With a combined 50 years of service covering a quarter of a century and 4 Chairs, former Parks Advisory Board leaders sent the below objection to the North Cheyenne Cañon and Strawberry Fields Master Plans: Dear Parks Advisory Board Members: We the undersigned are all former Parks Advisory Board members. Because of this shared past experience, we doubly appreciate your own time commitment and service on the Board -- and the responsibility you have shouldered for overseeing the care, well-being and future of Colorado Springs' exceptional parks and open space resources. We write today because we are deeply concerned about two master plans you are being asked to approve in your May 10th meeting. We believe a vote on both plans should be deferred until major deficiencies can be corrected and other outstanding issues are resolved.. Despite undergoing a revision and the dropping of the much-criticized "toolbox," the North Cheyenne Canyon Park master plan remains both vague and overreaching. "Toolbox" items widely objected to very much remain parts of the plan. Serious redrafting is still needed. Likewise, the NES/Broadmoor plan for Strawberry Fields is flawed and its approval premature. Shortcomings include an altered building envelope, more extensive development in the Strawberry Fields meadow than previously promised and public access that is more illusory than real. Beyond this, the entire land exchange is still under litigation and we believe the legal process should be allowed to run its course before any plan is approved. The citizens of Colorado Springs owned this land for over 130 years. The Broadmoor can wait a bit longer before breaking ground. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Sincerely, Judith Rice-Jones (Member 1988-94/ Chair 1990/92) Elizabeth Klein (Member 1988-1992) Gertrud Nuhn (Member 2000-2007/Chair 2006-2007) Nancy Hobbs (Member 2007-13/Chair 2012-13) Charles Castle (Member 2010-2017) Scot Hume (Member 2011-2017) Kent Obee (Member 2005=2011/Chair 2010-2011) A heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them for both their service and their willingness to speak out -- democracy depends on each of us standing up and refusing to be ruled by a select few. We are a Republic. So, sign that petition and ask other to sign it. And, send your email. Your voice matters! Email: cmehew@springsgov.com and for transparency, cc: jsuthers@springsgov.com, NCCMasterPlan@springsgov.com, AllCouncil@springsgov.com, savecheyennemountain@gmail.com, zubeck@csindy.com, krdonews@krdo.com, mike.rausch@krdo.com, news@kktv.com, lmartin@kktv.com, news@koaa.com, kduffy@koaa.com, news@fox21news.com, jcole@kxrm.com, jpaul@denverpost.com, info@krcc.com, jim.alexee@sierraclub.org, friendsofcheyennecanon@gmail.com Here is a quick summary of the most objectionable points of the NCC Master Plan: 1. Buses - they pollute and will overcrowd canyon. Studies need to be done (environmental, traffic and carrying capacity of park) first, and THEN a public process including open mic discussions. 2. Closing pull outs. They are natural dispersement of cars and people throughout canyon, and for some people their only way to enjoy park. 3. Closing roads - we should not be closing roads for buses to 7 Falls in a high fire risk area and further congesting traffic and excluding low income, minority families from picnicking where they have for generations. 4. Park Fees - taxes pay for parks. Park fees exclude classes of people from recreating in the park. 5. Paving Gold Camp - there is no need, and it is far too expensive and item to leave to a future administrative decision without studies to justify need and cost estimates. 6. Marketing - North Cheyenne Canyon is in all the tour books and online sites. We do not need to promote it more creating further degradation of trails and visitor park experience. 7. The Stream in S. Cheyenne Canon. The NCC cites the stream being dry as a reason to justify potentially limiting access or moving it. We have heard there is a pump in 7 Falls which recirculates water and, naturally, could cause the downstream to be drier than it would if natural, unimpeded flow was allowed. We asked about this with no reply. We would like to know is this true, and, if so, is there an agreement between the City and the Broadmoor which allows this? What are the levels allowed to impound the water and for how long? What independent body monitors those levels of water impoundment? Please also ask that the Strawberry Master Plan vote be delayed until the Supreme Court has ruled. Here is a link to the online document which continues to grow -- for ideas/inspiration. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CphxbUjKGQmUQxX7AAYmCdtfHvupVxey3G4XGuL6buo/edit?usp=sharing Mark your calendars for 5/10, at 7:30am, 1401 Recreation Way. Prepare a 3 min speech and speak out -- this is our last chance and everyone should try to make this one.