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City staff seek purchase of 5.75 acres to expand Coombra Vista Park using PLDO funds
Summary
Parks staff asked council to approve acquisition of roughly 5.75 acres from El Paso County School District 20 for $791,740 plus closing costs, using Park Land Dedication Ordinance (PLDO) funds; staff said the purchase would bring neighborhood park acreage closer to planning targets.
City parks staff asked council Monday, May 12, 2025, to approve acquisition of about 5.75 acres to expand Coombra Vista Park, using Park Land Dedication Ordinance (PLDO) funds set aside for neighborhood park acquisitions.
Lana Thelen, design and development manager for Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, told council the land — currently owned by El Paso County School District 20 — is north of Woodman Road, east of Powers Boulevard and west of Black Forest. The district offered to sell the parcel; city real estate and appraisal work supported the sale price. "We are looking at a purchase price of $791,740 with $3,000 in closing costs," Thelen said.
The purchase would increase combined park acreage in the area to about 10.91 acres. City staff said their neighborhood park target for that planning area is roughly 12 to 13.5 acres, so the purchase closes most of the gap but leaves an estimated shortfall of about 1 to 1.5 acres. PLDO neighborhood acquisition funds currently total $955,008; after the proposed purchase and closing costs staff said the neighborhood fund balance would be about $160,268.
The Parks Advisory Board gave unanimous approval for the acquisition before the council work session, and parks staff told council they plan to bring a supplemental appropriation and a resolution on the regular sessions of May 27 and June 10. Thelen said the city will still have to plan and fund improvements: acquiring the land does not mean immediate development of playfields or amenities; construction would follow depending on future funding and project prioritization.
Why it matters: residential development to the north, east and south of the existing Coombra Vista Park has increased demand for neighborhood parkland; the city intends the acquisition to improve walkable park access within a quarter‑ to half‑mile for nearby residents.
Staff asked council to consider the appropriation and authorized acquisition at the upcoming regular meetings, with a closing expected in late June or early July if council approves the appropriation.
