Media invited October 27 to see West Middle School eighth graders explore Colorado Springs’ water system

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — Colorado Springs School District 11 and Catamount Institute are launching Westside Outside, a multi-year outdoor education and environmental stewardship initiative connecting Westside students with hands-on learning, community service and career exploration in Colorado’s outdoors.

Members of the media are invited to see Westside Outside in action Tuesday, October 27th, as West Middle School eighth graders visit Colorado Springs Utilities’ Phillip H. Tollefson Water Treatment Plant. Students will tour the plant and participate in outdoor learning stations at the adjacent Water Wise Demonstration Garden.

The experience is part of Westside Outside’s inaugural WATER theme, which will engage students in learning about watersheds, ecosystems, water quality, aquatic habitats, conservation and stewardship of local water resources.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

What: Westside Outside eighth-grade water experience
When: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, beginning at 9:15 a.m.
Where: Phillip H. Tollefson Water Treatment Plant, 2715 Mesa Road, Colorado Springs
Who: West Middle School eighth graders with educators and representatives from District 11, Catamount Institute and Springs Utilities
Visuals: Students touring the water treatment plant and participating in hands-on environmental science activities at the demonstration garden
Interviews: Students and representatives from District 11, Catamount Institute and Springs Utilities

Media interested in attending should RSVP to Emily Cole ([email protected]; 719-661-5239) by October 26th at 5pm.

About Colorado Springs School District 11

Colorado Springs School District 11 is committed to providing every student with engaging, high-quality learning experiences that prepare them for college, career and life. Through student agency, strong community partnerships and innovative opportunities such as Peak Experiences, D11 empowers students to explore their interests, discover their strengths and become Future Ready.

About Catamount Institute

Founded in 1997, Catamount Institute is a Colorado Springs-based nonprofit with a mission to connect kids to the outdoors. Through environmental education and hands-on outdoor experiences, Catamount Institute helps children develop curiosity, confidence and meaningful connections to nature. Programs are offered throughout the Pikes Peak region, including at Sondermann Park in Colorado Springs and Catamount Institute’s 145-acre Mountain Campus in Woodland Park.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Space Base Delta 1 will host former Denver Broncos players, Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, team mascot "Miles," and the franchise's three Super Bowl trophies on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026.

The installation visit is part of an ongoing initiative to bring sports legends directly to active-duty service members, military families and defense civilians.

Base personnel and their families will have the opportunity to interact with players at the Peterson Base Exchange in the afternoon. All military ID card holders, military retirees, and authorized BX patrons are welcome to participate.

In order to register for access to the installation, media representatives interested in attending must RSVP to Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at [email protected] Please identify specific names and contact numbers for media professionals who plan to attend no later than 2 p.m. MST on Oct. 26.

Media who have RSVP’d should meet at the Peterson SFB West Gate Visitor Center located at 1334 Stewart Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80914, no later than noon on the date of the event. From there media will be escorted via government vehicles on base. Due to current base security measures, media who have not RSVP’d will not be granted access.

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