On behalf of our staff and board of directors, we would like to first extend our heartfelt sympathy to you, your co-workers, and families for the disruption and uncertainty in our lives that the COVID-19 has brought. Like so many of you, our PPORA office has closed and we are working remotely to prevent further spread of the virus. We are all experiencing an unprecedented crisis and trying to make adjustments and decisions to be of service to the outdoor community and our community at large.
PPORA is a mission-driven organization. Our mission is to strengthen the outdoor recreation industry for the Pikes Peak region through leadership and collaboration. A big part of what we do is bringing people together around the outdoors. As we face the current health crisis, we have to modify our approach with regards to bringing people together. We are making decisions to “convene” differently in the days ahead – some events will be postponed, later ones may go on as planned, and others will happen virtually. Please see below for the specific events and actions we are taking. Please note that this is a rapidly evolving situation and decisions may need to be made in the future that alter the status of these events and gatherings.
On the positive side, spending time in outdoor activity can fit into the health crisis guidelines provided and assist in people’s health and well-being, both physically and emotionally, while we deal with this unprecedented situation.
Colorado Governor Polis stated in his news conference on March 12th, “Outdoor recreation is a great thing to do during this time. Spacing from others, going hiking, going biking. If you’re frustrated because your community center is closed… with your kids, what can you do? Generally, with spring weather, hiking, outdoor recreation, all of those things are wonderful things to do with your family that are safe, that are healthy, and we encourage that in the coming days and weeks.”
We will continue to promote outdoor recreation and encourage people to get outside for a dose of nature and to utilize the resources we and others provide, such as www.Pikespeakoutdoors.org and the Family Adventure Guide to the Pikes Peak Region. Spending time outdoors during the current health crisis can aid in our ability to cope, be resilient, and have a positive frame of mind amidst a very challenging time.
We encourage each of you to spend some time on the trail or water in coming days to refresh both your perspective and soul. Look at the Peak, the foothills, the trees. Feel the warm sunshine, the gentle breeze. Listen to the birds as they announce approaching Spring. This crisis won’t last forever. Know that you are not alone; we are all in this together and if we can be of help, please reach out.
Warmly,
Executive Director
UPDATES ON EVENTS & GATHERINGS
PIKES PEAK OUTDOOR INDUSTRY
LEADERSHIP SUMMIT Scheduled for April 21, 2020
POSTPONED - New Date Pending
PARTNERS IN THE OUTDOORS CONFERENCE Scheduled for April 27-29, 2020
POSTPONED - New Date Pending
GET OUTDOORS DAY Event Scheduled for June 6, 2020 @Noon
No Change at Present Planning Meeting April 9, 2020 @Noon
Changed to Virtual Meeting
OUTDOOR RETAILER - SUMMER SHOW June 23-25, 2020
No Change at Present
PIKES PEAK APEX - Mountain Bike Challenge September 24-27, 2020
No Change
PIKES PEAK LITTER LETTER PROJECT Late Sept./Early Oct.
No Change
STATE OF THE OUTDOORS October 29, 2020
No Change
PPORA Press Release
"Getting Outdoors – Why it’s more important than ever"
Photo credit: 3 Peaks Photography
PPORA sent out a press release below to encourage the public to engage in safe, outdoor activity to help them through this time of crisis. Click below to read the full press release.
Small Business Emergency Response Roundtable Is your outdoor business/organization hurting?
If your small business has been hit hard by this COVID-19 crisis, tune in on Friday to learn what resources are available to help. The Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center and the Pikes Peak Workforce Center have collaborated to provide our small business community the latest information in small business emergency response. Sponsored by the Colorado Springs Business Journal.
The Small Business Emergency Response Roundtable webinar will provide you with the latest resources and updates on small business support.
Check Before You Go In light of COVID-19, Parks and Trails and Related Activities are Subject to Change
Photo credit: Colorado Parks and Wildlife
As we all know, this is an evolving situation and what is open today could be closed tomorrow or have additional restrictions or changed hours. Always check with the land manager when making plans to enjoy a park or trail or host or attend an event. Here are the latest updates we have received.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Update on COVID-19
We know you have questions regarding the rapidly evolving scenario that surrounds COVID-19, and how Colorado Parks and Wildlife is responding to keep you and your family healthy during your visits to our parks and offices. We know many of you are also concerned about impacts to our big-game hunting draw process.
Customer, volunteer and employee safety is our top priority, and we take your health and well-being seriously. We are committed to providing our regular services at the highest level possible while also ensuring that everyone is safe.
While this dynamic situation continues to change, we will be regularly updating our website and social media with decisions that impact our business and your recreation needs. Please check back frequently for updates.
Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Update on COVID-19
Photo credit: 3 Peaks Photography
To clarify the City’s current position on Special Events:
Following the recommendation from the local, state and national health officials for all citizens to avoid gathering in groups of 10 or more, the City of Colorado Springs is cancelling all Special Events permitted for the next 8 weeks (through May 11, 2020). The Office of Special Events will work with all permit holders to refund or reschedule events as appropriate. Events scheduled beyond that date are strongly encouraged to stay up to date as more information becomes available. New event or pavilion reservations will not be accepted until further notice.
Please reach out to our staff with any questions, and thank you again for your patience and understanding.
Great tips on safely enjoying the outdoors during this crisis From "Hiking Bob" Falcone
In the space of a week, the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have grown exponentially in the United States. Numbers of cases have increased, along with closures of sporting events, concerts and other gatherings, large and small. Panic buying in stores, even for things that don't seem to make sense, has caused temporary shortages of some household products, and government and health officials continue to warn against personal contact with others, to wash hands frequently and thoroughly, and to maintain a safe "social distance" from others.
In Colorado, the governor ordered ski resorts to close, not because of any threat by being outdoors, but because of the threat of spread in tight lift lines, lodges, restaurants, etc. In fact, it still appears that being outdoors, where you're not breathing recirculated air, and where your social distance can be miles from the nearest person, is still one of the safest activities to engage in during these troubled times.
Tired of missing out on all the insider information? Follow us on social media (click below) to join the conversation and be a part of what is going on in the outdoor industry in the Pikes Peak Region!
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is responding to keep you and your family healthy during your visits to our parks and offices. We know many of you are also concerned about impacts to our big-game hunting draw process.
