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 Comcast in Park Cleanup

April 20, 2012 By

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Laura Benjamin

Communications Specialist

(719)385-5484

 

NEWS RELEASE

April 20, 2012                                                                         

Mayor and Suzi Bach Join Comcast for Park Cleanup

 

On Saturday, April 21, 2012 Mayor and Suzi Bach will join community and Comcast Cares Day volunteers for another Park Clean-up Event as a Spirit of the Springs initiative. Volunteers will meet at 9:45 am in the parking lot near Mesa and Glen Avenue near Colorado College.

Comcast has dedicated Comcast Cares Day as an annual single-day of service with more than 67,000 volunteers participating across the country and more than 4,000 volunteers participating in the state of Colorado.

“We know citizens love their city. We hope park cleanups will provide an organized way to make a difference,” said Donna Nelson, event organizer and the City’s Economic Vitality and Innovation Specialist.

“We’re so honored to partner with Mayor and Suzi Bach on the Spirit of the Springs project and with all of the Colorado nonprofits in southern Colorado to improve our great state during the 11th Comcast Cares Day,” said Mike Valentin, Area Vice President for Comcast in Southern Colorado. “I’m grateful to the hundreds of community and Comcast volunteers who will be donating their time to help beautify parks in Colorado Springs.”

Last month at the XFINITY Store opening in Colorado Springs, Donna Nelson accepted a $2,500 donation from Comcast on behalf of the City. The donation contributed to the purchase of supplies and further park enhancements for the Spirit of the Springs service day project and Comcast Cares Day, when Comcast volunteers work alongside community volunteers to beautify parks in Colorado Springs.

For more information, please visit http://mayorstevebach.com/spirit-of-the-springs/parks-cleanup/

 

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Filed Under: Community Relations, Parks, Press Releases Tagged With: ,

Japan-US Cherry Blossom Centennial Celebration

April 18, 2012 By
Mayor Steve Bach and Counsel General Ono of Japan at Denver at the Japan-US Cherry Blossom Centennial Celebration

Mayor Steve Bach and Consul General Ono of Japan at Denver with Mrs. Ono

The City of Colorado Springs was gifted a Cherry Blossom Tree from Japan.  Part of the nation-wide celebration of the Centennial Anniversary of the Gift of Cherry Blossom Trees from Japan to the US in 1912, the mayor and consul general planted a tree.  This was a timely celebration as Colorado Springs celebrated our 50th anniversary as Sister Cities with the City of Fujiyoshida, Japan.

Mayor Steve Bach and Consul General Ono of Japan at Denver officiated the ceremony and planted a Cherry Blossom Tree at the Torii and Japanese Garden across from Acacia Park.

Musical entertainment was provided by the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale and the Colorado Springs Conservatory.

Participating in the ceremony were:

  • The City of Colorado Springs
  • Colorado Springs Diversity Forum
  • Japan-America Society of Southern Colorado
  • Colorado Sister Cities International
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Filed Under: Arts and Culture, Community Relations, Mayor Bach News, Photo Gallery Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Mayor Bach Announces Director Pending Council Confirmation

April 17, 2012 By

                                                                   

CONTACT:

Cindy Aubrey

Chief Communications Officer

(719) 385-5254

NEWS RELEASE

April 17, 2012

                                                                                               

Mayor Announces Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

Mayor Steve Bach announced this morning the appointment of a new Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, pending confirmation by City Council on Tuesday, April 24.  After a comprehensive two-month recruitment and interview process with over 120 nationwide applicants, Karen Palus was selected by the Mayor and will begin her position with the City of Colorado Springs on Monday, June 18, 2012.  Ms. Palus will earn a salary of $128,000 per year.

“Karen’s extensive experience in park and recreation, as well as her leadership at the local, state and national levels will be a great asset to Colorado Springs.” said Mayor Bach.

Karen brings over 20 years of parks and recreational experience with both city and county government.  Most recently she served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Tampa where she worked for seven years.  During that time, Karen successfully attained National Accreditation by the Commission of Accreditation (CAPRA) for the City of Tampa’s Parks and Recreation Department.  Ms. Palus developed a park in the downtown core of the City of Tampa, after which time the park received numerous awards and was named one of the top ten new parks in the country for 2011.  She was the recipient of the Fellow Award, Achievement  Award, Outstanding Service Award and  Agency Excellence Award from the Florida Recreation and Park Association.

Ms. Palus began her career in Recreation for Brevard County Government in Florida.  She also worked in recreation for Martin County and Orange County.  Karen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Masters in Public Administration. She is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional as well as a Certified Youth Sports Administrator. She served as the Florida Recreation and Park Association President in 2004 and has been on their board of directors since 1997. She currently serves as the Head Faculty and Chairwoman for the Joe Abrahams Leadership Academy and is a trustee of the Florida Recreation and Park Association Foundation. 

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Filed Under: Leadership, Parks, Press Releases Tagged With: ,

Where Should Mayor Bach Hike Next?

April 17, 2012 By

Mayor and Suzi Bach enjoyed hiking through Red Rock Canyon with supporters of the Indy Give Fundraising campaign.  

Since there are so many beautiful parks, trails and open space areas throughout Colorado Springs. Do you have a favorite you’d recommend to Mayor Bach?

Take the poll to let him know!

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Filed Under: Parks Tagged With: ,