Facility Conditions

Findings 

As part of the 2020 master plan, deficiency items were identified for Ute Pass Elementary School.  These deficiencies are summarized below.  Some of the work identified in the 2020 master plan has since been completed by the Manitou School District and is not included.

The exterior doors and hardware are deteriorated and require replacement. Interior finishes, including classroom carpets and casework, are showing wear and tear and need replaced. Comprehensive restroom renovations are necessary to enhance ADA accessibility. Additionally, accessible parking, a compliant entry ramp, and a clear accessible path are needed. The playground’s gravel surface, which does not meet compliance standards, should be upgraded to turf or artificial play surfacing. Aging mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems require improvements, with mechanical systems and electrical power infrastructure needing full replacement. Upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting is also recommended.

Findings

As outlined in the 2020 master plan for Manitou Springs Elementary School, several critical deficiencies were identified to address the facility's aging infrastructure and improve functionality. While some projects have been completed by the Manitou School District since the plan's development, significant work remains to ensure a safe, accessible, and modern learning environment. The following paragraphs summarize the outstanding deficiencies, excluding completed projects, to guide future improvements.

The school's roof systems are in poor condition due to age and require full replacement to prevent leaks and maintain structural integrity. Similarly, interior finishes such as classroom carpets and casework are outdated, impacting the learning environment's aesthetics and functionality, and need comprehensive replacement. The auditorium, a valued asset for the Manitou School District, requires upgrades to its aging finishes, seating, lighting, and stage systems to enhance its utility and appeal for school and community events.

Comprehensive restroom renovations are essential to improve ADA accessibility and create a better environment for students. The playground also needs attention, with artificial turf or rubber surfacing recommended to enhance safety and usability. Additionally, aging mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems require significant upgrades. While partial mechanical system replacements were completed in 2023 through a BEST grant, the remaining systems are outdated. The electrical power infrastructure needs a complete overhaul, and the fire alarm system requires upgrades to support a fully functioning voice evacuation system. Transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting is also recommended to improve sustainability and reduce costs. Accessibility and safety concerns extend to the building's entry points. The existing elevator provides access to all floors, but the accessible route from the parking lot passes through the kitchen, posing safety and sanitation risks. A new accessible route is needed to address this issue. Furthermore, the elevated entry patio, supported by a steel structure, is experiencing water infiltration that is deteriorating the supports. Repair or replacement of this structure, along with the application of a deck coating on the patio surface, is necessary to ensure safety and longevity.

Findings

As outlined in the 2020 master plan for Manitou Springs Middle School, several critical deficiencies were identified to address the facility's aging infrastructure and improve functionality.  The following paragraphs summarize the outstanding deficiencies to guide future improvements.

One of the goals of the Manitou Springs School District is to enhance safety and security. The current middle school lacks a controlled secure entry vestibule. A secure vestibule would prevent unauthorized access while streamlining the visitor check-in process, thereby improving school safety. The existing vestibule can be renovated to meet these security standards.

The middle school is facing significant challenges due to aging infrastructure and environmental concerns. Erosion in drainage paths and student areas requires urgent mitigation to maintain proper drainage and prevent further deterioration. Additionally, ADA accessibility improvements are critical, including restroom renovations to enhance accessibility and functionality for students, as well as new accessible parking spaces and a pathway to the building entry to ensure compliance and ease of access.

The school's physical condition also demands attention. The roof systems, deteriorated due to age, require complete replacement to prevent leaks and maintain structural integrity. Similarly, exterior doors and windows are in poor condition, necessitating replacement to ensure a secure and watertight building envelope. Inside, outdated classroom carpets and casework negatively affect the learning environment’s aesthetics and functionality, requiring comprehensive replacement to improve the overall educational experience.

Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems are also outdated, with mechanical systems and electrical power infrastructure needing full replacement to ensure reliability and safety. Upgrades to the fire alarm system are essential to implement a fully functioning voice evacuation system, enhancing emergency preparedness. Additionally, transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting is recommended to improve energy efficiency and reduce long-term operational costs. These improvements are critical to creating a safe, accessible, and modern learning environment.

Findings

The 2020 master plan for Manitou Springs High School highlights several critical deficiencies in the aging facility, focusing on improving safety, accessibility, and functionality. While recent projects have addressed some ADA accessibility issues, significant work remains to ensure a safe and operational high school. The plan identifies key areas for improvement, including safety and security enhancements, infrastructure upgrades, and modernization of interior and exterior elements to meet current standards and enhance the learning environment.

A primary concern is the lack of a secure entry vestibule at both the main entry and the south student entrance from the parking. Renovating these vestibules would prevent unauthorized access and streamline visitor check-in, aligning with the district’s goal to enhance safety. Additionally, the school’s aging infrastructure poses multiple challenges. The roof systems, in poor condition due to age, require full replacement to prevent leaks and maintain structural integrity. Similarly, exterior doors and windows need replacement to ensure a secure and watertight building envelope. Aging mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems also demand significant upgrades, including full replacement of mechanical systems and electrical power infrastructure, fire alarm system enhancements for voice evacuation, and a transition to energy-efficient LED lighting.

Interior improvements are equally critical for the learning environment. Outdated classroom carpets and casework need comprehensive replacement to improve aesthetics and functionality. The auxiliary gym requires a new game-ready wood flooring system, and its original, deteriorating bleachers must be replaced with modern, accessible ones to ensure spectator safety. These upgrades collectively aim to address the high school’s deficiencies, creating a safer, more efficient, and welcoming educational facility.

Findings

The SILC building is one of the newer facilities within Manitou Springs School District.  Although the building is newer, some deficiencies were identified and summarized below.

To enhance security and functionality, additional security cameras are required to provide comprehensive visual surveillance of the building’s exterior and interior. Installing keycard access systems at exterior doors is necessary to ensure secure and controlled access. Upgrading the fire alarm panel is essential to improve system performance and connectivity. Additionally, select mechanical systems need replacement or upgrades to ensure thermal comfort for students and staff.

Findings

The 2020 master plan for Manitou Springs School District Sports Field highlights several critical deficiencies focusing on improving safety, accessibility, and functionality.  The following paragraphs summarize deficiencies at each of the district facilities.

High School Track

The high school track has uneven surfaces and settling, creating unsafe conditions, and requires subsurface repair and resurfacing to address the issue.

Rykovich Stadium

Rykovich Stadium currently lacks ADA-compliant spectator bleachers and restrooms. To ensure accessibility, grading, new sidewalk access, and potential bleacher replacement are needed. An accessible route from the parking area to the bleachers and restrooms must be established. The existing restrooms require renovation to include a dedicated accessible toilet room.

The grass field should be replaced with artificial turf to limit wear, irrigation, required mowing operations and ongoing maintenance associated with natural grass. 

Baseball Field

The baseball field does not have ADA-compliant seating, concessions, or restrooms, which need renovation or replacement to ensure accessibility. Additionally, the field requires regrading and replanting to create a level grass outfield and an improved infield surface.