16 Colorado Springs Parks Receive a Unique Recognition

Colorado Springs — In unique fashion, 16 Colorado Springs parks, trails and open space properties have earned national distinction through Leave No Trace’s Gold Standard Sites program. The parks include the Garden of the Gods, the Manitou Incline, North Cheyenne Canon Park, the former Leave No Trace Hot Spots Palmer Park and Stratton Open Space, as well as many other popular sites.

“Typically, we recognize individual parks that serve as models for Leave No Trace education and stewardship,” explains Julia Oleksiak, who oversees the program. “But with Colorado Springs we wanted to make this a system-wide designation because of the incredible dedication and consistency they’ve shown. It required enormous collaboration and support from various staff, partners, stakeholders, volunteers, community members and visitors throughout the city to earn this distinction.”

Dana Watts, the executive director of Leave No Trace, presented new signs to Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation staff in a short ceremony on the balcony of the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. Afterwards, volunteers and parks staff from all 16 units continued the celebration at the Red Leg Brewing Company. This municipal unit is the fourth Gold Standard site in Colorado, continuing to spread the Leave No Trace message in the organization’s home state.