Manitou Springs City Council unanimously approved an updated universal parking fee structure.
“The primary reason we need to do this is the Mountain Metro bus schedule is changing Sept. 28,” said John Crawford, Manitou’s Mobility and Parking Director. “The Route 33 will begin serving the Dillon and no longer stopping at Hiawatha, so the demand for the Incliners is going to be pushed towards the Dillon and parking that’s available on the east side of town.”
At the Sept. 9 Council Work Session, city staff presented proposed new parking rates for the Dillon Mobility Hub, the 100 block of El Paso Boulevard, and Schryver Park. The Dillon Mobility Hub and Schryver Park would charge from $1.50 to $10 based on duration of parking, and also have variable rates that may change in $0.25 to $0.50 increments up or down per hour based on occupancy data. Council decided to omit the 100 block of El Paso Boulevard from the new fee structure. The plan has generated concern from residents.
“I got at least 11 [emails] plus a text from residents who opposed paid parking in the 100 block of El Paso at this time,” said Councilor Judith Chandler.
Council ultimately decided to omit the 100 block of El Paso Boulevard from the new fee structure and reconsider it in 2026. “I’m willing to wait and see what actually happens with the demand in that block as the bus changes and when Hiawatha closes,” said Crawford. “Again, we’re going to be in [the] off-season, so I get that. I understand that. I was trying to be proactive and it probably wasn’t the best decision in my life, but it won’t be the only one that gets reversed. I think we can wait and see how as we go into the spring and what the demand is in that area and we can certainly revisit [the proposal].”
Crawford also explained the need to adjust rates in the other areas. “With the pool being closed and the athletic center closed, we’re seeing that lot fill up, and it’s not people using the park that are doing it,” he said. The Manitou Springs Pool and Fitness Center website says the facility will be closed until early January 2026 due to roof repair construction.
“We want to try to keep that protected for people that do want to use the park,” he said. “So, we have free parking there; they’re hitting the shuttle and they’re going to the Incline. The intention and direction I’ve had from this body as well as my boss is to try to get that parking directed out at the Dillon Mobility Hub. So that’s the reason for Schryver, and the bus route is changing, and so we need to address the rates at Dillon because the bus route will service there and not Hiawatha – plus the new facilities are ready to open and that I think that warrants a little bit more than $5.”
Councilor Michelle Whetherhult, who won’t be seeking reelection, urged caution regarding rate changes. “I really hope that when this does come back for the 100 block of El Paso, that council does have community engagement before they do vote,” she said. “My term will be ending on Jan. 6. I would like to have it on record that even though we do have residents that use the pickleball courts and have 50 hours of free parking a year, we also have community people from Colorado Springs or tourists that all of a sudden have a fee to pay and then they have to incorporate that into their travel funds. ‘Oh, I will not be going to this park because I have to pay X amount of dollars per hour just to play.’ Hence, they’ll be able to go to Bear Creek 10 minutes away or wherever they go, so, I really hope and as the new city council starts in January – that 100 block of El Paso, you have to think all of the families that go to that park, people on limited income, all the things. I understand that in national parks, they pay for their parking, but this is a public park. I also understand that the park in Old Colorado City is paid parking, but I also understand that there are businesses just down the road from that park.”
Unpermitted work
Council also approved the first reading of an ordinance to crack down on unpermitted work in Manitou. The ordinance would discourage unpermitted construction, demolition, repair, maintenance, and landscaping work which does not follow City standards. Current municipal code provisions prohibit unpermitted work, but do not sufficiently deter such activities, according to the Council memo. These legislative measures (one ordinance and one resolution) aim to formalize prohibitions and penalties. The second reading of the ordinance will be during the Oct. 7 City Council meeting.
Creek Week
Manitou Springs City Council formally recognized Sept. 27 through Oct.5 , 2025 as “Creek Week” in Manitou Springs.
“We’re super thrilled to be here 12 years after starting the first creek cleanup,” said Allison Schuch, executive director of the Fountain Creek Watershed District. “We’ve engaged 25,000 volunteers and removed 175 tons of trash, literally one piece at a time, and it’s all volunteers. That’s what we really wanted to do is to spark people’s interest in our waterways. They are so valuable. They do bring us so much in terms of recreation, water use, just enjoyment, the wildlife habitat. Creek Week is a way for us all to do our part to get out there. There’s actually cleanups happening both Saturdays here in Manitou Springs, so pick your favorite Saturday and head on out there. The elementary school will, for the 11th year, be cleaning up during the week. So [we’re] super thrilled to have Manitou at the table as you’ve been every single year. I just want to encourage everyone to come on out and help make our watershed a cleaner, safer place.”
Other business
Council appointed Lisette Casey and Gerard Mitchell to the Manitou Arts, Culture and Heritage Board.
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