Colorado Springs Parks Face $3.1 Million Budget Cut

Penrose Fountain to remain dry, bathroom facilities and playground maintenance reduced due to budget reductions

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Colorado Springs parks are facing a $3.1 million budget cut, leading to a range of cost-saving measures including keeping the popular Julie Penrose Fountain dry, reducing the number of open bathroom facilities, and cutting back on playground maintenance and fertilizing of grassy areas.

Why it matters

The budget cuts to Colorado Springs parks come after previous reductions in the past two years, totaling nearly $4 million in cuts to parks programs. These cuts will be felt by residents who rely on the city's parks and recreational facilities, potentially impacting quality of life and access to green spaces.

The details

The $3.1 million in budget cuts will impact staffing, facilities, and maintenance across the Colorado Springs parks system. The Julie Penrose Fountain, a popular summer attraction, will remain dry to save $40,000-$50,000. Many bathroom facilities and port-o-potties will be closed in smaller and medium-sized parks, saving $100,000. Playground maintenance budgets will be cut in half to $100,000. Vandalism repairs, which have already cost tens of thousands in the first six weeks of the year, will only have $75,000 set aside. Fertilizing of grassy areas will be reduced from two applications to just one, saving an additional $50,000-$100,000.

  • The $3.1 million budget cut is for the 2026 fiscal year.
  • The cuts come on top of reductions in the previous two years, totaling nearly $4 million in cuts to parks programs.

The players

Kim King

The interim parks director for Colorado Springs.

Eric Becker

The Colorado Springs Parks maintenance director.

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What they’re saying

“Reductions are now going to be seen and felt, if you will.”

— Kim King, Interim parks director (KOAA.com)

“We've got a list of some of those that will not be open this year. Again, that's $100,000 of cost savings.”

— Eric Becker, Parks maintenance director (KOAA.com)

The takeaway

The significant budget cuts to Colorado Springs parks will be felt by residents, with reduced access to amenities like the Penrose Fountain, fewer open bathrooms, and less maintenance of playgrounds and grassy areas. These reductions come after previous years of cuts, highlighting the ongoing challenge of funding public parks and recreational spaces in the city.