The City of Colorado Springs released its 2025 Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Annual Report on Mar. 31, detailing the impact and operations of its park system. The report highlights a system that generated an estimated $90 million in annual economic impact while expanding access, improving facilities, and investing in long-term care across the city.
The report underscores the significance of parks and recreation for residents’ quality of life, community connection, and environmental stewardship. In 2025 alone, more than 715,000 people participated in programs offered by the department. There were over 22.5 million visits to parks, trails, and open spaces throughout Colorado Springs.
The Parks Department manages a vast network spanning 18,675 acres of park land with 326 miles of trails and 137 playgrounds. This work is supported by a staff of 255 full-time employees who maintain these resources for daily use by residents.
Among the year’s achievements were the opening of Grey Hawk Park in north Colorado Springs and upgrades to accessibility at playgrounds and other facilities. Water infrastructure improvements at Garden of the Gods Park led to about 40 million gallons saved through irrigation upgrades and landscape changes in 2025—cost savings projected at nearly $400,000 annually due to these water-wise efforts.
“This report reflects the dedication, expertise and care PRCS staff bring to their work every day,” said PRCS Acting Director Kim King. “From maintaining parks and trails to delivering programs, protecting natural resources and creating welcoming spaces across the city, their work helps connect residents to recreation, culture and community.”
Park Rangers made over 135,000 contacts across the system last year while maintaining trails as well as supporting education programs focused on stewardship. The Cultural Services division also opened ‘Until Forever Comes: This is Ute Homeland’ at the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum—a permanent exhibit developed through five years of consultation that centers Ute voices in regional history.
National recognition continues for PRCS as it remains ranked among the top three percent of park agencies nationwide following reaccreditation from CAPRA (the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies).
The full annual report can be accessed online at ColoradoSprings.gov/PRCSReports.
