In Colorado Springs, Palmer provided funding for Colorado College and within two years, Colorado Springs the town had 1,500 residents, schools, churches, banks, and a newspaper. Palmer donated land to establish the first city park, Acacia, and additional parks: Antlers Park, Monument Valley Park, North Cheyenne Cañon Park, Palmer Park, Pioneer Square Park (South Park), Prospect Lake and Bear Creek Cañon Park. He donated a total of 1,270 acres of land, some of which was also used for scenic drives, tree-lined roadways and foot and bridle paths. Palmer also provided the land and funding for the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind, a tuberculosis sanatorium, and multiple libraries. With the land that he gave for parks, churches, libraries, hospitals, and schools, he donated a total of 1,638 acres. Palmer also founded the "Colorado Springs Gazette" newspaper.