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Mountain Shadows Park Renovation Update

We have received many inquiries concerning the status of the planned renovation of the Mountain Shadows Neighborhood Park. The renovation of Mountain Shadows Park and the construction of a permanent Mountain Shadows Waldo Canyon Fire Memorial have been in the planning phase for more than nine months and are intended to be the capstone to one of the most remarkable neighborhood disaster recoveries ever recorded.

The updated park and the memorial will stand as a permanent recognition of the perseverance, tenacity and commitment of Mountain Shadows residents in their journey to recovery. Colorado Springs Together representatives continue to meet with Parks and Recreation Department representatives and others to refine the planning and fundraising needs for these two major projects. Amenities desired by the neighborhood caused a significant change in the funding needed for the park renovation. This also has driven a change in the originally planned schedule from the Summer/Fall of 2013 to the Spring of 2014 as outlined below. This change will enable the execution of the two projects to be combined:

Phase 1

Schedule: Spring – Summer 2014

Renovation construction of the main park will include the installation of the Mountain Shadows Waldo Canyon Fire Memorial and will lay the groundwork for the integration of the park with the grounds of Chipeta Elementary School in Phase II. Expected construction period is March-May, 2014.

Project Cost: Approximately $900,000

The cost to renovate the park is much higher than originally estimated, by a factor of three, reflecting the neighborhood’s interest in more playing fields, enhanced parking and improved amenities. This cost has been reviewed extensively with several organizations and contractors.

Phase 2

Schedule: Summer 2014

Thanks to a partnership with Colorado Springs School District 11, Phase 2 will immediately follow Phase 1 and will redevelop the Chipeta Elementary School play area, unifying the park and school play grounds. All work is anticipated to be complete by the Fall of 2014. Expected construction period is June-early August, 2014

Project cost: preliminary estimate $300,000-$400,000

The cost to update Chipeta Elementary play area will be covered by District 11, with special grant funding and other donations separate from those in Phase 1. Greater Outdoors Colorado (known as “GOCO”) recently announced a $100,000 donation to fund the construction of an educational playground.

Funding Strategy

The funding will come in the form of cash and in-kind donations from a broad base across Colorado Springs. Examples include:

  • The construction community, involved with many aspects of the recovery of Mountain Shadows
  • The Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs
  • Neighbors and the Mountain Shadows Community Association (MSCA)
  • Other businesses, foundations and citizens across the region

Neighborhood Investment

MSCA is working to raise 10-15% of the required funding including in-kind contributions. Neighborhood involvement and support for the renovation is critical to receiving major grants and gifts to support the project.

Next Steps

Fundraising takes priority over the next months. The money will be raised before construction starts so that the project funds can be placed in escrow to pay contractors as the project progresses. Construction will not start until the required funds are in place. This is expected to be achieved by early 2014. Construction will begin in early spring assuming the funding is secured.

 

Please visit:
www.ColoradoSpringsTogether.org
www.facebook.com/ColoradoSpringsTogether
www.twitter.com/COS_Together

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Colorado Springs Together is an Independent 501c3 Non-Profit:
Colorado Springs Together is a community-driven volunteer effort, and is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The team members are distinguished citizens, business professionals and dedicated public servants in the community, facilitating and coordinating a quick and effective rebuilding process for the neighborhoods devastated on June 26, 2012, by the Waldo Canyon Fire.