Great Parks Festival

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2013

Residents in El Paso County have access to outstanding parks, trails, open space and recreational programming. The diversity of these services range from a variety of government agencies, non-profits and small business recreation providers. However, most of these services are underutilized. Informing the public of these opportunities has been a challenge that was made even more difficult with the economic downturn. A group of agencies and non-profits joined together in 2011 to create a special annual event designed to spread the message at a fun and interactive community event. The Great Parks Festival is an annual outlet for the public to learn about the variety of opportunities during a one day outdoor event that is more than just passing out brochures. Each organization is required to provide a free interactive component for the public to participate in and learn about the outdoor opportunities. The event attendance grew in 2012 by 20% and increased the number of recreational opportunities that were represented.