Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Acquisition of up to 164 Acres in Rock Creek Canyon, as an Addition to the Cheyenne Mountain State Park Through the Trails, Open Space and Parks ("TOPS") Program
Presenter:
Britt Haley, TOPS Program Manager, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
Body
Summary:
On April 1, 1997, an ordinance implementing a sales tax for trails, open space and parks was approved by the citizens of Colorado Springs ("TOPS"). 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. One of the identified priorities of the TOPS Working Committee has been to focus on candidate open space parcels that would benefit Cheyenne Mountain State Park as additions to the Park and to allow for trail opportunities on the southern end of the state park. The proposed acquisitions, described below, are supported by Colorado Parks and Wildlife ("CPW").
Background:
The 2014 Park System Master Plan identifies the Rock Creek Canyon area as an open space candidate area. As early as 1997, the City's open space master planning documents have identified this area as having some of the highest natural resource values in our community. The TOPS Working Committee has identified a 160.52 acre property and a 2.91 acre property, in Rock Creek Canyon for acquisition as open space because they offer values that merit preservation. The properties are located west of Highway 115 at the terminus of Rock Creek Canyon Road adjacent to Cheyenne Mountain State Park ("CMSP"). Acquisition of the properties would provide additional acreage for the CMSP, future trail access for the Cheyenne Mountain Heritage Trail, and further connect the park to the beautiful and rugged Rock Creek Canyon.
The TOPS Program has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with CPW. TOPS wor...
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