$9 million redevelopment of Panorama Park in Colorado Springs gets final approval from City Council

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- On its second and final vote Tuesday, the Colorado Springs City Council gave final approval to a plan to redevelop Panorama Park on the city's southeast side.

The project will cost approximately $9 million, with the city providing around $4 million and the rest coming from other sources including private donations.

Supporters of the project said that the park, which opened in the early 1980s, has long been neglected and lacks the amenities offered at parks in other areas of town, especially newer parks that have recently been built and opened.

Councilwoman Yolanda Avila, whose district includes the park, said that the southeast side of the city doesn't have space available for new park construction, so the Panorama project will be built on the existing park property next to Panorama Middle School.

"The park was built back when a neighborhood school and park were built at the same time," she said. "We want it to be a park that can be used by people of all ages and in a variety of ways. We also hope to connect some nearby trails to the park."

The project is part of the city's effort to bring improvements to the southeast side, an area with many lower-income residents.

Connie Schmeisser, of Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation, said improving parks on the southeast side is challenging because many of them are next to schools and the city has limited funding.

"Many of our newer parks were laid out by developers," she said. "We'd like to do more improvements on the southeast side, but we have a backlog of park projects."

Avila said the park project, along with other development and a possible Urban Renewal project, results from the city's commitment to revitalize the southeast side.

"I'd like to see more trees in the park and in other parks on the southeast side," she said. "But I like what we're doing."

Karah Leon has lived near Panorama Park for nine years and said she's happy to hear about the coming improvements there.

"There isn't anything nice on this side of town, for sure," she said. "I know the southeast side gets a bad rap for crime and poverty, but I think that comes from people who don't live here. I don't think it's that bad. Putting tables and seats in the park, some restrooms, that would be nice."

Panorama Park is just south of the intersection of Fountain Boulevard and Jet Wing Drive.