Good morning, Colorado Springs.

Work has begun to extend the Rock Island Trail along Colorado Springs' east side.

City crews are paving a two-mile route from Eastridge Park to Sand Creek + adding a flashing pedestrian crossing, with work planned to continue through the end of the year.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo invites residents to vote and donate $5 to name two orphaned grizzly bear cubs that arrived from Montana in June — the contest supports conservation through The Vital Ground Foundation and ends Tuesday.

Friends report enjoying new trails at Lost Canyon Ranch and Clear Creek Trail while local projects like Fishers Canyon, Coleman Community Park, and Jimmy Camp Creek remain stalled due to low funding.

Nearby counties with dedicated taxes have advanced public access, leaving Colorado Springs waiting for improved trail options.

The Tri-Lakes area hosts three September events: Monu-Palooza X on Sept.

6 at Limbach Park, Palmer Lake Wine Festival on Sept. 12 at Palmer Lake Recreation Area featuring 20+ wineries, and Monument Pours in the Park on Sept. 19 at Limbach Park; ticket proceeds benefit Tri-Lakes Cares.

Farrar Loop is a 3.4-mile trail at Pineries Open Space near Black Forest that attracts runners, cyclists, equestrians and families today.

The trail is accessed at 13201 Vollmer Road and features footbridges and meadows along Shoup Road, operating 5 a.m.-9 p.m. April-October and 6 a.m.-6 p.m. November-March.

Officials downgraded burn restrictions in El Paso County and Colorado Springs after favorable August weather, with county rules shifting from stage 2 to stage 1 at 1 p.m. Friday and the city's ban changing to burn restrictions at noon while outdoor burning activities remain prohibited.

Woodmoor Water officials say a seasonal algae bloom has caused a musty taste & odor even though the water is safe.

An extra chemical treatment on Aug. 10 is expected to lower the compounds within two weeks.

The Aviator at The Hotel Polaris in Colorado Springs took second place on USA Today 10Best list for hotel bars.

The bar offers mountain views and signature cocktails (Night Flight, Across the Galaxy, The Globetrotter) while overlooking the Air Force Academy.

Coach Ryan Chesla led Palmer to snap a 15-year losing streak against Doherty with a 13-0 win Friday night at Garry Berry Stadium — the team’s first season opener victory since 2021.

Palmer will build on the win as it hosts Woodland Park on Thursday at 7 p.m.