Thorndale Park
What a history! Thorndale Park was once the Town of Ramona. Once considered the “City of Sin”, Ramona was incorporated as a counter to the temperance movement of the early 20th century.
Recreation and Activities
Thorndale park has plenty of features for families including play equipment, numerous picnic tables, a basketball and tennis court and a large open field for kids to romp. Large old trees provide plenty of shade during the hot summer months.
History
To fully appreciate the fascinating history of both Thorndale Park and the Town of Ramona it preceded, stop at the interpretive sign at the corner of 24th St. and Uinta St. You’ll get a better understanding of the complex history of the area.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 2310 W. Uintah St. The park can be accessed either along Uinta St. or along the side streets: 24th and 23rd Sts.
Parking: Street parking is available on Uinta, 23rd or 24th. Accessibility ramps are located at the corners of 24th and 23rd.
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
Fees: No entry fee.
Tips:
Nancy Lewis Park
Nancy Lewis Park is one of Colorado Springs’ most charming neighborhood parks, offering a peaceful setting with a small pond, wetlands, rocks, a footbridge, and plenty of ducks that delight visitors of all ages. Located off Templeton Gap near Union and Fillmore, this 8.9-acre park is a valued community space for walking, relaxing, and everyday outdoor recreation.
Recreation
The park is ideal for casual walks, family outings, and light exercise, with a sidewalk path that loops around the entire park. Visitors enjoy watching wildlife around the pond, using the playground and fitness equipment, or gathering for informal games and picnics. A croquet and putting green and sand volleyball court add to the park’s variety of recreational options.
Trails and Connections
Nancy Lewis Park features paved sidewalk paths that create an easy, accessible walking loop for all ages and abilities. While it is primarily a neighborhood destination, its paths connect nearby residents to surrounding streets and local routes for short walks and bike trips.
Wildlife and Scenery
The park’s pond and wetland areas attract ducks and other birds throughout the year. Rock features, landscaped areas, and seasonal plantings create a scenic setting that changes with the seasons. The bridge and water features make this park especially popular for photography and quiet reflection.
History
Nancy Lewis Park honors community legacy through features such as the hospice tree dedication and legacy wall. Over time, it has become known as a welcoming gathering place that reflects the neighborhood’s commitment to preserving small, high-quality green spaces.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 2615 Logan Ave. (Templeton Gap Road and Logan Ave.)
Parking: Street parking available nearby
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Fees: Free
Tips: Restrooms are seasonal. Bring water for warm days and take time to explore the pond area for wildlife viewing.
Monument Valley Park
Monument Valley Park, stretching along Monument Creek in the heart of Colorado Springs, is one of the city’s most historic and beloved green spaces. Designed by city founder General William Jackson Palmer in the early 1900s, this urban park is a scenic retreat that blends gardens, recreation, trails and history—all within walking distance of downtown.
Trails and Recreation
The park features a variety of paved and soft-surface trails that connect with the Pikes Peak Greenway, making it a hub for cyclists, walkers, and runners. Recreational amenities include tennis courts, pickleball courts, sports fields, playgrounds, and a seasonal swimming pool. The shady paths and open lawns invite leisurely strolls or family outings.
Gardens and Natural Features
Monument Valley Park is home to several formal gardens, shady tree groves, and native landscapes along the creek. The Demonstration Gardens showcase water-wise plants, while tranquil ponds and stone walls & bridges provide classic spots for reflection and photography.
Wildlife & Scenery
The creekside habitats attract songbirds, waterfowl, and small mammals, offering peaceful moments for birdwatchers and nature lovers. In autumn, the cottonwoods and other trees paint the park with vibrant seasonal colors.
History
Established in 1907, Monument Valley Park was General Palmer’s gift to Colorado Springs, designed as a grand civic park. Over the years, it has been shaped by floods, restoration efforts, and community care. Many of its stone bridges, gardens, and historic structures still reflect early 20th-century design, giving the park a timeless charm.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 170 W. Cache La Poudre St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Hours: Open daily from 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Parking: Multiple lots and street parking available near major entrances and amenities
Hayden Divide Community Park
Hayden Divide Community Park, located in the heart of Divide, Colorado, is a welcoming gathering place for recreation, play, and community connection. Surrounded by views of Pikes Peak and the forested hills of Teller County, the park serves as both a family-friendly destination and a hub for local events.
Recreation and Amenities
The park features athletic fields, a playground, and open green space perfect for sports, picnics, and casual outings. Baseball and softball diamonds are a centerpiece, often used for local leagues and youth sports. Open lawns provide plenty of room for frisbee, kite flying, or simply enjoying the mountain air. The 2.5 mile Divide Hiking Loop is nearby.
Community Features
Hayden Divide is more than just a park—it’s a space where the Divide community gathers. From sports tournaments to neighborhood celebrations, it has become a centerpiece for local activities. Picnic shelters make it a great spot for family reunions or community cookouts.
Wildlife & Scenery
Set against the backdrop of the high country, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of nearby mountains and forests. Deer and other wildlife are commonly spotted at the edges of the fields, while birds fill the sky above the open meadows.
History
The park was created as a community effort to provide Divide with a central recreation area. It reflects the town’s commitment to outdoor living and has continued to grow as both a sports facility and a shared gathering space for residents of Teller County.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 141 County Road 5, Divide, CO 80814
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Parking: On-site parking lot available near the athletic fields.
Falcon Regional Park
Falcon Regional Park is a 215-acre gem in eastern El Paso County that brings wide-open recreation opportunities to the fast-growing Falcon community. With ball fields, playgrounds, trails, and expansive prairie views, the park is a hub for sports, family gatherings, and enjoying Colorado’s rolling grasslands.
Trails and Recreation
The park features more than 3 miles of natural-surface trails perfect for hiking, running, and wildlife viewing. Open fields provide space for kite flying, disc golf, and casual play. A highlight is the baseball and multi-use sports complex, which regularly hosts local games and tournaments.
Amenities and Features
Visitors will find two baseball fields, multi-use sports fields, a 5-acre dog park, and a playground designed for all ages. Shaded picnic areas and restrooms make the park ideal for family outings and group events. The disc golf course is a favorite among locals, weaving through native grasses and rolling terrain.
Wildlife & Scenery
Surrounded by prairie grasslands, Falcon Regional Park offers sweeping views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range. Visitors can often spot pronghorn, rabbits, hawks, and songbirds while enjoying the park’s open spaces. The wide horizons create a true eastern plains atmosphere, especially during sunrise and sunset.
History
Opened in 2016, Falcon Regional Park was designed to meet the growing recreational needs of eastern El Paso County. It quickly became a cornerstone of the Falcon community, bringing formal sports facilities and large-scale green space to an area that previously relied on smaller neighborhood parks.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 11050 Eastonville Rd, Falcon, CO 80831
Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily
Parking: Multiple parking lots serve the sports fields, dog park, and trailheads.
Memorial Park
Memorial Park, one of the largest and most popular parks in Colorado Springs, is a true centerpiece of community life. Spanning 196 acres just east of downtown, it offers something for everyone—from outdoor recreation and scenic lake views to cultural events and family gatherings.
Trails and Recreation
The park is home to Prospect Lake, which features a 1.25-mile paved trail circling the water. Runners, walkers, and cyclists enjoy this route year-round, while nearby sports fields and courts support baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, and volleyball. The Sertich Ice Center, skate park, and fitness stations provide even more options for active recreation.
Amenities and Features
Memorial Park offers an impressive variety of amenities. Prospect Lake is open for fishing, swimming, paddleboarding, and boating during summer months. Families can enjoy modern playgrounds, picnic areas, and open lawns for gatherings. The park also hosts community events and festivals throughout the year, drawing thousands of residents and visitors.
Memorials
True to its name, Memorial Park honors service and sacrifice through several dedicated memorials. The Peace Officers Memorial pays tribute to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial honors professional firefighters from across the United States and Canada who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each September, thousands gather at this site for a solemn remembrance ceremony, making it a place of both mourning and pride for the firefighting community.
Wildlife & Scenery
Despite being in the heart of the city, the park provides a place to enjoy nature. Prospect Lake attracts ducks, geese, and other waterfowl, while mature shade trees and open lawns create a peaceful urban escape. Scenic mountain views from the west side of the park add to its beauty.
History
Memorial Park has long been a hub for recreation in Colorado Springs. Prospect Lake was originally a reservoir that became a recreation site for the growing city. Over the decades, the park has expanded and modernized, serving as a living reflection of the city’s investment in outdoor spaces and community wellness.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 1605 E Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Hours: April–October: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | November–March: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Parking: Multiple parking lots surround the park, with easy access to Prospect Lake, sports fields, memorials, and picnic areas.
Cottonwood Creek Park
Cottonwood Creek Park is one of the largest community parks in northeast Colorado Springs, offering more than 70 acres of recreation and open space. This popular destination combines athletic facilities, playgrounds, trails, and wide open lawns, making it a hub for families, athletes, and anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors in the heart of the city.
Amenities and Recreation
The park features a wide variety of facilities, including:
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Cottonwood Creek Recreation Center with an indoor pool, gymnasium, and fitness classes.
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Sports fields for soccer, football, and baseball.
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Tennis courts, basketball courts, and a skate park.
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Playgrounds and picnic areas perfect for families.
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Dog park where pups can run off-leash.
Trails and Natural Features
A paved section of the Cottonwood Creek Trail runs through the park, connecting to the larger Pikes Peak Greenway Trail system. The trail is popular with walkers, cyclists, and runners, offering a scenic corridor along the creek with mountain views to the west. Open fields and shady spots make it a great place to enjoy nature without leaving the city.
Location and Access
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Address: 3920 Dublin Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
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Parking: Multiple paved lots are available around the park and recreation center, with ADA-accessible spaces. Parking is free.
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Hours: The park is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; recreation center hours vary seasonally.
With its blend of recreation facilities, community events, and natural beauty, Cottonwood Creek Park is a top destination for families, athletes, and trail users in Colorado Springs.
Palmer Park
Palmer Park is one of Colorado Springs’ largest and most beloved urban parks, spanning more than 730 acres in the heart of the city. With rugged bluffs, panoramic overlooks, and miles of trails, the park feels like a wild escape just minutes from downtown.
Trails and Recreation
The park features over 25 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Popular routes like Yucca, Templeton, and Mesa Trails take visitors through sandstone formations, meadows, and forested ridges. The park also offers a dog park, playgrounds, and athletic fields, making it a favorite destination for families and outdoor adventurers alike.
Amenities and Features
Palmer Park is home to baseball and soccer fields, picnic shelters, restrooms, and wide-open spaces perfect for gatherings. The dog park is among the largest in the city, while Good Neighbors Meeting House (just outside the park) and nearby neighborhoods make it highly accessible. Overlooks such as Grandview Point provide sweeping views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range.
Wildlife & Scenery
From rugged sandstone spires to sweeping grasslands, Palmer Park offers an impressive variety of scenery. Visitors often spot mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, hawks, and songbirds while exploring the trails. Seasonal wildflowers add bursts of color in spring and summer, while the sandstone formations glow at sunrise and sunset.
History
Palmer Park was gifted to the city in 1902 by General William Jackson Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, as part of his vision to preserve natural lands for public enjoyment. For over a century, the park has served as both a community gathering space and a wilderness refuge within the city. Its size, history, and rugged beauty make it one of the crown jewels of Colorado Springs’ park system.
Plan Your Visit
Location: 3650 Maizeland Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Hours: 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. daily
Parking: Multiple lots located at trailheads, Grandview Overlook, and sports fields.
