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Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce - http://www.trilakeschamber.com/
Why Tri-Lakes?
COMMUNITY INTRODUCTION
Business Communities Working Together
Located along the Rampart Range of the majestic Rocky Mountains, the Tri-Lakes region is a blend of five small communities; Monument, Palmer Lake, Woodmoor, Gleneagle and Black Forest. This area is located just 19 miles north of Colorado Springs and 40 miles south of Denver. Each of these five towns (actually, only Monument and Palmer Lake are incorporated—the others are areas in El Paso County) has its own unique character, offering a rich fusion of home-town atmosphere combined with year ‘round recreational activities, breathtaking views, a wide variety of art galleries and artisans, fine dining and unique shopping.
At an average altitude of 7,000 feet, it is named for the three lakes in the area. Newcomers are greeted by a wonderful year ‘round climate and a diverse landscape ranging from gently rolling hills to soaring ponderosa and aspen forests set in front of a backdrop of rugged mountain terrain with stunning red rock vistas.
Tri-Lakes is a region that has evolved from an attempt to create a cultural haven, to a small agricultural community with a rich history, into a vibrant place to live where businesses are growing and thriving. Its unique setting allows residents to enjoy the best of two worlds: First, is the close proximity to major urban centers, nearby first-class medical facilities, an excellent library system and quality education. And second, the areas each provide a wide variety of local small-town businesses, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and cafes. These amenities lend themselves to an unmatched quality of life.
HISTORY
Palmer Lake and Monument: Past, Present and Future
The Tri-Lakes area sits on the Palmer-Divide, which is the highest point of elevation on the Front Range, a geological ridge that separates runoff going to the Arkansas River from that flowing to the Platte River. The area’s first inhabitants were native-American tribes such as the Arapahoe, Utes and Cheyenne, followed by the American military, and soon after, migrating ranchers and farmers.
The first settlers arrived in the Palmer Lake area in the 1860s. Nestled in the foothills, the Town of Palmer Lake was platted in 1882 by Dr. William Finley Thompson, a dentist from Baltimore, who intended it to be a health resort and vacation community. The late 1800s saw the rise of the Chautauqua—part of a national movement to bring education and culture to the average American. During its time a whole development arose near Palmer Lake around a large meeting hall. After Chautauqua faded in the early 1920s, the area maintained an agrarian lifestyle, with industries ranging from ice harvesting to fox farms and sawmills. The Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad climbs the divide and passes through Palmer Lake where the town’s rustic character is coupled with a magnificent red rock mountain landscape.
Monument’s first homesteaders arrived in 1865 to mark out the town’s preliminary shape. Incorporated in 1879, it was first called Henry’s Station, after Henry Limbach, one of the original settlers. Its name was changed to Monument when the Denver & Rio Grande railroad came through in 1870, linking Denver and Colorado Springs. Today, Monument’s historic district still reflects an era of bygone days with its small-town character.
Black Forest
Towering ponderosa pines with panoramic Rocky Mountain views fill the landscape throughout Black Forest. Originally called The Pinery, it was renamed by a German immigrant who thought it closely resembled the Black Forest of his homeland. Around the turn of the century, Black Forest was an important source of railroad ties and the lumber that built the Pikes Peak region. Today residents enjoy housing areas that are typically made up of one to ten acres with many thirty-five acre sites. Black Forest offers miles of wilderness trails for horseback riding, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Gleneagle and Woodmoor
Originally intended to be residential areas serving Air Force Academy staff and military retirees, Woodmoor and Gleneagle have grown into thriving communities. Since the mid-1980s, many of the open space areas have been replaced with housing developments offering newcomers amenities such as shopping, golf courses, parks and trails that complement their rural setting. Both communities offer vistas of Pikes Peak and the Rampart Range.
While the Tri-Lakes area is changing in character, it still maintains much of the rich heritage that has molded it into the success it is today. The hidden treasures of each of the areas blend perfectly with their surroundings, fusing to create a unique blend of small-town atmosphere and modern development.
TRANSPORTATION & LOCATION
Getting Around Town
The Tri-Lakes area is located along the I-25 corridor, within an easy commute to Colorado Springs and Denver. The town of Monument is situated on the west side of I-25, Woodmoor on the east, Palmer Lake three miles northwest of Monument on Highway 105, Gleneagle south and a little east of Monument on I-25, and Black Forest east of the Interstate on Highway 105.
Colorado Springs Airport, a 16-gate terminal facility spanning 280,000 square feet, is a 30-minute drive south of the Tri-Lakes region. Acting as a gateway to southern Colorado, the airport serves as the first impression for thousands of visitors yearly, offering a breathtaking view of Pikes Peak and a taste of Colorado hospitality. Travelers can get to and from Colorado Springs with ease. COS boasts multiple carriers that offer varied routes to virtually all cities in North America and major cities worldwide. This ultimately allows the airport to provide convenient flight schedules and competitive airfares. The airport handles around 110 arrivals and departures per day and is served by nine airlines. COS has non-stop service to 16 U.S. cities, as well as convenient connecting flights, and handles over two million passengers per year.
Denver International Airport, located an easy one-hour drive north and often called DIA, is, by land size at 52 square miles, the largest international airport in the United States, the third largest international airport in the world and the third busiest airport in the U.S. Runway 16R/34L is the longest public-use runway in the U.S. DIA is served by most major airlines and superior charter services, providing nonstop daily flights to more than 130 destinations in the U.S. and beyond. In 2007, Denver International Airport was the 11th busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic with over 49 million passengers.
The Front Range Express (FREX) offers commuter bus service with on-board Wi-Fi, along the Front Range, including service to Colorado Springs, Monument, Castle Rock and Denver. FREX also provides transportation to the Denver International Airport.
TOURISM
Be Our Guest
The Tri-Lakes area offers plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, cultural activities and striking natural scenery. The area’s interesting history lures visitors and residents alike with its choices in great dining, lodging, one-of-a-kind boutiques, breathtaking views and amenities.
Dining
Each of the Tri-Lake areas has its own distinctive character, with convenient centers for recreation and relaxation. Dining options vary, from upscale bistros and cafes to diners, ethnic cuisine, traditional favorites and fast food. Regardless of taste, everyone can find the perfect restaurant in which to pass the time and have an enjoyable meal.
Lodging
Visitors to the Tri-Lakes area can find accommodations within 10 minutes in every direction. Every taste and budget is available. Choices range from elegant business hotels, to bed and breakfasts, to economy motels, all within easy distance of the area’s top attractions.
Attractions
Southern Colorado is renowned for its natural splendor and breathtaking views of Pikes Peak. Pike National Forest encompasses over 1.1 million acres. Garden of the Gods, Manitou Cliff Dwellings and the Cave of the Winds all offer magnificent panoramas with distinctive red rock formations. Other destinations include the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (the U.S.’s only mountain zoo, situated at an elevation of 6,800 feet), Seven Falls and a trip up Pikes Peak either driving or on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. From Monument you may want to trip the ‘scenic route’ to Woodland Park by way of the Mt. Herman Road.
PARKS & RECREATION
Staying Active
The Tri-Lakes area has an astounding array of outdoor recreational opportunities that are preserved and maintained through the cooperative efforts of local government, organizations and citizens. The hills and mountains that surround the Tri-Lakes area provide endless opportunities for fun and recreation. Much of the terrain is accessible through a complex network of trails that wind among the communities, offering scenery, exercise and a link to many outdoor destinations.
Monument Rock, for which the town is named, stands amidst the Monument Open Space Preserve, a symbol of the town’s enduring nature. Extensive trails around the rock cater to horseback riding, dog walking and jogging, while also serving as a hub to other locales.
Palmer Lake is a popular destination offering fishing and walking trails. Palmer Lake is the beginning of the 14-mile Santa Fe Regional Trail, one of the longest continuous trails in El Paso County. Following the old Santa Fe Railroad line, it traverses several communities and the Air Force Academy, plus connects to a number of other trailheads.
Golf is also a popular pastime in the area, and residents can choose from either public or private courses. Woodmoor Pines Country Club is a private 6,700-yard, par 72 course located in the Woodmoor development east of I-25 and Monument. Recently, Woodmoor Pines Golf and Country Club has partnered with King’s Deer Golf Club, providing easy access to 36 holes of great golf. King’s Deer provides a challenging public course dotted with bunkers and water hazards, located within the high-end King’s Deer Subdivision. Perry Park Country Club boasts a private course that is renowned for its scenery, situated in the midst of trees and remarkable red-rock outcroppings. And, the Air Force Academy opens its two picturesque courses for many community events, plus the Gleneagle subdivision is centered on its own 18-hole course.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Freedom of Expression
The Tri-Lakes area is home to a thriving artist community. Galleries display the works of local and regional artists, which reflect the character of the area. Notable galleries include the Second Street Art Market, Bella Art & Frame and Winter Helmich Gallery in Monument. On the third Thursday of each month, from May through September, visitors and residents enjoy the Monument Art Hop. This cultural event features local galleries and other merchants, along with live music and activities for people of all ages
The arts are supported by groups such as the Palmer Lake Art Group and the Tri-Lakes Center for the Arts, which exhibit local and national works of art in addition to film festivals, concerts, a variety of classes and workshops. Tri-Lakes Views is a community organization dedicated to historical preservation and showcasing the arts. The Artwalls Project showcases area artists on the facades of local buildings in Monument. The first of the projects can be seen at 2nd Street and Beacon Light Road.
Southern Colorado has been a part of a rich and complex history, which is preserved and shared in many museums. The Western Museum of Mining and Industry showcases the rich history of mining in the American West, with emphasis placed on the technological history of metal mining and metallurgy. Exhibits include mining equipment and artifacts that recreate the area’s mining history. The Lucretia Vaile Museum features photos, historical artifacts and articles from the Palmer Lake, Monument and Palmer Divide areas and is an ideal place to learn about the history of the Tri-Lakes area. The United States Air Force Academy is a sprawling campus that includes the Academy, Falcon Stadium, its famous chapel and Arnold Hall, a museum honoring Air Force personnel and heroes.
Traveling south, Colorado Springs offers visitors a myriad of further unique attractions and museums. The Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame is a heritage center dedicated to the sport of rodeo, offering visitors a glimpse of the history of rodeo and its evolution into modern rodeo. Here, patrons can view the Wild West Show exhibit, rodeo-related artwork and the Hall of Champions. Visitors can also enjoy the Olympic Training Center and the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, featuring a collection of more than 40,000 items.
SHOPPING
Finding What You Need
The towns of the Tri-Lakes area, thanks to efforts of local businesses and the Tri-Lakes Chamber of Commerce, enjoy a thriving commercial trade. Shoppers enjoy unique local boutiques, specialty stores, markets and gift shops.
Monument Plaza is a popular retail area offering a unique blend of shopping all within walking distance of one another. Located off Highway 105, shoppers will find galleries, home décor, clothing and specialty stores, as well as restaurants and professional service businesses.
The Historic Monument Merchants Association is made up of a group of local, independent stores that together promote the importance of shopping in Monument. In addition to providing quality goods with small-town service, the HMMA organizes events and programs in the community, such as its summer Music in the Park concert series.
Jackson Creek, the commercial expansion area of Monument, is a 641,000 square foot retail center located on 88 acres along Jackson Creek Parkway. Jackson Creek offers national chain store shopping mixed with small retail, office condominiums and restaurants. Here you can find our local Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Staples and a variety of other retail, grocery and restaurant businesses. The Tri-Lakes area’s Premiere Urgent Care facility is located there, as well.
The Town of Palmer Lake is a small historic town nestled in the foothills. Its spirit is reflected in the businesses of Palmer Lake that open their doors and extend a taste of small-town living and shopping experiences—an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Gleneagle, located opposite the North Entrance of the Air Force Academy, also offers a variety of shopping, restaurants and services easily accessible to area residents.
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
A Strong Economic Base
The Tri-Lakes area enjoys a thriving commercial, light industrial and retail area, with a diverse range of businesses of varying sizes and trade—many of which have been in the community for 20 years.
Among the area’s top employers are the United States Air Force Academy and Synthes (USA), two of the largest employers in the area, along with Lewis-Palmer School District. Synthes is the world’s largest manufacturer of surgical screws and plates. Other businesses range from retailers and professional services to technology and real estate sales and development.
With an ideal location near Colorado Springs, via I-25, local government that encourages business and a proactive Chamber, businesses in Tri-Lakes enjoy continued success. An active Economic Development Corporation is continually working to bring new, clean industry to the area.
HOMES
Neighborhoods & Community
The Tri-Lakes area is an ideal place to live, combining abundant economic opportunities with small-town character. The area is renowned for its accessibility, beautiful scenery, friendly people and rich history.
In and around Monument, there has been an explosion of new housing. Many feature tennis, championship golf courses and wooded lots. Affordable housing prices in the entire Tri-Lakes area range from the $200,000s to well over $1 million. Renters can enjoy a choice of condos, townhouses and single-family homes at reasonable rental rates.
EDUCATION
Lifelong Learning
Education in the Tri-Lakes area is built on a tradition of excellence. The Tri-Lakes region is served by two excellent school districts: Lewis-Palmer School District 38 (LPSD) and the Academy School District 20. Both continuously rank among the top performing districts in the state.
For more than 100 years, highly trained, caring teachers, active school board members, involved parents and committed students have worked together to provide a challenging and rewarding academic environment at Lewis-Palmer School District 38. Students are encouraged to work to their full potential. Upon graduation, students are fully prepared for college or for the workforce, have a sense of academic responsibility and develop a lifetime love of learning.
Approximately 6,000 students attend LPSD schools, which covers 131 square miles of Northern El Paso County. The region has five elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools (including a new state-of-the-art high school opened in August 2008) and one K-12 charter school. LPSD ensures achievement will reflect the greatest potential for every student in the district’s Pre-K through 12 programs.
Academy School District 20 supports more than 21,000 students and offers an International Baccalaureate program at the elementary, middle and high school levels. There are also programs for students who need non-traditional educational settings and opportunities for students in a wide variety of co-curricular activities.
Its increasing student population has resulted in expansion with its recently opened Pre-K through 12th grade campus in Flying Horse Ranch. The campus, Discovery Canyon Campus, emphasizes math, science, aviation and space exploration. Two new elementary schools also opened in August 2007: Ranch Creek Elementary, located in the Wolf Ranch Development, and Chinook Trail Elementary, located in the Cordera Development.
Private schools offer Tri-Lakes residents alternative choices for education. St. Peter Catholic School serves students in K through fourth grade. Hope Montessori/Andrews Academy offers Montessori-based curriculum for grades Pre-K through sixth, and Life Academy offers an alternative high school program.
There are also a large number of institutions of higher learning located within easy drive of the Tri-Lakes area, a few of which include: University of Colorado-Colorado Springs; Colorado Technical College; Colorado College; Nazarene Bible College; United States Air Force Academy; Pikes Peak Community College; and Regis University.
Library
The Pikes Peak Library District serves El Paso County residents, including the Tri-Lakes area, with a system of 12 citywide branches, as well as an eBranch. The newest addition to the system is the High Prairie Branch, a 6,000 square foot facility equipped with 14,000 items in its collection. Its unique collections, state-of-the-art computer system with a multitude of at-home research resources, combined with classes and events, are available to its membership. Its main branch in downtown Colorado Springs has extensive genealogy resources, digital photo archives and a newspaper microfilm collection. Two branches are conveniently located in the immediate area, including the Monument Branch at 1706 Lake Woodmoor Drive and the Palmer Lake Branch at 66 Lower Glenway.
HEALTHCARE
Expert Care Close to Home
With two world-class medical facilities nearby, Tri-Lakes residents are assured a wide choice of excellent healthcare services within close proximity.
Memorial Hospital, a community-owned hospital, has been serving the community since 1904, and in that time has grown with the community and kept at the forefront of technology. The 488-licensed-bed hospital offers the services of some 4,000 employees, 800 physicians and more than 1,000 volunteers. Patients have access to classes, events and health screenings in addition to outpatient services for disease management, radiology and surgery, and inpatient service for cancer care, orthopedics and rehabilitation. What’s more, Memorial holds the distinction of being the only hospital in southern Colorado that qualifies as a children’s hospital.
Over the past two years, Memorial Hospital has initiated five major expansion projects. Memorial Hospital North, completed in April 2007, is a modern 224,000 square foot hospital located in Briargate. The 98-bed hospital provides a multitude of diagnostic and treatment services, which includes an array of inpatient and outpatient care, surgery, emergency and more.
Penrose Community Hospital in Colorado Springs is part of Centura Health, a non-profit, faith-based health system. As part of the largest healthcare system in Colorado, the 88-bed Penrose Community Hospital offers a wide range of clinical specialties, including cancer care, neuroscience, cardiology and many more. Penrose Community provides quality, compassionate care to Colorado citizens, and strives to nurture the health of the entire community. (Should you mention the new north-end facility?)
The Tri-Lakes area is also home to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s hospital, which treats Air Force personnel and their families in all areas of medicine. Its 24-bed hospital provides a full range of services, ensuring active and inactive personnel, retirees and their families receive top-notch medical treatment.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Tri-Lakes boasts many civic organizations and clubs that are active in the community, promoting various charitable activities and providing a wide range of events and entertainment. Through the Chamber’s Nonprofit Council, many of these organizations work together to strengthen the sum of the whole. By creating is community calendar, the Chamber has served as a central clearinghouse to help assure that each event gets the maximum chance for success. Volunteerism is a way of life for many of the retired people of the area.
The Tri-Lakes region is home to the new 45,000 square foot Tri-Lakes Family Center YMCA. Completed in 2008, this 12-acre site offers a family center complete with a community room, gymnasium, wellness center, childcare area, exercise and weight facilities, a swimming pool with three lap lanes and an artificial turf field, along with programs and day camps for youth and family. Future plans for the YMCA include the addition of a new lap pool, a pool slide, two racquetball courts, an expansion of the health and fitness area and a second artificial turf field.
Tri-Lakes Cares offers community support with programs that provide emergency food assistance, medical services, childcare, senior programs, job training and more. Filling in the financial gap for those in need for over 20 years, Tri-Lakes Cares offers unique in-kind and financial assistance programs that include GED classes, a jobs network, holiday baskets and budget counseling.
Tri-Lakes Health Advocacy Partnership (HAP) is a non-profit community organization dedicated to identifying community health issues and creating the necessary support resources. HAP hosts an annual community health fair and education forums, as well as providing community outreach programs for area hospitals. In direct response to community surveys, HAP also offers programs for seniors including transportation services and a foot care clinic, respite care, a support group for Macular Degeneration and family support programs.
The Monument Hill SERTOMA (Service to Mankind) Club is a nonprofit international club with over 165 members. It hosts the annual 4th of July Parade in Monument, drawing over 20,000 spectators, the largest chapter in the entire organization. Other activities include sponsoring the International Hearing Dog event that trains and places hearing dogs, fundraising activities, golf and youth programs. SERTOMA International boasts more than 20,000 members assisting over 50 million people dealing with speech, hearing and language disorders.
GOVERNMENT & MILITARY
For the People
Monument and Palmer Lakes both have a Mayor-Council form of government, which is supported by several different departments, including parks and recreation, police and fire, and a town council which advises community affairs.
The U.S. Air Force Academy, the Air Force’s premier institution for developing leaders of character, greatly influences the area with its commerce, employment and culture. As the training ground for tomorrow’s Air Force officers, the scenic 18,000-acre campus doubles as a university and boot camp. Each year approximately 10,000 men and women vie for the 1,000 slots available for entering freshman. There are total of approximately 4,000 cadets attending the Academy. Of the more than 35,000 cadets that have graduated since the Academy’s inception, over half are still on active duty.
Many inactive and retired military personnel live in and around Tri-Lakes. They contribute to the economy and character of the area. The Academy has become a well-known landmark of Colorado Springs and a contributor to the quality of life shared by all in the Pikes Peak region.
The military has maintained a strong presence in Colorado Springs since the 1940s. Fort Carson, the Mountain Post, sits just south of Colorado Springs and is one of the world’s premier military training locations. In 1999 it became the headquarters for the 7th Infantry Division in charge of training National Guard personnel. In 2005, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division came to Fort Carson, with the 4th Infantry Division taking up residency here again as well. Today, many of our military personnel stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan are deployed from Fort Carson.
Peterson Air Force Base, established in 1942 and commonly known as “Pete Field,” is home to the Air Force Space Command and the 21st Space Wing. The 21st is the Air Force’s only organization that provides missile warning and space control to unified commanders and combat forces worldwide. Peterson AFB also hosts the North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command and Army Strategic Command, as well as the 302nd Airlift Wing (Reserve) and additional tenant units, including the 100th Missile Defense Brigade.
Cheyenne Mountain, known as the Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, is the central collection and coordination center for worldwide systems of satellites, radars and sensors that provide early warnings of any missile, air or space threats to North America. A unique 4.5-acre underground city, it hosts four commands: North American Air Defense Command (NORAD), United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) and the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC).
NORAD provides aerospace warning radar protection and surveillance for the U.S. and Canada. Aerospace warning includes the monitoring of manmade objects in space, and the detection, validation and warning of attack against North America, whether by aircraft, missiles or space vehicles, utilizing mutual support arrangements with other commands. Aerospace control includes ensuring air sovereignty and air defense of the airspace of Canada and the U.S.
Schriever Air Force Base, located 12 miles east of Colorado Springs, is a satellite control facility that stands as one of the newest bases in the country. Formerly Falcon AFB, it is home to the 50th Space Wing responsible for the operations and support of more than 170 Department of Defense satellites. The Space Innovation and Development Center, 310th Space Group and the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization’s Joint National Integration Center and other tenant units are also housed at Schriever Air Force Base.
WORSHIP
Keeping the Faith
The Tri-Lakes area has a diverse religious climate to accommodate its many residents. With houses of worship representing nearly all denominations, the community is committed to not only fostering religious faith, but community charity and interfaith dialog as well.