El Paso County officials are pausing a long-going effort to build a nature center north of Colorado Springs.

Renderings have shown an ambitious “canopy tower” and “canopy walk” among the pines of Fox Run Regional Park — components of Fox Run Nature Center, what the county has billed as a vision born from a 2013 master plan. A feasibility study came in 2019, followed by several public meetings in 2023, followed by those renderings from a contracted design firm. Construction had been eyed for 2026.

Now plans have been put on hold in what a county announcement called “a strategic decision made in consideration of the current economic environment.”

A letter to project supporters described “economic changes of the past year,” including “rapidly rising material costs, supply chain issues, and the enormous financial needs of our nonprofit community competing for limited grants and funders.”

In response to questions from The Tribune, El Paso County Parks Executive Director Todd Marts said project costs were estimated at $13 million — above initially stated estimates closer to $10 million. Marts said $5.5 million has been raised, with $3 million of that from grants and private donations.

“We have been in communication with our donors and assured them that all contributions are securely held in the Trust for County Parks, designated specifically for the Fox Run Nature Center,” Marts told The Gazette. “We are deeply grateful for their generosity and continued support, and we will keep them informed as county staff assess the project based on future economic conditions, funding opportunities and community needs.”

In a news release, Marts said the county “remains in a strong financial position,” but “we recognize the same is not true for many in our community.”

He added: “We will continue to be responsible stewards of county resources while supporting the park and nature center experiences our residents value today.”

With Fox Run Nature Center, officials have stated their aim to expand the outdoor education mission of the county’s other two nature centers to growing populations on the north side. Bear Creek Nature Center is closer to Colorado Springs’ center, while Fountain Creek Nature Center is to the south.

The 2019 feasibility study identified Fox Run Regional Park for the third nature center’s location “[b]ased on detailed site analysis, extensive public input, discussions with key stakeholders, thorough financial analysis and a desire for a site that inspires and captivates.”

But the project drew pushback, with nearly 1,200 signing an online petition last year. The petition called on the county to halt the project amid concerns of environmental impact and traffic and safety in the neighborhood surrounding the park.

One proponent countered critics in a letter to The Gazette: “I bet they didn’t have issues when virgin forest was cleared so their home could be built. … The educational and informational opportunities the center will provide will serve to enhance the appreciation and understanding of the park for children and adults alike, thereby heightening the protection and stewardship they might provide.”

Glenn Carlson counted himself as a lifelong steward inspired by a nature center; growing up in Security-Widefield, he frequented Fountain Creek Nature Center. He is now executive director of local nonprofit Trails and Open Space Coalition.

“We’re bummed to hear about” the pause, Carlson said.

The project’s already extended timeline would be extended longer, he noted.

“And especially in this inflationary environment, the longer that cycle takes, the harder those projects can become, just because the cost just starts to run away from you,” he said.

Claiming “El Paso County has not responsibly maintained current trails in the park,” the petition raised doubts about the county’s ability to afford the nature center. Funding would not be easy, Marts acknowledged in past interviews with The Gazette.

“What we really wanted to do was make sure this third (nature center) is going above and beyond,” he told The Gazette last year, “and we really wanted to make sure we were reaching out to as wide an audience as possible.”

Last week, Marts said he recognized “differing perspectives” but emphasized “the decision to pause is based solely on the broader economic environment.”

He said $595,640 had been spent toward analysis and the nature center’s design. “And as a result, we have a solid foundation, including professional, development-ready plans and forest restoration plans that will remain innovative and relevant.”