City report highlights maintenance and trail connectivity as top parks priorities for Colorado Springs residents

Maintaining existing parks and facilities with sustainable funding sources, improving safety and comfort, strengthening trail connectivity, and expanding access to recreation, cultural, and educational programming emerged as top priorities in the City of Colorado Springs' Park System Assessment. The assessment is the first phase of the Park System Master Plan update and provides a data-driven snapshot of current conditions and community needs to help guide long-range planning for parks, trails, open spaces, and cultural and recreation facilities.

Public feedback consistently emphasized reinvestment in the existing system. Eighty percent of participants indicated a preference for taking care of current parks and facilities rather than adding new ones. Residents frequently identified basic amenities, such as restrooms, shade, lighting, seating, drinking fountains, trailhead parking, and overall maintenance, as factors that influence how often they use parks and how welcoming those spaces feel.

"This assessment gives us a clear understanding of what residents value most and where we need to focus our efforts," said Acting Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Kim King. "It reflects strong community support for maintaining our existing parks, trails, and open spaces, improving comfort and safety, and planning responsibly for the future as Colorado Springs continues to grow."

Trails were consistently identified as the most valued component of the park system. Residents highlighted the need to close trail gaps, improve safe street crossings, strengthen regional connections, and provide clearer wayfinding. While 92 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a City park, the assessment also identified differences in access and park quality across the city, with some areas experiencing greater challenges related to amenities and connectivity.

In addition to physical infrastructure, residents also emphasized the importance of programs and experiences that bring parks and facilities to life. Community feedback showed strong interest in recreation, cultural, and educational programming that serves a wide range of ages and abilities, supports family participation, and reflects the city's growing and diverse population. Programming was frequently identified as a way to increase park use, strengthen community connections, and ensure residents can fully benefit from the spaces around them.

Community engagement for the assessment included surveys, interactive mapping, open houses, pop-up events, and a statistically valid survey designed to represent residents across all City Council districts. More than 3,250 participants contributed feedback, providing insight into both systemwide priorities and neighborhood-level needs.

The Park System Assessment does not include recommendations or funding proposals. Instead, it establishes a factual foundation to inform the next phase of the Park System Master Plan, which will focus on developing a long-term vision and implementation strategies, including how the City plans for future growth and potential park land needs.

The assessment findings will be presented to City Council during a public work session on Monday. Residents can learn more about the Park System Master Plan process and review assessment materials at ColoradoSprings.gov/ParkSystemMasterPlan.