COS Town Tidings #26-044

Gmail will truncate so 📖 READ ONLINE

🤣 Today’s Chuckle

📰 Community Center Comeback? 📍

📰 Local Restaurants: Who Failed and Passed This Week? 🍽️

Recipe: 🍓 Strawberry Shortbread Sandwich Cookie

🛍 Bargain Box - up to 50% Off

📆 Local Events + Concerts, 💕 Activities

🌦 COS Weather - Light rain on and off with possible rain/snow mix PM with mild temps

Recreation: 🥾 Forest Peace Close to Home

The City of Colorado Springs is officially inviting proposals to bring new purpose and long-term community benefit to the former Meadows Park Community Center in the Stratton Meadows neighborhood.

After the difficult closure of the center due to budget reductions, the City says it’s ready to move forward but this time, guided directly by neighbor input. Community members shared what matters most to them, and those priorities are now built into the Request for Proposal (RFP).

The City is looking for qualified partners to lease, purchase, or operate the space in a way that truly serves the neighborhood. Ideas that focus on youth programs, food access, senior and intergenerational services, health and wellness activities, workforce and educational opportunities, and flexible gathering space are especially encouraged.

Proposals will be reviewed later this spring, with an emphasis on long-term public value, accessibility, and a clear, sustainable plan to operate the facility.

For neighbors who felt the loss of this space deeply, this could be the beginning of something hopeful.

⏱️ 60 second Brain/Body Check with Kristen Nielsen (this one is good yet challenging, give it a try!)

This week’s restaurant inspection report highlights why routine health checks matter. Inspections are designed to catch issues early, correct them, and keep our community safe. The good news? There were no active closures, and several restaurants passed with only minor corrections.

As always, re-inspections are part of the process, giving restaurants the opportunity to correct issues and demonstrate compliance.

This location remains open and must address specific issues before inspectors return.

8 E Bijou St
Inspection Date: Feb 10, 2026
8 Violations
Result: Re-Inspection Required

Most Concerning Issues:

Re-inspection scheduled on or after Feb 18.

3071 S Academy Blvd
Inspection Date: Feb 10, 2026
11 Violations
Result: Re-Inspection Required

Most Concerning Issues:

Re-inspection scheduled on or after Feb 17.

605 N Circle Dr
Inspection Date: Feb 3, 2026
12 Violations
Result: Re-Inspection Required

Most Concerning Issues:

🥇 Top Scores! On the brighter side, several local spots passed their inspections with minor violations mostly corrected on site, showing strong compliance and improvement across the board.

Health inspection results across El Paso County are available online for those wanting to check their favorite spots.

*Note: Most local restaurants take food safety incredibly seriously. In fact, many owners respond to violations swiftly and thoroughly, often making fixes the same day while they wait for reinspection.

🍕 Poor Richard’s Downtown, grab a slice

A new week means new treasures! We're giving you a first look at the incredible finds and amazing sales hitting the floor through Feb 14 (up to 50% OFF). Watch now to see what's waiting for you!

Located at 405 S Nevada Ave, Open Tues - Sat 10am-2pm. (719) 475-1029

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🎯 The Secret to Financial Confidence You Deserve

Created by local Colorado Springs chef, Christine Miller at Season Two Taste. These buttery shortbread cookies, they're delicious- adorable perfection! Sticky sweet strawberry jam, crunchy freeze-dried strawberries in the dough, create an irresistible flavor combination what's not to love?

Access the complete recipe with tailored modifications to suit your dietary requirements, along with convenient print options.

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🍞 Fresh Baked Sourdough breads, pastries
Nature's Start Bread Company
📍3312 Austin Bluffs (Inside The Cupcake Doctor):
M-Sat, 9am-6pm

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Black Forest Section 16 Open Space offers a quiet retreat under a canopy of tall pines. It's a place where locals can step away from the daily rush and find a moment of peace on the trails.

The fresh mountain air and the sound of the forest provide a perfect setting for a reflective walk or a family hike. This 90-acre woodland is leased from the State Land Board and sits in the heart of the Black Forest area.

A network of multi-use trails winds around the property's perimeter, welcoming hikers, birdwatchers, and horseback riders alike. Motorized vehicles aren't allowed, which helps preserve the area's tranquil atmosphere.

The park is open from dawn until dusk every day. Visitors will find a restroom near the main parking area on Burgess Road, and it stays open all year.

To get there, head east on Woodman. Turn left onto Black Forest Rd, then take an immediate right onto Vollmer Rd.

Location: 8510 Burgess Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80908

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