Prior to the turf being laid, the sod from the ballfields was removed and replanted near the playground in Palmer Park, an area which was previously native grass and dirt, in summer 2020. Repurposing the sod saved the parks department $20,000 in removal and disposal fees and enhanced a popular park area.
Funding for the turf conversion was approved by voters who passed ballot measure 2B in the November 2019 election. The measure allowed the City to retain $7 million in excess 2018 TABOR revenue. These funds are applied solely toward a list of preapproved improvement projects in City parks, sports and cultural facilities, and on trails.
Other 2B-funded improvements that have been completed, to date, include:
- New lights allowing for extended playing time on the heavily-used pickleball courts in Monument Valley Park
- Improved trail segments on the Homestead Trail, Legacy Loop at Shooks Run, Palmer-Mesa Trail and Sand Creek Trail
- An updated irrigation system, tree maintenance and tree planting in Monument Valley Park
Weather has delayed the final installation of wayfinding signage in Palmer Park, but that work is expected to be finished in the next few weeks. Other yet-to-be-completed 2B projects include new elements in the downtown historic parks; pond and pavilion restoration in Monument Valley Park; sport court replacement in Boulder and Thorndale parks; new features in the soon-to-be renovated Panorama Park; repaved parking lots for the Leon Young Sports Complex and Evergreen and Fairview cemeteries; and the creation of a master plan for Coleman Community Park. Additional details regarding 2B-funded park improvements are available at ColoradoSprings.gov/2b.