A social media dumpster fire has blazed over the past two months after the new owners of the Cliff House at Pikes Peak tore out some of the gorgeous xeriscaped gardens in front and replaced them with artificial turf.
Owner Mark Wyant said he liked the clean look of the fake turf. But the move sparked hundreds of comments on Facebook, with residents complaining that the bright green “grass” wasn’t in keeping with the historic hotel and that, in replacing pollinating flowers, the environmental impact and message was way out of line with the spirit of Manitou.
Then, earlier this week, landscapers removed a portion of the turf in front. They said it was going to be replaced with sod.
But a comment on Living in 80829’s Facebook page posted by an account with the username The Cliff House at Pikes Peak complained about their own decision, saying the grass will be difficult to maintain with Manitou’s water restrictions.
The comment went on to question why the Cliff House was being singled out when so many of Manitou’s other properties, such as the nearby historic residence the Johnny Nolan house, use artificial turf.
Wyant said he hadn’t seen the post, which suggests it was one of his people who posted the FB rant, and the comment has since been removed by The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, who also removed the account from that 80829 page.
But the questions raised by that Cliff House person is an important one. Why are locals so pissed about the turf? Why do they care so damn much about a small patch of landscaping in front of their hotel?
Well, the Putt-Putt-looking turf is problematic for so many reasons – symbolically, environmentally, aesthetically, and legally (it violates both state law and local ordinances.)
Clearly, the folks at The Cliff House are feeling the sting of so much anger and hatred directed at them.
But here’s the thing they’re not getting: The reason for all the torches and pitchforks is love. We love The Cliff House. It majestically towers over Canon Avenue. It’s the crown jewel of our beautiful hamlet.
Wyant sent me an email, saying: “I’ve always found it curious people can have so much interest in someone else’s property,”
He’s not wrong. He bought it. He owns it.
Yet we Manitoids also feel a sense of propriety that may lean into proprietary.
In this conflict lies a tremendous opportunity. The community’s sense of ownership may mean that we’re overly critical toward their decisions. But it also means that we all have a stake in their success.
I would ask the Cliff House folks to take the long view here. Yes, we’re annoying and caustic and bordering on obsessive about this. But working with the community (I bet you can enlist local gardeners if you reach out) could be a tremendous way to make amends.
And come winter, you’re gonna need us locals to help fill your new Buffalo Bar and Velvet Elk restaurant.
Conflict tends to mask the fact that both sides want the same thing.
Sidenote
The only exception to the no-artificial-turf law is recreational use.
Guess what Wyant has planned for the little triangle of artificial turf near the east side of the veranda.
“We are looking to do a variance for the small amount next to the building because we want to do a small putting green/croquet lessons there.”
Editor’s note: A photograph of the former Cliff House gardens, misattributed to the writer, was removed from this story. The photo was shared on Facebook and not taken by Epstein.
