COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The Colorado Springs Parks Department is working to replace signage at several open spaces in and around the city.
These include areas such as Red Rock Canyon Open Space, Ute Valley Park, and Stratton Open Space, which already has the new signs. Many of the trail markers and trail signs have either been worn out or damaged and are in need of replacement.
The new signage will include signs at trail intersections. The parks department says that this project in Ute Valley Park and Austin Bluffs Open Space should be done by the end of the month.
Completed project updates include:
- Palmer Park wayfinding started in the late fall of 2019 and was completed in the spring of 2020
- Signage was installed on the Northern Return Trail in 2020
- Wayfinding was installed on the new Daniels Pass Sweetwater Canyon Trails in 2021
- Wayfinding was installed on the Chamberlain Trail in North Cheyenne Canyon Park and Strawberry Hill property
The signs are a part of the Openspace Wayfinding and Signage Project, which was acquired under the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) program. The TOPS tax extension was passed by Colorado Springs voters in April.
TOPS properties include:
- Rock Island Open Space (along the Rock Island Trail between Galley and Powers)
- Ute Valley Park
- Austin Bluffs Open Space
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space
- Blodgett Open Space and Fishers Canyon Open Space
Below is a list of goals this project aims to complete, according to the City of Colorado Springs.
- Create a consistent signage and wayfinding system across the TOPS Open Space properties
- Create a wayfinding package that enhances the natural aesthetics of the property
- Improve navigation for all modes of non-motorized recreational travel within the open space
Additional properties currently underway include North Cheyenne Canon Park. The wayfinding at the park will be completed this late fall/winter, and decals installed by Spring (temperature dependent). The wayfinding posts from North Cheyenne Canyon Park are funded by a $250,000 LART award, approved in the 2023 Off-cycle funding cycle. That fund will also cover the costs of kiosks and the Ladders Trail construction.
To learn more about the Openspace Wayfinding and Signage Project, visit the City of Colorado Springs Website.
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