Mission
Pikes Peak Waterways strives to improve the quality of life in the Pikes Peak region by preserving, improving, restoring and maintaining its waterways with a focus on the Fountain Creek Watershed. In furtherance of our mission, we will:
Vision
We will inspire, lead, and be the catalyst for the transformation of Pikes Peak regional creeks and streams into healthy and sustainable watersheds that enrich the quality of life in the Pikes Peak region.
Partners & Collaborators
History
1907
General William Palmer gifted Monument Valley Park to the City of Colorado Springs. The park was approximately 164 acres and nearly 11,000 linear feet from its northern edge to southern edge. Changing the Monument Creek channel was part of General Palmer’s improvements to the park area. His vision for the park and creek was that it be enjoyed by all people and all ages for all time.
1935
A significant flood occurred on Memorial Day that destroyed 70 homes and killed 6 people. The seven inches of rain drove the usual flow of 20 cfs (cubic feet per second) up to 50,000 cfs. The Monument Creek floodplain was widened in efforts to prevent mass flooding. The creek was “channelized” to encourage rapid flow out of the city.
1936
Due to the significant damage to Monument Valley Park, the City considered not rebuilding part of the park. In the spirit of collaboration and wisdom, a deal was made to transfer four adjacent acres to Colorado College for use as their athletic fields, thus allowing the City and College the ability to maintain the entire original park.
1965
In 1965 the second greatest flood recorded swept the Colorado Front Range. Twelve or more inches of rain in a single day makes this flood event larger than 1935. The Arkansas River Basin, which includes Colorado Springs, sustained over $37 million in damages.
2000
As noticed in the timeline gap, Monument and Fountain Creeks took somewhat of a back seat in the community. Even though the creeks still served important functions, invasive species grew up, access became difficult, and the perception was that of a waterway not desired or available for recreation or enjoyment. However, interest remained high to restore the creeks to their natural functions. Over 40 various plans and studies were released over a span of 30 years that sought to improve the creeks. Some include “A Master Plan for the Pikes Peak Greenway” (1994), “Confluence Park Design Development Drawings” (2001), “Remediation Scenarios for Attenuating Peak Flows & Reducing Sediment Transport in Fountain Creek” (2013), and “Natural Solutions for a Communally Vibrant & Ecologically Resilient Fountain Creek” (2018).
2017
The City of Colorado Springs committed over $460 million to rectify stormwater and water quality concerns.
2019
With growing concern of the state of the waterways rising, a local group of community advocates decided to try a different route. In partnership with Lyda Hill Philanthropies, local leaders Jan Martin, Pam Schockley-Zalabak, and Dolly Wong-Kast embarked on a mission to develop an implementable vision plan for the creeks.
2020
In conjunction with water quality and quantity concerns rising, the latest demographic numbers were released. El Paso County’s population grew 41% from 2000-2020 with a projected additional 200,000 people by 2050.
2021
Pikes Peak Waterways was established as the 501c3 nonprofit to drive the implementation of the COS Creek Plan. A collaboration between Pikes Peak Waterways, City of Colorado Springs, and Colorado Springs Utilities was implemented to ensure partnership and direction moving forward.
2022
After countless community stakeholder discussions and planning efforts led by a project team of NES, Inc, the Greenway Foundation, ECI , Capitol Representatives and Wenk Consultants the COS Creek Plan was publicly released the spring of 2022. The creek plan addresses restoring the creeks to their natural functions, promotes economic and community vitality, and integrates a stormwater management approach.
2023
The first Request for Proposal was released through the City of Colorado Springs, in partnership with Pikes Peak Waterways and Colorado Springs Utilities, for Design & Engineering of America the Beautiful Park.
The Board
Testimonials
Impact
Water
Water is a precious resource, especially in the state of Colorado. With water scarcity and ongoing threats of wildfires, the protection and enhancement of water resources is imperative. Pikes Peak Waterways is committed to projects that make lasting impacts. These projects will improve water quality for storm runoff, reduce flood risk, and increase groundwater recharge.
land
Implementing projects along Fountain and Monument Creeks will have a lasting positive impact on the land. Removing and relocating levees will restore natural water flow, promoting sinuosity and enhancing biodiversity. Establishing trail connections will offer recreational opportunities, fostering community connection and appreciation for the restored ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable and resilient landscape.
