El Paso County Nature Centers will connect people to their natural and cultural resources and inspire them to become stewards for our parks and the environment.
Register for programs at Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers online. You can view program descriptions, dates, and cost. To register for a program online, you will need to create an account.
Please call Bear Creek Nature Center at 719-520-6387 or Fountain Creek Nature Center at 719-520-6745 if you have questions.
Bear Creek Nature Center
Rent the Bear Den
719-520-6387
maryjolewis@elpasoco.com
Nestled in a beautiful setting, 930+ square feet, tables and chairs, projector and 72 x 92 inch screen. Seating capacity is 75 theater style, and 50 seated at tables.
Fountain Creek Nature Center
Rent the Program Room
719-520-6765
jessicamiller@elpasoco.com
Great view with 1,184 square feet, tables and chairs, a kitchenette, and AV capability. Seating capacity is 75 theater style, and 50 seated at tables.
Nature Center Rental Details
Availability
Nature Center programming will take priority in scheduling throughout the year. The Nature Centers are open to the general public Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Parking is limited.
Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers are available for rentals for all occasions including: board meetings, birthday parties, weddings, family reunions, business meetings, and more!
Rates
Security deposit, rental fee, and signed agreement due within one week of booking to finalize reservation. Contact Jessica or MaryJo for agreement and scheduling.
Regular Rental Use:
Security Deposit – $60 check payable to Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers (returned if there is no damage, see cancellation policy)
$60 first hour, $30 per hour for additional hours
$40 additional fee per hour for after listed hours (before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.)
Non-Profit Organization Use:
Security Deposit – $60 check payable to Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers (returned if there is no damage, see cancellation policy)
$30 first hour, $15 per hour for additional hours
$40 additional fee per hour for after listed hours (before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.)
Capacity and Set-Up
Rooms can be set up for presentation, as a classroom, or boardroom style. Special seating arrangements may be requested and will be accommodated if possible. Tables are 29″ x 72″ or 34″ x 34″.
Maximum capacity of 75 – theatre style
Maximum capacity of 50 – seated at tables
Available and Prohibited Items
Available:
- chairs
- tables
- podium
- AV equipment
- Flip chart stand
- Screen(s)
Prohibited:
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Unsupervised youth
- Barbeque grills
- Rice/confetti
- Helium balloons
Bringing prohibited items will result in the $60 security deposit check being forfeited.
Cancellation Policy
If your function is cancelled thirty days or more prior to the date of the function, the rental fee will be refunded minus the $60 check. If your function is cancelled within twenty-nine days of the rental date, both the fee and check are forfeited.
El Paso County Parks Facility Reservations
El Paso County Parks offers many facilities at its parks available for reservation. Click here to learn more.
Recreational Integrity Statement
Our strategy is to ensure that the El Paso County Nature Centers are welcoming and open to all, universally accessible, and our programs reflect the many different historical and cultural influences that shape our connection to the natural world.
The Trailability Program provides off-road mobility vehicles that allow people with disabilities to hike the nature center trails. Located at both Nature Centers.
Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) Trail
The VIP Trail is a flat, wide boardwalk with interpretive signs along the way that interpret flora and fauna along the trail. A braided rope guides users to interactive signs designated with a tactile rope grip, prompting the use of the Pen Friend audio device that reads the interpretive signs to the user. Located at Bear Creek Nature Center.
Fountain Creek Nature Center Audio Guided Tour
As you explore the trails near Fountain Creek Nature Center, use your phone to scan the 9 QR codes to hear what makes that area special. Also available on Spotify; search “Fountain Creek Nature Center.”
Sensory Bags
Sensory bags are designed for individuals with autism and sensory processing disorders but are available to any guest. Sensory bags include noise-reducing headphones, sunglasses, emotion communication cards, essential oil scent tubes, and assorted fidget toys. Located at both Nature Centers.
Parabolic Microphone with Headset
Amplifies sounds in nature for hard-of-hearing visitors. Available at both Nature Centers.
All programs are free to use. Follow the links above for more information.
For more information about these resources, please contact either:
Jessica Miller at Fountain Creek Nature Center, 719-520-6765 or jessicamiller@elpasoco.com
Mary Jo Lewis at Bear Creek Nature Center, 719-520-6388 or maryjolewis@elpasoco.com
