PUEBLO: AN OVERVIEW

Pueblo is located at an elevation of 4,700 feet in Southeastern Colorado along the southernmost edge of the state’s major growth corridor, commonly referred to as the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Historically a transportation junction, the city lies at the crossroads of two major highways – Interstate 25, (north/south), and U.S. Highway 50 (east/west).

Pueblo is also a major rail center providing excellent transportation linkages throughout the rapidly growing Rocky Mountain West.

Geographically, the city sits on Colorado’s high plain. The Arkansas River, originating in the mountains to the west, passes through Pueblo, where it meets Fountain Creek. The Colorado Rockies’ Wet Mountain Range begins in western Pueblo County, reaching an elevation of 12,349 feet at Greenhorn Peak. Clearly visible to the northwest is the celebrated 14,110-foot Pikes Peak.

The rolling terrain of the high plains area is dominated by semi-arid climate, providing a contrast to the rich, green, watered lawns and tree-lined streets of Pueblo’s residential neighborhoods.

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Throughout recorded history, and even before, the region surrounding the spot where Fountain Creek flows into the Arkansas River has been a natural crossroads for travelers and has been regarded as a very special place by natives and visitors alike. That spot, modern-day-Pueblo, has always provided sanctuary for those seeking work, relaxation and the good life.

Pueblo’s reputation as the warm weather climate capital of Colorado can be traced to ancient legends that claim the Aztecs built a sun temple hear the Huajotolla Peaks south of Pueblo. The Aztecs apparently regarded those mountains as the north boundary of their empire.

From about 1600 on, Spaniards frequented the area but failed to establish permanent settlements. Many came in search of the legendary “Seven Cities of Gold,” but found only a few bands of Native Americans scattered about. French trappers followed the Arkansas through the area during the late 1600s.

Mountain and plains Native Americans (unless that’s their specific name) were Pueblo’s first tourists. They considered the area to be a neutral zone between the lands claimed by various tribes and also a special meeting place with abundant water and game. In 1779, the region was the site of the Comanches’ first defeat at the hands of the Spanish and a young war chief, Cuerno Verde, (“Greenhorn” in English), was killed.

A permanent settlement began to develop on the site of modern day Pueblo in 1842, when James P. Beckworth, George Simpson, Joseph Doyle and other trappers and traders built an adobe fort they call El Pueblo. They found the location ideal because it was close to the mountains for the trappers, had rich grassland for grazing and agriculture and, most important of all, it was located in the Indian Neutral zone, which meant that traders could journey to the Fort in reasonable safety.

During the winter of 1846-47, more than 200 Mormons spent the winter in the area before resuming their journey to Utah. During the same period, at the end of the Mexican War, the portion of land south of the Arkansas became annexed to the United States of America.

On Christmas Day, 1854, a band of Ute Indians massacred the residents of the fort and the site was abandoned. Little further activity occurred in the area until 1858, when gold was discovered near Denver, and later in the Pikes Peak area. Fountain City was established on the north bank of the Arkansas, to be followed by Pueblo in 1859.

In 1872, the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad reached Pueblo, part of General William Palmer’s dream to build a rail link between Denver and Mexico City. While in Pueblo, General Palmer established the beginnings of that which would become the city’s largest employer, the Colorado Fuel & Iron Corporation (CF&I). He founded the town of South Pueblo and brought in thousands of people to dig in his mines and labor in his steelworks, forever shaping Pueblo’s rich, ethnic mix.

By 1888, four major railroads had reached Pueblo, which had become the smelting capital of the world, refining gold, zinc, lead and silver.

Pueblo was both the wildest of the West, as well as the quiet, conservative, economic and political backbone of Colorado. But yesterday was only the beginning.

For decades Pueblo flourished and CF&I grew until the industry eroded in the 1970s. Unable to compete with low cost foreign steel, the U.S. steel industry collapsed, and with it Pueblo lost thousands of jobs. At the height of the crisis, steel fence posts made in Japan were sold in Pueblo for one dollar per piece less than CF&I’s manufacturing cost.

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The Pueblo Economic Development Corporation (PEDCO) was born in the midst of that economic disaster. Pueblo citizens were not about to move. Instead, they banded together, formed PEDCO, and did something about their problems.

How well did they do?

• Agalite Bath Air Products & Chemicals
• Atlas Pacific Engineering
• Benshaw
• Convergys
• Chemical Marketing
• Davis Wire
• Doss Aviation
• Express Scripts
• Flexible Foam Prod.
• Glenn Company
• Goodrich Corp
• Groupos Cementos
• Hospital Cooperative Laundry
• Haddonstone
• INNOTRAC
• Interstate Chemical
• Kurt Manufacturing
• L.B. Foster
• PBR Int’l Headquarters
• Trinity Packaging
• Pueblo Suburban Development
• RMS
• El Dorado Stone
• Target Distribution
• Trans. Tech. Ctr.
• TRANE
• Vestas Towers America 

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Pueblo’s climate is characterized as mild and semi-arid. Most notably, the daily temperatures can vary considerably. Summer highs frequently reach into the 90s, but cool mountain breezes typically drop the night-time temperature 30 degrees or more. Low relative humidity prevents even the hottest summer days from being oppressive. Winter storms and extended cold periods are infrequent and snow rarely remains on the ground for more than a few days before melting.

The sun shines approximately 300 days annually in Pueblo. Average rainfall for the year is 12.39 inches, and average snowfall for the year is 33.7. The probability of measurable precipitation during the summer months is one day in four and, in winter, one day in eight. Most of the precipitation arrives in the form of scattered summer afternoon thundershowers.

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Air quality statistics for Pueblo and other Colorado cities are shown on the next page, and show the concentrations for carbon monoxide and PM10 particulate.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a principal component of automobile exhaust emissions. During the 1980 – 1985 time frames, Pueblo recorded no violations of the nine-parts-per-million standard which has been established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for this type of emission. Subsequent to 1985, the State Health Department discontinued monitoring carbon monoxide emissions in Pueblo, a further indication of the quality of Pueblo’s air.

In 1987, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopted the new PM10 standard for evaluation pollution. The term PM10 refers to particles which have a diameter of 10 microns or less. Particulate this size or smaller are those which are most readily inhaled, and constitute the fraction of Total Suspended Particulate (TSP), which pose the greatest danger to human health. Pueblo has experienced no violations of the new standards since 1988. Although the old standard of TSP monitoring no longer has legal validity, it does provide some confidences in Pueblo’s ability to comply with the newly adopted PM10 Standard. Pueblo has remained within the 55% - 60% range of the new PM10 Standard.

Air Pollution Control Measures

Over the past several years there has been a concerted effort in Pueblo to reduce particulate levels. This has been accomplished through a variety of measures, including street paving, street cleaning and other local activities. Additionally in Pueblo, major reductions in stationary source activities resulted in significantly lower particulate problems.

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Pueblo has always been a community of neighborhoods. Unique and charming Victorian homes still can be purchased for unheard-of low prices in the Mesa Junction and northside areas of the city. The established areas surrounding the Pueblo Country Club, as well as Belmont, Sunset, Aberdeen and Highland Park, feature a variety of family homes in a wide price range. The areas of new construction are:
The northeast, (University Park, University Hills, Walking Stick and parts of Belmont);
The north (Northridge, Eagleridge and Outlook); and
The southwest (Regency Park, Starlite, South Pointe, Ventana, and El Camino).

Outside the city, newer single family residential areas are developing on the St. Charles Mesa, as well as in Pueblo West and Colorado City.

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Pueblo is surrounded by friendly neighbors who contribute significantly to our community.

Pueblo West – Developed by the McCulloch Corporation, now MCO Properties, Pueblo West is largely a self-supporting community of over 31,000 residents. This unincorporated community of Pueblo County is served by the Pueblo West Metropolitan District for its fire and emergency medical services, parks and recreation, streets and roads, water and waste water needs.

Pueblo West residents have outstanding elementary, middle and high schools provided by School District #70; a quality, 18hole golf course; two industrial parks; numerous commercial developments and wide open spaces. Originally designed to accommodate 60,000 residents and businesses, and with water rights to serve the residents at build-out, you’ll find plenty of room to live and grow in Pueblo West.

BEULAH

The community of Beulah is nestled in the foothills of the Wet Mountain Range some 20 miles west of Pueblo. For most of this century, Beulah has been a summer retreat and location for second homes. More recently, homes are being occupied year-round, and being build on smaller ranchettes for residents who enjoy the short commute to Pueblo for employment and shopping. The area now features an elementary school, a community center, several stores and commercial businesses and, of course, the Pueblo Mountain Park. Growth in Beulah is limited by water availability and the desire of the residents to maintain its rural atmosphere.

COLORADO CITY

Colorado City is located 25 miles southwest of Pueblo in the Greenhorn Valley and rests in the foothill topography at the base of the 12,000-foot Greenhorn Mountain. Many of its services are provided through a metropolitan district and a recreation district. The community has a 27-hole golf course, a middle school, a large community park and an industrial park, all of which give it an area with tremendous growth potential for development. Currently, Colorado City has a population in excess of 3,000.

The small mountain community of Rye is the only incorporated town in western Pueblo County. The area immediately surrounding Rye has numerous ranches, retirement homes, second homes and residences of persons who commute to Pueblo to work and shop. The town has an elementary school and the smaller of two county high schools, as well as the Rye Mountain Park. Rye can be compared to

Beulah in that its growth potential is limited by available services. At the present time, the community has a population of around 202 people.

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Each division of local government in Pueblo is structured to efficiently serve the needs of area residents. More important, each division is determined to be as cooperative and helpful as possible in encouraging business expansion and increasing employment opportunities.

PUEBLO COUNTY

Each of Pueblo County’s three elected commissioners oversees a certain area of county government-provided services. Quality personnel are employed to insure outstanding service delivery. Elected countywide positions include the county clerk, assessor, treasurer, coroner, district attorney and sheriff. Pueblo County provides the following services: police and fire protection (provided by a rural fire protection district and the Pueblo West Fire Department); roads; bridges; social services; planning and zoning; parks and recreation.

CITY OF PUEBLO

Pueblo has a council manager form of municipal government. Seven council members (four from established districts and three at large) are elected for four-year terms. They, in turn, annually elect a council president from among their members. The council appoints a city manager who then employs professional department heads to manage the city’s numerous service departments. The city of Pueblo provides the following services: police and fire protection; parks and recreation; street and highway maintenance; sewage treatment; street lighting and community improvement activities.

METROPOLITAN DISTRICTS

Pueblo West and Colorado City offer many services administered by metropolitan districts. Each district elects five-member board of directors and employs a professional manager to oversee daily operations. The districts provide sewer, water, street construction and park services.

SPECIAL DISTRICTS

Water, Sanitation & Other Special Districts, most with their own elected board of directors, are responsible for the provision of services within designated areas.

POPULATION

As revealed by data from the 2000 Census, Pueblo County has resumed its historic pattern of population growth. In 1990, Pueblo County population stood at 123,051. By the year 2000, Pueblo County population had grown to 141,472, an increase of over 18,000 during a 10year period.

The latest population estimates for 2005 show a Pueblo County population of 151,104. The 30-year prognosis for population increase is equally bright. The Colorado Demography Section is projection Pueblo County population to be at 243,401 by the year 2035.

A key to understanding the resumption of population growth is growth in employment. From 1980 – 1990, when cutbacks in the local steel industry had a devastating impact on Pueblo’s economy, employment growth was only 1,960 workers. During the 1990 – 2000 period, as local economic development efforts took hold, job growth was over 9,100 employees. Employment in 2000 was 57,745, growing to 64,089 in 2005. As of March, 2008, total employment for Pueblo County was 74,519. The city of Pueblo is the largest community in Pueblo County with an estimated population of approximately 105,000. Other Pueblo County communities, notably Pueblo West, have experienced significant population growth in recent years.

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The bulk of household income in the Pueblo MSA derives from the payrolls of the service and governmental employment sectors. Between 2002 and 2005, personal income in the Pueblo area rose by over 31%.

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The "good life" costs less in Pueblo. The “good life” also offers residents a choice of urban, rural, prairie or modern living---all at an affordable cost.

According to the C2ER, The Council For Community And Economic Research (formerly ACCRA), first quarter, 2008, Pueblo enjoys one of the lowest cost of living and even lower cost of housing among 311 urban areas of all sizes throughout the country. Pueblo ranked 75.6 out of 100% composite index for housing, and 87.6 overall for cost of living. A new home on an 8,000 sq. ft . lot, with 2,400 sq. ft. of living space (4 bedrooms, 2 baths) averages $227,790.00. Most importantly, Pueblo’s lower costs do not represent a corresponding reduction in quality of housing. Whatever your housing needs, you’ll find your dream home in Pueblo.

Also, according to Forbes Magazine and a Special Report dated March 19, 2008, out of 179 small, same size cities, Pueblo ranked 62nd in the “Best Small Places For Business And Careers”, based on cost of doing business, job growth and educational attainment. Forbes’ ranking for cost of doing business was based on cost of labor, energy, taxes and office space. Their ranking for job growth was based on 5-year annualized figures. Their educational attainment ranking was based on the share of population over age 25 with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Their sources: Economy.com; Sperling’s BestPlaces.

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Housing is readily available and easily affordable in Pueblo. In the past decade, both the quantity and quality of Pueblo’s housing stock has increased. Within the last 20 years, the housing market in Pueblo has experienced great changes. From 1970 to 2000, growth in the local housing inventory greatly exceeded population growth. Within the Pueblo Metropolitan Statistical Area, the population grew by 15.0% in 2003, whereas growth in available housing was 30.4%.

Housing production continued to remain strong in 2007. Driven by very strong job growth and a stable interest rate environment, production of new housing was 637 homes. Single-family homes posted an increase as did multi-family housing (consisting of apartment, duplex and condominium/townhouse units). The increase in construction of for-sale units was comparable to the gains in total production, which include rental units.

As would be expected of a stable community like Pueblo, the percentage of housing that is owner-occupied is rather high. Additionally, the percentage of home-ownership in the city of Pueblo has increased in the past 16 years, from 64.8% in 1990, to 65.7% for 2006. This reverses the trend based on data from the 1980 Census, when 69.5% of all occupied housing in the city of Pueblo was owned. During this time same time frame, mobile and manufactured homes have come to represent an increasing proportion of Pueblo’s housing stock. Within the last 30 years, the housing market in Pueblo has experienced great changes. Since 2002, the housing stock within the City and County has continued to show moderate growth. In addition, Pueblo had the highest share of homes affordable for median income households—76.3 percent—in the 2008 Colorado College State of the Rockies Report.

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PARKVIEW MEDICAL CENTER

Mission Statement—to provide quality healthcare services that improves the health of our community.

As the regions only locally governed medical facility, Parkview Medical Center is committed to providing quality healthcare to the residents of Southern Colorado.

Parkview Medical Center was founded in 1923 and offers acute healthcare and behavioral medicine specialty services. The hospital is licensed for 305 beds and provides a full range of healthcare services including the region’s most experienced certified Level II trauma Center and the region’s only certified Stroke Center. Parkview Medical Center is the leader in cardiac, women, pediatric, emergency and neurological services, and behavior medical programs. As a vital healthcare source, Parkview’s service area includes Pueblo County and 14 surrounding counties, which represent 350,000 total lives.

Parkview Medical Center is the largest non-government, nonprofit, private sector employer in Pueblo County, with 1,871 employees and provides a skilled medical staff of 308 physicians.

Parkview Medical Center believes in Pueblo and is an immense contributor to the health and well-being in Pueblo Southern Colorado. Parkview provides skilled employees, dedicated physicians and state-of-the-art technology in the delivery of quality healthcare to our patients 365 days a year. Parkview is devoted to improving the health of the community through partnerships, collaborations, resources and the most valuable asset of all, their employees.

For more information about Parkview Medical Center, please visit www.parkviewmc.com, or call 719-584-4000.

ST. MARY CORWIN

St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center is a state-of-the-art resource that provides comprehensive medical services to the communities of southern Colorado. Licensed as a 408-bed facility, St. Mary-Corwin completed a $59 million expansion project in February 2006 to ensure it meets the future needs of our growing communities. With a new emergency department, innovative Intensive Care Unit, enhanced diagnostic services and The Reverend Roger Patrick Dorcy Cancer Center, St. Mary-Corwin extends the healing ministry of Christ by caring for those who are ill and by nurturing the health of the people in our communities. For more information on St. Mary-Corwin and its services, please visit www.stmarycorwin.org.

Other key services offered:

• Cardiovascular Services
• Diabetes Center
• Emergency Services
• Extended Care Facility
• Flight for Life Colorado
• Intensive Care Unit
• Mammography Center
• Pediatric Services
• Rehabilitation Services
• Southern Colorado Family Medicine
• Stroke Center
• The Birth Place
• The Reverend Roger Patrick Dorcy Cancer Center

COLORADO MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE

CMHI at Pueblo---is the home of the state-supported mental health care institution which is known nationally as one of the finest of its kind. Treatment for adults, adolescents and children is provided. Specialized programs for alcohol and drug abuse, geriatric patients and criminal commitments are accommodated. The facility also houses a fully accredited medical and surgical general hospital.

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Pueblo is the communications center of Southern Colorado. A daily newspaper as well as radio and television stations based in Pueblo, reach most of the southern part of the state, as well as Kansas and northern New Mexico.

NEWSPAPER

The Pueblo Chieftain and The Sunday Chieftain are published by the Star-Journal Publishing Corporation and have a daily circulation of 54,800. Daily home or business delivery, by carrier or distributor, costs $10.95 a month. The Sunday paper, with a circulation of 58,200, only costs $6 per month. The Chieftain and The Sunday Chieftain are truly regional newspapers, delivered to 16 counties in Southern Colorado.

TELEVISION

The four national networks, ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX, share local affiliate television stations between Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Channels 5, 11, 13 and 21, (KOAA-NBC, KKTV-CBS, KRDO-ABC and KXRM-IND, respectively, are based in Colorado Springs. The local station of the Rocky Mountain Public Broadcasting System, Channel 8 (KTSC-PBS), is located at the Colorado State University-Pueblo. All stations reach most of Southern Colorado with excellent reception.

Cable TV is available throughout most of Pueblo County. Comcast is the local service provider, and they provide high speed internet as well. Comcast also offers High Definition television and Digital Video Recorders (DVR) in addition to the many local and national networks carried on their lineup.

DIRECTV is also available, and offers DVR and HDTV to its subscribers.

RADIO

Nine radio stations are based in Pueblo. Other stations from Denver and Colorado Springs are received clearly throughout Pueblo as well. Both AM and FM stations cover a complete variety of new, music, sports, talk and entertainment programming.

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Pueblo possesses cultural facilities and events at a level usually only found in a much larger metropolitan area. The community’s citizens are excellent supporters of local activities and the expansion of facilities.

As a result, the rest of Southern Colorado looks to Pueblo as its cultural capital—a place to visit frequently and to enjoy the many professional performances presented.

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A variety of organizations are active in the development of cultural programs in Pueblo. Performances by the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra, the Pueblo Choral Society, the Sangre de Cristo Ballet Theatre Company, the , and the Veronika String Quartet, and the Pueblo Children’s Choral, highlight the sound of music in Pueblo. Residents also enjoy the Impossible Players theatre group, the Broadway Theatre League, other professional and semi-professional theatrical productions throughout the year. The Guadalupe Dancers as well as many other events are either sponsored or produced by Colorado State University-Pueblo in arts, music and the theatre.

SANGRE DE CRISTO ARTS AND CONFERENCE CENTER

Located in downtown Pueblo, the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center is one of the finest cultural facilities in Colorado, if not the entire Rocky Mountain West. Included in the Arts Center’s facilities are:

• A 500-seat theatre, which each year hosts several diverse performing arts series and many community events and meetings.
• A school of dance with classes in classical ballet, jazz and modern dance.
• A resident dance company, the Sangre de Cristo Ballet Theatre, which performances The Nutcracker each December
• A conference center with more than 7,000 square feet of rental space for large gatherings such as conventions, banquets, seminars and dinner-dances.
• The Helen T. White Gallery, which permanently houses the Francis King Collection of Western Art. The collection includes works of each of the famous “Taos Ten” as well as many other pieces. Besides the 16,000 square foot gallery, four other gallery spaces host national touring exhibitions and the unique Arts Center Gift Shop.
• A 12,000 square foot children’s museum, which hosts a variety of exhibits and hands-on learning activities for youth of all ages.

PUEBLO MEMORIAL HALL

Renovated in 1976, Memorial Hall is a classic example of American State theatre. It seats more than 1,600 persons for live plays, concerts, recitals and dramatic productions. The hall is also utilized by local clubs for various programs and lectures.

EL PUEBLO STATE HISTORICAL MUSEUM

An indoor reproduction of the original adobe Fort El Pueblo highlights this state-supported museum. It also houses numerous displays which preserve the area’s history, general historical exhibits and informational items relating to the steel industry.

ROSEMOUNT MUSEUM

This locally supported museum, is the historic home of the John A. Thatcher family, which played a prominent role in Pueblo’s past. The elegant Victorian structure is furnished with original period pieces and is open to the public. A novel gift shop, tearoom and restaurant occupy the carriage house on the mansion’s grounds.

FRED E. WEISBROD AIRCRAFT MUSEUM

Many vintage aircraft with exterior restoration are on display at this museum, named for Pueblo’s former City Manager of 17 years. The museum is located at Pueblo Memorial Airport.

PUEBLO LIBRARY DISTRICT

Pueblo’s public library system is a tax-supported service provided free to all residents of Pueblo County. A collection of more than 150,000 books and non-print items are located in the main Robert Hoag Rawlings Library building near downtown Pueblo. Service is extended to all parts of the county via 4 branch libraries and convenient bookmobiles. In addition to the lending services for books, framed art prints, phonographic records and the in-library use of research materials and periodicals, the library manages a variety of service functions for the community. For example, the Western Research Room maintains a remarkable collection of local and Colorado historical literature as well as hundreds of photographs and maps. The Genealogy Room holds valuable resources for tracing family history and ancestry.

The library sponsors many activities, some of which attract children and include tours, pre-school story hours and special summer functions. Frequently, the library sponsors timely and informative public lectures.

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COLORADO SKIING

Colorado is the winter skiing and snow boarding capital of America and some of the finest facilities are within easy driving distance of Pueblo. Resorts include Aspen, Vail, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Crested Butte, Monarch and Keystone—in short, Ski Country, USA! Cross-country skiing is rapidly gaining in popularity and numerous opportunities are close at hand.

COLORADO FLY FISHING

Fly Fishing is a growing sport, not only in Colorado, but all over the country where natural steams run. With the numerous number of natural mountain streams and lakes, Pueblo and the surrounding area has become a popular fisherman’s dream for both seasoned and beginning anglers. An 8 mile stretch of the Arkansas River from the Pueblo Dam to Fountain Creek boasts some of the best warm water fishing in the state, according to “Fly Fisherman” magazine, in a 2007 article. Fish common to the Pueblo Tail Water, San Isabel Lake, the Arkansas River, and the Horseshoe and Martin Reservoirs are largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, wipers, carp, crappie, and trout.

TOURISM

Colorado is a year-round tourist destination. Many of the state’s most visited attractions lie within an easy drive of Pueblo, including Pike’s Peak, the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Cripple Creek, the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

RECREATION

Pueblo’s Park System is one of the community’s greatest assets. Elected leaders have historically placed a high priority on obtaining and developing outdoor recreational areas and, more recently, cooperative efforts with the school districts have resulted in an expanded and improved system of neighborhood parks. As a result, Pueblo has:

Two urban and district parks, comprising 236.95 acres, and 57 neighborhood parks totaling 397.12 acres.

Recreational opportunities in Pueblo provide more than just the park system. A partial listing of available leisure activities include:

• GOLF COURSES—Pueblo Country Club, 18 holes; Elmwood, 27 holes; Holly Dot, 27 holes; Walking Stick, 18 holes and Dessert Hawk, 18 holes. Most have full service pro shops and restaurants.
• PUEBLO COUNTRY CLUB--This private club offers numerous social events, golf, tennis, swimming and dining facilities. The 18 hole golf course is well maintained and there are both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, including two indoor clay courts. New members are accepted at reasonable initiation fees.
• INDOOR AND OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOLS—Four indoor pools at local high schools and four outdoor pools throughout the city are available for public swimming or city sponsored recreation events.
• TENNIS COURTS—Courts are abundantly scattered throughout the city and county. The city has 80 asphalt-surfaced tennis courts, 50 of which are lighted.
• RIVER TRAILS—A paved trail system winds along the Arkansas River to the Pueblo Dam and through the city along Fountain Creek. The system is connected with bike paths.
• PUEBLO GREENWAY AND NATURE CENTER—Situated on the Arkansas River, the center provides educational programs, display areas, a raptor rehabilitation center and rafting in the summer.
• PUEBLO MOUNTAIN PARK—Nestled in the foothills at Beulah, 25 miles from Pueblo, the park offers opportunities for hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, archery, tennis and softball.
• RUNYON FIELD—Supported by Pueblo County, the field is home to the American Legion and Babe Ruth baseball programs.
• LAKE PUEBLO STATE PARK—The Pueblo Dam and Reservoir are the major results of the 17, 800-acre federal flood control project. The lake, with nearly 60 miles of shoreline, is used heavily for sailing, water skiing, pleasure boating and fishing. Two marinas and a large number of overnight campsites meet the needs of 1 million annual visitors, making the recreational area the most visited tourist attraction in Colorado. The reservoir is only eight miles west of downtown Pueblo.
• PUEBLO ZOO—Located in the City Park, the zoological gardens concentrate on species from the Western United States, and at the present time features over 300 animals.
• ATHLETIC CLUBS—Numerous athletic, health and fitness clubs round out Pueblo’s recreational opportunities. Included are a YMCA and YWCA, private racquetball courts, a shooting club, an archery club and various running clubs.
• BELMONT FITNESS AND TRAINING CENTER—Swimming, tennis and a fully equipped workout facility are offered by this private club, which accepts new members at reasonable rates.
• PUEBLO GREYHOUND PARK—Greyhound dog racing is scheduled each year from May to August.
• I-25 SPEEDWAY—Stock car and motorcycle racing take place on an oval paved track at events held during the spring and summer months.

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COLORADO STATE FAIR

Every summer, Pueblo hosts the Colorado State Fair and many accompanying events. Approximately 500,000 persons visit the fair annually during its 11-day run in late August early September. Besides numerous agricultural, livestock, crafts, and art exhibits, the fair provides daily top-name entertainment, championship rodeo and horse shows, local talent shows and one of the nation’s largest midways. Science, technology, commerce and industry are showcased. Fair related events within the community include two parades; the kid’s parade and the Cinco de Mayo parade. The state fairgrounds host literally hundreds of other events each year. PBR bull riding events, livestock and cattle sales, regional horse shows, equestrian events, dog shows, home and building displays, family reunions, 4-H and other club gatherings liven the scene. The 95,350 square foot Events Center, with 3,000 permanent seats and an additional 5,000 available seats to fit any occasion, things can only get bigger and better in the coming years.

Visit these links to learn more about life in Pueblo

City of Pueblo
www.pueblo.us

Pueblo County
www.co.pueblo.co.us

Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce
www.pueblochamber.org

Latino Chamber of Commerce
www.pueblolatinochamber.com

Historic Arkansas Riverwalk
www.puebloharp.com

Colorado State University-Pueblo
www.colostate-pueblo.edu

Pueblo Community College
www.pueblocc.edu

School District 60
www.pueblo60.k12.co.us 

School District 70
www.district70.org

Parkview Medical Center
www.parkviewmc.com

St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center
www.stmarycorwin.org

Colorado State Fair
www.coloradostatefair.com

Lake Pueblo State Park
http://parks.state.co.us/Parks/LakePueblo

Images of Pueblo magazine
www.imagespueblo.com

Business & Technology Center

www.btc-pueblo.com

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