What is the Legacy Loop?
LEGACY LOOP is an approximately 10-mile trail, park and recreation loop around downtown Colorado Springs defined by the Pikes Peak Greenway on the west and south, the Shooks Run trail on the east, and the Rock Island Corridor to the north. It is a way to connect, create, and protect our community values, inspired by the legacy and vision of Colorado Springs' founder General William Jackson Palmer. Palmer's dream was of a vibrant, livable city where the essential functions of mobility and access are linked to our parks, open space and trails.
Three Primary Goals
- Leverage existing park and trail assets by improving the safety, functionality and connectivity of the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail as it runs through Monument Valley Park in the heart of Colorado Springs;
- Create a regionally significant trail connection through the acquisition and construction of the long sought-after Rock Island trail connection; and
- Create new and lasting recreational opportunities throughout the project area for the citizens of Colorado Springs.
Funding
The Legacy Loop is funded by several sources including:
- the Trails, Open Space and Parks tax program
- 2D trail funding
- the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority
- grants from Great Outdoors Colorado
- Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife - State Trails
Partners
Ongoing Projects
- LEGACY LOOP PLAZA: Ongoing fundraising will assist with restrooms facilities, shade structures, and art elements.
- ROCK ISLAND TRAIL: Construction of the urban trail corridor will link Shooks Run Trail with the Pikes Peak Greenway. (Partially Funded)
- MESA STREET UNDERPASSES: Trail underpasses will provide dedicated non-motorized trail connectivity, improving user safety and allowing for special events to easily occur along a separated trail corridor. Ongoing
- MESA CREEK CROSSING: This creek crossing will improve the sharp turns at the confluence of Mesa Creek and Monument Creek. Ongoing
- GATEWAY AT BOULDER CRESCENT: Creates a downtown connection from the Loop and offers a new park. Ongoing
- WEST SIDE TRAIL CORRIDOR: The current gravel path will be replaced with a new 10-12-foot wide concrete multi-use trail with a 4-foot wide gravel shoulder. Ongoing
- WAYFINDING AND SIGNAGE: As funding becomes available additional signage will be installed to enhance the user experience and provide information of the rich heritage of Colorado Springs.
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UINTAH AND WEST FONTANERO STREET: Construction of this section includes the removal of nine electrical poles and wires attached overhead, converting them underground.
Completed Projects
- LEGACY LOOP PLAZA: The completed parking area and trailhead increase access and provide a centralized location for special events.
- MIDLAND TRAIL ACCESS: The I-25/Cimarron Street Interchange project improved access between the Pikes Peak Greenway and Midland Trail.
- PLAYGROUND RENOVATIONS: Renovations to two playgrounds in Monument Valley Park and South Shooks Run Park increase play opportunities along the Loop.
- POPCYCLE BRIDGE: A renovated, interactive bridge connects the east and west spans of the Greenway and provides opportunities for bicycle education.
- SHOOKS RUN TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS: 2D funding assisted with improving the trail corridor from Jackson Street to East Jefferson Street and Fontanero Street to Wahsatch Avenue.
- UINTAH STREET UNDERPASS: This west side trail underpass will provides essential connectivity by separating trail users from a high-volume road and will provides public creek access.