Behind the Springs

Our City just welcomed a new director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. He’s getting started at the perfect time because July is National Parks and Recreation Month. Hear about his vision along with the great events happening in Colorado Springs this summer!

The way officers in the Real Time Crime Center are using drones and other technology is one of the many reasons that some types of crimes are down in our city. Hear about the positive numbers and the challenges facing our Colorado Springs Police Department. Just in time for National Police Week, we hear from Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez. Listen today at: LINK

Meet our new City Forester and find out what his team is doing to care for tens of thousands of trees across Colorado Springs. It’s something that benefits our entire community is so many ways! 

Colorado is experiencing one its warmest winter and spring seasons on record which is concerning for the team that keeps an eye on our wildfire risk. Our Fire Chief has worked in our community for 40 years, and he’s sharing his thoughts about this unusual year, what the Colorado Springs Fire Department is doing to prepare and what YOU can do to be ready. Don’t miss this important conversation! 

This year, the state of Colorado turns 150 and American marks 250 years of independence. Find out about the many ways to celebrate these two major milestones right here in the Pikes Peak region. Hear from our local historians about upcoming events and why it’s so important to pause and reflect!

We’re talking about a plan that will shape an entire area of our City in a positive way. It’s called the Southeast Strong Neighborhood Plan, and it’s the first community planning project undertaken through the Neighborhood Planning Program. Recommendations from this plan will touch on things like transportation, economic development, celebrating culture, housing, public safety and public health. J...

Not only is the Colorado Springs Airport convenient and friendly, but it’s also now international and getting a whole new look. Hear from the new Aviation Director about the exciting improvements underway, how new destinations are added, and why you should Fly COS!

Mayor Yemi is here to kick of the new year with some focus!! That’s his word of the year and he’s sharing his main priorities and what the City team will focus on in 2026. 

Mayor Yemi is here to talk about the top 10 things accomplished by your local government this year. He’s celebrating wins in the areas of public safety, infrastructure, housing, economic vitality and more! He’s also sharing his favorite holiday traditions, including a sweet letter from his daughter to Santa. Happy Holidays!

It’s one of our community’s great holiday traditions! City employees build an ice-skating rink in Acacia Park, providing the perfect excuse to visit downtown during the holiday season. Hear about what it takes to make it happen and then head to Acacia Park this holiday season! 

Winter is on the way, and our city crews are ready! Find out how they prepare for snowstorms, which roads they clear first, and how you can help when the snow hits.

October is the time of year to highlight the incredible arts and culture in the Pikes Peak region. We have two guests to give background on Arts Month and the best ways to celebrate!

It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the world (if you ask us) and fall and winter are a great time to experience the Pikes Peak Highway. Hear from a local expert, who offers tips about how to enjoy the drive to the top of America’s Mountain. 

Mayor Yemi recently delivered his 3rd State of the City address, addressing the city’s accomplishments and challenges in what he called his “halftime report” as he hits the middle of his term. Listen to his full speech during this episode of Behind of Springs!

Residents submitted great questions, and Mayor Yemi is answering them on our second edition of “Ask the Mayor”. He tackles public safety, roads, homelessness and much more. Join the conversation and learn about the Mayor’s priorities and plans for the future!

The Colorado Springs Senior Center has served tens of thousands of patrons since the 1980s. A bigger, better facility is opening soon … and we have two guests to talk about the exciting features and what it all means for our community! 

It’s summertime, but we also call this budget season in local government. Hear from Mayor Yemi and our Chief Financial Officer about the budget process and the measures the City is taking to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.  

Parking garages, meters, enforcement, and more! We’re tackling the topic of parking in Colorado Springs, with the new manager of our Parking Enterprise. She’s talking about a new parking plan and what it means for you!

An area in Garden of the Gods Park known as Camp Creek Valley began to be called Rock Ledge Ranch in June of 1875. Robert and Elsie Chambers moved their family into a small stone house on the property and it was Elsie who picked the name. All these decades later, we’re celebrating all the historic site has offered to our community over the years. Dive into a little history during this episode and...

The weather is warming up and it’s time to say “Hey Neighbor”! Join the conversation to learn about the continuation of our 1,000 Neighborhood Gatherings Initiative. This is the perfect time to reach out, connect and build community. Learn how and why during the latest episode of Behind the Springs!  

Imagine your most ideal park, trail or open space! We all have ideas about how to improve or maintain our beautiful parks system in Colorado Springs. Our parks department is hoping you’ll share your input as they embark on a master plan process to help guide decisions over the next decade. Join the conversation and hear how this process will build community and preserve our legacy!

This week is dedicated to remembering and honoring police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It’s also a time to reflect on the important and sometimes unseen work of our police officers here in Colorado Springs. Join the conversation with two members of our police department with interesting stories and insights!

Mayor Yemi is the guest on this episode and talks about all that’s been going on this past month, including new City Councilmembers and exciting news from the COS Airport! 

Mayor Yemi is here to celebrate the start of Spring, which means a shift from snowplow operations to paving and potholes. He’s also giving some exciting updates about our parks system and a great reminder to VOTE by April 1st!

What’s it like to be a female firefighter in Colorado Springs? How do we recruit more talented women to join the department? What do they bring to the team? A panel of four accomplished firefighters help answer these questions and more during this special episode in celebration of Women’s History Month.