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The quarry cut at the heart of the Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Dena Rosenberry, The Gazette
BY R. SCOTT RAPPOLD
THE GAZETTE
Colorado Springs parks officials have decided to abruptly halt the master-planning process for two west-side open paces, due to conflicts among user groups.
Trails, Open Space and Parks manager Sarah Bryarly declined to elaborate on the specific issues, but said it was clear some hikers, cyclists, rock climbers, equestrians and parks friends groups have differing visions for the Red Rock Canyon, White Acres and Section 16 properties on the west side of Colorado Springs.
“We’ve always had the conflicts. It’s always been simmering. Now it’s just starting to bubble up a little bit more. We want to make sure we can address the issues before we get out of control,” Bryarly said.
“We are just trying to figure out how all the groups can really come together and work together.”
Red Rock Canyon Open Space has been open for several years. City officials decided to draw up its master plan at the same time as the recently purchased and adjacent White Acres and Section 16 properties.
Planning began in September with several well-attended public meetings. A meeting scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled.
Bryarly said the $70,000 master-planning process for Red Rock Canyon will continue, and the consultant drafting the plan will take input already received into account. More public meetings will follow the release of a draft plan.
The city budget was not an issue, since the TOPS sales tax is funding the process, Bryarly said.
For the other properties, officials will take an overall look at how they draw up master plans and come up with a new way to incorporate all the varied interests.
“We want to make sure we’re all on the same page and that we all have the common goals and visions for open spaces and regional parks, to preserve the natural environment while still providing the best recreation opportunities,” she said.
She said the master planning process will resume in 2012.
Susan Davies, executive director of the Trails and Open Space Coalition, has seen plenty of evidence of the conflicts.
For example, when volunteers and city parks staff built steps on a trail in Section 16 without any public announcement or planning, it angered mountain bikers because the steps were unrideable. “I don’t disagree this needs to be discussed,” she said.
She hopes parks officials don’t disregard what they have heard so far in public meetings.
“My main concern is that you have people who have really just committed a fair amount of time and energy into the process. It’s been so gratifying to see so many folks come out to these meetings,” she said.
Trails and Open Space Coalition meeting
The Trails and Open Space Coalition will hear a presentation from city officials on the decision to halt the master planning process of the Red Rock Canyon, White Acres and Section 16 open spaces at its annual meeting Thursday.
The meeting is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Gay and Lesbian Fund building, 315 E. Costilla St. The meeting is open to the public.
For information about the open space master planning process, visit the city’s Red Rock Canyon web page.
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