U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY -- Senior officials at the Air Force Academy said June 6 that the nearly 7-mile stretch of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail running through the base is once again open to the public.
Local joggers, hikers and visitors were barred from using the popular trail in May 2015 while the base dealt with security concerns and El Paso County workers repaired damage to the trail caused by heavy rainfall.
Col. Troy Dunn, commander of the 10th Air Base Wing, is responsible for maintaining the base. He said Academy officials are very familiar with the trail’s popularity but must balance keeping hospitality with safety and security concerns.
“[Its] only through an outstanding partnership with the County were we able to get here,” Dunn said. “The support of El Paso County, the City of Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities is vital to the success of our mission. Together, we can ensure the Academy continues to accomplish its mission while minimizing the impact to our community.”
Under an agreement with the Academy, the County is responsible for maintaining the trail. The County plans to make more repairs once Federal Emergency Management Agency funding is confirmed, County Commissioner Darryl Glenn said.
The County will also lead an effort to organize a trail-watch group to report suspicious activity or problems on the trail.
“We continue to be thankful that the Air Force Academy allows this critical section of the New Santa Fe Regional Trail to pass through the Academy,” Glenn said. “We also have appreciated the patience of trail users as we addressed both safety and security concerns.”