(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Garden of the Gods Park may be a lot noisier starting Wednesday, Oct. 16, as a project will begin to enhance safety and accessibility to the park. Garden of the Gods Park will undergo a waterline project that will involve the installation of 8,000 feet of new waterline and multiple fire hydrants to improve emergency response capabilities by ensuring an easily available source for firefighters. It will also improve restroom facilities and the user experience by ensuring a reliable water supply for restrooms within the park. Garden of the Gods Park to enhance accessibility with updated trails, waterline The waterline project will affect the park with intermittent trail and road closures. The park will remain open while construction is ongoing, and visitors are asked to use caution and follow all signage. “We truly appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we begin the waterline project,” said Anna Cordova Manager of Garden of the Gods Park. “We realize some of the detours and closures will be inconvenient at times, but our goal is to create as little disruption to park operations as possible. We are committed to maintaining access to Garden of the Gods Park and thank you for your understanding and support as we work together to preserve this National Natural Landmark.” Parking Lot 4 is closed and is expected to remain closed until Spring 2025. Central Garden Trail from Gateway Road to Parking Lot 4 will close on Wednesday, Oct. 23, and will also reopen in Spring 2025. A few closures and timelines individuals can expect are: Oct. 16 through Oct. 18: Gateway Road West will be closed into Garden of the Gods Park to both vehicles and cyclists. Visitors can park in Parking Lot 1 and walk via Gateway Trail into the park. Cyclists will be permitted to use Gateway Trail to access Juniper Way Loop. The eastbound lane of Gateway Road will remain open for vehicles exiting the park. Vehicles can use Balanced Rock, Ridge Road, and Beckers Lane to enter the park. Oct. 21 and 23: Gateway Road West and Juniper Way Loop North will be closed. Pedestrians will be allowed to enter the park via Gateway Trail to Bretag Trail. Cyclists and vehicles must use alternative entrances such as the ones listed above to enter the park. Cyclists will not be able to access the park via Gateway Trail at this time. Vehicles and cyclists traveling through the park will need to exit via Gateway Road. On Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20, Gateway Road will reopen to vehicles and cyclists over the weekend. Visitors should still use caution around construction equipment. Free shuttles will operate from Parking Lot 1 into Garden of the Gods Park from Friday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shuttle service will not be available on Oct. 18 and 21. Service will resume on Friday, Oct. 25, and will run through the end of the year. The project is a collaboration between Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services, Colorado Springs Utilities, the Colorado Springs Fire Department, and the Office of Accessibility. The project is expected to wrap up in Spring 2025.