Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of Approximately 5.75 Acres of Property, Identified as the Cumbre Vista Park Extension, through the Park Land Dedication Ordinance (PLDO) Program
Presenter:
Britt Haley, Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
Lonna Thelen, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Design and Development Manager
Body
Summary:
This resolution request authorizes the acquisition of approximately 5.75 acres of property from El Paso County School District 20, identified as the Cumbre Vista Park Extension acquisition. This property is located at the northeast corner of Sorpresa Lane and Hunter Peak Trail. This purchase would include this property within the PLDO program for future neighborhood park development.
Background:
The existing Cumbre Visa Park was originally dedicated as part of the Powerwood 3-6 Master Plan as part of the park land dedication requirements through PLDO. (The existing park is owned and maintained by a metro district.) The 5.16 acres south of Cumbre Vista Park is under consideration for acquisition to extend Cumbre Vista Park. As part of the Powerwood 3-6 Master Plan, the developer was also required to dedicate land for the school obligation. This school land dedication was the 5.16 acres south of Cumbre Vista Park. El Paso County School District 20 has determined they no longer need the land for a school and contacted the PRCS Department to inquire if the PRCS Department was interested in expanding the existing Cumbre Vista Park.
The surrounding master plans to Powerwood 3-6 Master Plan include Powerwood 2 Master Plan to the west and Ridge at Woodmen Master Plan to the south. Neither Powerwood 2 Master Plan nor Ridge at Woodmen Master Plan have additional parks dedicated, leaving Cumbre Vista Park to serve this entire area. When Powerwood 2 Master Plan and Ridge at Woodmen Master Plan were developing the master planned areas included a large amount of commercial and less residential causing the PLDO requirement to be limited. Over time, both master plans have been incrementally amended to primarily residential with a large majority of the residential being multi-family residential. Because the changes were smaller and occurred overtime, the ability to evaluate the site as a whole for PLDO in the master plan was not available; therefore, fees in lieu of land were received.
Using the current PLDO standards for neighborhood park lands, the three master plans Powerwood 3-6 Master Plan, Powerwood 2 Master Plan and Ridge at Woodmen Master Plan would have a rough neighborhood park land dedication of 12-13.5 acres. (A portion of this area is still not built out; therefore, staff is unable to conclude an exact park land dedication acreage.) With the additional land acquisition, there will be 10.91 acres of park land to serve this area. In addition, the land is centrally located and serves all residents within a half mile walk without crossing any major roadways.
Pursuant to PLDO and City Real Estate acquisition procedures, an appraisal was completed October 2, 2024, and offered the seller fair-market value for the property of $791,740. The appraisal confirmed the purchase price met acquisition procedures. A contract has been signed by El Paso County School District 20 and the City of Colorado Springs. The contract is contingent upon final approval by City Council and acceptance of the property based on the city’s due diligence work. The acquisitions would be funded with revenues from PLDO.
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 (PR&CS) Advisory Board recommendation and City Council approval, for $791,740. Acquisition of the property requires an appropriation in the amount of up to $794,740 from the PLDO Neighborhood Park Service Area fund to purchase the property, and to pay for real estate transaction costs such as the title insurance, closing costs and recording fees. The source of funds is the PLDO Neighborhood Park Service Area available fund balance.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
At the April 10, 2025, meeting the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board voted unanimously to recommend acquisition from the Park Land Dedication Ordinance neighborhood park service area fees to City Council.
Stakeholder Process:
Public meetings of 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 a resolution authorizing the acquisition of approximately 5.75 acres of property from El Paso County School District 20 through the Park Land Dedication Ordinance (PLDO) Program.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A