The Park System Master Plan is a long-range planning effort that guides how the City of Colorado Springs cares for, improves, and invests in its parks, trails, open spaces, and recreation and cultural services. The plan helps set priorities and provides a roadmap for decisions over the next 10 to 15 years, ensuring the park system continues to meet the needs of a growing and changing community.
Through this process, the City evaluates current conditions, listens to community feedback, and considers future trends to understand how residents use parks today and how they want the system to serve future generations. The plan helps balance everyday need such as maintenance, safety, and comfort with long-term goals like trail connectivity, access across neighborhoods, programming opportunities, land planning, and sustainable funding.
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is committed to using this plan to guide thoughtful, transparent decision-making and responsible stewardship of public spaces. Together, this work helps ensure the park system continues to support health, connection, and quality of life for the entire community.
Learn More
Park System Master Plan Development Timeline
2014 Parks System Master Plan
To view the 2014 Park System Master Plan including the locations and services addressed, visit:
Economic Benefits of Colorado Springs Parks and Recreation
Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services worked with Trust for Public Land (TPL) to estimate the economic benefits of our parks, trails and recreation facilities. The report shows that the parks, trails, and open spaces in the City of Colorado Springs are not just recreational havens but vital economic engines for the community. The 2024 report shows remarkable growth in the economic value of the city's park system since 2017, underscoring the integral role these natural spaces play in enhancing both quality of life and fiscal health.
Behind the Springs Podcast
Listen to the Behind to the Springs Podcast to learn more about the Parks System Master Plan from Britt Haley, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Director and Lonna Thelen, Design and Development Manager!
A message from Mayor Yemi
2024 Annual Report
Interested in learning more about the Colorado Springs Park System? Click the button below to learn more from our 2024 Annual Report.
Park System Assessment
The Park System Assessment is the first phase of the Park System Master Plan update and provides a comprehensive look at the current state of Colorado Springs’ parks, trails, open spaces, and recreation and cultural facilities. The assessment combines system data with extensive community input gathered through surveys, interactive mapping, open houses, pop-up events, focus groups, and a statistically valid survey designed to represent residents citywide. Together, this information documents existing conditions, identifies strengths and gaps, and highlights community priorities. The assessment does not make recommendations; instead, it establishes a shared, data-driven foundation to inform the long-range vision and planning decisions that follow.
Park System Assessment Presentation & Document
To view the recording of the Park System Assessment presentation, watch the video below:
Past Public Engagement
Past Meetings
City Council Work Session - Presentation of the Park System Assessment
- Date: January 12, 2026
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Click the "Park System Assessment" tab to review materials from this presentation
PRCS Advisory Board Meeting
- Date: December 11, 2025,
- Time: 8:30 a.m.
- Location: Virtual or in-person at 1401 Recreation Way
- View the agenda
- Click on the "Get Involved" tab to view the video presentation
Public Session
- Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
- Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Location: Briargate YMCA (4025 Family Pl, Colorado Springs, CO 80920)
Public Session
- Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
- Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Location: Southeast Armed Services YMCA (2190 Jet Wing Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80916)
Virtual Session
- Date: Wednesday, July 9
- Time: 6 - 7 p.m.