A new master plan for expansion of a popular open space in northwest Colorado Springs gained final approval Thursday despite concerns related to fire mitigation, evacuation protocol and preservation of wildlife.

The Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department Advisory Board passed the plan for Blodgett Open Space in a 7-1 vote.

On April 5, the Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) working committee voted in unanimous support of the Blodgett master plan that’s been more than a year in the making. The 108-page document is meant to be a guide for recreation and conservation management over the next two decades at the city-owned property that has grown to 384 acres in recent years.

The new plan calls for additional parking to accommodate 246 parking spaces across three parking separate parking lots. The 51-space north trailhead lot is to be the launch point for 2.3 miles of downhill, mountain bike-only trail as part of a total 14.2-mile network envisioned to be mostly shared by people on foot, including a hiking-only loop.

On Thursday, the final decision regarding the approval of the plan for the open space fell to the city’s park board.

Project Manager David Deitemeyer, who for the past 15 months has overseen the efforts behind the new master plan for Blodgett Open Space, reiterated the sentiment that “not everyone’s going to be happy,” while attributing the land’s high value both to mountain bikers, hikers, paragliders and neighboring residents.

A multitude of community members in support and opposition of the open space’s new master plan were at Thursday’s meeting to voice their opinions ahead of the board’s vote.

Opposing resident Dorothy Macnak proposed transforming the open space into a nature preserve rather than an area of recreation, citing the U.S. Forest Service’s recommendation to remove recreation from wildlife.

“It is clear to me the preservation of Blodgett would better serve the community,” Macnak said to the packed room, which was followed by a round of applause by those in opposition.

Others added to the argument, relaying concerns about wildlife and fire evacuation protocol.

Mountain biking advocate and SRAM spokesperson Conrad Madey brought a petition signed by 173 fellow mountain bikers who are also in support of the master plan.

“(We) value Blodgett Open Space as a unique opportunity for mountain biking in the city for its challenging terrain and exciting sustained descents,” Madey said, citing the need for the new trails to alleviate crowding and safety concerns.

Following an hours-long community forum, the board voted in favor of the new open space.

The newly accepted plan is set to cost the city $6,895,630, with projects surrounding resource monitoring, trailhead management and updates, and forestry planning expected to start this year.