Title
An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 18-118 (2019 Appropriation Ordinance) for a Supplemental Appropriation to the Trails, Open Space and Parks Fund in the Amount of $3,045,500 for Acquisition of Approximately 154 Acres of Property for the Purpose of Public Open Space and Trails at the Kettle Creek Greenway
Presenter:
Britt Haley, TOPS Program Manager, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department
Body
Summary:
Although the City's Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) sales tax program has been in place for over 22 years, this proposed open space acquisition would be the first to occur in the northeast quadrant of the city, which borders the Black Forest area. Northern Colorado Springs is quickly urbanizing to meet the demands of a growing population. The State Demography Office predicts that the population of El Paso County will surpass that of Denver County by 2050, with much of the development occurring in the north and eastern regions of El Paso County. The Kettle Creek Greenway could set the stage for additional strategic investments by TOPS to build a legacy of open space and greenways in the northeast quadrant of the city.
Background:
Increasing development in northeast Colorado Springs prompted the city to actively pursue open space candidate areas in that quadrant of the city, recognizing the importance of securing land for conservation before opportunities no longer exist. The family that owns the Kettle Creek property was receptive to the city's interest and has committed to selling approximately 154 acres to the TOPS program in support of open space and greenway conservation. Additionally, the family has generously offered to make a donation of $500,000 to the TOPS program in support of stewardship activities on Kettle Creek or as a resource for future land acquisition.
The Kettle Creek property offers outstanding views of Pikes Peak and features a rugged riparian habitat. The 2014 Park System Master Plan identifies it as a c...
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