The main reason we moved to Colorado was because of the mountains. Before we moved to Colorado Springs, we didn’t realize how close the mountains are to the city. This photo is from Bear Creek Regional Park at sunset last fall. I walk my dog in this park almost every day, whether it’s raining or snowing. For me, the abundance of wilderness and open space in our area is one of the best things about living here.

Although we have considerable park space nearby, the biggest problem concerning our parks is the lack of funding to support park maintenance and staffing. Friends and groups have stepped up to raise money and to care for parks where traditionally the city would pay for staff and programming.