La Plata, the current developer of the Briargate Master Plan, wanted to do something different to celebrate the launch of the new amenities in Cordera, a new home community off Briargate Parkway and Powers Boulevard. The amenities include the Grand Lawn (a 10+ acre park) and the Community Center (the central meeting place in Cordera with a heated outdoor pool, fitness room and meeting rooms).

For the Grand Launch, La Plata worked in conjunction with the Colorado Springs Rocket Society (COSROCS), the Briargate YMCA and Cordera residents to build the rockets. The idea was to celebrate the launch of the cornerstone amenities in Cordera in a non-traditional way. “We wanted the launch ceremony to be more than a ribbon cutting and shoveling dirt,” said David Talbot, Marketing Director for La Plata. “Seeing all those rockets blast off at one time was something truly memorable for the community.”

Nearly 200 people attended the Grand Launch, including City and school officials, Cordera new home builders, Cordera families, the YMCA kids’ summer camp, Major Dennis with the 4th Engineering Battalion, and members of the media. The ceremony started in a more traditional fashion by recognizing key contributors to the project. Speakers included Darryl Glenn, City Councilmember, District 2; Augie Mendoza, Executive Director of the Briargate Family YMCA; Scott Smith, CEO of La Plata; Angela White, Planning Director of La Plata; and Dr. Warren Layfield, Education Director of COSROCS.

Shortly after the speeches, the rockets were ready for lift off. One by one, nearly a dozen rockets were launched into the sky, as children and adults alike cheered with joy.

And then the countdown for grandest launch of all – nearly 300 rockets – began…20, 19, 18…5…4…3…2…1…blast off! Simultaneously, the rockets shot towards the sky as many in the crowd stood silent, mouths gaping in awe. As the rockets made their descent back toward the ground, the crowd erupted with applause as kids of all ages (adults too) ran out into the open field to grab a rocket as a keepsake.

It was a groundbreaking ceremony unlike any other and a memorable time for all.

 

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