The City of Colorado Springs invites locals to share input on the draft Park System Master Plan

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department is seeking public feedback on a draft update to its Park System Master Plan.

The draft updates the city's 2014 plan and is designed to guide future growth while expanding local recreation opportunities.

The 137-page document outlines specific goals and actions to maintain and improve existing facilities across the city. Colorado Springs manages more than 19,000 acres of land and 326 miles of trails.

According to the draft document, local parks generate economic benefits for the community.

"There are 715,000 people that annually participate in our parks and recreation programming. We are able to generate $10.1 million in sales tax because of those spaces that are within our city. And then we also have $91.1 million in recreation value from residents by enjoying the spaces that we have out there," says Lonna Thelen, a spokesperson for Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services.

Residents and visitors spend millions of dollars every year on sporting goods and other equipment used at the city's parks. Data collected during the planning process revealed key concerns among local residents. Community members cited homelessness and safety as primary issues they want addressed in the city's parks and open spaces.

Funding constraints also pose an ongoing challenge for the department. These financial hurdles have already impacted operations, leading to recent restroom closures at multiple neighborhood parks across Colorado Springs.

Residents are invited to review the draft master plan and submit public comments through Sept. 22. The Parks Advisory Board will receive a presentation on the updated plan during its meeting on Sept. 10, where public comment will also be accepted.

You can read the full draft here.

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