Good morning, Colorado Springs.

The city opened a revamped Blodgett Open Space featuring 7 miles of trails + a 2.5-mile downhill-only bike hill with wooden flyovers near Pikeview Quarry.

Plans will add another 7 miles + include wildlife monitoring to protect local bighorn sheep.

City Greenhouses is hosting a surplus plant sale with donations accepted for native species from July 23-25 at 1003 Glen Ave, with sales on Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon - a suggested donation of $9 per one gallon plant will fund upgrades to historic greenhouse facilities.

Taylor Farms’ processing and distribution warehouse at 890 Newport Road in Colorado Springs reopened Friday morning despite a potential link to a cyclosporiasis outbreak that has sickened thousands nationally.

The facility employs 250 workers and supplies produce to local restaurants following previous FDA inspections that found violations.

Local Cinemark has upgraded its projector to 70mm IMAX (near South Carefree Circle and Powers Boulevard) to showcase the new film 'The Odyssey.' The upgrade gives moviegoers an enhanced viewing experience and makes this theater one of only two in the area to use the format.

On June 24, Colorado Springs Utilities announced long-term plans to boost energy capacity (using renewables, battery storage and nuclear exploration) and upgrade water storage and wastewater systems to support Southern Colorado's growth.

Boss Babe Academy held its fourth leadership program at Colorado Springs City Hub, where over 60 girls built confidence and learned real-world skills (self-defense and teamwork) while raising over $10,000 in scholarships to ensure access.

The program, initiated by a local entrepreneur, empowers young women.

Basic cadets participated in challenging training exercises, crawling under barbed wire and overcoming water obstacles at the U.S. Air Force Academy on July 16.

The drills prepared them for future service.

Firefighters increased containment of the Aspen Acres fire to 48% on Thursday—most notably north of Rye—after weeks of efforts; a community meeting was held Friday at the Raymond Aguirre Community Center in Gardner and livestreamed on Facebook to update residents on progress.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is reviewing about 50 hunting license options affected by the Aspen Acres and Willow fires because road closures and safety concerns may limit access and shift animal movements, and no final decisions have been made for the hunting season (CPW will update hunters as conditions change).

Starting Monday, Beacon Lite Road in Monument will close to through traffic between Palmer Divide Road and Wakonda Way as crews install waterline and storm sewer systems + the road is expected to remain closed for about three to four months with local access provided at open ends.

Palmer Park offers a scenic loop featuring the Grandview pavilion with views of the city, Pikes Peak and northern mountains — a 2.3-mile hike beginning at the North Cañon Trailhead.

The park is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. with dogs on leash.

Brushes & Brunch at Beans & Brews

1-3 p.m. — Beans & Brews Coffeehouse — $15 minimum food purchase required — Unleash your creativity with step-by-step painting instruction in a cozy café setting.

Real Madrid Foundation Soccer Camp

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. — El Pomar Youth Sports Park — Registration required — Develop soccer skills with expert coaching from Real Madrid methodologies.

Mash Mechanix Pickleball Club

5:30-6 p.m. — Mash Mechanix Brewing Co — Free entry — Enjoy friendly and competitive pickleball while sipping on discounted pints.

Trivia Night at Goat Patch Brewing Company

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Goat Patch Brewing Company — Free to play — Test your knowledge while enjoying craft beer and prizes every Wednesday night.

Cos Racing Group Bike Ride

5:30-6:00 p.m. — Fossil Craft Beer Company — Free entry — Enjoy a weekly cycling adventure followed by community vibes and craft beer.

Food Distribution Event

10-11 a.m. — Norris Penrose Event Center — Open to all — Helping the community by providing food supplies for those in need.

Highland Happy Hour

6-10 p.m. — Jack Quinn's Irish Pub and Restaurant — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of drinks and camaraderie at a beloved local pub.

Sunday Market in Acacia Park

9 AM – 2 PM — Acacia Park — Free entry — Browse fresh food and local goods at this vibrant weekly community market.

Aqua Zumba with Natilia

9:30-10:15 a.m. — Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort — $15 per class for locals, free for overnight guests — Enjoy a fun, water-resistant dance party that's easy on the joints.

Tuesday Trivia Night

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Red Leg Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy great beer while competing for fun prizes.