There are numerous opportunities along the watershed under consideration for trail, channel, park improvements and expansion. It is critical to coordinate the related COS Creek Plan and visioning options in conjunction with these adjacent land use discussions.
There have been a number of previous planning efforts regarding the Fountain Creek Watershed, but few have evolved from “plan” to “completion.” Having the involvement of The Greenway Foundation’s five decades of successful efforts to Revitalize Rivers and Reconnect Communities throughout Colorado and beyond along with the equally successful design and construction resumes of N.E.S. Inc., Wenk Associates, Inc., ECI Site Construction Management, Inc. and the resource development expertise of Capitol Representatives ensures that the COS Creek Plan will allow “concept” to become “reality.”
Conversations have been initiated between numerous public, private and philanthropic stakeholders, which will ensure that the overseeing entity will have the necessary information to allow the recommendations of the COS Creek Plan to move forward to approval and implementation.
Yes. The water is safe for recreation and to support aquatic habitat. Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) and the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) conduct periodic sampling of the water in Fountain and Monument creeks.
Yes. Fountain and Monument creeks have adequate flows to support a variety of recreation activities including, but not limited to, float tubing, beginner kayaking, informal water play and fishing. The amount of water varies throughout the year, providing additional seasonal recreation opportunities.
Engagement with potential funding sources – public, private and philanthropic - is already taking place.
This has not yet been determined but expect public funding will be considered.
This project provides opportunities to improve water infiltration, improve water quality, restore wetlands, reestablish functioning floodplains, enhance riparian vegetation, and enhance aquatic habitat.
The history of projects, such as those that will be part of the COS Creek Plan recommendations, will indeed create significant and varied employment opportunities. Of equal significance, every project with which The Greenway Foundation has been involved has resulted in direct and impactful economic benefits.
Utilizing this website is an immediate opportunity for community input to the COS Creek Plan Leadership and Consultant teams. Additional opportunities to participate in the planning process will be posted on the website.
Where the creek is adjacent to the Martin Drake Power Plant, the COS Creek Plan will provide design recommendations for the creek’s edge. The COS Creek Plan will not determine the future land use for the power plant. The vision for the future use of the Drake Power Plant is part of a separate process.
Funding for COS Creek Plan improvements has not yet been determined. The COS Creek Plan planning process will evaluate sustainable funding sources for maintenance.
The COS Creek Plan is anticipated to result in improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure along the corridor and increase access to adjacent neighborhoods.
The COS Creek Plan is anticipated to increase property values along the entire corridor. Properties adjacent to sections of the Creek that are currently unkempt or unsafe will likely see the biggest increase in property values.
The COS Creek Plan will be sensitive to the history of Monument Valley Park and other historic places and resources along the corridor that are of historic significance. The project will include consultation with the State, City and local historians.
The COS Creek Plan will identify short-term, mid-term, and long-term projects for implementation. The goal of the initiation of construction involved with short-term projects is currently anticipated to take place within 1-3 years of the completion of the COS Creek Plan.
This level of detail will be determined as individual projects are designed and master planned. It is anticipated certain improvements along the corridor may attract large numbers of community members and visitors. For most of the corridor, it is anticipated that a significant number of users will access the Creek by foot or by bicycle.
A continuous partnership with the City of Colorado Springs and other stakeholder partners will be needed to address the goal of increased recreation and trail usage brought about by implementing the COS Creek Plan recommendations. This will necessitate developing a comprehensive program that addresses public health and safety. Examples of areas that will be considered include safe access points to enter and leave the trail, lighting along trails in conjunction with future development, in-water safety protocols, and enforceable regulations to reduce unsafe camping.
Engagement with the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department and the department’s maintenance program will help to establish consistent maintenance protocols and establish a healthy environment for wildlife and people alike. The promotion of partnerships with local community and environmental groups and non-profits will help connect related volunteers with opportunities to champion these critically important trails and waterways as the prized amenities that they are. Longer-term considerations will need to be addressed that focus on how best to manage and implement the programs and projects into the future that focus on sustainable resources of future funding, capacity building for park operations and maintenance, and develop consistent park rules and regulations across the watershed. There are different management models that should be explored to determine what is the best fit for Colorado Springs and COS Creek Plan. Examples include local government (e.g., City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department); non-profit foundation (e.g., The Greenway Foundation in Denver); and special district (e.g., South Suburban Park & Recreation District (Arapahoe County), Estes Valley Recreation & Park District (Estes Park).