People interested in the future of Blodgett Open Space are invited to the next open house informing a new master plan for the popular land on Colorado Springs’ north side.

The city parks department is hosting what it calls “a dynamic interactive presentation and workshop” starting at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 17 at Flying W. Ranch, 3330 Chuckwagon Road. The meeting follows one from August, where planners asked for feedback regarding concepts for new trailheads and opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers.

The master plan is meant to guide the future of recreation and conservation for Blodgett’s 384 acres. That’s almost double the size of the property covered by the initial master plan from 2003. The open space has grown following acquisitions in 2018 and 2021, including around the base of the Pikeview Quarry – the recognizable scar that could be the site of the city’s long-dreamed mountain bike park, pending reclamation and an agreement with the quarry’s owning company.

At August’s open house, one proposed trailhead showed up to 250 new parking spaces created in that vicinity, figuring to be a major hub for new trails.

Another trailhead was presented near the intersection of West Woodmen and Orchard Valley roads – possibly another 60 parking spaces. Feedback was also gathered regarding two options for the current, long-used parking lot to the north: an option to expand for 31 cars or relocate the lot and double its size.

Those all could be launch points for one of two trail system concepts presented. They are slightly different in their alignments but similar in total mileage, between 21 and 22. Both expand the open space’s official trails by more than 15 miles; the city inventoried 4 1/2 miles of current designated trail, with 12 miles considered non-system, user-made, and due for closure.

Both trail system concepts envision highly anticipated connections: the Chamberlain Trail connecting Blodgett Peak to Cheyenne Mountain, Park to Peak Trail linking Palmer Park with Blodgett and a new summiting path to Blodgett Peak.

The summit is currently reached by hikers roaming out of the open space into U.S. Forest Service property via non-system trail. The city’s goal is to recommend a formal trail for Forest Service consideration.

After the Oct. 17 meeting, the city expects to present a draft master plan sometime in December. Following public review, the draft plan could then move to parks board review in early 2024.

For maps of proposals and other documents, go to the project website: coloradosprings.gov/BlodgettMasterPlan