The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department announced on April 1 plans to add a new water-based recreational feature to Garden of the Gods Park. The project aims to provide visitors with a different way to experience the park’s well-known red rock formations while offering relief from summer heat.
Officials said the planned attraction will be a “lazy river-style, geologically tantalizing experience.” It is designed to allow guests a relaxing float through scenic areas of the park, including views near popular landmarks such as Balanced Rock Bend. The project responds both to rising summer temperatures and increased interest in outdoor recreation.
“This concept has been on the horizon for some time,” said Acting PRCS Director Kim King. “Now that we’ve completed the waterline infrastructure in 2025, we realized we had both the capability and, more importantly, the audacity to do something like this.”
According to preliminary plans, construction is set to begin next week with crews mobilizing immediately. The work is expected to continue throughout spring with an anticipated opening ahead of Summer 2026 if schedules proceed as planned.
During construction, Garden of the Gods Park will remain open but visitors may encounter trail adjustments and minor traffic impacts near work zones. Heavy equipment will be present as preparations are made for what officials describe as “the surreal experience of seeing heavy equipment preparing what appears to be a river where one did not previously exist.” Updates about progress can be found on social media channels managed by Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department.
