(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department celebrated the completion of the Duck Lake Restoration Project in Monument Valley Park on Thursday, Oct. 30 with a special ribbon cutting ceremony.

Local leaders say this marks a major investment in one of our city’s most historic park spaces. The project rebuilt the lake with a stone cap and new aeration system, cleaned and restored the original stonework on the historic levee wall, and converted bluegrass turf to native vegetation with a new irrigation system.

Crews also improved access to the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail from both the north and south ends of the lake.

“Today marks a major milestone of our city’s ongoing commitment to preserving natural beauty, enhancing accessibility, and investing in accessible public spaces, critical to a thriving, healthy community,” said Colorado Springs City Councilmember Nancy Henjum at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The $1.5 million project was possible through money from TABOR, 2B, the Friends of Monument Valley Park, and the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) sales tax program.