Red Rock Friends start Bock house fundraising

       The Friends of Red Rock Canyon have started a Bock house fund-raising campaign.
       Donations of any amount are being welcomed for the project, which will convert the now-boarded-up house - the residence of the former Red Rock owners - into usable open-air space.
       The overall project, as designed by City Parks, would cost $201,100. Current funds available are $85,000 from the city and $50,000 from Friends board member Bob Hostetler (out of the Hostetler Trust).
       The fundraising goal is $65,000, which already includes $5,000 donated by the Friends. Meeting the goal would bring available funds to $200,000 exactly. “If we can get to that point, we'll figure out the final $1,100,” said City Parks Development Manager Chris Lieber.
       According to Friends President Karlee Thompson, the cut-off for donations is Oct. 31, although that date could be extended, depending on progress with donations and grant applications.
       Lieber noted that a high number of private donations, even small ones, would bolster grant-seeking efforts by indicating strong community support.
       “It's a very exciting project,” he said of the conversion plan. “There has been interest in preserving a lot of the architecture of the Bock house, and we think our design does that.” Renderings show an open-air shelter, featuring the back-wall rockwork that was perhaps the most noteworthy design aspect of the Bock house. There would also be seating areas and educational or way-finding signage.
       “With it partly covered, it could be a gathering point for interpretive hikes,” Lieber said. “From a functional standpoint, it could provide shade or a storm shelter.”
       The city bought the property from the Bocks in 2003. They had built the house in the 1960s. It was boarded up for safety reasons about two years ago.
       Donations for the conversion effort can be mailed to: Friends of Red Rock Canyon, P.O. Box 6754, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. “Please specify on your check or include a note that your donation is for the RRC Open-air Pavilion,” Thompson advised. “Donations are tax-deductible, and a receipt will be sent for that purpose.”
       For more information, e-mail Thompson at ManitouMyst@aol.com.

Westside Pioneer article