Colorado Springs and El Paso County Relocation ... - Keep Trees

Community
and RECREATION
Opportunities for community involvement
and recreation abound in Colorado Springs,
El Paso County and the Pikes Peak region. In
addition to the nearly 600,000 people who live in
the metropolitan area, more than 6 million people
visit each year, contributing more than $1 billion
to the local economy and ensuring a nonstop roll
of fun tickets. Parks, trails, cultural activities,
attractions and facilities are plentiful enough to
keep close to 7 million people happy throughout
the year, many taking advantage of the natural
wonders of the area. When you live here, you’re
never without something to do in your spare time.
With more than 300 days of sunshine you’ll want
to get out and explore your new surroundings as
often as you can.
ARTS & CULTURE
Many artists,
patrons, arts groups,
galleries, music and
dance venues, museums,
opera, performing arts,
theaters and auditoriums
contribute to the culture of
the Colorado Springs area.
Participating and partaking
of the arts is a passion
many residents share. The
Pikes Peak Arts Council is
a great resource for gaining
a sense of the cultural
community. Visit www.
pikespeakartscouncil.org
for ideas and information
for both patrons and
creators of the arts.
PARKS & TRAILS
Colorado Springs
Since 1871, when Colorado Springs fi led the original
town plat, it has included park provisions. The fi rst park,
one square block, is the site of the present-day Acacia Park.
Colorado Springs’ city founder General William Jackson
Palmer generously donated 1,270 acres of parkland, bridle
and foot paths, scenic drives and roadways planted with
trees, to establish a signifi cant foundation of the Colorado
Springs park system. These gifts included Acacia (North)
Park, Monument Valley Park, Antlers Park, Pioneer Square
(South) Park, Palmer Park, North Cheyenne Cañon, Prospect
Lake and Bear Creek Cañon.
In 1909, the Perkins heirs gave Garden of the Gods Park
to the City, adding to the beautiful parkland already established.
Today, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services manages
7 regional parks, 9 community parks, 123 neighborhood
parks, 5 sports complexes and 45 open space areas. Colorado
Springs has more than 12,000 acres of parks, trails and
open space, and continues to acquire and maintain more to
further enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Activities range from picnicking, swimming and soccer to
hiking, biking and nature enjoyment. There are also several
dog parks. A large variety of regional and open space areas are
60 Colorado Springs Relocation GUIDE 2007