Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of 64.033 Acres, as an Addition to the Blodgett Open Space, Through the Trails, Open Space And Parks Program
Presenter:
Karen Palus, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Britt Haley, Parks Development Manager/TOPS Program Manager
Body
Summary:
The Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) program is coordinating with Trust for Public Land to acquire three parcels located directly south of the existing Blodgett Open Space property for the TOPS program. These properties are identified by the 2014 Park System Master Plan as candidate open space properties. They offer beautiful mountain terrain with panoramic views of the City and would expand the Blodgett Open Space property by just over one third of its current size. An acquisition through the TOPS program would further protect the City's mountain backdrop.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
The 2014 Park System Master Plan ("Park Master Plan") identifies preservation of the mountain backdrop on the west side of Colorado Springs as a priority consideration for the TOPS program and open space acquisitions. The three parcels are depicted on the attached map as Parcels A, B & C. They are located just west of the existing Oak Valley Ranch subdivision and directly south of the Blodgett Open Space which is currently 167 acres. The access to the parcels is on the west side of Woodmen Road and south of Blodgett Ranch Trail. As with the neighboring Blodgett Open Space, this property shares a boundary with the Pike National Forest.
The Park Master Plan includes several additional goals that are supported by this proposal. First, it provides an enhanced open space opportunity on the City's western boundary and within the Park Master Plan's candidate open space area. Second, acquisition of this property will fill in a gap in the open space network on the City's west side. It will also provide an important addition to the Blodgett Open Space ...
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