FRIENDS OF RED ROCK CANYON
The Friends of Red Rock Canyon (FoRRC) are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit volunteer group dedicated to the protection and maintenance of the Red Rock Canyon Open Space in Colorado Springs. We serve as the primary stewards of the land, working closely with the city’s Parks Department to carry out and sustain the vision of the Master Plan.
MEET THE BOARD
Shanti Toll - President
Shanti was the creator/owner of the Celebration Metaphysical Fairs/Store and a District 11 school teacher. As a retired Westsider/Manitoid he stays involved with trail building and community volunteering. He has always been committed to helping people find connection, peace, and inspiration in nature.
Joel Newmiller - Vice President
Joel Newmiller is an avid mountain biker, hiker, and snowboarder. He enjoys helping to maintain and improve local trails while promoting responsible stewardship of the area's natural resources. Joel is committed to preserving Red Rock Canyon as a place where the community can connect with and enjoy the outdoors for generations to come.
David Valier - Treasurer
David is a longtime member of the Friends Board. He currently serves as Treasurer. He lives in Manitou Springs with his partner, Teresa, and their beloved dog, Lilly.
Dan Downs - Webmaster
Dan has been a Pikes Peak Area Certified Trail Crew Leader for about fifteen years and an avid mountain biker and skier. He is the Webmaster for the Board.
Sean McKeown - Secretary
Sean is the Secretary for Friends of Red Rock Canyon and lives in Manitou Springs. He enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, and walking his dogs in the Red Rock Canyon dog park.
Charlie Paterson - Member
Charlie is a lifelong Coloradoan, avid bicyclist, hiker, volunteer and nature lover. He is currently retired from being a small business owner.
Glenn Pressman - Member
Glenn has been hiking the Red Rock Canyon hills and trails since the 1980s. He participated in the early efforts to acquire the three parcels that led to today’s Red Rock Canyon Open Space and has been active with the Friends group for more than 20 years.
Mike Crissey - Member
Mike Crissey is a retired urologist and avid fly fisherman . He loves Red Rock Canyon and it has been his favorite hiking destination for years. Mike has been a board member since the summer of 2024. His major focus since joining the board has been restoration of the ponds in the open space.
MASTER PLAN
The Red Rock Canyon Open Space Master Plan, adopted in 2013 and developed in partnership with the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, provides a long-term vision for protecting and managing the park’s nearly 1,400 acres, including the additions of Section 16 and White Acres. The plan is designed to preserve the area’s natural beauty, ecological health, and historical significance while supporting sustainable recreational opportunities for the community.
Key priorities of the plan include environmental stewardship, habitat protection, responsible trail management, and balancing the needs of the park’s diverse user groups, including hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and equestrians. Through thoughtful planning and ongoing collaboration, the Master Plan helps ensure that Red Rock Canyon Open Space remains a safe, accessible, and sustainable destination for future generations. Click below to view the Master Plan.