Friends Groups

FUVP was formed in 2012 when we learned the City had an opportunity to purchase an additional 205 acres to expand Ute Valley Park. The City hoped to fund the purchase through the Trails, Open Spaces, and Parks (TOPS) program, and saw having a "Friends" group in place as a way to demonstrate community support. With the help of FUVP, the Trust for Public Land, and TOPS, the city was able to acquire the land in 2014-15. FUVP raised $110,000 in just 3.5 months to contribute to the purchase.

Guardians of Palmer Park (GoPP) began meeting in January 2009. Friends and neighbors inspired by their love for the park and their concerns about the effects of budget cuts for city parks, founded GoPP. After several successful projects, it was decided to set up a nonprofit corporation to support GoPP’s activities. The organization’s mission is to help maintain Palmer Park’s unique beauty, recreational opportunities, and spirit for the enjoyment of future generations.

The Blodgett Open Space is 384 acres of open space, trails, and wildlife habitat neighboring the Pike National Forest. The original Blodgett Open Space land was purchased through the City of Colorado Springs with funding from the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) program in March 2001. A second acquisition to the southeast was incorporated in 2018, bringing in a second parking lot and trail access location. Most recently in 2021, additional land was acquired to extend the land further south, with boundaries along the Pikeview Quarry and Allegheny Road.