Colorado Springs: Looking ahead in 2026: Trails, open spaces and parks improvements

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As Colorado Springs continues to grow, the Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department is excited to continue improving parks, trails and open spaces across Olympic City USA. From expanding urban trail connections to restoring iconic open space landscapes and planning for the future of the parks system, 2026 will bring meaningful progress citywide.

Below are key initiatives planned for 2026 for the department:

Park System Master Plan

PRCS will continue the update process for the City's Park System Master Plan, building on the park system assessment and moving into visioning and strategic planning during early 2026 with the draft plan being presented to the community in the Spring.

This long-range planning effort will help ensure Colorado Springs' park system aligns with community needs, supports sustainability and guides future investments for the next 10 -15 years.

Open Spaces

Work continues in Blodgett Open Space in 2026 with an emphasis on completing major master plan improvements. This includes completing approximately 14 miles of trail implementation, the completion of the Quarry and North trailhead projects (including 90 new parking stalls) and completing wildfire mitigation efforts throughout the open space.

In 2026, PRCS plans to complete the Spine Trail implementation (approximately 2.5 miles) along with the Enlightenment Trail as part of the Austin Bluffs Open Space Master Plan. Additional work includes trailhead improvements, restoration, and habitat enhancements, along with regional trail improvements near University Park.

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After completion and adoption of the master plan, 2026 work at Fishers Canyon Open Space will focus on rezoning the property to PK (Park), continued fire mitigation, and trail and trailhead planning and design. Late 2026 construction on trails and trailheads is anticipated.

The Snyder Quarry reclamation project will continue in 2026 with earthwork, drainage improvements and reseeding in Black Canyon Quarry. PRCS will also look for potential community-based tree planting opportunities.

PRCS is continuing systemwide wayfinding improvements in 2026 by finalizing kiosk sign art and map design early in the year, beginning the first kiosk and welcome monument installations and expanding installation work through early to mid-2026—including planned Garden of the Gods Park wayfinding installations. These enhancements will help improve navigation, visitor experience and safe access to trailheads and open spaces.

Urban Trails

One of the most significant trail improvements planned for 2026 is the next phase of the Rock Island Trail. This project includes:
  • Construction of over 2 miles of new urban trail
  • Installation of a 210-foot pedestrian bridge over Sand Creek to connect the west to the east side of Rock Island Trail
  • A pedestrian-activated flashing crossing at Peterson Road

This project is anticipated to begin in Spring 2026, lasting approximately 10 –12 months. Funding partners include the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority (PPRTA II), Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) grants and the Trails, Open Space, and Parks (TOPS) sales tax program.

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Trail improvements are also planned for the Pikes Peak Greenway corridor in spring 2026 in partnership with Stormwater Engineering as they make improvements to Monument Creek. Work includes removal of deteriorating asphalt and construction of approximately 0.5 miles of new concrete trail, along with improved ADA access from the Corporate Drive / Park and Ride area.

Park Improvements

PRCS will continue working with the community in 2026 to develop a Master and Management Plan for Stratton Neighborhood Park. This public process will help shape a shared vision for the future of the park, guide long-term management strategies, balance natural resources with recreation and use with the shared goal of opening the site to the community in 2026.

Infrastructure Improvements

Several bridge projects are anticipated in 2026, including the Greenways Park Bridge (connecting Greenways on the west side of Sand Creek to park property on the East side of Sand Creek), Blodgett Open Space Bridge, Rock Island Trail Bridge over Sand Creek, and additional fiberglass bridge replacements in open spaces.

In 2026, PRCS will complete site and facility improvements at the Starsmore Visitor Center to improve accessibility, expand programming opportunities, and enhance the visitor experience. Work includes relocating and expanding accessible parking, improving bus parking for school groups and tours, adding new ADA-accessible walkways to building entrances, creating a new plaza space for visitors and events, renovating restrooms to meet ADA standards, and restoring the visitor center garden with native plants and interpretive signage.

Looking Ahead

The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department remains committed to improving Colorado Springs' outdoor spaces with projects that expand trail connections, restore and protect natural landscapes and support long-term planning for the future.

To learn more about these exciting projects, make sure to follow @CoSpringsParks on all social media accounts or sign up for the PRCS newsletter for up-to-date information.

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