Colorado Springs parks debate continues
Posted : Feb 22, 2010 7:31 PM
Updated: Feb 23, 2010 9:23 AM
Nationally, cities and states are wrestling with the problem of funding parks. Arizona was looking at closing some of its state parks, and Detroit could sell as many as 92 of its parks. And, as News First 5 has reported for months now, funding for parks has been decreased significantly (from $2.4 million to $270,000) at the city county level. So, what can we do locally to ensure our parks don't disappear?
Colorado Springs City Council discussed that very problem Monday during a council meeting. Local coalition Trails and Open Space, or "TOPS," presented a series of proposed models for a sustainable solution that would combine city and county parks under one department. The plan consisted of three different models: the Regional Service Authority Model, Legislative District Model, and TOPS 2 Model. The RSA Model would be countywide with provisions for a community opt-out and 15 citizen-elected Board of Directors. The Legislative District Model would be similar to the Fountain Creek Watershed District -- a special district created by the state legislature. The TOPS 2 Model expands the TOPS program.
During the meeting, residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinions on the topic. TOPS' proposition didn't come without criticism; council members expressed concern about how much the proposal would cost and the possible expansion of government.
The eventual goal for TOPS is to make this available on the 2011 ballot, with a possible tax increase request.
For more information on TOPS, click here. Also, if you'd like to weigh in on the topic, there will be a public meeting at 6 p.m. on March 10 at the Bear Creek Nature Center in Colorado Springs.
