Bancroft Park Improvements

Complete
The final action plan was presented at the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services​ Advisory Board meeting on May 11, 2017. 
The boardunanimously approved the plan.
Parks Board Presentation  (Large file, may take a moment to load)

 

The completion of significant renovations to Bancroft Park in Old Colorado City were celebrated on July 24, 2020, during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the park.

Among the improvements are a new automated restroom with self-cleaning features; a renewed event plaza for special events that includes new lights, trees, benches, picnic tables and a decorative railing and retaining wall that incorporates rock from the old pavilion foundation; a play area with climbing features and musical flowers; and accessibility improvements throughout the space.

The renovation was spurred by an accidental fire in the park’s band shell in 2017 and driven by a community-led effort to reinvigorate the space.

The total project cost was $845,000. It included funds from the Conservation Trust Fund, Old Colorado City Foundation, the Lodgers and Automobile Rental sales tax (LART), park land development fees, the Trails, Open Space and Parks sales tax (TOPS) and Americans with Disabilities Act general funds.

    Project Overview

    The Bancroft Park Action Plan was an organized community effort to document the visions and goals of the park and identify future land use and physical improvements. The approved plan established a basis for funding and represented community consensus for improvements to Bancroft Park. The Action Plan aimed to provide park improvements beyond repairing the damaged band shell.

    Bancroft Park Action Plan Project Goals

    1. Modify Bancroft Park to fit the existing and historic character of Old Colorado City and be respectful with the neighborhood context
    2. Provide a balance between the protection of the historic elements of the park and surrounding community with the development of the park for public use
    3. Provide for both active and passive recreational needs within the community, to address everyday use as well as special events
    4. Create an Action Plan that is affordable and can be implemented

      Bancroft Park History

      • 1859 – Colorado City established
      • 1873 – Bancroft School occupies current park site. School named in honor of Hubert Howe Bancroft, author of many western history books
      • 1909 – Community meeting held to discuss City buying the school
      • 1917 – Colorado City annexed into Colorado Springs
      • 1926 - Bancroft School closes
      • 1926 – Colorado Springs Parks Department purchases the school and land
      • 1927 – Bancroft Park becomes the official name of the new park
      • 1928 – Bancroft Park beautification program begins 
      • 1929 - Plans for Bancroft Park band shell are publically discussed
      • 1934 – Architect,  Edward L. Blunts begins design of band shell and comfort station
      • 1935  - Construction of the band shell begins
      • 1935 – New band shell dedicated to the community in July
      • 1948 - New concrete pad for square dancing and shuffleboard
      • 1961 – First State Cabin placed in Bancroft Park
      • 1976 – Picnic pavilion dedicated to the community
      • 1982 – Old Colorado City Historic Commercial District listed on the National Register of Historic Places
      • 2017 – Fire destroys the band shell

      Public Process

      Public Open House: Jan. 11, 2018

      The City hosted a public open house to present design alternatives for several key site amenities for the Bancroft Park enhancements. The public reviewed and commented on alternatives on the proposed restroom building design, site amenities and the small playground.

      Open House Documents

        Community Meeting #1

        The first community meeting was held on April 5th where attendees had an opportunity to work in groups to discuss the existing conditions of the park, provide their top three priorities for park improvements and define what success means for Bancroft Park.  A copy of the presentation can be found here.

        Community Meeting #2

        The second community meeting was held on April 18th where attendees had an opportunity to work in groups to discuss the proposed alternatives and provide feedback.  A copy of the presentation can be found here.  


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