Board of Trustees Election
Preliminary results are in from the April 2 Green Mountain Falls Board of Trustees, and the apparent winners are John Bell and Don Walker, who will take the place of Katharine Guthrie and Nick Donzello.
Mayor Todd Dixon is looking forward to working with the new board members, along with Sean Ives and Mayor Pro Tem Sunde King. Congratulations, John and Don!
Many thanks to all four candidates, the two outgoing trustees and the ongoing board trustees. (Official election results will be announced April 12. See more at greenmountainfalls.colorado.gov.)
The election also resulted in the decision to move the election process from April to November to coincide with the county’s elections, saving thousands of dollars.
Gazebo Bridge Project
When you come to GMF in the next couple months to have brunch or to take an early spring hike along beautiful trails, you might notice lower lake levels as work begins on the reconstruction of the gazebo bridge. The gazebo will be closed until its completion, projected for Memorial Day (weather-dependent!).
Bronc Day
The Building Ute Pass Community nonprofit is planning for an amazing event on July 27, marking its 86th year.
A pancake breakfast sponsored by the Friends of Ute Pass Trails, parade, arts and crafts, dancers, mountain fare and food, face-painting, family games, magic and so much more will delight you and your family. Joe Olds has been named grand marshal for this year’s event.
Vendor registration is open, with booths available for $65 for a 10-foot-by-10-foot space. Sign up now at broncdayfestival.org.
Chipper Days
GMF chipper days are set for June 29 and 30. Watch for more info, and get those dead or dying trees down to help with fire mitigation efforts.
Trail Closures
The National Forest trail past the Garden of Eden to the reservoirs is closed for the 2024/25 season for repairs and maintenance. Both North and South Catamount reservoirs are closed.
Word has it that there will be patrols and fines given for anyone who ignores the closure. Be forewarned! Information:
coloradosprings.gov/event/north-catamount-and-south-catamount-reservoir-closure.
Restore Music in the Mountains!
Church in the Wildwood in GMF is raising funds for the installation of a Schulmerich digital carillon in the bell tower. So far, $5,400 has been raised; the goal is $17,000 by Aug. 1. Go to wildwooducc.org for more information and to donate.
CHIPITA PARK NEWS
Chipita Park is a small unincorporated community in El Paso County. It was originally known as Ute Park, and was renamed Chipita Park in the mid-1900s after Chief Ouray’s wife Chipeta, who frequented the area.
Located along Ute Pass just east of Green Mountain Falls, the area’s natural beauty draws attention, hikers and tourists. Many Native people, Spanish explorers and gold hunters used this trail, now paved and named U.S. Highway 24, to travel through the Rockies.
Chipita Park Association Membership
The Chipita Park Association (CPA) is taking applications for memberships. Anyone in the Ute Pass area is welcome to join.
Originally a homeowners association overseeing area development and social functions, the CPA today is dedicated to providing the community’s social activities and is responsible for the rental and maintenance of Marcroft Hall.
Activities include potluck gatherings and the annual Arts & Crafts Fair in November. Activities are open to members and non-members alike.
The season’s first potluck happens at Marcroft Hall starting at 5 p.m. Sunday, May 19, with a Mexican Fiesta theme. Free for all to attend!
Information: chipitapark.org.
Marcroft Hall
In October 1949, the Chipita Park Association (CPA) signed a 20-year lease with the Chipita Park Co. to use the property where the current Marcroft Hall is located for $1 per year. The lease required that the CPA erect a concrete floor or pavilion that property owners could use for square dancing and other activities.
The lease was continually renewed until March 1997, when the Chipita Park Co. gave the property ownership to the CPA. The original recreational facility built on the property was an open pavilion. In 1962, the building was completed with the addition of a kitchen and restrooms.
Marcroft Hall was named in honor of Frank W. Marcroft, the original developer of Ute Park, later named Chipita Park.
The hall is a grand old lady with historic charm. It is available for rental and is perfect for family events, weddings, parties, classes or large meetings. It holds up to 120 people, has a fully equipped kitchen and restrooms, and is ADA compliant.
Clean-up day for Marcroft Hall is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 27. All are welcome! Bring rakes, shovels and gloves.
Marcroft Hall is at 9105 Chipita Park Road, Chipita Park. All activities are coordinated through the CPA. Information: chipitapark.org.