(COLORADO SPRINGS) — If you drive along I-25, you can't miss the giant red scar on the mountain, just west of the highway near Garden of the Gods. The area is officially known as the Black Canyon Quarry. The quarry is a visual reminder of the mining industry in Colorado Springs, and the city just received money to help return the area to its natural state. The project scope includes extensive earthwork and revegetation efforts aimed at environmentally reclaiming the quarry site. On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the formerly limestone aggregate mine was given a $300,000 grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) through its Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF). "This grant will assist us in taking the first step to restore the land and enhance its ecological health as we work to create recreational spaces that promote active lifestyle and community engagement," said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. "This grant is not just an investment in the site, it is an investment in the quality of life for every resident of Colorado Springs." According to the City, the project is estimated to be a million-dollar project. Overall, the project has been in the making for four years and is expected to take a couple of years more. City officials said the plan is to use the area for trail access, however, before they make any decisions, the City will ask the community for input when the space is ready. "One of the biggest things we're gonna be doing is just moving the earth. We're gonna be re-shaping the hillside, re-contouring it, so that we can naturalize the impacts of the old mine and quarry, and really begin to re-establish a slope that can sustain vegetation growth," said David Deitemeyer, the Senior Program Administrator for Trails, Open Space, and Parks Programs (TOPS). Although the space contains 163 acres of stunning views, the city wants to remind everyone that it is closed to the public until it's made safe again. "Not only are there hazards with the remnants of the mining operation itself, but there will be heavy equipment in the area," said Deitemeyer, "We want to just ensure that the public will please stay away from it." Once a hub for economic development, City officials are looking toward its future as a public space. Their hope is for it to be filled with recreation, education, and the conservation of natural resources. "It really is a gem of an open space within Colorado Springs. Has this incredible backdrop view of Pikes Peak, and it really is something that's special. So, I'm really excited as a project manager, as a citizen of Colorado Springs, to be able to create a space that the public can come to and enjoy," said Deitemeyer. The city says they are still working on creative funding solutions for this project. They say grants like this one from the state, help tax dollars go further.