City of Colorado Springs, CO

10/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/10/2024 13:11

2025 Discover COS Calendar highlighting Colorado Springs parks, trails and open spaces on sale now

The 2025 Discover COS Calendar, published by the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department is now on sale. The annual calendar, highlighting "places less traveled" throughout Colorado Springs parks, trails and open spaces, features the best photos from the winners of the 12th annual Discover COS photo contest.

Calendars are available for sale at ShopCOS.org, while supplies last. Once purchased, calendars are only available for pick up from the Parks administration building located at 1401 Recreation Way.

All proceeds go directly to the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) program, a City sales tax program dedicated to the protection and preservation of trails, open spaces, and parks.

"The 2025 Discover COS Calendar beautifully showcases our stunning parks and open spaces. Each month captures breathtaking scenery and recreational opportunities that our community treasures," said Britt Haley, director of PRCS "By purchasing this calendar, you are not only celebrating the natural beauty around us but also putting money back into our beloved parks, trails and open spaces. Proceeds will go toward maintaining and enhancing our beloved public spaces."

In April 1997, Colorado Springs voters passed the TOPS ballot measure dedicated to acquiring, developing and preserving trails, open space and parks through a 0.1% sales tax, or 1 penny on every $10 purchase. TOPS was renewed by voters in 2023 at the same rate through 2025. It currently generates upwards of $11 million annually. Since it was first approved by Colorado Springs voters, TOPS has conserved more than 7,500 acres of open space, built and improved 66 parks, and constructed 50 miles of trails in the city. TOPS has contributed to projects in every quadrant of the city. Open space purchases, like Red Rock Canyon Open Space, are hallmarks of the program. Before Red Rock Canyon was purchased by the City in 2003, it was slated to become a resort community with a convention center, high-rise towers, commercial centers and private golf course.