Colorado Springs parks division launches 2027 Discover COS Calendar Photo Contest

The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is now accepting submissions for the 2027 Discover COS Calendar Photo Contest, inviting newbie {and professional} photographers to seize the wonder, recreation and distinctive character of town’s parks, trails and open areas.

Now in its 14th yr, the annual Discover COS Calendar celebrates the landscapes, wildlife and experiences that make Colorado Springs’ park system particular whereas highlighting the essential function parks and recreation play in the neighborhood.

“We’re excited to see Colorado Springs through the eyes of our community once again,” stated Skyler Rorabaugh, director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. “Every year, this contest showcases the incredible talent of local photographers while celebrating the places that connect us to nature, recreation and one another. We encourage photographers to explore both iconic destinations and neighborhood favorites throughout our park system.”

Rather than choosing a selected annual theme, the 2027 calendar invitations photographers to submit photographs that remember the wonder, character and experiences discovered all through Colorado Springs’ parks, trails and open areas. From breathtaking sunrises and wildlife encounters to households having fun with neighborhood parks and memorable neighborhood moments, the City is on the lookout for images that inform the story of recreation in Colorado Springs.

Submissions will probably be accepted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. Each photographer could submit as much as 5 images.

Photographs taken at any City of Colorado Springs park, path or open house managed by Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services are eligible and inspired. Photographers are particularly inspired to seize photographs from:

• Red Rock Canyon Open Space
• North Cheyenne Cañon Park
• The Manitou Incline
• Legacy Loop
• Memorial Park
• Quail Lake Park
• Monument Valley Park

Winning images will probably be chosen primarily based on inventive high quality, originality, technical excellence and the way nicely they signify Colorado Springs’ parks, trails and open areas. Selected photographers will probably be acknowledged this fall.

Proceeds from gross sales of the 2027 Discover COS Calendar will help tree planting at Snyder Quarry in Black Canyon Open Space, serving to restore native habitat on the City’s new 163-acre ecological restoration website.

Photos could also be submitted by:

• Email: calendar@coloradosprings.gov
• Mail or in particular person:
  Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
  Attn: April Allen
  1401 Recreation Way
  Colorado Springs, CO 80905

Complete contest guidelines, submission necessities, waiver varieties and extra data can be found at ColoradoSprings.gov/DiscoverCOS.