‘Fish, birds and kids’: Waterfront activities for Monument and Fountain Creeks in Colorado Springs proposed to city council

‘Fish, birds and kids’: Waterfront activities for Monument and Fountain Creeks in Colorado Springs proposed to city council

A group of local community stakeholders would like to revitalize a seven-mile extend of Monument and Fountain Creeks in Colorado Springs with places for tubing and kayaking, as very well as waterfronts and options for neighborhood enhancement. 

The vision introduced to metropolis council on Monday has 5 unique segments, including a probable revamp of the north facet of Monument Valley Park and the addition of a beach front for water recreation near The us the Wonderful Park. 

The COS Creek Plan commences at the Popcycle Bridge, situated at Monument Valley Park close to Beacon Street and Van Buren Avenue. It extends south to the confluence of Fountain Creek and Shooks Run Creek, just southeast of Dorchester Park.

Courtesy of COS Creek Approach
The COS Creek Program depicts this part of the undertaking as a desired destination for leisure actions and ceremonies for Colorado School along the creek. “As the major entry to the Colorado Higher education campus and Outdated North Close, this area should really celebrate the instructional and historic coronary heart of Colorado Springs.”

Chris Lieberwith N.E.S., the company that generated the renderings, characterized the seven-mile stretch as a symbolic section of the Fountain Creek Watershed. The project’s success, he mentioned, would be calculated by a few issues.

“Fish, birds and young ones,” he stated, describing who and what they hope to appeal to to the space. “In numerous methods, we imagine which is what success could signify on a really tangible degree.”

On the project’s web site, the group cited periodic water sampling by Colorado Springs Utilities and the United States Geological Study (USGS) as evidence the streams are risk-free for recreation and for supporting fish and wildlife. The web page also addresses the total of drinking water obtainable. 

“Fountain and Monument creeks have enough flows to assistance a selection of recreation pursuits which includes, but not limited to, float tubing, beginner kayaking, casual drinking water play and fishing. The volume of water may differ in the course of the calendar year, delivering extra seasonal recreation opportunities,” the site reads.

Courtesy of COS Creek Plan
The COS Creek Strategy sees new options on the north conclude of Monument Valley Park together with reclaimed land for growth and restored organic corridor for energetic and passive recreation. “The layout explores opportunities for multipurpose infrastructure that advantages the Creek ecosystem, storm water, and neighborhood.”

Other goals for the venture include restoring the normal purpose of the creeks, creating a signature spot for h2o enjoy and remaining a catalyst for reinvestment and financial vitality. 

Lieber reported the tips would be an “built-in tactic” to tasks presently using put in the metropolis. That contains a current glance into the construction of a system for passenger rail and proposed updates to the Shooks Run Trail program.

“This is a prepare that is an ‘and’ approach. It can be not an ‘or’,” he explained. “Communities that have carried out this well have reported ‘we’re going to blend all of these things together into this slim corridor to generate a dynamic, vivid, incredible house that is effective on all ranges.'”