Our Story
& Mission.
Friends of Ute Valley Park (FUVP) is an officially recognized "Friends" organization dedicated to maintaining, preserving, and providing education for Ute Valley Park in Colorado Springs.
We work in partnership with the city's Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department to care for this treasured community resource, ensuring its wildland character remains intact for future generations.
Our
Impact.
Here's what our amazing volunteers accomplished together in 2024.
Our History.
FUVP was formed in 2012 when we learned the City had an opportunity to purchase an additional 205 acres to expand Ute Valley Park. The City hoped to fund the purchase through the Trails, Open Spaces, and Parks (TOPS) program.
With the help of FUVP, the Trust for Public Land, and TOPS, the city was able to acquire the land in 2014-15. FUVP raised $110,000 in just 3.5 months to contribute to the purchase, demonstrating unprecedented community support.
How We Care for the Park.
Conducts trail maintenance twice a month
Leads special maintenance and cleanup projects
Raises funds to support park improvements
Provides education about the park's ecology and history
Advocates for the protection of UVP
Awards & Recognition.
Our Structure.
FUVP operates as a committee under the fiscal sponsorship of the Trails and Open Spaces Coalition (TOSC).
This arrangement minimizes our operating costs and allows us to utilize TOSC's 501(C)(3) non-profit status as we pursue our mission.
Status
501(C)(3) Sponsored
Entity
TOSC Fiscal Committee
Meet the Team.
The dedicated leadership team overseeing the preservation, community outreach, and technical operations of the Ute Valley urban wildland.
Drew Town
Chair
Christine Thomas
Vice-Chair
Megan Town
Treasurer
Phill Emmert
Communications
Haley Kline Murphy
Education and Stewardship Coordinator
Pete Galeotti
Outreach and Engagement Specialist
Katie Gray
Nature and Trail Specialist
Nadine Lambert
Volunteer Coordinator
Jake Nixon
Historian
Park Gallery.
Coal Mine Survey Report.
1983 Colorado Front Range Inactive Coal Mine Data (El Paso County). Historical geological report regarding subsurface conditions and previous industrial operations.
Leave
No Trace.
Ute Valley Park proudly supports The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. Following these guidelines helps protect the park for everyone.
