Since 2019 the pool at Portal Park has been closed, which has created a void of community, recreation, and most noticeably a neighborhood eyesore.

In 2025 neighbors, city leaders and staff came together to address the issue of the closed pool and pool house. Neighbors' demands were clear, they wanted the pool reopened; however, some neighbors were surprised to learn that the reason for the closure wasn't a budget issue, but a mining issue. From the 1900's to the 1940's a major industry in Colorado Springs was coal mining. A coal field that stretched from Rockrimmon and along Austin Bluffs was mined in the room and pillar method.

Since the closure of the mines development has occurred above of the existing mine areas, which has resulted in subsidence. In the case of Portal Park the subsidence has disrupted the pool's foundation and its structural integrity. The short to long term plan by the city is a multi-government agency partnership using local, state, and federal resources. A study is currently underway to determine the future feasibility of a pool structure.

In the meantime, neighbors have partnered with the city and local artists to organize a mural for the pool house. Although the pool won't be back we don't want a central piece of the Papeton-Cragmor community to sit abandoned. Our team of local artists are designing a mural that will incorporate the natural and cultural history of our area. We will also include a paint by number section to invite all community members and students at Edison Elementary to collaborate on the project. Neighbors hope to revitalize a negative void into a symbol of renewal and hope for the future.

How you can get involved and help:

Donations
- The project is organized by the Papeton Neighborhood Organization (501c3). We are asking for in-kind donations and financial contributions to support the artists, material and organizing costs.
- We will be publishing a registry of items to donate or suggested donation amounts to cover the costs.
- Donate now - give butter
Support
- We will need help organizing the launch of the mural as a community day and will need a team of volunteers to organize the event.
- If you have skills or time to help support the project please reach out and learn more about how to get involved.
  - Send us an email - papetonneighbors@gmail.com

Our project goal is $9,000 dollars which will:

Compensate local mural artists
Cover costs of materials unable to be obtained through donations
Cover the costs for the community art day to launch the project.
- Local food trucks
- Local music
- Supplies
All costs and expenses will be public and transparent

Portal Park Mural Project