You can always amend a big plan, but you can never expand a little one. I don’t believe in little plans. I believe in plans big enough to meet a situation which we can’t possibly foresee now.
Harry S. Truman, former U.S. President
Current Projects
COS Creek Plan
The COS Creek Plan is a holistic vision for restoring the Fountain and Monument Creek corridor with a focus through downtown Colorado Springs, but with an entire watershed impact. The principles that guide the plan are based on the belief that stormwater and flood risk management can be an integral part of a larger goal to maintain and restore the natural functions of the creeks throughout the watershed. The guiding principles for this plan are Restore the Natural Functions of the Corridor, Create a Premier Destination for Outdoor Recreation and Leisure, Support Economic Vitality and Revitalization, and Build a Strong Sense of Place Unique to Colorado Springs.
Eight primary projects have been identified with this plan which spans over 10 miles of creek. updates can be found on the COS Creek Plan Website.
A Watershed Approach
Aligned with the important local value of the COS Creek Plan, this vision recommends a number of opportunities throughout the COS Creek Plan. This plan’s primary recommendations are fully compatible with the City’s objectives for improving stormwater quality, reducing sediment, and managing flood risk as found in reports such as the municipal stormwater and construction guidelines as well as master planning documents approved by the City.
Potential Improvement Areas
- Wolf Ranch
- Cottonwood Creek Park
- Cottonwood Confluence
- Monument Creek North
- University Village
- Templeton Gap Confluence
- Coleman Park
- Goose Gossage Park
- Manitou Ball Park
- 21st Street
- Gold Hill Mesa
- Shooks Run
- Cheyenne Creek
- El Pomar Sports Complex
- Wildflower Park
- Sand Creek Confluence
Existing Channel Conditions
Both Monument and Fountain Creeks have been channelized or confined between levees. They no longer have functioning floodplains which limits their natural flood storage and water quality treatment potential.
REstablish Channel Conditions
To the degree possible, restore the sinuosity of the creek channel and reestablish floodplain terraces that improve the multiple natural functions lost when the streams were channelized.
Improve neighborhood connections and encourage redevelopment
Provide for and encourage multiple opportunities to access the water’s edge for nature and water-based recreation. Promote existing and new development orientation towards the corridor to take advantage of scenic and recreational access.
Connected Corridors
Key corridor investment would create large-scale connective improvements that are watershed-wide, to smaller, more site-specific connective improvements which bind revitalized parks together for increased access and opportunity. These connections not only strengthen the greenway recommendations for sustainable growth, but also support the framework for a regional context that can extend beyond the corridor. The areas between park sites highlight the significance of trail connections, riparian habitat, water quality floodplain terraces, and creek activation for outdoor education and stewardship.Â
Monument Valley park North
- Western levee realigned closer to the highway to restore a functioning floodplain, creek sinuosity, and add water quality terraces
- Informal trails within valley edges increase interaction with the creek and respect riparian habitat
- Improved connections to the Old North End Neighborhood and corridor
Monument Valley Park South
- Historic elements are highlighted and enhanced while continuing to establish a functioning floodplain
- Realigned pedestrian bridge over Monument Creek to strengthen the connection between Formal Gardens and Tahoma Springs as historic landmarks
- Expanded railroad bridge allows for improved pedestrian connectivity
- Underused land near the railway is reclaimed as a large water quality treatment area for highway run-off
- Linear water quality along the eastern edge treats run-off from adjacent neighborhoods
Tejon Wetlands
- Creek sinuosity is dramatically improved between the new Drake Waterfront and Gateway South Park
- Floodplain terraces create large water quality treatment areas for adjacent neighborhoods, expand trail networks, and provide water access and outdoor education opportunities
Old Depot Triangle
- Industrial area between the Old Depot and the Creek repurposed as a development with new vehicular access, expanded parking, and outdoor gathering area for arts festival or beer garden
- Pedestrian promenade cantilevers over Monument creek under Colorado Ave, connecting to America the Beautiful Park
Shook's Run
- Eleven (11) acre parcel at the confluence of Fountain Creek and Shook’s run is transformed into a water quality treatment park where terraces and elevated trails pull water from the creeks and adjacent developments to be cleaned before re-entering the waterway
- Emphasis on riparian habitat, passive recreation, and outdoor education create a terminus for the urban greenway corridor