City outlines plan for proposed land swap with the Broadmoor
The city revealed a detailed plan of a proposed land swap with the Broadmoor that includes four specific areas.
1-MANITOU SPRINGS
The first area is approximately 155 acres of property located at the top of Ruxton Canyon in Manitou Springs. The Broadmoor would trade the 155 acres to the city, which includes segments of the Manitou Incline.
“Two-thirds of the incline would then fall under city-owned land, allowing us more control, more access to the incline,” said Sarah Bryarly, landscape architect for the city.
The city currently holds an agreement with the Broadmoor that permits public access to the incline, but Bryarly says by acquiring the land it would secure the incline’s future. The city would also use the acres to create additional access trails on the north side of the incline to alleviate heavy trail use on Barr Trail.
The 155 acres also includes parts of the Barr Trail. El Paso County held an agreement with the Broadmoor that permitted public access to the trail but the agreement expired in 2012. Bryarly says if the city acquired this land it would secure public access to the trail.
2-NORTH CHEYENNE CANON PARK
The second area the city outlined is North Cheyenne Canon Park. The Broadmoor would trade approximately 208 acres of property to the city. David Deitemeyer, park planner for the city says this trade would secure public access from Daniels Pass Trail and the Muscoco Trail to Gold Camp Road.
“People would be able to park in the upper sections of North Cheyenne Canon Park. They could walk down, hike down,” said Deitemeyer.
The trade would also mean expanding public open space along the Gold Camp Road corridor and provide opportunities for future public recreation opportunities in the area.
The swap in the part of North Cheyenne Canon Park would also include the city giving the Broadmoor 189 acres known as the Strawberry Hill area. Seven acres to be transferred to the Broadmoor could be used to develop a riding stable and picnic area that would be available to residents, organizations and tourists on a fee basis. In exchange, the Broadmoor would provide funding to the parks, recreation and cultural services department
“The Broadmoor has offered to help and they would love to see a park ambassador to increase the safety over here,” said Cathy Railton, parks operation administrator.
3-CHAMBERLAIN TRAIL
The third parcel of land detailed is the Chamberlain Trail. The Broadmoor would grant the city trail easements across three properties owned by the Broadmoor.
“The goal for that trail would be to run the front range foothills along Colorado Springs and provide a mountain hike experience,” said Chris Lieber, park development manager.
4-BEAR CREEK
The fourth area is Bear Creek. The Broadmoor would trade 9 acres of property to the city. This property is currently planned for residential development, including 17 single-family homes. Lieber says the swap would preserve the land and protect the open space.
The proposed land swap has caused controversy and there have been several opponents. The city is holding its second public meeting Jan. 24 at Gold Camp Elementary at 6 p.m. They encourage the public to attend.
