The creation of America the Beautiful Park
(formerly Confluence Park)
Downtown Colorado Springs at 126 Cimino Drive
Across the country, cities are paying attention to community livability and are investing in spaces that create a sense of community while adding to community life and strengthening economic viability.
In 1992, a combined effort produced the Downtown Action Plan that established goals and vision for assuring the vitality of the Downtown area. Included was a premier amenity, America the Beautiful Park, a 30-acre site.
In 1994, a partnership between local governments and citizens developed the Master Plan for the Pikes Peak Greenway to extend a multi-use trail serving as the spine of the countrywide trails system. Part of that plan included a "greenway" to be developed along the creeks, linking the broader areas into the America the Beautiful Park area.
In 1998, the community approved a bond issue that included $11 million for use in developing the park, and that has stimulated further development in and around the park.
In July of 2000, a Master Plan was developed for the entire park, and has been approved by City Council for continued development. This document addressed the 21 acre park, plus an additional 40 acres surrounding it; bounded by I-25, the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, Bijou and Cimarron streets.
The completed park was dedicated on September 30, 2005 and the Julie Penrose Fountain was dedicated on June 7, 2007.
Several benefits of America the Beautiful Park to Colorado Springs are:
Create a catalyst that will start the redevelopment
of the surrounding area;
Trail access to downtown;
Improve the unsightly image of the primary entries
into downtown;
Create a gathering place for the community.
Map of America the Beautiful Park:
Click here for an 8.5"x11" America the Beautiful Park Map (Adobe Acrobat)
Views of America the Beautiful Park:
| Bridge from America the Beautiful Park connects to Midland Trail and the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail |
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