The Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) sales and use tax program is a City sales tax program that has played a vital role in the protection and preservation of City trails, open spaces and parks since it was first approved by Colorado Springs voters in April 1997. In 2003, voters extended the 0.10% tax (1 penny on a $10 purchase) through 2025. In April 2023, Colorado Springs citizens voted yes on Resolution No. 03-23 to extend the TOPS sales and use tax with no increase to the tax until 2043.
“We thank the voters of Colorado Springs. Because of you, parks, trails and open space in Colorado Springs will be conserved for another 20 years! I would also like to recognize Colorado Springs Mayor's Office who personally led the effort to renew the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) dedicated sales tax, and the Colorado Springs City Council that voted unanimously for the measure to be placed on the April 4 ballot.” – Britt Haley, Director of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services.
The dedicated sales tax generates approximately $12 million annually. These funds, further leveraged through grants and the generosity of private donors, support the following.
- Conserve land threatened by development
- Protect wildlife habitat
- Reduce the risk of wildfires
- Maintain our regional parks and open spaces
- Conserve land that protects water quality
- Protect our quality of life
Why is TOPS important?
Conservation
Without the TOPS program some of the most beloved parks, trails and open spaces in Colorado Springs would not exist. Stratton Open Space was the first property acquired by TOPS. This was followed by land purchased to expand Blodgett Open Space and then Red Rock Canyon Open Space. Before being purchased by TOPS, all three properties were pegged for local development. The commercial vision for Red Rock Canyon, for instance, was a private golf course and townhomes.
Stewardship
TOPS rangers implement a variety of projects to benefit the community. This work includes things like regular cleanups, educational and safety programming, trail improvement efforts, noxious weed removal and natural resource management, like migratory bird surveys and other wildlife monitoring.
Economy
The reason many employers, entrepreneurs and visitors have decided to base themselves in Colorado Springs is in large part due to the excellent quality of life, opportunities for recreation, and natural beauty of the Pikes Peak region. The boost that open space and trails provides contributes more than $300 million to the local economy each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has TOPS achieved?
“When we reflect on what makes the City of Colorado Springs memorable and distinctive, it is no surprise that the properties that were conserved or enhanced by the TOPS program are mentioned first.” - Britt Haley, Parks Director
Since TOPS was first approved by voters in 1997, over 7,500 acres of open space has been acquired, 67 parks have been built or improved, and more than 53 miles of trail have been constructed with TOPS funding. The Park System Master Plan, which was finalized in 2014, helps determine where land is purchased and preserved and where trails and parks are constructed.
Here are some examples of how TOPS funding, combined with strategic leveraging of additional private and nonprofit funding, has impacted our community:
- Historic paleontological preservation at Corral Bluffs Open Space.
- Making key connections toward the final vision of Legacy Loop Trail, a vital recreation and transportation corridor.
- The largest neighborhood park renovation in city history, Panorama Park opened in southeast Colorado Springs in 2022.
- Identifying a recreation trend and listening and working with community members to expand pickleball opportunities in our public spaces.
- Before Red Rock Canyon Open Space was purchased by the City in 2003, the previous owners had plans to turn the closed quarry into a resort community with a convention center, high-rise towers, commercial centers and golf course.
- The northeast had been waiting for a community park for more than two decades before John Venezia Community Park was opened in 2017.
Who oversees TOPS?
Administered by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, TOPS has additional oversight from the TOPS Working Committee, comprised of city residents who monitor the TOPS budget and proposed purchases and projects to help ensure TOPS dollars are spent wisely. The working committee, which meets monthly, makes purchase recommendations to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Advisory Board before final approval by city council.
How can property be preserved by TOPS?
If you know of a possible open space property that TOPS should consider, download an application for the property to be considered by the TOPS Working Committee. Requests may be submitted by a property owner or representative, a municipality, a public or private entity, or private citizen. Please email the completed request to the committee.
2025 Projects
2025 brings new opportunities to improve and enhance parks, trails and open spaces that benefit residents throughout Olympic City USA. From revitalizing neighborhood parks to increasing connectivity through urban trail corridors, the following highlights key initiatives in store for 2025, reflecting PRCS commitment to creating welcoming and accessible outdoor spaces for all to enjoy.