Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) announced the completion of the Garden of the Gods Park waterline project, a crucial enhancement that improves safety and accessibility in the park that saw an estimated 5.2 million visitors in 2024.
The 8-month project, a collaboration between PRCS, the City of Colorado Springs Office of Accessibility, Colorado Springs Fire Department and Colorado Springs Utilities, involved the installation of 8,000 feet of new waterline and 9 fire hydrants to enhance park and fire safety, and improve emergency response capabilities by ensuring a readily available water source.
Additional improvements were made to enhance accessibility with the creation of a fully accessible parking lot and ADA compliant trails into the Central Garden. Approximately 3,200 feet of asphalt was replaced to provide accessible parking nearer to the Central Gardens. A more sustainable, accessible concrete trail into Central Garden was also created.
Funding for the waterline project came from Colorado Springs Utilities, the Office of Accessibility, the Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax (LART), Park Land Dedication Ordinance (PLDO), and the Garden of the Gods Foundation.
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the collaboration between the City of Colorado Springs and the Garden of the Gods Foundation. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, operates the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center and proceeds from retail, food service, and program activities are used to support Garden of the Gods Park. Since its inception, the Garden of the Gods Foundation has generated over $6.8 million in support of Garden of the Gods Park that has funded a wide array of capital projects.
For more information on the project, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/GOGWaterlineProject.