County prefers Carson/ Commission wants park to honor scout

The El Paso County Commission wants the state to name its newest park south of Colorado Springs after Army Gen. Kit Carson, the 19th- century frontiersman.

It's the second request to name the 1,600-acre park, which sits across from the Fort Carson front gate, after Carson. The Army sent a letter in May urging state officials to honor Carson in that way.

The county, which gave $50,000 toward the $16.8 million purchase, noted in its resolution that Carson was a "friend of and respected by the native people of the Pikes Peak region."

Christopher "Kit" Carson was a trapper, scout and American Indian agent who explored much of the West. He also fought against American Indians in several campaigns.

A state parks official said the county's suggestion will be considered, but state policy calls for state park names to emphasize "natural qualities" that influence acquisition.

In this case, the working title is Cheyenne Mountain State Park, because it's located at the bottom of Cheyenne Mountain. It's a name supported by Colorado Springs, which contributed $6 million toward its purchase.

The park is expected to open in 2004. It's unclear when state officials will name the park.

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