Title
A Resolution of Support for the City of Colorado Springs' Kettle Creek Property Open Space Grant Application to Great Outdoors Colorado
Presenter:
Karen Palus, Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Tilah Larson, Senior Analyst, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Body
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department ("Department") submitted a grant to the Great Outdoors Colorado ("GOCO") Open Space Grant program to assist with the acquisition of 153 acres of the Kettle Creek property. The $1,000,000 request will contribute to acquisition costs estimated at $5,885,500. The department is seeking a resolution from City Council in support of the application.
Background:
Increasing development in northeast Colorado Springs prompted the Department to actively pursue open space candidate areas, recognizing the importance of securing land for conservation before opportunities no longer exist. The landowner of the Kettle Creek property, Jovenchi, LLC, is receptive to the City's proposal for acquiring the property for open space and has committed to providing a minimum of 153 acres in support of open space and greenway preservation through a fee simple acquisition by the City.
Kettle Creek offers the first opportunity for the City of Colorado Springs to invest in open space conservation in the northeast, one of the fastest growing areas of the City. The property offers stunning views of Pikes Peak and the City's mountain backdrop to the west. The 2014 Park System Master Plan identifies it as a candidate open space property due, in part, to the beautiful Kettle Creek traversing the property; it is also identified by that plan as a candidate greenway. Kettle Creek offers important recreation opportunities and natural resource values including habitat preservation and trail connectivity. Furthermore, as a tributary to Monument Creek which is a critical riparian area for our region, Kettle Creek serves to stabilize the ...
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