75 Creating a Community Built Park: You Can Do It!

An ambitious new project near downtown is cleaning up an old construction materials dump and turning it into an amazing community treasure. A lot of creativity is going into this site, including letting nature do what real estate developments typically pour concrete to do (manage stormwater). If you see mosaics on light poles, concrete benches inlaid with tiles, murals and other street art around Colorado Springs, there’s a good chance this is the work of Concrete Couch. This nonprofit works with kids and community groups to create public art, build community, and create environments and experiences that humanize our world. Executive Director Steve Wood and Community Coordinator Christine Flores share the story of creating an interactive, creativity-inspiring, community wonderland they call Concrete Coyote – complete with bike trails, a natural playground, gardens, and a stone climbing wall. Their model to develop a community-designed-and-built park requiring zero public funds and marshaling hundreds of volunteers can be used for different types of projects! Community, recycled materials, shared skills, and creative fundraising go a long way. Learn how the work gets done! This program was recorded at the March 26, 2021 meeting of the Pikes Peak Environmental Forum. The Forum informs the community in Colorado Springs on issues of environmental import. Our monthly luncheon meeting topics have ranged from how earthquakes can predict weather events to sustainable energy solutions. Each month we learn something we weren’t necessarily aware we needed to know, but in broadening our knowledge, we deepen our understanding of, and our connection to, the world. Learn about future luncheons at our Facebook page, or contact us to be put on the email list for meeting notifications. The next Pikes Peak Environmental Forum takes place April 23. Samantha Bailey and Josh Handley of the Colorado Springs Office of Innovation will update us on: Our Journey to Establishing a Smart & Sustainable Future. This event will not be available later as a podcast, so be sure to RSVP here and plan to attend this free virtual event: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PeSISEqORCa-JpjohXMVRQ Presenting Sponsors: Art of Engineering Black Hills Energy Miriam's Place OrganaGardens Additional Sponsors: Blue Planet Earthscapes Peak Radar Environmental Compliance Systems Old Town Bike Shop Terra Essentials Special thanks to Studio 809 Supporter and Community Partner, Springs Homes. https://www.springshomes.com LINKS: PowerPoint Presentation http://studio809radio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Welcome_to_Concrete_Coyote.pdf Non-Profit Rehabilitates Dump Site into Community Wonderland (video shared in this presentation) https://www.rmpbs.org/blogs/rocky-mountain-pbs/nonprofit-rehabilitates-illegal-dump-site-into-community-wonderland/ Concrete Couch http://www.concretecouch.org/ The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Colorado Springs Office of Innovation & Sustainability Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future Pikes Peak Environmental Forum Pikes Peak Group of Sierra Club Pikes Peak Permaculture Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode: