In the heart of downtown Colorado Springs lies Shadow Lake, a once-vibrant centerpiece of Monument Valley Park that had fallen into disrepair. However, a monumental renovation project has breathed new life into this historic landmark, transforming it into a thriving oasis once more. Join us on a journey through the restoration of Shadow Lake and discover the dedication and expertise that brought this beloved site back to its former glory.
Transport yourself back to the summer of 1907, when General William Jackson Palmer, the visionary founder of Colorado Springs, gifted Monument Valley Park to the city for one dollar. This act of generosity and others by Palmer laid the foundation for a cherished public space that would stand the test of time.
Learn more about Monument Valley Park’s history including how Shadow Lake and other park features were nearly lost forever by the Memorial Day flood of 1935 by visiting The Friends of Monument Park.
Fast forward over a century later, and Monument Valley Park, including the iconic Shadow Lake, has earned a rightful place on the National Register of Historic Places.
With a shared commitment to preserving Palmer’s legacy, Timberline Building Systems, part of the Timberline family of companies, was entrusted with the monumental task of revitalizing Shadow Lake. Drawing inspiration from Palmer’s vision of “parks for everyone,” the restoration project aimed to seamlessly blend nature with man-made elements, embodying the essence of Timberline’s mission.
Preserving the Past & Restoring the Future
The decision to undertake the restoration of Shadow Lake was driven by its historical significance and the pressing need to address years of neglect. The bone-dry lake had languished for nearly a decade, prompting the City of Colorado Springs to enlist the expertise of Timberline Building Systems for the ambitious renovation. From the outset, special care was taken to ensure the project’s success, with a focus on sustainability and longevity. With year-round recreation as a staple in the park, there is always a flurry of activity, therefore public interest in the project was palpable, underscoring the community’s deep-rooted connection to this cherished space.
“We’d go out to the park to take progress pictures,” says TimberlineOne Marketing Manager, Jae Jasper “and we’d be stopped by multiple groups of people. They all wanted to know what was going on with the lake and were excited and invested in the outcome. That’s the great part of our Colorado Springs community – they care about spaces to gather outside.”
SHADOW LAKE BEFORE
SHADOW LAKE'S NEW LINER
SHADOW LAKE AFTER
The Collaborative Efforts Behind its Restoration
The Shadow Lake restoration was a collaborative endeavor of Timberline entities. Timberline Building Systems, Timberline Landscaping, Timberline Rock N’ Roll, and more all worked together playing on each other‘s strengths to accomplish this restoration while carefully ensuring that historic aspects, like the large stone wall built in 1907, were preserved.
Together, these partners navigated the complexities of construction in a bustling city park, ensuring minimal disruption to nearby amenities while upholding rigorous safety standards.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
- Construction Project Manager:
Cameron Emick (Timberline Building Systems)
- Engineer:
Corey Peterson (Matrix)
- Landscape Architect:
Jason Alwine (Matrix)
- City Park & Recreation:
Jake Butterfield
subcontractors
- Even Preisser Inc.: Concrete Structures and Flatwork
- Retting Electric: Electrical Service, Electric Lines, & Light Poles
- Viaflex: Pond Liner
- Aqua Sierra: Aeration System
- Stone Craft Masonry: Masonry
“We used a few of the same subcontractors as Panorama (Park)” said Timberline Building Systems Construction Project Manager, Cameron Emick. We worked with the same folks overs at the city, so it was really good to have that familiarity and be able to work through that and have that trust that we’ve already built with people to get that project done.”
Together Timberline Building Systems, Timberline Landscaping and Timberline Rock N’ Roll spearheaded over 60% of this restoration project.
As the construction project manager for this design-bid-build project, Timberline Building Systems led the charge and oversaw the coordination of half a dozen contractors and completed stormwater management.
Timberline Landscaping was responsible for executing the irrigation work across the entire park, as well as handling the landscaping surrounding the lake and on the central island.
Timberline Rock N’ Roll managed all material exports and supplied machinery such as screens and loaders for efficient rock handling.
How Shadow Lake's Restoration Was Achieved
Navigating the busy confines of a city park, the restoration of Shadow Lake demanded careful planning and unwavering attention to safety. With adjacent amenities like tennis courts, a pool, and a trail remaining open throughout construction, crews faced the added challenge of ensuring minimal disruption to park-goers while prioritizing their safety. Despite these complexities, construction proceeded with resolute determination, guided by a commitment to precision and excellence.
From excavating the lake bed to implementing an advanced aeration system, every aspect of the restoration was executed with painstaking detail. Moreover, the project extended beyond mere refurbishment, encompassing the meticulous rebuilding of a century-old retaining wall, the installation of ADA-accessible walkways, and detailed landscaping, culminating in a transformation that surpassed all expectations.
The Timeline of Shadow Lake's Restoration Journey
Starting on October 27, 2022, and concluding on May 26, 2023, the restoration of Shadow Lake unfolded over seven months and with a price tag of nearly $1.2 million.
Preserving History: Timberline's Careful Restoration
Due to the park’s historical significance, Timberline conducted the task at hand with the utmost care, collaborating closely with the city’s archaeologist to safeguard any discoveries for their historical significance. This approach yielded a treasure trove of artifacts emerging from the depths of the lake, ranging from vintage glass bottles and silverware to assorted toys like trucks, airplanes, and boats.
Among the finds were intriguing relics such as a 60-year-old credit card, a bubble pipe, and even a decomposing softball, each offering a poignant glimpse into the past and the vibrant activities that once graced this picturesque corner of our city. Throughout this journey, Timberline Building Systems maintained a steadfast commitment to preserving the park’s historical integrity.
“One of the more interesting relics” recalled Emick “was a pre-1900’s glass bottle, fully intact.”
Shadow Lake in Colorado Springs Now Boasts Flowing Water Once More
In the end, Shadow Lake in Colorado Springs emerged from its cocoon of neglect to reclaim its rightful place as a jewel in the city’s crown. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of Timberline Building Systems, Timberline Landscaping, Matrix Design Group, and others this historic landmark now stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. As the waters of Shadow Lake flow once more, they serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of General Palmer and the timeless allure of Monument Valley Park.
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