City Testimonials: "I hope that you have received 500 calls saying THANK YOU for the new playground at Bonforte Park! It is a terrific neighborhood park and we so appreciate the improvements. I walk by every day and see so many children and parents enjoying themselves." -Citizen Comment "The crew from Engine 15A were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful, not only did this group of professionals represent the Fire Department in a positive light, they also speak to a city government that is responsive and courteous to the public."- Citizen Comment "We've found with projects we're doing, the City seems to be as proactive as they possibly can be." -Real Estate CEO "Grateful for the progress made by CSPD to curb shoplifting." -Business Loss Prevention Manager "Not only was my concern addressed in a professional and timely manner, but Finance Planning & Analysis Manager Leslie Hickey took the time to let me know that changes were on the way. This is the direct opposite of some folks' perception of local government." -Citizen Comment "Thank you very much for fixing the potholes on the round about for Squirrel Tail and Brainard as well as the divot by the water outlet on Squirrel Tail towards Musgrave. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" -Citizen Comment "Accounts Payable Supervisor Patti McFarland was true to her word, she called me back within days to give a status report. Then she called again to update me. Then, she called today to let me know she had been able to contact the unreachable tow company, received an invoice, and would be reimbursing the portion the business manager agreed to pay! I know that it was a sustained effort because I tried for several months and got nowhere. I can't express my overwhelming gratitude to Patti and your office for their work in this matter. We run a service-based business and try to learn from other organizations whenever we can. I will bring up this instance at our weekly meeting as an example of good service to be commended and followed.Thanks to you and Patti for the surprisingly positive experience I had with your office." -Local Small Business Owner "Thanks to Traffic Technician Pete Doyle, his community attitude to work with the residents is commendable. Thank you once again." -Citizen Comment "Streets Operations Manager Bard Lower has provided me superb customer service, above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I know that this has been a priority for your administration, and I felt it important to let you know that it is working. Mr. Lower and his associates deserve kudos for their proactive, thorough handling of this five-year-old snow plowing issue and I am grateful to you as well for making the City more responsive to citizen requests." -Citizen Comment "As a new resident of Colorado Springs, it’s apparent that the City really does excel in taking care of its residents and treats its citizens more like neighbors and friends than just customers on a long “to-do” list. Thank you for all your exceptional service." -Citizen Comment

Mayor and Suzi Bach Join Volunteers at Park Cleanup

April 23, 2012 By

Volunteerism is alive and well in Colorado Springs! On Saturday, April 21, 2012, hundreds of volunteers joined Mayor and Suzi Bach for another Spirit of the Springs Park Clean-up Event.

It was also National Volunteer Week and the 11th Comcast Cares Day - a single day of service for more than 67,000 volunteers across the country and 4000 in Colorado. Comcast sponsored the event and hosted a catered lunch by Jason’s Deli for volunteers.

Volunteers picked up about 150 bags of trash. Supporters included Bill Kurtz who launched the Park Cleanup concept, 110 high school students from Civa Charter School, GE Johnson, Chief Petroleum, Diane Allen-Philips CEO of the Urban League, Friends of the Junior League, Catholic Charities, Charis Bible College and many others. Waste Management contributed a vital resource – the trash bags!

 

Mayor Bach said, “It was a glorious way to end the week. It’s heart-warming to see so many enthusiastic volunteers and people who love Colorado Springs come out and pitch in. Suzi and I are thankful to all those who made this possible – our sponsors and our volunteers.”

For those who wish to schedule their favorite park for a Spirit of the Springs Park Cleanup, contact Donna Nelson, the City’s Economic Development Specialist at dznelson@springsgov.com.

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Filed Under: Community Relations, Parks, Spirit of the Springs Tagged With: , ,

Parks Solutions Team Announces Final Recommendations

April 20, 2012 By

                                                 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Julie Smith

Communications Specialist

(719) 385-5256

 

NEWS RELEASE

April 20, 2012                                                                         

Parks Solutions Team Announces Final Recommendations

The City of Colorado Springs announces the final recommendations of the Parks Solutions Team (PST).  The PST, formed by Mayor Bach, was charged with recommending options to maximize the overall quality of life and economic development value of the City park assets now, and in the future, without assuming a tax increase would occur.  The final report will be given to City Council at the Informal Meeting on Monday, April 23.

The PST, headed by Richard Skorman, began meeting in December 2011 and spent many hours evaluating how to balance opportunities for citizens with fiscal sustainability based on current resources, as well as exploring community partnerships as part of the solution.  Following is a summary of the most significant recommendations; more details are available in the Parks Solutions Team Summary and Recommendations report.

1. Modify TOPS – Modify TOPS by way of a City referred measure placed on the November 2012 ballot to allow for the six percent maintenance allocation to be used on all properties, not just TOPS properties, and amend the 20 percent parks allocation to allow use for either new park development or park maintenance and renovation on all park sites, not just TOPS properties. 

2. Address Water and Partnerships with Colorado Springs Utilities – Extend the current 80 percent Conservation Rate for potable water through at least 2020, support changing current bond covenants that limit water rate flexibility, create a seasonal park donation line item on utility bills, encourage continued support of irrigation retrofits, and support a reduced tap fee for community or urban gardens.

3. Park Land Dedication Ordinance – Eliminate the current PLDO and replace it with a new park land dedication, capital improvement and long-term maintenance ordinance.

4. Re-purpose Park Land – Convert 10 percent of the present irrigated acreage to other uses by the end of 2013 (82 out of 820 acres), convert bluegrass in low-use parks to low-water turf, identify underutilized parks and explore repurposing opportunities and partnerships for each site, and pursue partnerships to include sports clubs, HOAs, etc. 

5. Plan for New Park Ongoing Maintenance – Determine the long-term maintenance costs prior to erecting new parks and trails, purchasing open space, and entering into new partnerships; and consider placing long-term maintenance costs in the capital financing for new parks based on an amortization schedule to be paid for with set aside funding or through partnerships

6. Water Sales Allocation – CSU sells water to outside users and 50% of proceeds generated from outside water sales are currently being paid to the City – recommend these proceeds from those sales should be used to offset water costs. 

To arrange an interview with Richard Skorman or Scott Smith from the Parks Solutions Team, please contact Julie Smith at 385-5256. 

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Filed Under: Parks, Press Releases Tagged With: ,

Colorado Springs Continues Parks Irrigation System Upgrades

March 30, 2012 By

                                                        

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Julie Smith

Communications Specialist

(719) 385-5256

NEWS RELEASE

March 30, 2012

 COLORADO SPRINGS CONTINUING EFFORT TO UPGRADE PARKS IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

The City of Colorado Springs Parks Maintenance Division, with funding from Colorado Springs Utilities, is continuing an on-going project to upgrade irrigation systems throughout all City parks. Since 2010, Colorado Springs Utilities has put $750,000 into upgrading the irrigation systems in 55 parks with plans to upgrade another 20 parks in 2012.  These upgrades include park retrofits, rain sensors, the installation of ‘smart’ irrigation controllers, and new system installations.  New sprinkler heads and controllers have shown a 20% increase in efficiency.

Every park with an irrigation system (156) now has a rain sensor.  Six parks have entirely brand new, efficient systems. Over 60 water conservation audits have already been completed, and audits on all parks will be finished by the end of 2013. 

“More efficient water usage leads to healthier grass that stands up better to weeds and everyday park use,” says Kurt Schroeder, Manager of Parks Operations and Development. “It creates a more beautiful park system and saves the City money on maintenance such as re-seeding costs.”

The improvements will help the City park system for years into the future and currently as the warm, dry weather has prompted Parks staff to turn on the irrigation systems approximately one month earlier than usual.  Early watering is an important step to help protect the 300 acres of over-seeding done last year with one-time funding promised at Mayor Bach’s inauguration.

“The additional over-seeding that was done in 2011 was a success and the grass took well in many of our parks that needed it,” says Schroeder.  “By turning our water on now, we are working to ensure that all of our parks are green and healthy this summer.  Hopefully we’ll get some help from Mother Nature as well.”

The Mayor’s Parks Solutions Team has placed a high priority on water management and it is expected that recommendations regarding such will play a major part in the final report.  The Solutions Team is scheduled to give a report to City Council on April 23.

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Filed Under: Colorado Springs Utilities, Mayor Bach News, Parks, Press Releases Tagged With: , ,

Mayor and Suzi Bach Attend Monument Creek Springs Cleaning

February 21, 2012 By

It was sunny and brisk the morning of Saturday, February 18, 2012 as Mayor Bach, Suzi Bach with almost 50 volunteers met at Black and White Auto, then seized plastic trash bags and scoured the banks of Monument Creek. 

Two volunteer teams, one heading north and the other south, worked for hours and collected over 50 big bags of trash.

 

“Springs Cleaning” volunteers will gather each third Saturday of the month at 10am to pick up litter and pull weeds in parks around Colorado Springs.   

 

“We know citizens love their city.  It’s part of what makes Colorado Springs great – it’s part of the ‘Spirit of the Springs,’” explained Donna Nelson, City economic vitality specialist and event organizer.  “But sometimes we don’t know how to give back.  We hope these park cleanups will provide an organized way to make a difference.”

 

Nelson invites citizens to contact her if they would like to set up a park clean up for their neighborhood.  You can email her at dznelson@springsgov.com to start the process.

At his swearing in, Mayor Bach challenged citizens to take an active role in improving our city.  Park clean ups are an easy way to make a significant impact in a relatively short time.

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Filed Under: Mayor Bach News Tagged With: , ,