Our Projects
From lake restoration to community art, every project brings Palmer Lake closer to its full potential.
Active Projects
Train Art Project
Community members can sponsor and design decorative train car panels displayed on the pedestrian bridge. Each car celebrates the history, nature, and spirit of Palmer Lake. A beautiful, permanent piece of public art — and all proceeds directly fund lake restoration.
Public art • Community participation • Direct funding
Lake Water Restoration
Our core, ongoing mission: preventing water loss and restoring Palmer Lake's natural water levels. Through infrastructure improvements, advocacy, and environmental stewardship, we're working to ensure Palmer Lake remains a lake — now and for future generations.
Core mission • Long-term restoration • Environmental protection
Completed Projects
Feed the Troll
Local artist Jodie Bliss spent two years hand-forging Palmer Lake's very own troll sculpture from steel — unveiled beneath the pedestrian bridge on June 28, 2026, in a community celebration attended by hundreds. He now stands as a beloved, permanent landmark. Donations still help pay the artist and fund the next piece of public art.
Community art • Local landmark • Unveiled June 2026
Pickleball Courts
We're thrilled to announce the completion of professional-grade pickleball courts on the west side of the lake! These courts are free and open to the public — a lasting improvement to Palmer Lake's recreation offerings, built with community donations.
Free public access • Professional grade • West side of lake
Public Bathroom Facility
A new public bathroom facility on the west side of the lake dramatically improves the park experience for families, athletes, and all visitors. This was made possible entirely by community support and fundraising.
Improved accessibility • Serves all park visitors
Landscaping
New stone stairs and improved walkways around Palmer Lake give visitors better footing and easier access throughout the park, made possible through community support and volunteer effort.
Improved access • Stone stairs • New walkways
Palmer Lake Pedestrian Bridge
Built from a repurposed 90-foot railroad flatbed car and raised 25 feet above the tracks, this bridge finally reconnected Palmer Lake to its own namesake lake after more than a century of the railroad standing in the way. Completed in January 2020 after nearly a decade of community fundraising, it now doubles as an open-air gallery for the Palmer Lake Troll and the Train Art Project.
Safe lake access • ADA accessible • Built from real railroad history
Rockin' the Rails Disc Golf Course
A free, 18-hole disc golf course along the lake and the historic Santa Fe rail line, dreamed up by Palmer Lake residents John and Christie Ramshur and built by Awake Palmer Lake volunteers alongside the Pikes Peak Flying Disc Golf Club. Opened in November 2013, it's open to everyone, every day, at no cost.
Free public access • 18 holes • Built by volunteers
Staff Gauge
A permanent staff gauge installed along the lake's shoreline near the pedestrian bridge, built from repurposed rail track and set into the bank by volunteers to give an at-a-glance read on Palmer Lake's water level.
Water level monitoring • Volunteer-built • Shoreline near the bridge
Community Gallery
Thirty years of restoration, celebration, and community — captured in moments.
Have a Project Idea?
We welcome ideas from the community. If you have a suggestion for how we can better serve Palmer Lake, we'd love to hear it.
Get in Touch