01.23.23 PRAB PacketAGENDA
All agenda times are approximate
I.APPROVAL OF AGENDA (2 minutes)
II.FUTURE BOARD ITEMS AND TOURS (2 minutes)
III.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (15-30 minutes)
A.This portion of the meeting is for members of the public to communicate ideas or
concerns to the Board regarding parks and recreation issues for which a public
hearing is not scheduled later in the meeting (this includes consent agenda). The
public is encouraged to comment on the need for parks and recreation programs
and facilities as they perceive them. All speakers are limited to three minutes.
Depending on the nature of your matter, you may or may not receive a response
from the Board after you deliver your comments. The Board is always listening to
and appreciative of community feedback.
IV.CONSENT AGENDA (5 minutes)
A.Approval of Minutes from Nov 28, 2022 & Dec 12, 2022
B.Updates from the Director of Parks and Recreation
C.Parks and Recreation Project Updates
D.Parks and Recreation Operations Updates
V.ACTION ITEMS
A.None
VI.MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/INFORMATION
A.None
VII.MATTERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT
A.Board & Commission Inclusion (30 minutes)
B.BPR 2023 Action Plan (15 minutes)
C.Flatirons Golf Course Facility (15 minutes)
D.Civic Area Phase 1B: Scoping and Schedule (20 minutes)
VIII.MATTERS FROM THE BOARD
A.Hybrid Meetings (5 minutes)
B.PRAB Matters (Verbal) (5 minutes)
IX.NEXT BOARD MEETING: 6:00 p.m. February 27, 2023, hybrid
X.ADJOURN
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Hybrid Meeting
6:00 p.m., January 23, 2023
Boulder Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board Members 2022
Charles Brock
Elliott Hood
Mary Scott
Anita Speirs
Jason Unger
Sarah van der Star
Pamela Yugar
Mission Statement
BPRD will promote the health and
well- being of the entire Boulder
community by collaboratively
providing high-quality parks,
facilities and programs.
Vision Statement
We envision a community where
every member’s health and well-
being is founded on unparalleled
parks, facilities and programs.
Goals of the Master Plan
1.Community Health and Wellness
2.Taking Care of What We Have
3.Financial Sustainability
4.Building Community
5.Youth Engagement
6.Organizational Readiness
TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
FROM: Alison Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation
Bryan Beary, Senior Manager, Community Building and Partnerships
Mark Davison, Senior Manager, Planning
Regina Elsner, Senior Manager, Natural Lands
Jackson Hite, Senior Manager, Business Services
Megann Lohman, Senior Manager, Recreation
Stephanie Munro, Senior Manager, Regional Facilities
Scott Schuttenberg, Deputy Director
Dennis Warrington, Senior Manager, Urban Parks
SUBJECT: Consent Agenda
DATE: January 23, 2023
A.Approval of Minutes from November 28, 2022, and December 12, 2022
CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
To listen to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meetings in their entirety, please go to the
following link: www.boulderparks-rec.org
Name of Board/Commission: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Date of Meeting: November 28, 2022
Contact Information Preparing Summary: Rosa Kougl; 303-413-7223
Board Members Present: Charles (Chuck) Brock, Elliott Hood, Mary Scott, Pam Yugar, Sunny van
der Star
Board Members Absent: Anita Speirs, Jason Unger
Staff Present: Ali Rhodes, Rosa Kougl, Megann Lohman, Regina Elsner, Stephanie Munroe, Doug
Godfrey, Bryan Beary, Jackson Hite, Dennis Warrington, Stacy Cole, Scott Schuttenberg, Chris
Passarelli, Doug Godfrey, Stacie Hoffman, Jonathan Thornton, Christy Spielman, Tim Duda
Guests Present: N/A
Type of Meeting: Regular
Agenda Item 1: Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. A quorum was present for the conduct of business.
Motion to approve agenda. First motion by Scott, second by Brock. The motion passed 5-0.
Agenda Item 2: Future Board Items
•Rhodes, Director reviewed upcoming agenda items and events
Agenda Item 3: Public Participation
Patrick Edwards shared concerns regarding the state of racquet sports in Boulder
Michael Xu shared concerns regarding the state of racquet sports in Boulder
Mark Grassman shared experiences regarding the accessibility of racquet sports in Boulder
Edmund Noyes shared concerns regarding the Boulder Reservoir Opening Hours
Susan Adams shared concerns regarding the reservoir’s hours impact on the rowing community
Roman Sammartino shared input for operational changes for the 2023 reservoir hours
Mark Eller shared input regarding access and fees at Boulder Reservoir
Larry McKeogh shared input regarding aquatic and reservoir utilization
Rhodes addressed the questions on racquet sports, sharing an update on the department’s increased
investment in court maintenance and work ahead in 2023 to complete a Court Level of Service
analysis – this will inform if and how we might partner on a racket facility.
PRAB had the following questions or comments to Mark Grassman:
•What courts are not accessible to wheelchairs
Agenda Item 4: Consent Agenda
A.Approval of Minutes from October 24 Business Meeting and November 11 PRAB
Retreat
Motion to approve the minutes. First motion by Brock, second by Hood. The motion passed 5-0.
B, C, D. Updates from the Director, Project Updates, Operations & Development
PRAB had the following questions or comment:
Movie at the Reservoir: What was the rationale for hosting it at the Reservoir, which is a little further
out of town, and maybe a little less convenient to reach as opposed to doing it again at the golf
course. Beary responded that due to uncertainty of construction projects at the golf course this year
and the advanced time needed to pull the special event permit; the reservoir was chosen as a more
reliable location.
Agenda Item 5: Items for Action
•No items
Agenda Item 6: Matters for Discussion
2022 Boulder Reservoir Operation Plan Review
Munro, Cole and Passarelli presented this item. PRAB had the following questions/comments:
•Do we have electric vehicle charging stations at the reservoir?
•How do we increase the number of multi mobile and non-gas transportation visits to the
reservoir?
•Have there been any complaints from neighbors, or others about noise, or anything related to
the small medium or large-scale events that have taken place there?
•How do we make the City’s work more transparent with the public?
•Question about boat storage
•Concerns about ensuring access to the Reservoir
•Questions about how no-wake hours are determined, and how environmental sustainability is
considered.
•Concerned about the aquatic nuisance species
•Concerned about allowing recreationists to circumnavigate the Reservoir freely
Agenda Item 7: Matters from the Department
Dec. 12 Meeting will be virtual due to unforeseen events at the proposed in-person site. PRAB had
the following questions or comments: Are 2023 meetings going to be a hybrid from a public
participation point of view or hybrid for PRAB members as well?
Pleasant View Fields Access, Parking, and Improvements Feasibility
Godfrey presented this item. PRAB had the following questions/comments:
•How do we categorize the parking at the church?
•Are we looking for solutions to the various problems that have been highlighted or what is this
feasibility study for?
•how does BPR coordinate with staff in Transportation and Mobility on projects related to
movement of people around the city?
•What is the benefit to the city and its citizens, of having large regional tournaments??
Final 2023 Operating Budget
Hite presented this item. PRAB had no questions or comments
Agenda Item 8: Matters from the Board
A.New Procedure: YouTube video conversions from Zoom Webinar meetings
PRAB had no questions or comments
B.PRAB Prospective Recruitment Board Member Application questions shared
PRAB had the following questions/comments:
•Add a question regarding what experience or perspective is being brought to the Board.
•Separate the "legacy” question from “What do you want to accomplish or have accomplished
in five years?”
•Hood assigned to rewrite suggestion and send back to staff
C.PRAB Matters
PRAB had the following questions/comments:
•Make upcoming calendar events as robust as possible from December 12th date to next
January date
•Brockman met with military officer who is interested in developing an interactive display of
Bill Bower Park. Project update o be added to consent agenda item in December
Agenda Item 9: Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
Approved by: Attested:
___________________ _____________________
Pamela Yugar Rosa Kougl
Board Member BPR Staff
Date: ______________ Date: _________________
CITY OF BOULDER
BOULDER, COLORADO
BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS MEETING MINUTES
To listen to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meetings in their entirety, please go to the
following link: www.boulderparks-rec.org
Name of Board/Commission: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Date of Meeting: December 12, 2022
Contact Information Preparing Summary: Rosa Kougl; 303-413-7223
Board Members Present: Pam Yugar, Charles (Chuck) Brock, Mary Scott, Sunny van der Star, Anita
Speirs, Elliott Hood, Jason Unger
Board Members Absent:
Staff Present: Ali Rhodes, Rosa Kougl, Scott Schuttenberg, Megann Lohman, Stephanie Munroe,
Bryan Beary, Jackson Hite, Regina Elsner, Mark Davison, Stacy Cole, Tina Briggs, Kate Dunlap,
Jonathan Thornton
Guests Present: N/A
Type of Meeting: Regular
Agenda Item 1: Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. A quorum was present for the conduct of business. Brock
motioned to amend the agenda to add an item to Matters from the Board to replace him/Brock at the
agenda setting meeting on Thursday, Dec 15. Second by Unger. The motion passed 7-0.
Agenda Item 2: Future Board Items:
Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation, reviewed upcoming agenda items and events.
PRAB had the following questions or comment:
-Is there a non-Instagram option for Snow Much Fun
-Excited to see the Sweetheart Dance return
Agenda Item 3: Public participation:
Edmund Noyes. Concern regarding reservoir rowing
Susan Adams. Requesting advocacy for the rowing community for a more equitable agreement with
the reservoir for access and services
Larry McKeogh. Concern regarding aquatic and reservoir utilization
PRAB had the following questions or comment:
•Further details on the number of members in the rowing program and the number of
disadvantaged community members that are youth that are in the program to get a better sense
of the broader community benefit.
•Further clarification on fee discrepancies with different organizations.
Rhodes shared that staff believe fees are being applied consistently. Rocky Mountain Paddle has a
contract with the City of Boulder and lease space.
Agenda Item 4: Consent Agenda
A, B, C. Updates from the Director, Project Updates, Operations & Development
PRAB had the following questions or comment:
•Brock was thankful for the comments on the Bill Bower Park and the context and background
on the subject. On the interpretive sign he would like a highlight that he was a war hero.
Agenda Item 5: Items for Action
•No items
Agenda Item 6: Matters for Discussion
•No items
Agenda Item 7: Matters from the Department
A.Board and Commission Inclusion
Lohman presented this item. PRAB had the following questions/comments:
•What is the current recruitment strategy?
•If the PRAB provides recommendations, does the feedback go to the clerk's office to be
incorporated?
•Would like to see outreach to the community for board recruitments beyond what is being done
now. An example would be to have signs at the recreation centers stating that there is an
opportunity to serve or get involved on a board or commission.
•What are other boards and commissions doing, those that have more members and a wider birth
of inclusivity?
•Consider having smaller groups, not just city staff, but also different boards and commissions to
speak amongst each other about an issue.
•Would like to see an opportunity for each board to make recommendations to council based on
the applicants for their board and an explanation of why they think that person would add to the
fit or add to the diversity or make a specific contribution to that board.
•Would like to have a discussion not just on inclusivity among the board, but how to encourage
public comment and inclusivity among those seeking to speak to the board. One way would be
to have a consistent way to sign up for a public comment for all boards, rather than having a
different one for each board which is confusing to some community members and is maybe
unnecessarily complex. Having multilingual options for signing up is an option, which makes it
more transparent and easier to access.
•Consider softening the board recruitment interviews as currently they seem to be very anxiety
provoking.
•Dislike the word “tokenism”.
•A push for consistency across all boards regarding equity training and onboarding and how to
deal with public participation.
•Open to DEI trainings for all members for consistency and substance of knowledge.
•The handbook will be reviewed and updated in tandem with the orientation process.
Two DEI trainings required for City of Boulder staff will be included with the January PRAB agenda.
B.Boulder Reservoir 2023 Operations
Munro and Cole presented this item. PRAB had the following questions/comments:
•Is there any opportunity for people to come 3 or 5 times to enjoy paddle boarding, but not
commit to the season?
•Is there an opportunity for a 30 second educational plug about the reservoir policies, for
example while getting your paddle board inspected?
•Is there still illegal launching from the north shore and if yes, how big of a challenge is it?
•Can ten reservoir permits be put aside for people with disabilities?
•To open at 5am to accommodate rowers, we would want them to cover the full cost of such an
opening. Would that still be a consideration if they were able to do that?
C.Aquatic Nuisance Species 2022 Update
Dunlap and Cole presented this item. PRAB had the following questions/comments:
•What's the worst-case scenario with this Eurasian Milfoil?
•What are some potential harms to the reservoir and the drinking water supply?
•Standley Lake prohibited all boating on their reservoir. Is that correct?
•Concern that it sounds like the Milfoil is the least of the aquatic nuisance species of but of
concern rather are the mussels.
Agenda Item 8: Matters from the Board Members
A.Hybrid Meetings
PRAB had the following questions or comment:
•Would there be a conference table with the camera on it, where all the live attendees would
show up on zoom, and then a window with the remote attendees and the in-person attendees
would be able to see the remote attendees?
•To the extent that there is some ambiguity in the handbook which governs how PRAB acts as a
board, there is a need today to move to clarify that a hybrid approach is a supported approach to
meetings. Starting in January, we encourage all Board members to join in person, if possible,
unless there are extenuating circumstances that prevent that from happening.
•Brock made a motion to modify the PRAB handbook to allow for hybrid meetings starting in
January and to consider a continued conversation about how the PRAB wants to function as a
board. The PRAB handbook would strongly encourage members to join in person and only for
an extenuating circumstance is a PRAB member allowed to attend remotely, including, but not
limited to whatever travel they have or health, whatever it is like.
•With Brock’s motion to fold this into the other amendments that will be made to the PRAB
Handbook, there was a second by Unger. The motion passed 7-0.
B.March meeting date
PRAB had the following questions or comment:
•Alternate dates: March 13 or 20 and April 3
•A doodle poll will capture these dates
C. PRAB Matters
PRAB had the following questions or comment:
Bring back meetings and assigned topics with staff, for example meetings with Forestry, and
Reservoir to be more involved or encourage meetings with community members. There is
valuable experience to be absorbed with these meetings to be able to respond back to
community members with information.
D.Amend agenda to replace Brock at the Agenda Setting Meeting
PRAB had the following questions or comment:
Elliot to replace Brock
Agenda Item 9: Next Board Meeting
Next Board meeting: Monday, January 23, 2023, Hybrid
Agenda Item 10: Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Approved by: Attested:
___________________ _____________________
Pamela Yugar Rosa Kougl
Board Member BPR Staff
Date: ______________ Date: _________________
B.Updates from the Director of Parks and Recreation
The following information is intended to provide the PRAB with general department updates
from the Office of the Director.
C. Parks and Recreation Planning Update
The following information is intended to provide the PRAB with relevant updates on specific
projects as they reach major milestones. This section provides a list of current and upcoming
projects. More detail is provided in the following bullets points as major milestones are achieved.
For a complete list of all current projects and links to the project web pages, please visit
www.BoulderParkNews.org.
Planning
The following projects are currently in the planning and design process that involves research,
alternatives analysis, public involvement and development of planning documents and design
plans to guide decision making and future capital improvements.
•Planning Projects Underway: Staff, consultants, and/or contractors continue to work on
the following list of projects and will update the PRAB as major milestones are achieved.
Additional project information will be included in the following bullets as milestones are
achieved.
o North Boulder Park (design and construction phase)
o Pleasantview (planning phase)
o Flatirons Golf Course (construction phase)
o Bill Bower Shade Shelter (construction phase)
o Civic Area Park Plan – Phase Ib (design phase- see Matter outlining project
timeline)
•Planning Projects in Scoping: Staff are working on scoping the following projects for
2023 and will update the PRAB as projects get underway.
o Violet Park Plan (working title for park)
o Courts Level of Service System Plan
o Boulder Creek Path Plan
o Recreation Facilities Plan
o Bill Bower Memorial Donation
•Project Updates
o North Boulder Park Playground and Shelter Renovation
Since presenting two potential concept plans to PRAB in October 2022, staffing transition has
delayed the creation of a final concept plan. Doug Godfrey, former project manager has moved
to England and Parks Planner Tina Briggs is taking on this role. Restroom renovations in the
shelter are anticipated to start in February, with completion in Spring 2023. The restrooms will
not be available during their renovation, but portable restrooms will be open to the for the public
to use on site. The renovated restrooms will be available throughout the playground renovation
beginning later in 2023. Work also continues on the following important items, which will
inform the final concept plan:
•Analyzing community feedback on the concept plans, including over 140 responses from
community members received through the online form in November 2022.
•A land survey of the existing North Boulder Park.
•Collaboration with the nearby Alpine-Balsam project to better understand stormwater
mitigation options.
More details about the final concept plan, adjusted construction schedule, and Alpine-Balsam
coordination will be shared as available.
o Historic Places Plan Update
Progress continues on Boulder Parks and Recreation’s Historic Places Plan (HiPP), which will
guide management of the 12 historic resources BPR owns. On Wednesday, January 18 staff and
key stakeholders will meet to discuss the final resources for the draft plan: Columbia Cemetery
and the 3 train assets.
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. the public, including PRAB members, is
invited to an open house at the Penfield Tate II Municipal Building to review a summary of the
draft HiPP. At the meeting, staff will present an overview of the draft plan from 4:10-4:30 p.m.
The public then can provide feedback on the plan and talk about the future of the 12 historic
resources.
This will be the final round of public engagement before a final draft is discussed with PRAB in
Spring 2023.
D. Operations Update
The following information is intended to provide the PRAB an update on operational activities,
changes, or highlights.
Recreation Updates
•The 2023 Reservoir User Group Agreement Update: This past December, staff shared
that following completion of the 2022 After Action Review the user group fee structure
would be evaluated. That work continues, and the board will be updated as 2023 fees are
developed. In the meantime, staff will continue to address concerns shared by user
groups at various PRAB meetings.
•Welcoming back the New Year’s resolution crowd: It’s beginning to look a lot like
New Year’s in the recreation centers. Winter programs have begun, community members
are back from vacations, and the staff at the recreation centers have been happy to
welcome back so many new and familiar faces looking to get or keep in shape. There was
a rush of pass sales in the first few days of the year as 2023 pass fees went into effect on
January 5 - 422 new memberships were sold in the 4-day period. In just the first 12 days
of January, there have been nearly 10,500 entries from pass scans between the centers
from 3,812 unique members. In 2022 during the same measurement period, there were
5,815 entries from 2,211 unique members, representing a nearly double increase in
attendance.
One driver of usage is due to growth in drop-in programming. January 2023 introduced
16 new drop-in classes over doubling the classes offered the previous year. This takes the
class count for the month to 350 opportunities to hop into a health and wellness class up
from just 168 total offerings in January of 2022. New classes include LaBlast, TRX Yoga
and soon cycling will also be introduced at the North Boulder Recreation Center (NBRC)
for the first time ever.
A few of the new classes were introduced during the New Year’s Fitness Jam, which was
hosted at the NBRC due to East Boulder Community Center (EBCC) operations as a
warming shelter. The change in location may have impacted visitation, however, in 115
people participated in free fitness classes, physical therapy assistance, weight room
orientations, blood pressure measurements, and a New Year giveaway promotion – others
visited the facility for general use. This was the first time since 2020 the event has taken
place and staff look forward to hosting and growing the event in the years to come.
• South Boulder Recreation Center (SBRC) Updates:
o Lap Pool: The main lap pool pump at the SBRC failed on the evening of
November 30 and the entire pool area, including the hot tub, remained closed
until the new pump was installed. Staff discovered an issue with the pump after
the completion of the pool repair project, attempted multiple repairs, and were in
process of purchasing a new pump when the failure occurred. The SBRC lap pool
reopened on January 12 and the hot tub will reopen shortly.
o Community Room: The new SBRC community room is fully operational and
open during all SBRC hours for passive use when not booked for designated teen
drop-in times, birthday parties, community meetings, or other community needs.
Staff are still finalizing the rental details to make the space available, and requests
are already coming in to use the space. Staff are working with community
members to provide access while also finalizing plans to be advertised online.
Before: Pilates Downstairs Studio After: SBRC Community Room
o Youth Daytime Entry: Students from Fairview High School and Southern Hills
Middle School often visit the SBRC during daytime hours when on lunch or
during an open program period. Prior to completion of the Community Room,
students would congregate in the lobby of SBRC to avoid daily entry fees for
short periods of time. Staff are offering a single-entry daytime visit drop-in fee on
a trial basis to meet this community need and allow the students to use the new
community room and gym during school time hours. The pass is $2 for entry from
6 am-3 pm at SBRC and includes the use of the gym and community room only.
Students must show a school ID for the discount and the pass does not allow re-
entry to the facility later in the day. The trial period for this program will end with
the school year and staff will assess usage numbers and if there was an increase in
youth pass sales at the facility, which would allow for full building access during
all operational hours. Teens are routinely a challenging demographic to serve,
however, youth engagement demonstrates the importance of providing
opportunities for them – like all community members – to recreate and gather.
Providing them services where they are already gathering and demonstrating a
desire may be a great way to support their health and well-being and feel welcome
in BPR facilities.
• Urban Wildlife Management:
o Avian flu: The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was confirmed in
wild geese in Northeastern Colorado on March 24, 2022. Colorado Parks and
Wildlife (CPW) is working with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the
United States Department of Agriculture, and other agencies to monitor and
respond to additional cases of this highly pathogenic disease. Recently, staff has
been seeing and getting an increased number of reports of sick or dead geese on
Parks and Recreation property. Staff worked with the city’s Senior Urban Wildlife
Conservation Coordinator and CPW to outline appropriate protocol for the
reporting, handling, and disposal of sick or dead geese. Those protocols will be
updated appropriately based on guidance from the Senior Urban Wildlife
Conservation Coordinator and CPW.
o American badger: A badger has been spotted in the habitat conservation area near
the Boulder Reservoir and Natural Lands staff have been following its progress.
The last known badger found in this area was in 2008.
A volunteer noted a badger on OSMP land north of a monitoring site during a
recent winter raptor survey. Natural Lands staff then conducted a survey on Dec.
1, 2022, after a heavy snow and found possible badger tracks with fresh digging
into an enlarged prairie dog burrow. To confirm, staff placed motion-activated
cameras in the vicinity of the tracks, which recorded a badger along a fence near
the initial area of activity on Dec. 20.
Staff and volunteers have performed badger surveys in the Reservoir areas since
2017 and this is the first confirmation of the American badger.
Badger tracks in snow American badger captured on camera
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
FROM: Alison Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation
Scott Schuttenberg, Deputy Director
Bryan Beary, Senior Manager, Community Building and Partnerships
Mark Davison, Senior Manager, Planning
Regina Elsner, Senior Manager, Natural Resources
Jackson Hite, Senior Manager, Business Services
Megann Lohman, Senior Manager, Recreation
Stephanie Munro, Senior Manager, Regional Facilities
Dennis Warrington, Senior Manager, Urban Parks
SUBJECT: Matters from the Department
DATE: January 23, 2023
A.Board and Commission Inclusion
During the December board meeting, staff provided an update and shared recommendations to
support implementation of the city’s Racial Equity Plan Goal 5: “The city will eliminate barriers
and create opportunities to build a diverse workforce across the depth and breadth of local
government including elected officials, boards, commissions and working groups.” More
specifically, strategy 5.1 calls for the city to support board, commission and working group
inclusion by:
•Collecting the demographic data of boards, commissions and working groups.
•Revamping application process, including forms, to support increased inclusivity.
•Ensuring outreach and recruitment processes support and encourage racial equity.
•Identifying and mitigating barriers in the operations of board, commission, and working
group meetings (times of day, frequency, locations, days of the week, etc.).
In December the PRAB reviewed and considered the following recommendations:
1)Ensuring adequate equity training for board members so “everyone gets it”.
i.Encouraging board participation in city-offered racial equity trainings.
ii.Consider additional third-party training opportunities.
iii.Consider opportunities to further the understanding of equity and the need for
action, such as organizing viewings of reputable documentaries or reading
materials.
2)Review and consider improvements to the board recruitment strategy.
i.Review and recommend changes to the board application materials. (Note that
this recommendation was supported with the PRAB’s approval of edits to the
2023 Recruitment Questions)
ii.Inform a recruitment strategy to attract a broad representation of the community.
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
iii.Review selection processes with equity in mind. Consider candidates who may
be a culture add rather than a culture fit.
3)Review the board handbook and orientation materials with equity in mind.
i.Consider opportunities to support a welcoming environment for all and avoid
tokenism.
ii.Ensure alignment with a clear mission, vision, and values. Ensure incoming
board members participate in equity trainings.
The PRAB provided feedback organized into the following categories (1) Encouraging Public
Comment; (2) Recruitment; (3) Consistency Across Boards and Commissions; (4) Training; and
(5)PRAB Reference Material and Orientation.
1)Encouraging Public Comment: The PRAB recommended the city work to encourage public
comment by ensuring sign-up procedures are clear and consistent for all boards and
commissions. They also recommended that multi-lingual options for participation were
made more easily available.
2)Recruitment: The PRAB shared that the current process for board recruitment and
interviewing could be stressful, intimidating, scary, could come across as elitist, and at
times felt personal if you are ultimately not chosen for a seat. Members mentioned having
to actively seek out the opportunity to apply for the board and that they were most likely
to hear about a board opportunity through word of mouth. The PRAB recommended the
city consider broader outreach during the application period, which should include posting
signs in public buildings.
3)Consistency Across Boards: The PRAB shared the lack of consistency across boards and
commissions for various processes can cause confusion for the community and board
members. They recommended the city ensure consistency across all boards and
commissions, especially in relation to methods for interacting with the public, the public
comment process, and training and onboarding for board members. They specifically
mentioned there could be an opportunity for a working group across all boards and
commissions to allow different boards to work together on solutions for all and allow for
connection opportunities for representatives.
4)Training: The PRAB was in favor of requiring some level of equity trainings for board
members if the required ask seemed reasonable. They mentioned considering opportunities
for micro trainings, which are small easily digestible trainings that can be watched or
reviewed in 5 minutes or less and can be viewed multiple times.
5)PRAB Reference Material and Orientations: The PRAB identified the need to identify a
working team to review the PRAB handbook and orientation material with equity in mind.
Hood, Scott, and Yugar were identified as the working team to review materials.
The following updates for the PRAB outline the status of work related to Racial Equity from
the city staff team, council, department staff, and the PRAB.
1)The PRAB mentioned the desire to share feedback with the council and the city clerk’s
office to help improve processes with equity in mind. City staff is in the process of writing
a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a consultant to assess the city’s full board and commission
system, including recruitment processes. The city council supported this action during a
study session on October 27. The current goal is to have a consultant on board by Q2 of
2023, at which point the consultant would engage a variety of stakeholders, including a
sample of board members for input. Feedback the PRAB shared during the December
meeting can also be shared at this time.
2)Flyers advertising the current board and commission application period have been provided
to all board and commission liaisons and secretaries with the suggestion of posting in
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
public buildings or having copies available in lobbies. The flyer is being posted in BPR
facilities.
3)Bias and Micro-Aggression equity trainings are routinely offered to board and commission
members. As the city is currently in the application period for new representatives, there is
no training currently scheduled. As training opportunities are made available, staff will
alert the PRAB.
4)Updated information on the Racial Equity Plan, including status on goals can be found on
the Racial Equity page.
5)The PRAB agreed to update its handbook and will discuss the process and committee in
the January Matters from the Board.
City Council is scheduled to discuss Boards and Commission Liaisons at an upcoming study session and
staff will update the PRAB as information is available.
B.BPR 2023 Action Plan
In 2022, following unanimous recommendations from the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) and Planning Board, City Council
unanimously accepted the 2022 Boulder Parks and Recreation Master
Plan. To implement the plan, it outlines that “With the acceptance of this
master plan, BPR commits to fulfilling its mission and to implementing
the initiatives and the Fiscally Constrained Plan Alternative. Through an
annual action planning process, the department will ensure that the 2022
Master Plan is a living document used to improve the overall system and
achieve the goals of the community well into the future.” Staff refer to
this as the “Master Plan Promise” and each year, follow the steps outlined
in the plan (see Figure 1).
The intent of this item is to provide the Parks and Recreation Advisory
Board (PRAB) an update on 2023 key action items.
Figure 1: Boulder Parks and Recreation Master Plan Promise
The key initiatives each year are outlined in the Annual Action Plan.
The way various plans guide the work of department’s divisions and
employees is outlined in Figure 2:
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
Figure 2: BPR Planning Framework
Each year, the action plan outlines the key initiatives prioritized to advance the department’s mission to
promote the health and well-being of the entire community by collaboratively providing high-
quality parks, facilities, and programs. Developing the action plan includes consideration of city-wide
projects and priorities and resources (funding and human capital). The 2023 Action Plan reflects that BPR
standard staffing levels are returning to pre-pandemic levels – although organized somewhat differently -
and is ambitious. In addition, note that as advancing racial equity and addressing the climate emergency
continue to be a focus for the City of Boulder, all major decisions and resource investments will be
considered with a racial equity lens and considering how they contribute, or not, to the city’s resilience.
•BPR Capital Investment Strategy (CIS) Update: The 2022 master plan requires that BPR
update the CIS to ensure that investments in the system align with the goals, priorities
and initiative of the plan update.
PRAB’s Role: The board will be consulted in the CIS in March 2023, input will inform
the final CIS and 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
•Asset Management Program: To continue implementation of leading practices in
managing BPR assets, this initiative provides renewed focus on Beehive implementation
so that it can inform investment in our facilities and amenities as well as improve
operational efficiency and asset maintenance. The initial roll-out in 2019 has led to
significant improvements in data and resource management, and this next phase will
ensure the program is consistently adopted across the department.
PRAB’s Role: Staff will share key data and outcomes as they are available.
Implementation of the AMP will inform investment planning, and the PRAB is consulted
on BPR’s capital and operating budget development.
•BPR JEDI Team: To ensure BPR practices align with the city’s Racial Equity goals, to
support implementation of the council-accepted Racial Equity Plan, and to promote
understanding of the role of government in addressing systemic racism, BPR’s Justice,
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) team will support development of a BPR Equity
Plan.
City of Boulder Priorities and
Values
Parks and Recreation Master
Plan
Annual Action Plan
Team Work Plans
Individual Performance Goals
•City Vision and Values
•City Council Priorities
•Sustainability, Equity and Resilience Framework
•Overarching Policy & Goals
•Alternatives for Spending
•Outlines annual initiatives to
implement the Master Plan
•Define “Day to Day Operations” and Core Services
•Addresses Team Specific Efforts to Enhance Work
•Outline each team member’s individual
contributions and leadership opportunitities
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
PRAB’s Role: The PRAB will be consulted as the department conducts the department
equity assessment and develops the BPR Equity Plan.
•Safety Committee: To build a culture of safety within the workforce, BPR safety
committees (one for recreation and one for land operations) will work to ensure that the
department workforce, structure, and culture are designed and prepared to respond to
safety and risk management needs and align with overall city Safety and Risk
Management goals and outcomes.
PRAB’s Role: None anticipated.
•CAPRA Accreditation: Achieving accreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of
Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) will confirm that BPR meets national standards
of best practice, hold BPR accountable to the public by creating an environment for a
regular review of operations, policies and procedures, promote continuous improvement,
improve overall operations and efficiency, and provide staff development opportunities.
Accreditation is based upon an agency’s compliance with 154 standards organized
around ten sections:
•Agency Authority, Role &
Responsibility
•Planning
•Organization and
Administration
•Human Resources
•Financial Management
•Programs and Services Management
•Facility and Land Use Management
•Public Safety, Law Enforcement, and
Security
•Risk Management
•Evaluation, Assessment and Research
PRAB’s Role: The board will be consulted as policies are developed (e.g., BPR must
have a formal fee policy and the board will review this at the April 2023 Study Session)
•Summer Squad: BPR is committed to recruiting, training, and retaining the appropriate
type and number of workers to deliver parks and recreation services. Amidst the nation-
wide labor shortage and pandemic-related staffing challenges, this effort will provide
additional support to achieving desired staffing levels.
PRAB’s Role: As BPR shares recruitment materials, board members are invited to share
them with their networks and support the department in identifying people to fill key jobs
like urban parks technicians, lifeguards, and summer camp instructors. Board members
are also welcome to share ideas on recruitment with staff.
•BPR Program Plan: A program plan is a requirement for CAPRA accreditation, and
BPR’s 2010 program plan and 2015 Service Delivery Model will be updated to ensure
that programs are designed and delivered to achieve 2022 Master Plan goals.
PRAB’s Role: The PRAB will review and approve BPR’s Program Plan (anticipated Q2-
24).
•BPR Fee Policy: A fee policy is a requirement for CAPRA Accreditation. This effort
will gather the fee policies that are included in various PRAB memos and decisions and
BPR plans into one document for transparency, consistency and to align with best
practices.
PRAB’s Role: The PRAB will review and approve BPR’s Fee Policy (anticipated Q2-
23).
•Recreation Level of Service and Funding: To ensure that BPR is providing the right
level of service (LOS) based upon available funding, this project will establish the
standard by which parks and recreation courts, fields and pools provide services and
programs over time to best meet community needs. LOS standards also enable evaluation
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
of the location, number of, and fees charged to support the services provided for the
community.
PRAB’s Role: The PRAB will be consulted if/as key changes in service levels are
explored.
C.Flatirons Golf Course Facility
The Flatirons Golf Course Facility will replace core infrastructure destroyed in the 2013 flood and
follows the direction determined with City Council input in 2014. The new facility is a family-friendly
restaurant to serve the golf course and the surrounding community. This new facility takes advantage of
the iconic setting and Flatirons views from the indoor/outdoor dining area and outdoor event space.
Indoor restrooms in the new building will serve the golf course, driving range, restaurant, and outdoor
event space. A temporary mobile restroom trailer has been serving the golf course and driving range since
2014. The project also includes renovating the existing Pro Shop building to address maintenance needs
and increase energy efficiency. The project web page provides additional background and project updates.
The building was designed as efficiently as possible with durable, low-maintenance materials. White
Construction Group supported the value engineering (VE) process, which was challenging since cost had
been an important consideration by the architect, ZDesign Group, throughout the design process. The
team wanted to ensure the VE exercise was not replacing durable materials with those needing more
regular maintenance, shifting the expense burden to operational needs over time. The team also worked to
find cost savings that would not drastically affect the user experience or defer maintenance. As a result,
and through an exhaustive effort, the staff, architect consultant, and construction contractor team reduced
the most recent cost estimate by replacing materials with similar durability, but less expensive and using
alternate construction methods.
Flatirons Golf Course Facility – View from the golf course
The Flatirons Golf Course Facility is currently under a construction contract with White Construction
Group for $8.6 million. The construction contract includes the new building, the parking lot and entry
drive replacement with the addition of vegetation islands, a rain garden, EV charging stations, and
renovations to the existing Pro Shop including roofing, window, and doors.
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2023, pending construction permit approval. The
construction documents are currently in a permit review process with Planning and Development
Services. Upon final approval of the construction permit, a start date will be confirmed. The construction
of the new building will take 9-12 months, with existing building renovations to be completed towards the
end of the project in the lowest part of the golf season (January – February 2024).
Flatirons Golf Course Facility – View from the driving range
Flatirons Golf Course Facility – View from the parking
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
Flatirons Golf Course Facility – View of the flatirons from the covered dining patio
Flatirons Golf Course Facility – View from the golf course in the evening
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
Flatirons Golf Course Facility – New building footprint
D.Civic Area Phase 1b: Scoping and Schedule
Executive Summary
In 2023, Boulder Parks and Recreation will launch phase 1b of implementation for the Civic Area Master
Plan. This memo provides an update to PRAB on the scope of work for this next phase and will be an
accompanied by a brief staff presentation at the board meeting. This memo also provides background on
planning, design, and construction for the Civic Area in Downtown Boulder (Phase 1a).
Planning Context
The planning process for Boulder’s Downtown Civic Area kicked off in 2012 with the initial Plan for
Boulder’s Civic Area accepted by City Council in September 2013. This document provided a high-level
vision with design principles for the Civic Park, Central Park, 13th Street, East Bookend, West Bookend,
Pearl Street, the Arboretum and major pedestrian-friendly connections between these spaces. In 2015,
Council approved the Boulder’s Civic Area Master Plan, refining the initial thinking with an updated
concept and program plan. Throughout these two key efforts a robust public engagement, stakeholder and
steering committee process was incorporated into the overall project timeline to ensure the proposed Civic
Area enhancements reflected the values and goals of the community.
The 2015 Civic Area Master Plan and resulting redevelopment efforts seek to breathe new life into some
of Boulder’s most beloved, historic, and iconic public spaces. With Phase 1a completed in 2018, the next
revitalization phase of the Civic Area will include Civic Park, Central Park and Farmer’s Market - 13th
Street as key community spaces to reimagine guided by the Civic Area Master Plan. The plan lays out a
dynamic, connected and vibrant collection of community spaces enjoyed by residents and visitors across
Boulder’s downtown.
The plan’s seven main principles to guide design and development, incorporating values identified by a
rigorous planning and public engagement process and City Council acceptance in 2015. These principles
aim to build:
The Civic Heart of Boulder – Creating a City Center and Unifying Public Space
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
Life & Property Safety – Building a Landscape Plan for Safety and Flood Plain
Education
Outdoor Culture & Nature – Providing Connected Green Spaces, Tree Protection and
Creek Revitalization
Celebration of History & Assets – Preserving and Integrating Historical Structures and
Programming
Enhanced Access & Connections – Connecting Pedestrians, Multimodal Routes, and
Utilizing Parking Structures within Civic Area
Place for Community Activity & Arts – Expanding Civic Services and Cultural, Art,
Science, Educational and Entertainment Opportunities
Sustainable & Viable Future – Creating Economic, Social and Environmental
Sustainability
Phase 1a: Where We Have Been
Following plan approval, the schematic design commenced for Phase 1 of the Civic Area in 2015. Due to
budgetary constraints, the original re-development concept was broken into two phases:
• Phase 1a: Areas west of Broadway. Construction was completed in 2017.
• Phase 1b: Design and construction for the park area east of Broadway did not move
forward at that time. This area is now referred to as Phase 1b.
Completed improvements in Phase 1a included:
• Improvements west of the Library and east of the Municipal Building
• New play areas south of the creek and west of the Library
• Creek cleanup and restoration from the Library to the Municipal Building
• Refurbishment to two historical creek seating areas north and south of the bank.
On completion of Phase 1a, park development included the Cherry Tree Plaza, nature and water play
playgrounds, an event lawn, enhanced grading for stormwater runoff, updated biked and pedestrian trail
circulation, a new bridge connection to align with 11th street, new and restored creek access nodes along
the bank as well as major upgrades to the lighting, furnishings, and native plantings. These improvements
have promoted more engagement at the creek’s edge, provided better circulation throughout Civic Park,
and supported a variety park activities, programs and safety measures.
Phase 1b: Reimagining Civic Area East
In the coming years, Phase 1b will focus on the areas east of Broadway with the connecting pathways as
well as the lands directly adjacent to the west side of Broadway (Diagram 1). As with Phase 1a, this
process will again include a rigorous effort of scoping, pre-planning, public engagement, design,
construction, space activation and operational needs with the goal of adding to the overall vibrancy of
Boulder’s downtown public spaces. In taking the Civic Area Master Plan from Concept Design to
Schematic Design, there will also be a discussion on what areas should be included in Phase 1b of the
Civic Area through construction with a re-evaluation of what will be included in Phase 2 and 3. The
purpose of this is to look at factors including costing, efficiencies, needs, etc. since the 2015 plan was
approved and Phase 1a was constructed. If any major changes occur to the phasing, city staff will work
with appropriate boards, the community, and ultimately seek approval from City Council on any updates,
if needed, to the 2015 plan.
This project will involve a close collaboration between city departments, including Parks and Recreation,
Planning & Development Services, Community Vitality, Public Works, Transportation, Police, Housing
and Human Services, and Utilities. Major community stakeholders will include groups such as the
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
Downtown Boulder Partnership, Boulder Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and
the Boulder Farmer’s Market. The project team will employ the city’s Racial Equity Instrument to support
a robust and equitable engagement process and reach a wide variety of site users, visitors, and community
members and to ensure that outcomes consider who benefits and who is impacted as decisions are made.
The process will seek feedback and input from city boards, including Planning Board, Transportation
Advisory Board, Environmental Advisory Board and Water Resources Advisory Board and City Council.
Initial Project Scope and Schedule
The overall project schedule for Phase 1b through construction of the project will be three to four years
and there are five major tasks associated with this effort. Tasks six and seven consider the operational
aspects that will be needed once the redevelopment is complete as well as considerations for community
space activation in the years following.
The scoping of what will be included in phase 1b of the Civic Area East project will be recalibrated to
include what was not constructed in the original Phase 1 and account for any changes since the conceptual
plan’s completion 2015. This year’s schedule includes a scoping and project management task to set
expectations for a new limit of work, forecasting a project timeline and creating an engagement plan to
guide design. Pre-Planning will allow BPR to study precedents and conduct benchmarking, update any
gaps in data/analysis and identify underutilized spaces within the civic area.
The Schematic Design task will form the major portion of the community engagement, and BPR will
perform Market and Feasibility Studies to reveal any new programming and implementation requirements
to move forward with design options for Reimagining Civic Area East. Other areas of opportunity may be
identified in this design task to be included with implementation based on new costing studies. The
following is a general outline of scope to complete phase 1b. The timeline for this project may need to be
adjusted, and this draft gives a general sense of what the project intends to achieve: o Task 1: Scope and Project Management Plan: 2023 o Task 2: Pre-Planning Work: 2023 o Task 3: Schematic Design (based on the council-approved 2015 Civic Area Master Plan):
2023 – 2024 o Task 4: Design Development and Construction Documentation: 2024 o Task 5: Construction: 2025 o Task 6: Maintenance Standards and Practices: 2024 –2025 o Task 7: Space Activation: 2025 and ongoing
PRAB Involvement
The project team will engage PRAB at regular touchpoints throughout the project process and will ask
PRAB for input on site programming alternatives as well as final design recommendations. Overall
engagement will be guided by the City’s Engagement Spectrum table per the City of Boulder’s
Engagement Strategic Framework. The following outlines PRAB’s involvement over the course of Phase
1b:
• Updated Memorandums of progress at every task (1-5)
• Study Session to discuss site program and space activation
• Update Item to review draft schematic design plan
• Action Item to review schematic design plan
Next Steps
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
In the coming months, BPR staff will continue to refine the project’s scope of work and community
engagement plan. PRAB can anticipate an update on the project progress in the second quarter of 2023.
Key Questions
1. Does PRAB have any questions about the scope of work or next steps for implementing the Civic
Area Master Plan?
2. Does PRAB suggest any key issues that should be a focus of the community engagement for this
project?
3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
SUBJECT: Matters from the Board
DATE: January 23, 2023
A.Hybrid Meeting Launch – Process Review
a. Promoting Civic Dialogue: To promote alignment with the city’s rules for
productive civic dialogue, to ensure all comments by board members are recorded
for Open Records compliance, and to ensure full participation by board members
participating virtually, board members participating virtually should raise their
virtual hand to share comments verbally. So that staff can focus on the meeting
and also to promote civic dialogue, the chat function is not available to
community attendees.
b. Attendance: To support coordination of hybrid meetings, Boulder Parks and
Recreation staff will share known attendance as the packet is shared in advance of
each meeting. This will indicate board members’ presence as in-person, virtual, or
absent. Staff will assume board members are participating in-person unless
communication is received confirming otherwise. Board members who will miss
a meeting should share this as soon as possible in advance with the Chair, Vice-
Chair and PRABAdmin@bouldercolorado.gov to support meeting planning and to
ensure a meeting quorum.
c.Virtual Only Meeting Options: Staff are researching if the PRAB may vote to
have a meeting 100% online. As an example, the City Council holds all regular
business meetings hybrid so that public participation is available in-person and
virtually. City Council Study Sessions, which do not include public participation,
are virtual.
B. PRAB Matters (Verbal)