Memorial Park

Memorial Park is a sprawling 196-acre public park located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Established through a land donation by General William Jackson Palmer, the city's founder, it has become a central recreational hub for residents and visitors alike.

The park is centered around Prospect Lake, a man-made body of water that offers various water-based activities. A 1.25-mile paved trail encircles the lake, providing an ideal path for walking, jogging, and biking. Fitness enthusiasts can take advantage of exercise stations positioned along this trail.

Memorial Park boasts an extensive array of sports facilities. It features multiple baseball and softball fields, football and soccer fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and volleyball courts. The park is also home to the US Olympic Velodrome, a 333.3-meter outdoor cycling track open for public use and competitive events.

For skateboarding enthusiasts, the park houses Colorado's second-largest skate park, covering an impressive 40,000 square feet. This facility includes features such as bowls, a street course, and vertical ramps of varying heights.

The park includes several playgrounds, including an ADA-accessible playground, ensuring recreational opportunities for children of all abilities. Picnic areas with shelters are available for gatherings and can be reserved for group events.

Memorial Park serves as a site for various community events, most notably the Colorado Balloon Classic, a hot air balloon festival held annually on Labor Day weekend since 1977.

The park also features memorials honoring veterans and firefighters, adding a solemn and reflective element to its recreational offerings.