~ The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board voted Thursday to recommend approval of the city's Park System Master Plan, sending the long-range proposal to City Council for a final decision.

The plan updates the city's 2014 master plan and is intended to guide decisions about parks, recreation, trails, open spaces and cultural services over the next 10 to 15 years. It addresses maintenance of existing facilities, planning for growth, expanding and connecting trails and open spaces, protecting natural and cultural resources, and prioritizing investments while balancing community needs with available resources.

The recommendation follows a planning process that included technical analysis, an evaluation of the park system, input from residents and city staff, and public engagement. The city released a draft for public review in September and accepted feedback through Sept. 22, including through an online survey and two community open houses.

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The plan is organized around four principles: preserving existing parks and natural resources; strengthening community connections through partnerships, recreation and cultural services; improving parks, trails and public spaces; and investing in long-term sustainability and growth.

Lonna Thelen, the city's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Design & Development Manager, called the board's recommendation an important milestone and said the plan provides a framework for caring for current amenities while preparing for future needs. She thanked residents who took part in the process.

The plan is intended to guide future decisions and priorities, but its adoption would not commit the city to completing every project or action it identifies. Future work would depend on community priorities, available resources, additional planning and applicable city approval processes.

The board's vote is a recommendation, not final adoption. City Council will make the final decision. Residents can review the recommended plan and learn about the process at ColoradoSprings.gov/ParkSystemMasterPlan.

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