Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of up to 246 Acres as an Addition to the Corral Bluffs Open Space Through the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program
Presenter:
Karen Palus, Director, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services
Britt Haley, Design and Development Manager / TOPS Program Manager
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 Corral Bluffs Area for its special open space values. This action item provides the opportunity for the TOPS program to acquire, manage and protect just over 245 acres of property located in the heart of the existing horseshoe shaped Corral Bluffs Open Space. Additionally, it offers access from the existing Corral Bluffs property to State Highway 94
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
The 2014 Park System Master Plan ("Master Plan") identifies the Corral Bluffs Area as an Open Space Candidate Area. In fact, this area has long been identified for land conservation in advance of development. It was first identified over 20 years ago in the 1996 City Open Space Plan and also in the 1997 El Paso County Open Space Master Plan. Beginning with a TOPS program purchase of the Case property in 2009 and continuing up to the purchase of the Kyle property in 2017, the TOPS program has diligently and patiently worked to assemble adjoining property in this resource rich area. However, acquisition of the adjoining property owned by the Bishop family, which lies at the very heart of the existing Corral Bluffs Open Space property, has been an elusive goal until now.
The 2014 Park System Master Plan (Master Plan) includes several goals that are supported by this proposal. First it provides enhanced open space opportunity on the City of Colorado Spring's east boundary, just as development is preparing to move forward under an amended and restated Banning Lewis Ranch annexation agreeme...
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