COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The 2011 budget seems to portray a positive outlook for the city of Colorado Springs. Here are the top 12 gifts city officials said they are looking forward to next year:
1) Recruiting academies for the Police and Fire departments to fill police officer and firefighter positions, keeping public safety as the top priority.
2) Expanding previously scaled back bus service to include Saturday services and additional paratransit services.
3) A new form of government: the city will have its first election for a strong mayor in April 2011.
4) Residential streetlights will be turned back on.
5) Trash cans and park maintenance services will be returned to neighborhood parks and medians will be maintained.
6) Maintaining Park, Recreation and Cultural Services including the Therapeutic Recreation program, Cottonwood Creek Recreation Center, Deerfield Hills Community Center, Hillside Community Center, Meadows Community Center, North Cheyenne Cañon Visitor Centers, Rock Ledge Ranch, and operating the Julie Penrose and Uncle Wilbur fountains next summer.
7) The Springs in Bloom volunteer flowerbed planting program will once again make city medians explode in color.
8) Free public recycling program in downtown Colorado Springs and in the City's major parks and sports complexes.
9) Hosting the opening stage for the first ever Quiznos Pro Challenge Cycling Race in August 2011.
10) Hosting the U.S. Women's Open at The Broadmoor in July 2011.
11) Growing amateur sports: USA Boxing National Championship; The Warrior Games hosted by Defense Department and United States Olympic Committee (USOC); Rocky Mountain State Games; USOC 20ll National Coaching Conference; and more.
12) Thriving special events, Colorado Balloon Classic, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and Rodeo Parade, St. Patrick's Day Parade, Festival of Lights, Everybody Welcome Diversity Festival, and more.
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