By Kristina Sparks
On Sept. 19, the El Paso County Parks and Community Services held their second open house at Swink Hall in the El Paso County Fair and Events Center in Calhan. The purpose of the meeting was to get input and answer questions about the proposed changes and improvements to the Paint Mine Interpretive Park Master Plan.
Of the 24 people in attendance, many were local residents who would be impacted by the project. Of primary concern to the area residents was the effect of increased traffic on Paint Mine Road. Todd Marts, executive director of County Parks, discussed the matter with residents.
Also present at the meeting was DHM Design, a landscape architectural firm contracted to create a master plan for the Paint Mines. They designed a series of poster boards, detailing the current existing conditions of the park and also presented site analysis maps and conceptual designs for the master plan. A rolling slide show highlighted the unique archaeological and geological history of the Paint Mines.
Interested community members can still express their concerns or ideas to Ross Williams, park planner at the El Paso County Parks and Community Services Department, at 719-520-6984 or via email at rosswilliams@elpasoco.com.
The project awaits review and approval by the Park Advisory Board and the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners. The approval is anticipated by early 2025. Although no commissioners were present at the meeting, the public is encouraged to share support and concerns with them. The public can view the proposed improvements to the existing park at https://communityservices.elpasoco.com/parks-and-recreation/paint-mines-interpretive-park-master-plan/. The existing budget, grants and donations will fund the project.
