Statewide day of service brings volunteers to Manitou Springs

It’s been a year since Manitou Springs experienced its worst natural disaster in decades.

Flash floods devastated many homes and businesses in the community.

Volunteers throughout the Pikes Peak region are honoring the strength of those affected by the floods.

As part of Colorado United Day of Service, more than 30 volunteers spent Saturday morning working at Manitou’s Soda Spring Park.

Volunteers cleaned and painted the bandshell in the park, which was damaged during the flooding.

“Manitou has been hit pretty hard by fires and floods the last couple of years,” said Rebecca Hawkins, who helped with the painting efforts. “It’s been exciting to see the community come together.”

Severe storms are nearly impossible to avoid in parts of Colorado.

“Whether it’s fires, floods, or snowstorms, those things hit Colorado occasionally. We all bounce back,” said Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia.

The governor shares a similar outlook. He believes the statewide day of service shows the resilience of Colorado residents.

“We are Colorado united. As long as we keep that focus, as long as we have the will to maintain that approach, we can take whatever comes at us,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said.

Some of the volunteers came from out of town, but wanted to reach out to their neighbors.

“If you want to build the spirit of being with each other, the best way to do that is to go out and get involved,” said Scott Free. “It makes you feel like you’re doing something right for your community.”