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

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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Kyrgystan Sister City Teachers Met Mayor Bach

March 12, 2012 By

English teachers from Colorado Springs’ Sister City Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, met with Mayor Bach as part of their trip to study and observe Colorado Springs schools, from elementary to the university level.

 These young educators would like to establish a virtual classroom experience between schools in Kyrgyzstan and Colorado Springs, in addition to being “pen pals” via SKYPE.

 

“We’re proud to be a Sister City with you,” the Mayor said. Then he asked more about their schools, districts and relationships with nearby cities. They have four school districts in their capitol city of 800,000 people.

 

 

Colorado Springs and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan have been Sister Cities since 1994. This visit was funded by the Open World Leadership Center in Washington D.C. and the teachers stayed with Colorado Springs host families to experience our culture and daily life firsthand.

Mayor Bach offered gifts of pens for each with the words “America the Beautiful” and “Pikes Peak” inscribed. He received a gift from their country in return. Their goal is “to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and countries of Eurasia by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America’s democratic, accountable government and its free-market system.”

When ask if they’d been shopping, the teachers grinned and said, “Most definitely!”

Sister Cities are formed to develop friendly and meaningful exchanges involving citizens and organizations in both communities engaging in projects of mutual interest.  Colorado Springs has six Sister Cities: Bankstown, Australia; Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Fujiyoshida, Japan; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Nuevo Casas Grandes, Mexico; Smolensk, Ukraine.

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Sister City Bishkek Kyrgyzstan Teachers Meet Mayor Bach

March 9, 2012 By

  FOR MORE INFORMATION

John Leavitt

(719) 385-5242

MEDIA ADVISORY

March 9, 2012                                                                                                                

      Mayor Bach to meet with visiting teachers from Sister City Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Mayor Bach will meet with visiting English teachers from Colorado Springs’ Sister City Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and present them with a small gift from the City of Colorado Springs.  The meet and greet will take place on Monday, March 12 at 10 a.m. the Mayor’s Office in Suite 601 of the City Administration Building (30 S. Nevada Ave.).

            The primary purpose of the trip is for young, educational leaders from Kyrgyzstan to visit our country to observe and study our educational system, including K-12 curriculum, distant learning methods and the use of online programs to enhance education, and to establish a virtual classroom experience between schools in Kyrgyzstan and Colorado Springs such as being “pen pals” via SKYPE.  To that end, the visiting teachers will be meeting with many Colorado Springs schools from elementary to university level.  The visitors will also be enjoying “homestays” with Colorado Springs host families so that they can experience our culture and daily life.

            Colorado Springs and Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan have been Sister Cities since 1994. This visit is funded by the Open World Leadership Center in Washington D.C., which seeks “to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eurasia by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America’s democratic, accountable government and its free-market system.”

            Bishkek, capitol of Kyrgyzstan, is one of the most beautiful and progressive cities in Central Asia. It is the nation’s capital and is located along the ancient Silk Road. This city of 800,000 people at the base of the Tien Shan mountain range has a climate similar to that of Colorado Springs. Bishkek is a film industry hub and has vast capacities for industry and mining, as well as tourism and recreation.

            Sister Cities are formed to develop friendly and meaningful exchanges involving citizens and organizations in both communities engaging in projects of mutual interest.  Colorado Springs has six Sister Cities: Bankstown, Australia; Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Fujiyoshida, Japan; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Nuevo Casas Grandes, Mexico; Smolensk, Ukraine.

TWO ADDITIONAL MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Monday, March 12, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Discovery Canyon Campus
  • Tuesday, March 13, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at The Classical Academy
  • Please contact Don Richardson, Colorado Springs Sister Cities International, at 719-243-1601 for questions.

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