About
The adoption of the Blodgett Open Space Master and Management Plan has now been approved by City Council.
A master and management plan process is underway to enhance and protect Blodgett Open Space. The 384-acre Blodgett Open Space (Project Study Area ~700AC) is in the foothills of the Front Range and consists of trails and wildlife habitat neighboring the Pikes National Forest. Using community input to be collected through an extensive community engagement process, the final master and management plan will effectively strike a balance between the need to protect and maintain the Open Space’s ecologic and natural resource integrity with the need to serve the ever-expanding base of current and future users.
As part of the process, the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department will work closely with the community to identify and prioritize how to improve, program, and manage this land to best meet the needs of Colorado Springs residents both now and in the future.
The master and management plan process will seek to:
- Expand Blodgett Open Space’s foothills to mountain experience with opportunities to enjoy diverse ecosystems, multiple watersheds, rejuvenating burn areas, diverse recreational opportunities, access to regional trails, and connections to recreation adventures in the adjacent Pike National Forest,
- Identify problems and develop remedies that will protect the open space and the visitor experience,
- Protect the open space’s cultural integrity and restore its natural resources, making it possible to encourage continued enjoyment while sustaining the open space for future generations,
- Create a trail system integrating equitable access for visitors,
- Take an integrated approach to protecting and planning for the future of this open space, as well as the adjacent City designated open space properties,
- Establish a shared vision with adjacent land managers to consider the larger landscape conditions,
- Provide engagement opportunities to increase a community-wide sense of belonging and culture of stewardship for Blodgett Open Space.
In addition to these goals and objectives, the master and management plan process will also conform to provisions in the Trails, Open Space and Parks Regulations Ordinances and honor conservation easements and utility easements currently in place.
Background
The original Blodgett Open Space land was purchased through the City of Colorado Springs Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) program and funding in March 2001. A second acquisition to the southeast was incorporated in 2018, bringing in a second parking lot and trail access location. Most recently in 2021, additional land was acquired to extend the land further south, with boundaries along the Pikeview Quarry and Allegheny Road.
Tapis Associates is leading the Planning process in collaboration with the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services staff and the public. This Tapis Team brings an unmatched history of working collaboratively with the City of Colorado Springs and its residents to create master and management plans. Those plans have helped to instill a proud tradition of stewardship of Colorado Springs’ parks and open spaces. Our team members, TAPIS Associates, Chickenango Marketing Strategies, ERO Resources, Chinook LA, and Wilson & Company, have combined experience and expertise in trails planning, open space planning and management, resource protection and environmental analysis, stormwater/water quality, public process, park interpretation and project management.
These disciplines, combined with the commitment and engagement of community residents, will ensure a process the creates stronger connections between people and this place, and a sustainable plan that future generations will continue to enjoy and experience the unique ecosystems, environments, and recreational experiences that Blodgett Open Space has to offer.
View the original 2001 Master Plan for Blodgett Open Space.
For more information on the background, please visit the Blodgett Open Space page.
Master and Management Plan Process
The original Blodgett Open Space land was purchased through the City of Colorado Springs Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) program and funding in March 2001. (You can view the the original Master Plan online.)
- Utilizes traditional and innovative technologies and tools that appeal to and engage diverse populations
- Is open and transparent to all who are interested in Blodgett Open Space, the ecosystem and wildlife preservation, the Chamberlain Trail, the Park-to-Peak Connector, the future bike park, and other regional/neighborhood issues and connections
- Is convenient and comfortable for all participants
- Combines and considers both technical analysis and the “lived experiences” of people who care about the open space properties
- Builds relationships of trust between the City and process participants and among participants themselves
- Develops public judgment by providing factual information as well as multiple opportunities for people to hear directly from each other
- Is supported by a rigorous community outreach program to promote and document the process
To see upcoming events, go to the Public Engagement Opportunities tab.
Public Engagement Opportunities
Upcoming opportunities
Proposed Master and Management Plan
- View the Final Master and Management Plan – Updated April 22, 2024
- View the Plan Appendices
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
- TOPS Working Committee Meetings
- March 6, 2024
- April 3, 2024
- Parks Advisory Board Meetings
- March 14, 2024
- April 11, 2024
Public comment for the Blodgett Master and Management Plan will be taken at the April TOPS and Parks Advisory Board Meetings
Previous Engagement
Public Review Plan
- View the Public Review Master and Management Plan
- View the Appendix
- Public Engagement Summary from Jan. 17 - Feb. 18, 2024
Blodgett Neighborhood Focus Meeting
- Date: Monday, Jan. 22, 2024
- Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Location: Trace Church (5805 Mark Dabling Blvd.)
In case you were unable to attend the neighborhood focus meeting, you can now view the presentation online.
Materials from October 17th Community Work Session
- Date: October 17th, 2023
- Time: 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Location: Flying W. Ranch, 3330 Chuckwagon Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Printed materials from the event:
- Agenda/Givens
- Trailhead Exhibit
- Draft Master Plan Map
- Draft Connectivity Plan
- Resource Handout
- Engagement To Date Brochure Summary
- October 17, 2023 Public Engagement Summary
October 17, 2023 Work Session Video
Material from the August 22nd Community Work Session
- Date: Tuesday August 22, 2023
- Time: 5:30 PM to 8pm
- Location: Flying W. Ranch, 3330 Chuckwagon Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80919
In case you missed the event, read the materials, watch the video, and then take the alternative concepts survey.
Printed materials from the event:
- Blodgett Event Agenda and Givens
- USFS Givens
- Engagement To Date Brochure Summary
- Trailheads Exhibit
- Alternative I and II Concept Maps
Watch the Recording of the Presentation:
What we heard from this event:
Funding
The Blodgett Open Space Master and Management Plan process is funded by the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) program. Implementation of a future adopted master and management will occur as funding allows.