First South Slope funding piece in place, but debate continues on scope of development
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- Created on Wednesday, 04 August 2010 19:51
- Written by R. Scott Rappold
By R. SCOTT RAPPOLD
THE GAZETTE
The first piece of the funding puzzle to open the South Slope of Pikes Peak to recreation fell into place Wednesday, when the Colorado Springs Trails, Open Space and Parks Working Committee voted 6-2 to commit $210,000.
But each of the members, who set spending priorities for the one-tenth of 1 percent TOPS sales tax, blasted the plan by Colorado Springs Utilities – which owns the watershed – to spend an estimated $3.9 million developing the property.
“Three point nine (million dollars) is staggering. I think we need a different concept to deal with than the one that’s on the table at this point,” said committee member Lee Milner.
Check out a photo gallery from the South Slope.
The watershed, and its seven reservoirs, have been off-limits to the public for more than a century. In January, after years of public pressure, Utilities released a plan to allow hiking, fishing and other recreation there. But city council mandated that no ratepayer money be used, and with the city parks department withering under budget cuts, TOPS is seen as the main source.
Utilities’ plan, a final version of which will be completed next month, calls for a trailhead and 5.6-ile trail at Mason Reservoir and a trailhead at McReynolds Reservoir with a 1.2--mile trail and boat ramp. Both trailheads would be landscaped, with rest rooms, picnic tables and a pavilion at the latter. There would also be a trail at Lake Moraine connecting with other trails in the area.
The trails themselves will cost about $500,000, and committee members questioned if the rest is necessary.
“We’re at the point where we can’t water the trees. It’s hard to spring for a $4 million parking lot,” said committee chairman Scot Hume.
Maintenance would be paid for by an entry fee, probably $5 per car. “We obviously pay that fee for use every time we go shopping,” said member Ian Kalmanowitz, referring to the TOPS tax.
He said there are more deserving projects closer to the city and voted against Wednesday’s commitment of $210,000, which will match a $700,000 grant the city will apply for from Great Outdoors Colorado.
Utilities spokeswoman Patrice Quintero said the development plan remains fluid, and parts could be phased in or not built at all.
“For us, it’s always been flexible and it’s always been about delivering what folks really want,” she said. “We understand the reality of funding and we understand the reality of resources.”
But officials don’t want to simply open the gates without some infrastructure in place, including parking and rest rooms.
Most of the trail construction is expected to be done by volunteers, who will build the first section of trail Aug. 21.
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