FLANAGAN PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Neighbors were excited to hear that park improvements for Flanagan Park will begin this year.
The City obtained funding through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD) for a Community Development Block Grant ( CDBG) for park improvements at Flanagan Park.
The City Housing and Homeless Repose Department’ s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for citizens in Colorado Springs. Community Development Block Grant ( CDBG) funds are provided by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ( HUD) to improve local communities by providing decent housing, improved infrastructure, public facilities, services, and improved economic opportunities.
Planned Flanagan Park renovation improvements include:
- New playground
- New walking path and lighting of the walking path
- Updates to the pavilion
- ADA parking spaces and walking path
- New benches along the walking path
- Renovated basketball court
The City is hosting a meeting on May 7th to present the draft renovation plan and to gather feedback from the community. Thank you to all involved who have helped bring much needed improvements to Flanagan Park!
Front Range Rail
Neighbors attended a community meeting to learn more about the proposed passenger rail from Pueblo to Fort Collins. The agency is currently evaluating routes, stations, service, infrastructure, operations, costs, and financing. The first train could be operational within the decade.
The initial plan is to use existing tracks shared with freight railroads. A proposed new rail station in Colorado Springs would be constructed near the Olympic museum downtown.
Templeton Gap Floodway Upgrades
Staff from the City’s Storm Water Enterprise hosted two community meetings to discuss planned improvements for the Templeton Gap Floodway. The Templeton Gap Levee Floodway is a 2-mile-long channel that carries runoff from east of Union Boulevard in the Pikeview neighborhood to Monument Creek. Levees on both sides of the channel help protect nearby homes and businesses from flooding.
The upgrades are needed as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is producing new flood maps for El Paso County, and the levee needs upgrading to meet new requirements. If improvements are not made neighborhoods like ours would be identified as a flood area.
This project is funded by the current Stormwater Fee.
The the project will install a 3-4 ft wall along the south side of the floodway with a cement cap. For more information visit – coloradosprings.gov/TempletonGapLevee
Questions can be directed to – connect@TGapLeveeCertification.com
Neighborhood Elections
The annual Papeton Neighborhood Organization board elections are scheduled for May 16, from 1-2 pm at Flanagan Park in the pavilion. Everyone is encouraged to attend even if you’re not interested in a board position. The election is an opportunity to meet neighbors, discuss projects and suggestion for 2026.
UPCOMING NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECTS
Native garden beds are coming soon! Thanks to all who signed up. With a high interest we may begin looking at other gardening opportunities in the neighborhood. The mural at Portal Park is planning to be a paint by number project for local students, neighbors, and community members. We are excited to bring back the neighborhood yard sale this August. Neighbors are floating the idea of a gathering at Flanagan Park in the afternoon on July 4th. Other ideas or suggestions are always welcome!
PAPETON PRESS IN PRINT
We are excited to announce that we are now offering printed copies of our monthly newsletter. This is made possible by donations from neighbors and local businesses. If you would like a printed copy or have space for copies in your business, please let us know. We are open to sponsorships that will support funding of park restrooms, mural materials, and the neighborhood yard sale.
DO YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION, CONCERN OR COMMENT?
Get in contact with us at papetonneighbors@gmail.com
All articles are written by neighbors for neighbors.
