~ The Colorado Springs City Council unanimously approved the addition of 1,018 acres of open space property to the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program on Tuesday, March 14. The "Wild Horse Ranch" Property is located in the Corral Bluffs Candidate Open Space on the city's eastside and will be funded with revenues from the TOPS sales tax program with the assistance of acquisition partner The Conservation Fund.

The purchase of this property for $7.5 million was identified in the 2014 Park System Master Plan as a valuable candidate property for the City's open space system. It offers views of Pikes Peak and unlocks several significant open space connections, including between Corral Bluffs and Bluestem Prairie open spaces.

Once purchased, a master planning process will begin with opportunities for public input on wildlife, future recreation and public access. Britt Haley, City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services director said "We are excited to work with The Conservation Fund to secure a major addition of open space, as the eastern edge of the city experiences urban development. Wild Horse Ranch is a unique property that will provide needed open space, wildlife conservation and greater connectivity across the unique Colorado Springs open space network."

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TOPS is a 0.1% sales tax that was first approved by voters in 1997 and has since preserved more than 7,500 acres of open space including Red Rock Canyon and Stratton open spaces; Bluestem Prairie Open Space; as well as Corral Bluffs Open Space which features world class fossil discoveries. In addition to acquiring land for conservation and recreational purposes, TOPS has also helped improve parks, develop trail corridors and maintain acquired open space citywide.

The approval of this addition to TOPS marks an important milestone in preserving natural areas in Colorado Springs while providing recreational opportunities for its citizens. For more information on TOPS visit ColoradoSprings.gov/TOPS.

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