Garden of the gods park at sun down

Foundation Mission

To improve the quality of Garden of the Gods Park by gathering resources and providing grants that enhance and protect this registered National Natural Landmark.

In 1994, the Garden of the Gods Foundation was created as a 501 (c)(3) charity to preserve and protect the Garden of the Gods Park. It receives revenue from the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center and contributions from the public. These funds support projects and programs that benefit Garden of the Gods Park.

A volunteer board of trustees oversees the Foundation, reviews all contributions, and approves disbursements. Annually, the Colorado Springs Park, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department presents to the Foundation a list of proposed projects in order of priority. The Foundation undertakes the projects for which it has the funds. When additional funds become available, the Foundation can request projects from the Parks Department. Since the establishment of the Foundation in 1994, more than $6.8 million has been donated for maintenance, preservation, and education programs for the Park.

The Foundation will exist in perpetuity, thereby assuring it will always be run for the charitable purpose of support and benefit to the Park.

Grant History

  • 1996 – $89,610
  • 1997 – $77,250
  • 1998 – $81,955
  • 1999 – $82,954
  • 2000 – $89,611
  • 2001 – $86,945
  • 2002 – $89,554
  • 2003 – $92,241
  • 2004 – $105,008
  • 2005 – $97,858
  • 2006 – $209,294
  • 2007 – $113,623
  • 2008 – $169,363
  • 2009 – $110,138
  • 2010 – $121,226
  • 2011 – $124,527
  • 2012 – $128,033
  • 2013 – $151,643
  • 2014 – $131,711
  • 2015 – $139,193
  • 2016 – $512,958
  • 2017 – $217,322
  • 2018 – $793,708
  • 2019 – $405,319
  • 2020 – $367,826
  • 2021 – $200,000
  • 2022 – $640,753
  • 2023 – $656,747
  • 2024 – $764,639

A Message From The President

As we approach the conclusion of another bountiful year for the Garden of the Gods Park, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your unwavering support and generous contributions that have propelled us to reach remarkable milestones. It is with great pleasure that I share some exciting news and updates from the Garden of the Gods Foundation.

Since our inception in 1994, the Garden of the Gods Foundation has remained resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this awe-inspiring National Natural Landmark. Through the ceaseless dedication of our board and the remarkable generosity of donors like yourself, we have been able to contribute over $6 million dollars to the city for initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing this national treasure!

I am delighted to announce a significant advancement within the Garden of the Gods Foundation. Christina Haywood, who has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication and proficiency in her role as the Director of Operations for the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, has been promoted to the position of Executive Director of the Foundation. Her exceptional leadership and visionary approach have played a crucial role in driving our initiatives forward, and I am confident that under her guidance, the Foundation will continue to flourish and make a lasting impact.

I am also pleased to introduce Tracy Goodwin, who recently joined the Garden of the Gods family as the Director of Operations at the Visitor & Nature Center. With her extensive operations experience and passion for outdoor recreation, we are excited to have her on board as we continue to strive to enhance and elevate the visitor experience and further enrich our educational outreach programs.

We have exciting plans for the Visitor Center, including the expansion of the parking lot and restroom facilities over the next few years. These capital projects will significantly enhance the overall experience for our local community and visitors, ensuring that you can enjoy the beauty of the Garden of the Gods in comfort and convenience.

As we look ahead to the coming year, we are faced with fresh challenges that call for our collective support and financial backing. Your continued contributions play a pivotal role in sustaining our conservation efforts and ensuring that the Garden of the Gods Park remains an unspoiled sanctuary for generations to come. Your contribution will directly impact our ability to undertake crucial conservation projects, capital improvements, educational programs, and maintenance endeavors that are essential to preserving what we consider to be the crown jewel of Colorado Springs.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to you for your past support and sincerely hope that you will consider making a donation to the Garden of the Gods Foundation this year. Together, we uphold the legacy of this magnificent park and ensure it remains an invaluable asset for our local community, and visitors from around the world.

Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to the Garden of the Gods Foundation. We look forward to your support and partnership in the upcoming year.

Warm regards,

Jan Martin

President
Garden of the Gods Foundation

Old Messages:
2022
2021

Board of Trustees

Founders

Lyda Hill
Nancy Lewis

Trustees

Lyda Hill – 1995 – 2018
Nancy Lewis – 1995 – 2018
Bruce Warren – 1995 – 2018
Andrew McElhaney – 1995 – 1996
Suzanne Gregory – 1995 – 1996
Frank Marconi – 1996 – 1998
Nancy Brown – 1996 – 1997
Cliff Eisenach – 1997 – 1998, 00 – 04
Andy Cobb – 1998 – 1999
Nancy Vigil – 1998 – 1999
Wayne Fisher – 1999 – 2000
Jeanne Mc Elderry – 1999 – 2000
Mary Tom Issac – 2000 – 2001
David Melendez – 2001 – 2002
Karen Rooks Nauer – 2002 – 2003
Stephen D Harris – 2003 – 2004
Don Carr – 2004 – 2006
Randall Case – 2004 – 2005
Klay Beavert – 2005 – 2006
Larry Royal – 2005 – 2006
Suzanne Jarvinen – 2006 – 2016
Getty Nuhn – 2006 – 2007
Jim Schwerin – 2007 – 2010
John Demmon – 2009 – 2016
Paul Butcher – 2010 – 2018
Kent Obee – 2010 – 2016
Karl Reinhart – 2011 – 2012
Nancy Hobbs – 2012 – 2013
Melissa Walker – 2014 – 2016
Scott Campbell – 2016 – 2022
Hank Scarangella – 2016 – 2018
Ron Ilgen – 2019 – 2022
David Kast – 2003 – Present
Jax Hilaire – 2013 – Present
Jan Martin – 2015 – Present
Mina Liebert – 2016 – Present
Scott Hente – 2018 – 2024
David Kunstle – 2018 – Present
Susan L. Pattee – 2018 – Present
Ann Fetsch – 2021 – Present
David Siegel – 2022 – Present
Patrick Stephens – 2022 – Present
Sarah Bryarly – 2023 – Present
Bill Koerner 2024 – Present