Panorama Park

Location and History

Panorama Park is a 13.5-acre community park located in southeast Colorado Springs, Colorado. Originally an underdeveloped and underutilized space, the park underwent a significant renovation completed in August 2022, making it the largest neighborhood park renovation in the city's history.

Situated adjacent to Panorama Middle School, the park offers stunning views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains. Prior to its renovation, Panorama Park consisted of a small playground, baseball/softball backstop, benches, a small pavilion, picnic tables, and a dirt parking lot.

Renovation Project

The $8.5 million renovation project was a collaborative effort involving the City of Colorado Springs, the Trust for Public Land, and various community organizations. The park's design was heavily influenced by extensive community input, aiming to create a social heart for the neighborhood and reflect the diversity of the southeast Colorado Springs community.

Environmental Features

The renovated park incorporates innovative green infrastructure, including a carefully designed stormwater management system. Runoff is distributed to dispersed infiltration areas throughout the site, reducing detention volume while maximizing usable recreation space.

The park's landscape features a mix of native, drought-tolerant plants and trees, with 58% of the park's surface area covered in native grass seed compared to 24% Kentucky bluegrass.

Community Impact

Panorama Park now serves as a vibrant outdoor recreation space for the surrounding community, providing a safe and inclusive environment for residents of all ages and abilities. It has become a popular destination for various community events, including concerts, farmers' markets, and holiday celebrations.