2025.
Stakeholder Process:
Parks Advisory Board meetings provide opportunities for public comment. The Parks Advisory Board conducted a meeting on September 11, 2025, with this item as a presentation and a second meeting on October 9, 2025 as an action item.
Alternatives:
City Council may approve the proposed amendment, request modifications to the proposed ordinance or disapprove the requested amendment.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
A motion to approve an ordinance to amend Section 101 (Vehicular Traffic Limited) of Article 27 (Park Traffic Offenses) of Chapter 10 (Motor Vehicle and Traffic) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs, 2001, regarding park traffic offenses.
Summary of Ordinance Language
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 101 (VEHICULAR TRAFFIC LIMITED) OF ARTICLE 27 (PARK TRAFFIC OFFENSES) OF CHAPTER 10 (MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) VEHICULAR TRAFFIC LIMITED OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF COLORADO SPRINGS 2001, AS AMENDED, PERTAINING TO PARK TRAFFIC OFFENSES