As many of you know, one of the key linchpins to the Avenger Open Space Project has been funding; specifically a grant request from Great Outdoor Colorado. Today, GOCO announced their largest slate of investments ever. And the good news is…
We got the Grant!!
The City of Woodland Park has been awarded just over half a million dollars for the purchase of Avenger Open Space and, in the words of GOCO, to “preserve critical natural areas under threat of commercial development, maintain the land’s ecological health, and ensure continued public recreation access.” (From GOCO’s Press Release) We at Teller Trail Team are beyond excited to see this project moving forward as a legacy to our region.
Next it will be our turn to contribute as the Community. We will need to raise $80,000 toward this project. We’re excited to let you know that approximately $50,000 of this has already been committed, and will be sending out details soon to let you know how you can be a part of this fundraising effort, too!
To chat more about the project, we went straight to the person spearheading the effort; Woodland Park Parks and Recreation Director Cindy Keating:
- What does this land acquisition mean for the community? The acquisition of the Avenger Property will provide 120 acres of public open space, held by a conservation easement in perpetuity. This acquisition creates a continuous pathway that allows hikers, bikers and nature enthusiasts to traverse the Paradise Open Space and Avenger Open Space seamlessly and safely.
- Tell us a little bit about the process and challenges of this land acquisition. The process for this project began back in August when the private property was listed for sale. The City’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members were instrumental in implementing the discussions of City acquisition of the property. Through discussions, we were supported by City Council and encouraged by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) to apply for a Land Acquisition Grant. The turnaround time for the grant process was short, but City staff worked diligently and submitted all required documents, meeting all grant deadlines. The Avenger properties are all mining claims and surrounded by National Forest. These two items provide additional challenges in a land acquisition. Through the assistance of Great Outdoor Colorado, Palmer Land Conservancy, and Forest Service staff, we have overcome these challenges.
- What are the next steps? The City continues to work with the National Forest to retain access to the property. Once the property obtains access, we will close on the property and work with Palmer Land Conservancy for the conservation easement.
- What time frame can people expect for Avenger Open Space to be open to public use? As soon as the City of Woodland Park owns the property, it will become public open space. We will work with our outdoor recreation partners in mitigating the property as well as developing dedicated trail systems.
- Anything else you want to say about the project, past, ongoing, or future? This is the City’s largest land acquisition in its history and a once in a generation opportunity for our community. We are thankful for City Council’s unanimous support of this acquisition. Without the support of Great Outdoors Colorado, this acquisition would not have been obtainable for the City of Woodland Park. We look forward to being public land partners with the National Forest today and into the future. The City of Woodland Park is confident that this project will leave a lasting legacy of unity, connection, and shared stewardship of the environment.
I have been so impressed with the City, and all the work they put into pulling this project together SO quickly. Most people don’t know the work that goes on behind the scenes to bring something like this to fruition, but let’s just say moving the dirt is the easy part. It’s the funding, due diligence, and planning that goes unnoticed by the public that makes or breaks a project like this.
The final purchase of the property is anticipated to be soon. In the meantime, please be respectful of this Private Property as it is not a public open space yet.
We also want to say a huge thanks to you, the community, for your support and feedback on this project! It’s been an honor to interact with you all over the past few months, and I look forward to more opportunities to serve the community in the near future (we have some good stuff in the pipeline!)
We’ll be sending out Community Donation details soon, so stay tuned!
Happy Hiking,
Chris Gonzales
Founder @ Teller Trail Team
Woodland Park Parks and Recreations Advisory Board Member