Season 3, Episode 3 - A Conversation with Todd Marts on Parks, Nature, and Community Services

A Conversation with Todd Marts on Parks, Nature, and Community Services

 

In this episode, your host Scott Anderson sits down with Todd Marts, the Executive Director for El Paso County Parks and Community Services. Broadcasting from the picturesque setting of Todd's office, surrounded by the very parks he manages, Scott and Todd delve into Todd’s 30 years of dedication to the county and its natural treasures. 

From Colorado Springs native to a Career in Conservation: Todd Marts' story begins in Colorado Springs, where he was born and raised. After venturing away for educational and professional opportunities with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Park Service, Todd realized his heart belonged in the Pikes Peak region. He returned over three decades ago and has since climbed the ranks from working at the Bear Creek Nature Center to becoming the executive director. 

Reflecting on his journey, Todd emphasizes that his experience with federal agencies offered him invaluable insights into property and recreation management. But his true calling was always about serving the community where he grew up and finding ways to enrich the lives of its residents. 

The Role of El Paso County's Parks and Community Services: Scott and Todd dive into the breadth of responsibilities that come with managing El Paso County's diverse array of parks, nature centers, and community services. With over 8,000 acres of property and 144 miles of trails, Todd isn’t just overseeing green spaces; he’s dedicating his career to creating environments that foster lifelong memories and stewardship for the outdoors. 

A Variety of Natural Settings: El Paso County’s parks vary in function and design, catering to an array of community needs. Todd describes regional parks like Bear Creek, Fountain Creek, Fox Run, and Falcon Regional Park as hubs designed to serve the entire community with diverse facilities and activities, from pickleball courts and community gardens to equestrian trails and nature centers. Other parks, such as the Pineries, emphasize preservation while still allowing public access to these natural treasures. 

The Magic of The Paint Mines: One of the crown jewels in El Paso County’s portfolio is the Paint Mines. This unique park boasts dramatic rock formations in the middle of the plains, a sight that never fails to astonish visitors. The Paint Mines offer an element of surprise and wonder, which can be described as a "pleasant surprise" in an otherwise flat landscape. 

Currently, the county is undertaking a master plan to further protect and preserve the Paint Mines, ensuring their sustainable use and enjoyment for generations to come. Todd encourages visitors to respect the park by staying on designated trails to maintain its delicate ecosystem. 

Future-Focused:  In an exciting development, El Paso County is working on its third nature center, the Fox Run Nature Center, set to serve the northern part of the county. Todd explains that a need for this nature center was identified as far back as 2013 in a master plan. The design phase is underway, with hopes of starting construction by 2025 or 2026. 

Making Nature Accessible for All: One of the key themes of Todd’s tenure has been accessibility. The parks department aims not only to make natural areas accessible but also inviting. Initiatives like the terrain hopper, which allows people with disabilities to explore trails they otherwise couldn’t, and the VIP (visually impaired persons) trail are concrete steps toward this vision. Todd shares heartfelt stories of lives touched by these initiatives, highlighting the profound impact of making the outdoors universally accessible. 

Beyond Parks:  Todd’s role isn’t confined to parks. He oversees the county’s Environmental Services and the El Paso County Fair. Environmental Services offer critical recycling programs for hard-to-dispose-of items, aiding community sustainability efforts. The El Paso County Fair, a storied tradition of over 100 years, continues to celebrate the county’s agricultural roots, blending it with urban experiences. Notably, this year saw the introduction of a sensory awareness day, making the fair accessible to individuals with sensory sensitivities. 

Creating Stewards of Nature: Wrapping up the conversation, Todd emphasizes the importance of the upcoming Fox Run Nature Center and its role in fostering environmental stewardship. As Scott aptly notes, the projects under Todd’s leadership are not just about facilities; they’re about people and the community. 

Todd’s work ensures that El Paso County will continue to offer exceptional resources, maintaining a delicate balance between accessibility, preservation, and sustainability. Whether it's through enhancing the enjoyment of existing parks or developing new facilities, Todd Mars and his team are dedicated to making the Pikes Peak region a welcoming haven for nature lovers of all abilities. 

Be sure to tune in to "Beyond the Dais" on your favorite podcast platform and explore the inspiring stories of people making positive changes in and around El Paso County.