HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Item VII
TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
FROM: Kirk Kincannon, CPRP, Director of Parks and Recreation
Alice Guthrie, Recreation Superintendent
Jeff Dillon, Parks and Planning Superintendent
Abbie Poniatowski, Senior Business Manager
Sarah DeSouza, Senior Manager of Communications,
Marketing and Partnerships
SUBJECT: Matters from the Department
DATE: July 26, 2013
A.No Smoking Ordinance – Parks/Civic Areas/Bike Paths/Bus Stops – verbal
B.Boulder Reservoir July 4, 2013 Event Report
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Consistent with community priorities as expressed in the 2013 master planning process, on July
4, 2013 the department offered a family-oriented event that included games, activities, live
music, and fun for all ages at the Boulder Reservoir. The purpose of this item is to report to the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) on the July 4, 2013 special event.
The special event was offered to help refocus the use of the reservoir on July 4, 2013. The past
management issues of overcrowding, patron and staff safety, medical issues and alcohol controls
and abuse were mitigated with this year’s event by the prohibition of possession and
consumption of alcohol at the Boulder Reservoir except in permitted areas, increased Boulder
Police Department presence and the addition of family-friendly activities that included a 5k fun
run, free bouncy house, face painting, water activities and live music.
ANALYSIS:
The de-brief of the event included staff from Boulder Police, Boulder Fire and Rescue, Boulder
County Sheriff and Boulder Parks and Recreation. In general, staff observed a successful event
and discussed opportunities to improve the event in coming years.
Programming/Attendance:
Overall attendance is estimated at 2000, a significant decrease
from the 8,000-10,000 estimated 2012 attendance. Department staff collaborated to provide free
programming including “Let’s Move” physical activities, pottery, air-brush tattoos and a bouncy
house. All vendors and staff reported high participation numbers. Several large family picnics
were held on the west grass area. Live music and a professional DJ “Master of Ceremonies”
added to the event. Staff received positive feedback from families in attendance and other
participants on the positive atmosphere and fun and friendly activities.
AGENDA ITEM # VII-B_ Page 1
Alcohol Limitations:
Alcohol limitations were put in place by way of a city manager’s rule
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limiting alcohol to permitted areas on July 4Boulder Police reported that the limitation of
alcohol to a beer garden on Pro Hill successfully mitigated many of the safety issues of previous
years. Two permitted picnic areas were also allowed to have alcohol. The officers present
reported zero negative interactions with participants and Boulder Police recommends continuing
this approach. Boulder Fire and Rescue also reported a successful day, with zero transports to
the hospital and recommend continuing with the family-focused event.
Neighborhood Impacts/Site Management:
The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office also reported
a positive experience, including no impacts to the Valhalla neighborhood. The closure of the
th
55 St. trailhead was successful in eliminating enforcement issues on the north shore for the
duration of the day.
Communication
: The communication efforts to publicize the new event utilized many forms of
media, including Daily Camera print and online advertisements, KUNC radio ads, Channel 8
notices and social media. Staff also spent significant time communicating with users to educate
them as to the goals of the special event and the reasons for changes to programming and rules.
On the day of the event, there were very few people who arrived unaware of the changes, and
many who had learned of the family friendly event due to the communication efforts.
Budget Impact:
Staffing levels were consistent with previous year events to ensure safety. The
addition of programming resulted in higher costs and the decrease in attendance resulted in
decreased revenue.
In planning for 2014, staff are evaluating and considering several areas:
Given positive results of alcohol limitations, staff will explore options for continuing the
City Manager’s rule limiting alcohol possession on July 4th.
Family programming was successful, and staff will evaluate options for augmenting this
area and increasing participation in family activities.
The special event fee ($15.00/person, 12 and under free) will be evaluated to consider
additional options, such as: discount or option for annual pass holders, family pricing,
and reduced rate pricing.
The reduced safety issues of a family-focused event result in a decreased need for police
officers, medical staff and event staff. Staffing levels will be evaluated to ensure safety
and efficient use of resources.
NEXT STEPS:
PRAB’s input related to the alcohol policy and fees will be considered at a future meeting in the
planning process for July 4, 2014 at the Boulder Reservoir. Staff, with input from the City
Manager’s Office and City Attorney’s Office, will prepare a special event plan to share with the
PRAB in December, 2013.
C.PLAY Boulder Foundation Update - verbal
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