~ Colorado Springs, CO - The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department has recently released the draft Park System Master Plan (PSMP), inviting residents to participate in shaping the priorities for the city's parks, recreation, trails, open spaces and cultural services over the next 10 to 15 years.

The draft plan serves as an update to the City's 2014 Park System Master Plan and aims to guide how the City maintains its existing assets, plans for future growth, expands recreation opportunities, protects natural and cultural resources, and makes investment decisions while balancing community priorities with available resources.

Through a collaborative effort involving community engagement, City staff input, technical analysis and a comprehensive evaluation of the park system, the draft plan establishes a shared vision for the future. It is centered around four guiding principles that will inform future decision-making: Preserve Our Legacy by caring for existing parks and natural resources; Strengthen Community Connection through partnerships, recreation and cultural services; Create Exceptional Experiences by enhancing parks, trails and public spaces; and Invest in Our Future by planning for long-term sustainability and growth.

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The draft plan includes goals and actions to maintain and improve existing parks and recreation facilities, strengthen recreation and cultural services, expand trails and open space areas, improve access and connectivity, protect natural and cultural resources, identify future investment priorities, and provide a long-term framework for meeting the needs of a growing community.

Lonna Thelen, Design & Development Manager for PRCS stated that "Colorado Springs' parks, trails, open spaces and recreation opportunities are essential to our quality of life and are what make this community special." She also emphasized that the draft plan reflects feedback from residents. Thelen expressed gratitude towards PRCS staff members as well as partners, stakeholders, City leadership and community members who have contributed to shaping this plan. She encouraged everyone to review the draft plan and share their feedback before it is presented to City Council for consideration.

Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and provide feedback through an online survey, available in both English and Spanish, from September 2-22. The draft plan and survey can be accessed at ColoradoSprings.gov/ParkSystemMasterPlan.

The Parks Advisory Board will also receive a presentation on the draft plan during their meeting on September 10, where public comment will be accepted. The meeting will begin at 7:30 a.m. and residents are welcome to attend in person or listen online. The agenda, including the expected timing of the presentation, will be posted on ColoradoSprings.gov/ParksBoard the week of the meeting.

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Feedback received during the public comment period will help shape the final plan as it goes through the Parks Advisory Board and City Council review process later this year.

In addition to providing feedback through the online survey and at the Parks Advisory Board meeting, residents can also attend two informal open houses to review information from the draft plan and speak directly with members of the project team. These open houses will not include a formal presentation and attendees can drop by anytime during the scheduled hours.

The first open house will take place on Thursday, September 10 from 5-6 p.m. at Piñon Valley Park in the pavilion located at 5585 Mule Deer Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80919.

The second open house will be held on Wednesday, September 16 from 5-6 p.m. at PRCS Headquarters located at 1401 Recreation Way, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA") and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities or those with Limited English Proficiency. Anyone requiring an auxiliary aid, language services or reasonable accommodation to participate should make their request as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the event by contacting Stephanie.Adams@coloradosprings.gov or calling 719-385-6514. Relay Colorado can also be reached at 711 or 800-659-3656.

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