Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of Approximately 40 Acres of Real Property Owned by Justin Watkins and Melissa Watkins for the Purpose of Public Open Space and Trails as an Extension of Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Presenter:
Britt Haley, Design and Development Manager / TOPS Program Manager - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
David Deitemeyer, Senior Landscape Architect - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Body
Summary:
On April 1, 1997, an ordinance implementing a sales tax for trails, open space and parks (TOPS) was approved by the citizens of Colorado Springs. This tax went into effect on July 1, 1997. In 2003 this ordinance was amended to extend the TOPS sales tax through 2025. The TOPS Working Committee is responsible for setting priorities and making recommendations for the expenditures of TOPS funds. The TOPS Working Committee has identified the 40-acre Watkins property located adjacent to Cheyenne Mountain State Park as having open space values that merit preservation. Acquisition of the Property would serve as an extension of Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and would provide future trail access for the Cheyenne Mountain Heritage Trail.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
The Watkins property, owned by Justin Watkins and Melissa Watkins, more specifically known as Tax Schedule Number 75000-00-228 ("Property"), consists of approximately 40 acres. The Property is located west of Highway 115 at the terminus of Rock Creek Canyon Road and adjacent to Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
The 2014 Park System Master Plan identifies this area as an open space candidate. The 1997 Open Space Master Plan identified this area has having some of the highest natural resource values in our community including unique geology, wildlife habitat and forests. The TOPS Program partnered with Colorado State Parks in 2001 to acquire the original 1,600-acre Cheyenne Mountain State Park. In 2008-2011 and in 2016, the City pu...
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