Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of Approximately 31.918 Acres Owned by Jacob Snell and Shantell Snell 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
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 31.918 acre Snell 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 Snell parcel, more specifically known as Tax Schedule Number 75000-00-244, consists of approximately 40.25 acres. The Snell's desire is to sell 31.918 acres while retaining 8.33 acres and a home site for private ownership. 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. This area has some of the highest natural resource values in our community including unique geology, wildlife habitat, forests and the Rock Creek water resources. The TOPS Program partnered with Colorado State Parks in 2001 to acquire the original 1,600-acre Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Between 2008-2011 and in 2016, the City purchased additional pr...
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