Colorado Springs Trails, Open Space, and Parks program selling commemorative posters

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The City of Colorado Springs announced Wed. that a one-of-a-kind collector’s poster is now available for sale to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) program.

All proceeds from the posters will go directly to TOPS, a City sales tax program dedicated to the protection and preservation of trails, open spaces, and parks.

The poster features Stratton Open Space, the first property the City of Colorado Springs acquired with TOPS funding in 1998. Stratton Open Space is 318 acres of open space, trails, and wildlife habitat adjacent to North Cheyenne Cañon Park in southwest Colorado Springs.

This is the first in a series of posters that will be released in the coming months featuring various TOPS properties, the city said.

According to the city, Colorado Springs voters passed the TOPS ballot measure in April, 1997. It's dedicated to acquiring, developing and preserving trails, open space, and parks through a 0.1% sales tax, or 1 penny on every $10 purchase. TOPS was renewed by voters in 2003 at the same rate through 2025. It currently generates upwards of $11 million annually.

The city said since it was first approved by Colorado Springs voters, TOPS has conserved more than 7,500 acres of open space, built and improved 66 parks, and constructed 50 miles of trails in the city. 

Red Rock Canyon Open Space was purchased as part of the TOPS program. According to the city, before the space was purchased in 2003, it was slated to become a resort community with a convention center, high-rise towers, commercial centers, and private golf course.

Posters can be purchased by visiting Trails, Open Space and Parks Stratton Poster – Olympic City USA Shop (ShopCOS.org). Posters are only available for pickup at the Parks administration building located at 1401 Recreation Way.