Behind the Springs

If you’re planning to drive the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit of America’s Mountain this summer, we have to information you’ll need to “know before you go”. Plus, meet the new manager of the mountain who shares fun facts about this iconic landmark. 

Our parks and open spaces are the best! Right now, we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of our trails, open space and parks sales tax program, called TOPS for short. During this episode, we talk about the preservation and stewardship of our favorite places with our city’s archaeologist. Did you know we have a city archaeologist? Her job is awesome and so is she! Hope you’ll join us for the conve...

Everyone loves a beautiful, clean city … and we want to keep ours that way! Join us for a conversation with a city employee who sees firsthand how small acts make a big difference when it comes to keeping Colorado Springs the best place to live, work and play. He’ll tell us what’s being done already, and what’s on the horizon as we kick off a campaign that encourages everyone to “keep it clean”!

When residents call 911, they shouldn’t always expect a fire truck and ambulance to show up with sirens blaring - and that’s a good thing. Hear from the Colorado Springs Fire Department’s Deputy Chief about new community medical response units that are going to less emergent calls in order to get the patients the right care. These latest changes impact our entire community! 

Colorado Springs is one of the most desirable places to live, but with all the buzz and growth comes challenges. One of those is affordable housing, including for those exiting homelessness. A local Navy veteran shares his personal story during this important conversation about how the city is working to end veteran homelessness. Plus, learn about other programs designed to help our community’s mo...

Our guest grew up playing football in the city’s program and now he’s leading the team who manages our youth and adults sports. Find out what makes the City of COS programs unique and worthwhile. Now is a great time to try a new sport!

Episode 78: Colorado Springs Police Chief Vince Niski is about to retire after more than three decades with the department. He reflects on his career, recent challenges, the past and future of the department and his love for Colorado Springs. 

National Engineers Week is a great time to shine the light on our city’s engineers and their impact on the quality of life in COS! This conversation with our City’s Engineer will likely give you new appreciation for engineers and get you excited about the projects underway in our community. 

The Olympic games kick off in Beijing on February 4th and we’re celebrating here in Olympic City USA! In addition to having a big bash in downtown Colorado Springs, we’re also sitting down with four-time Olympian Kara Winger. She tells us all about javelin, her experience as the United States’ flag bearer at the Tokyo closing ceremony, and why she loves living here! 

Colorado Springs Police officers are teaming up with a group called PAL (Police Activities/Athletics League) to make an impact in Colorado Springs. Hear from Officer Menter and “Coach Lev” about the program, how they hope it grows, and why they’re helping more than just young athletes. 

Whether you live right near one, or didn’t even know that our city has community centers … this episode is for you. Hear the great story about the founding of Meadows Park Community Center and find out what’s happening to celebrate the 40th anniversary!

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers is the special guest on Behind the Springs with a review of this past year and a look ahead to 2022. He has a list of priorities that impact all residents, so we hope you’ll join us for this great conversation!

It’s been a mild fall with warm temps, but the snow is coming eventually! How does the city prepare and how do they decide where to plow? You’ll likely learn a thing or two during this conversation with the person behind the team that works hard to make winter travel as safe as possible in Colorado Springs.

It’s that traveling time of year again and the COS Airport has some great deals. They also have great news about what’s happening at Colorado’s small airport … here’s a hint: small commutes, small waits and BIG options!

The Centers for Disease Control just approved the emergency use authorization of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccines for children 5-11 years old, giving the green light for vaccinations to begin. There are a lot of questions about his next phase, and we’re asking some of them during today’s episode of Behind the Springs. Join us for this conversation with experts from El Paso County Public Health and Child...

Construction is underway on the 30th Street corridor leading to Garden of the Gods. Find out what the project involves and what else is in the works around the city when it comes to improving the roads you travel. Tune in for a great conversation with our Public Works Director, Travis Easton.

Electric scooters have arrived in Colorado Springs! You’ll see them in the central areas of the city, including downtown. We’re talking with the Planning & Mobility Director at the Downtown Partnership about what the pilot program means for our city, why e-scooters are a great option, how the city and partners have planned for this new mode of transportation … AND of course, how much fun they...

Three new bridges are coming to a popular park near you! Meet one of our senior engineers, who explains what this particular project means for fans and neighbors of North Cheyenne Canon Park. He’ll tell us why building bridges is important for so many reasons that impact all of us.  

Lucas Kozeniesky is back in Olympic City USA and excited to tell his Olympic story! We hear about his silver medal win, the quiet of Tokyo, and his goals for the future. Not only does he have big plans for himself, but he’s helping the younger generation train for the sport of rifle shooting. Learn about the sport, Lucas’s victory and why he loves to train in Colorado Springs. 

It’s so much more than the name on your utility bill! What do you know about Colorado Springs Utilities? You’ll definitely want to hear more about its leader and the many projects impacting our entire community.

Colorado Springs police officers have something new in their patrol cars to help them connect with area kids. A program called Play COS is about having fun, starting conversations and creating relationships. Find out why it’s such a win-win for our community!

The city’s big 150th anniversary bash is happening downtown on July 31st and you don’t want to miss it. Why is it going to be so great? Find out from Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers on this episode of “Behind the Springs”!

Meet our city’s Fire Marshal and hear about all the things his team does and all the things WE can do to prepare for the summer heat and threat of wildfire. Brett Lacey has been in Colorado Springs nearly 30 years and shares great information that will help our entire community through this season and beyond!

June is bike month and we’re celebrating with something called “Pedal Our Past!” Learn more from our city’s bike planner and find out how to join the fun.   ColoradoSprings. Gov/PedalOurPast

Episode 60: The COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for kids ages 12-15. Get the facts from the Chief Medical Officer at Children’s Hospital Colorado, who is also a parent and realizes that it’s a big decision for families. Please tune in for this great and important conversation!