Overview
Join the community as we engage in a public planning process to imagine the future of Fishers Canyon Open Space located in southwest Colorado Springs. This planning process seeks to develop a set of recommendations that reflects the vision of the community while simultaneously considering opportunities for outdoor recreation, access, safety, watershed and wildlife habitat protection, restoration, and trail connectivity.
Developing Scenarios
Planners have developed two preliminary scenarios based upon community feedback up to this point. A scenario is a possible course for the enhancement of Fishers Canyon Open Space. Community input and additional site studies will inform more concrete alternatives that the public will have the opportunity to review. Physically challenging trails, potential connections to Cheyenne Mountain State Park and access to rock climbing are potential opportunities identified through public feedback.
Get Involved
Join us for our upcoming meetings for an opportunity to share your thoughts, ask questions and collaborate with project managers, residents and stakeholders. Your input is invaluable as we stive to create a plan that balances recreation and conservation in Fishers Canyon.
Second Public Meeting:
- Date: Tuesday, Nov. 19
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School (1200 W. Cheyenne Road)
Community Survey #3:
- Date: Opens Thursday, Nov. 21, closes Sunday, Dec. 15
Open House:
- Date: Wednesday, Jan. 22
- Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School (1200 W. Cheyenne Road)
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the City of Colorado Springs will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Should you require an auxiliary aid and/or service to participate in an upcoming meeting, please submit your request as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Residents may submit requests for accommodations by emailing cassie.melvin@coloradosprings.gov or calling the Communications Office at 719-385-5447. Dial 711 or 800-659-3656 for Relay Colorado.
Visit the Public Engagement Tab to catch up on all the engagement to date including meeting summaries, presentations, and more
About
Learn more about Fishers Canyon Open Space by exploring the StoryMap.
The 2014 Park System Master Plan identified this area as a valuable candidate property for the City’s open space system.
In October 2021, City Council unanimously approved the proposal to acquire 343 acres of open space known as Fishers Canyon. The property was acquired through two-phases (November 2021 and March 2022) with our partners at The Conservation Fund. This property was funded by revenues from the TOPS sales tax ($2.95 million) and a $1.25 million acquisition grant from the Land Water Conservation Fund.
Located in the southwest foothills of Colorado Springs, Fishers Canyon Open Space borders Cheyenne Mountain State Park to the south, the Broadmoor Bluffs neighborhood to the east and the Pike National Forest to the west. This property has the potential to unlock key connections including a piece of the envisioned 26-mile Chamberlain Trail.
Currently there are no designated trails or official public access to Fishers Canyon. The property will remain closed to the public until a trail system, trailhead, and management plan is established.
Public Engagement
Engagement Summaries:
- Stakeholder Focus Group meetings
- Community Survey #1
- Community Meeting #1
- Community Survey #2
- Neighborhood Site Tour
First Community Meeting
Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Cheyenne Mountain Junior High School, (1200 W Cheyenne Road)