This blog is one in a series of four end of year “Celebrations” marking the past year for the City of Colorado Springs.
With many community projects and events underway or planned for the upcoming year, Colorado Springs residents have a lot to look forward to in 2022.
Downtown Transformation in Full Swing
Two major sports facilities opened in downtown Colorado Springs in 2021; Weidner Field, home of The Colorado Springs Switchbacks and Ed Robson Arena, home to Colorado College Hockey. Both are part of the City for Champions (C4C) Initiative. Read more about C4C here.
New apartments, hotels, restaurants and businesses are contributing to an exciting energy downtown. One of many events is Skate in the Park, which is extended through Feb. 2022. Tickets, along with other downtown events, can be found at DowntownCS.com.
Input Welcome on ConnectCOS
Residents are invited to weigh in on a citywide visional transportation study. ConnectCOS involves technical analysis and community input to identify and prioritize short and long-term transportation projects for all modes of travel. Additional opportunities will soon be available for the public to review draft plans and provide feedback.
Southeast Development Underway
Public and private investment in the southeast area of Colorado Springs is paying off. The City has initiated public investments totaling over $160 million including numerous road and bridge projects and $8.5 million to build Panorama Park. In addition, the city is tracking approximately $500 million in private investment including three Amazon distribution facilities that are producing thousands of new jobs.
Significant progress has been made on the largest neighborhood park renovation in the city’s history. The 13.5-acre Panorama Park, near Fountain Boulevard and Jet Wing Drive is set to open in the summer of 2022. A video showing the progress can be found here.
Peak Innovation Park, the 900-acre business park near the entrance of the Colorado Springs Airport, experienced substantial growth in 2021 with multiple construction and infrastructure projects, including utility and road extensions to accommodate future growth. More improvements are planned for 2022 as well as a hotel development.
Colorado Springs Tourism Stands Strong
2021 was a big year for Colorado’s small airport. The airport welcomed Southwest Airlines in March, which brought tremendous growth in air service and seats available at Colorado Springs Airport. Other carriers also increased air service and capacity in direct response to Southwest. With the increase in capacity came an increase in travelers. Traffic volumes began to exceed 2019 volumes in the summer of 2021 and are projected to continue to do so.
Tourists and residents have enjoyed our local attractions in record numbers, which includes more than 530,000 people visiting Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain and the new visitor center, and more than 3.6 million soaking in the views at Garden of the Gods Park in 2021.
Olympic City USA Ready for Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2022
Of all medals won by Team USA in Tokyo, 47% of those athletes lived or trained in Colorado Springs. As we prepare for the Winter Olympics in February 2022, follow @OlympicCityUSA on Facebook and Instagram for stories featuring our athletes as they strive for gold and details about a downtown celebration to help kick off the games. In the meantime, Olympic City USA gear is available for purchase at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, the Colorado Springs Airport or at ShopCOS.org.