Parks and Rec proposes 2 new open space acquisitions in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The City of Colorado Springs is one step closer to adding another two public open spaces to its arsenal. Now, the proposal to acquire 340 acres of land on the city's western edge will be passed on to the City Council for approval in June.

In a statement sent to KRDO Thursday, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services said the decision to put the proposal before council was passed at its monthly board meeting by unanimous vote.

The two properties in question are 193-acre Black Canyon Quarry and a 148-acre frontage space near Pikeview Quarry.

“These acquisitions would conserve the western backdrop of our skyline, provide continued protection of wildlife habitat, and offer incredible views and fascinating possibilities for future recreation,” said Britt Haley, design and development manager for the City of Colorado Springs in a prepared statement.

If the two properties are approved by council, they'll undergo separate master planning with opportunities for public input, said Parks and Rec.

Black Canyon Quarry sits on the southwestern edge of the city, adjacent to Williams Canyon and west of Garden of the Gods. The quarry has been closed since 2015, with Parks and Rec saying that reclamation is mostly complete. Parks officials also mentioned that the property could provide trail access to the Waldo Canyon area in the future.

Haley says the quarry provides a natural fire break which could help firefighters and residents in case of a wildfire.

“The other thought that we had is that perhaps it could allow for staging if fire personnel need to be up in that area with their equipment," Haley said.

The frontage area near Pikeview Quarry is found on the northwestern edge of the city immediately south of Blodgett Open Space and the Oak Valley Ranch neighborhood. Its main attractions are rolling hills and oak brush.

The two properties are currently owned by Castle Concrete. If approved, the $8.9 million acquisition is proposed to be funded by revenues from the TOPS Open Space Category and The Conservation Fund, according to Parks and Rec. TOPS is a voter-approved sales tax used exclusively for the preservation of open space lands, trail and parks that generates about $9.5 million annually.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this story said the city was acquiring Pikeview Quarry.