COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KOAA) — After four surveys, two community meetings, five neighborhood site tours, youth focus groups, an open house, and 20 months of planning, the Fishers Canyon Open Space Master and Management Plan has been approved.
The plan, drafted by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department, encompasses a 343-acre area in southwest Colorado Springs.
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Bordered by Pike National Forest, the Broadmoor Hotel, Cheyenne Mountain State Park, and the Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, the plan will preserve the space for recreational and wildlife use.
The plan proposed a new trail system with 9-10 miles of enhancements that embrace the wilderness, as well as designated zones for bouldering, rock climbing, and a hiking-only trail loop (ADA compliant).
The team envisions a "26-mile master-planned trail" to connect the following areas:
- Chamberlain Trail
- Blodgett Open Space
- Red Rock Canyon Open Space
- Bear Creek Regional Park
- Stratton Open Space
- North Cheyenne Cañon Park
- Fishers Canyon Open Space
Additionally, 227 acres, or 66% of the space, will be conserved and designated as wildlife and habitat protection areas.
During the planning process, the city found that there were raptor nesting sites in the area that would need to be protected for the future.
To read more about the Fishers Canyon Open Space Master and Management Plan, visit the city's website.
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