City Council unanimously voted on January 10, 2023 to refer a question to the ballot for the April 4, 2023 General Municipal Election, to extend the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) sales and use tax for 20 years with no increase to the tax and a safeguard for open space conservation.
TOPS is a voter-approved City sales tax program that works to protect and preserve trails, open spaces and parks citywide. Since 1997, it has preserved over 7,500 acres of open space. In 2003, voters extended the 0.10% tax (1 penny on a $10 purchase) through 2025.
These are popular school programs available during the fall and spring for grades 3rd – 6th.
This program season starts in November and runs through May.
These programs meet 2020 Colorado Academic Standards for Science, Social Science, and Reading/Writing standards for grades 3rd - 6th.
“It’s projected that by 2050, Colorado Springs will be the largest city in Colorado with another 150,000 people projected to move here. It is critical that every department in the City is planning ahead for this projected growth. TOPS is critical when it comes to protecting our waterways, the natural beauty of our mountains, parks, and wildlife, and our quality of life.” John Suthers, Mayor of Colorado Springs
Follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles
The City of Colorado Springs Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program is dedicated to promoting and teaching Leave No Trace outdoor ethics to all park visitors.