10.28.24 PRAB PacketAGENDA
All agenda times are approximate
I.APPROVAL OF AGENDA (2 minutes)
II.FUTURE BOARD ITEMS AND TOURS (2 minutes), Page 2
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), Page 8
A.Approval of Minutes from September 23, 2024, Page 5
B.Updates from the Director of Parks and Recreation, Page 8
C.Parks and Recreation Operations Updates, Page 8
D.Parks and Recreation Planning, Design and Construction Updates, Page 11
V.ACTION ITEMS
A.None
VI.MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/INFORMATION
A.Proposed 2025 Boulder Parks & Recreation Fee Schedule, 45 min, Page 15
VII.MATTERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT
A.Future of Recreation Centers: Project Approach, Phase 1, 30 min, Page 42
VIII.MATTERS FROM THE BOARD
A.PRAB Matters (verbal), Page 47
IX.NEXT BOARD MEETING:
A.November 18, 2024
X.ADJOURN
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and Landmarks Board Joint Study Session
Fully Hybrid Meeting
6:00 p.m., October 28, 2024
Boulder Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board Members 2024
Andrew Bernstein
Elliott Hood
Eric Raffini
Jennifer Robins
Anna Segur
Sarah van der Star
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
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October 28 November 18 December 16
Fully hybrid for members, staff, and community. Fully hybrid for members, staff, and
community.
Fully hybrid for members,
staff, and community.
Regular Mtg
(c)
•2025 Approved Budget
•Outdoor Pools End of Season Surveys
•Adjustment to Base budget
2nd Submittal
•Recreation Mgmt Software
procurement
Regular Mtg
(a)
•Proposed 2025 Fee Schedule
(30 min)
Regular Mtg
(d/i) •Financial Status and Draft 2025 Fee
Schedule (45 min)
Regular Mtg
(md) •Future of Recreation Centers: Project
Approach, Phase 1 (30 minutes)
•Pleasant View: Season
Summary & Next Steps (15
mins)
•Future of Recreation Centers:
Fall Engagement Summary
(30 minutes)
•Primos Park: Schematic
Design (30 mins)
•Crest View: Completing
& Activating Community
Nature Play Area and
Outdoor Classroom
Regular Mtg
(mb)
•PRAB Recruitment
•PRAB input for Council Retreat
(TBD)
Other Mtgs
or Topics
•Oct 3: 2025 Budget 1st Reading and Public
Hearing
•Oct 17: 2025 Budget 2nd Reading and
Public Hearing
•Nov 7: Consent Agenda;
Consideration of a motion to
approve Revocable License
Agreements and Revocable
Easement Agreements to
resolve several
encroachments around
Wonderland Lake Park
•Nov 14 Study Session
w/Planning Board:
1.Joint public hearing with
Planning Board to consider
initiating an Area III-Planning
Reserve Community Needs
Survey
2.Engagement Strategic
Framework (Communications
& Engagement)
•Nov 21 Special Mtg; Continued
Public Hearing and
consideration of a motion
authorizing city staff to conduct
an Area III Planning Reserve
Community Needs Study
Dept Events
& Items of
Interest
AGENDA SETTING
The PRAB Chair, PRAB Vice Chair and BPR staff set the agenda for the next month on Thursday directly following the regular PRAB
meeting. PRAB members can submit agenda requests to the Chair and Vice Chair by Wednesday following the PRAB regular meeting
for consideration. If time-sensitive matters arise, PRAB Chair and Vice Chair may amend the agenda as needed.
LEGEND
Action Item (a): A public hearing item to be voted on by the Board (public comment period provided).
Procedural Item: (p): An item requiring procedural attention.
Consent Item (c): An item provided in written form for consent, not discussion by the Board; any consent item may be called up by any
Board member for discussion following the consent agenda.
Discussion/Information Item(d/i): An item likely to be a future action item (or council item) and/or that benefits from an in-depth
discussion.
Matters from the Department (md): Items that will be reviewed and discussed during the meeting but not requiring as much in-depth
analysis.
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Matters from the Board (mb): Items initiated by the Board that will be reviewed and discussed during the meeting but not requiring as
much in-depth analysis.
City Council Item (cc)
Other Boards and Commissions (obc)
Community Engagement and/or Events (e)
Holiday/Closure (h/c)
Italics indicate a tentative date or plan.
3
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
Denise Dawson, Senior Manager, Urban Parks
Regina Elsner, Senior Manager, Natural Resources
Jackson Hite, Senior Manager, Business Services
Megann Lohman, Senior Manager, Recreation
Scott Schuttenberg, Deputy Director
SUBJECT: Consent Agenda
DATE: October 28, 2024
A.Approval of September 23, 2024, Minutes
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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: September 23, 2024
Contact Information Preparing Summary: Rosa Kougl; 303-413-7223
Board Members Present: Andrew Bernstein, Jennifer Robins, Sarah van der Star, Elliott Hood
Board Members Absent: Eric Raffini, Anna Segur, Waylon Lewis (resigned)
Staff Present: Ali Rhodes, Scott Schuttenberg, Rosa Kougl, Jackson Hite, Jonathan Thornton, Mark
Davison, Bryan Beary, Megann Lohman, Denise Dawson, Aaren Morrell, Regina Elsner
Guests Present: Angie Jeffords PLAY Foundation, Andy Frohardt
Type of Meeting: Regular
Agenda Item 1: Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. A quorum was present for the conduct of business. Motion
to approve agenda. First motion by Bernstein, second by van der Star. The motion passed 4-0.
Agenda Item 2: Future Board Items:
Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation, reviewed upcoming agenda items and events.
No PRAB follow up questions or comments.
Agenda Item 3: Public participation:
•Don Bergal expressed gratitude towards making progress towards a public indoor tennis
facility in Boulder
•Community thoughts and concerns towards South Boulder Recreation Center came from:
Catherine M. Cameron, Lisa Finnigan, John Boylan, Nicholas Fiore, Patrick F Carrigan,
Senarath Prashanta de Alwis, William Eiserman, Shari Hack, Edward Ted Connolly, Scott
Graham, Michael Israelson, Mary Sznewajs, Mark Amerika, Brian Kennedy, Jeremy Nichol
Agenda Item 4: Consent Agenda
A.Approval of Minutes from July 22, 2024, Business Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes from the July 22, 2024, Regular PRAB meeting. First motion by
van der Star, second by Bernstein. The motion passed 4-0.
B, C, D. Updates from the Director, Project Updates, Operations & Development
No PRAB follow up questions or comments.
Agenda Item 5: Items for Action
•Motion to subdelegate all of Parks and Recreation Advisory Board’s delegated authority,
pursuant to Charter Sec. 164, to the city manager for the purposes of finalizing and
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approving multiple Wonderland area Revocable License Agreements for final City Council
approval.
•Motion to approve Revocable Easement Agreements between the City of Boulder and the
owners of the following Wonderland area properties and authorize the city manager to
make minor amendments during the term of the agreements in order to ensure that city
parks property is managed in a manner that is consistent with City of Boulder applicable
laws, policies, and regulations:
-3824 Orion Ct
-3851 Orion Ct
-3920 Newport Ln
-3934 Promontory Ct
-3926 Promontory Ct
Elsner presented these items.
The Board responded to staff’s presentation and proposed questions about next steps as
the deadline for resolving issues nears and expressed curiosity on how the line is drawn
between removal and issuing a license agreement. Clarification was requested on whether
or not this was a finalization of the contents of these agreements in order to provide them
to city council for final approval.
•Motion to subdelegate Parks and Recreation Advisory Board’s authority to finalize the
terms and approve revocable license agreements to the city manager, due to the volume of
agreements under consideration regarding Wonderland Lake, final approval of the
revocable license agreements remains with City council.
Motion by Hood. Second by Robins. The motion passed 4-0.
•Motion to approve Revocable Easement Agreements between the City of Boulder and the
owners of the following Wonderland area properties and authorize the city manager to
make minor amendments during the term of the agreements in order to ensure that city
parks property is managed in a manner that is consistent with City of Boulder applicable
laws, policies, and regulations:
-3824 Orion Ct
-3851 Orion Ct
-3920 Newport Ln
-3934 Promontory Ct
-3926 Promontory Ct
Motion by van der Star. Second by Hood. The motion passed 4-0.
Agenda Item 6: Matters for Discussion
None
Agenda Item 7: Matters from the Department
A.Urban Ranger Update:
Morrell presented this item.
The Board responded to staff’s presentation and expressed an extraordinary approval of the
program and the way the point-in-time count in January was conducted.
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B.Overview from PLAY Foundation
Jeffords and Beary presented this item.
The Board responded to staff’s presentation with gratitude for the partnership and proposed
questions on the methods to be taken in approaching donors. The Board requested continued
invitations to PLAY Foundation events.
C. 2025 Fee Policy Updates
Hite presented this item.
The Board expressed concern on rate increases, specifically at South Boulder Recreation
Center, and noted that the fees are the same for all three recreation centers, although the
services offered at South Boulder are different than what is offered at the other two recreation
centers.
Agenda Item 8: Matters from the Board Members
A.PRAB Matters
•In regard to Harlow Platts, excited to see a coffee truck and activation at the park for a
Cycle Cross Race.
•Enjoyed being a part of the PLAY Boulder Foundation Golf Tournament.
•Bill Bower community group was complimentary of BPR Staff working with them.
Agenda Item 9: Next Board Meeting
Next Board meeting:
•Monday, October 21, 2024, Study Session, Hybrid
•Monday, October 28, 2024, Hybrid
Agenda Item 10: Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 p.m.
Approved by: Attested:
___________________ _____________________
Elliott Hood Rosa Kougl
Board Member BPR Staff
Date: ______________ Date: _________________
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B.Updates from the Director of Parks and Recreation
2025 Approved Budget
City Council adopted the 2025 Budget on October 17, 2024. The total 2025 Budget is
$399.3 million across all city funds. The budget is fiscally constrained in nature and
allocated limited available operational dollars strategically.
There were no changes to the $44.6 million Parks and Recreation budget shared with
the PRAB in July and August, 2024.
The key budget enhancements and realignments includes the following:
1.Supports a Ranger program of 3.0 FTE and maintains seasonal staffing from April to
November to sustain existing operational hours and increase capacity for education
and positive community interactions.
2.Realigns historically unspent budget allocation to support the non-personnel needs
associated with the Urban Rangers program.
3.Transfers approximately $2.1 million in funding from the .25 Cent Sales Tax Fund to
the Recreation Activity Fund to support athletic field and sports complex
maintenance and community benefit services.
4.Allows for BPR to maintain EXPAND’s internship program which supports
programming for our youth, teens and those with disabilities.
5.Changes Landscape Architect Senior FTE from fixed term to permanent.
6.Includes increases to seasonal staffing to budget for a potential increase to minimum
wage.
7.Includes an appropriation of $500,000 associated with the sale of the Broncos to
implement early recommendations from the Child Friendly City Initiative.
C.Parks and Recreation Operations Updates
Outdoor Pools End of Season Surveys
Following the 2024 outdoor pool season, staff distributed a survey to get input on the
outdoor swimming pools. This survey measured the satisfaction levels related to
customer service, safety, cleanliness, design and amenities, and the entrance value for
both Scott Carpenter and Spruce pools. The survey provided respondents with the
opportunity to answer Likert scaled questions from 1- dissatisfied, to 4- satisfied and to
also provide open-ended feedback.
Survey data at Scott Carpenter showed over 90% of respondents reported being either
satisfied or somewhat satisfied with all survey measures. Participants signified that
cleanliness was the most important aspect of the facility's operations and was one of the
lower rated measures for satisfaction. This gives staff a clear directive that addressing
the facilities cleanliness should be a top priority for 2025 operations.
Survey data at Spruce Pool showed over 85% of respondents being either satisfied or
somewhat satisfied with all survey measures. Participants reported that safety (61%)
and cleanliness (58%) were the most important measures. Participants were most likely
to be satisfied with the safety at Spruce Pool, but satisfaction levels with facility
cleanliness showed a need for improvement. The satisfaction measure for the design
and amenities was also notably lower at Spruce Pool, which as an ageing facility was
expected.
8
Graph 1, shown below, correctly shows the average satisfaction scores for Scott
Carpenter and Spruce Pools on a 4-point scale, with 1- being dissatisfied and 4- being
satisfied. 2024 was the first year Spruce Pool was included in the survey, therefore
comparison data from 2023 was not included.
Year over year satisfaction measures for Scott Carpenter and Spruce Pools. 1- represents disatisfied, while 4- represents satisfied.
BPR staff will continue to review survey data as well as usage and revenue data over
the next few weeks. Input will inform 2025 operations and will be considered during 2026
budget development.
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Forestry
Saluting Branches
Four members of the Forestry team participated for the fourth consecutive year at the
Saluting Branches event in Denver. Saluting Branches is a national non-profit
organization founded in 2015 by a group of arborists in Minnesota. Their mission is to
honor and assist veterans by providing days of service where tree care professionals
volunteer their time and skills to care for trees and landscapes at national cemeteries.
Additionally, the event provides an opportunity for the tree care industry to give back and
make a positive impact in their communities. Many of these cemeteries contain large,
beautiful specimen trees and would not otherwise have had the resources to prune or
remove trees for health and safety or plant new trees to sustain the tree canopy into the
future.
Events are held in 80 locations across the country on the third Wednesday of September
each year. This year the event was held on September 18 at Fort Logan National
Cemetery. Colorado has three events annually held in Denver, Colorado Springs, and
Grand Junction. The Denver event, the largest in the country for the second year in a
row, had over 300 professional arborists representing 10 municipalities and over 40
private tree care or landscape companies. The arborists provided nearly $500,000 worth
of tree and landscape services at no charge to the cemetery.
At the Denver event, there were 80 trees planted, trees inventoried, pest issues
diagnosed and treated, numerous tree removals, and countless trees that were pruned
for deadwood and clearance. The Boulder Forestry team spent the day removing two
large dead evergreen trees to provide a safer space for visitors to the cemetery.
The hard work and dedication of those who gave their time, is helping to create a
healthier, more vibrant environment for generations to come.
Boulder Forestry team member hauling branches Boulder Forestry team
member using a chainsaw to
remove a dead tree
Boulder Forestry team member loading branches
into a chipper
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D.Parks and Recreation Planning, Design and Construction Updates
The following information is intended to provide the PRAB with relevant updates
on specific projects as they reach major milestones. This section is not all
inclusive of all current projects and only illustrates major project updates. For a
complete list of all current projects and details, please visit
www.BoulderParkNews.org.
Overview of Major Projects
Staff continue to work on the following projects and will update the PRAB as
major milestones are achieved:
Project Status
Boulder Junction Park: Opening a New Park Design
Civic Area Phase 2: Major Renovation Design
East Boulder Community Center: Major Renovation Design
East Boulder Community Park: Courts Enhancement Planning
Flatirons Golf Course: New Golf Clubhouse & Renovated Pro Shop Completed
Future of Recreation Centers: System Plan Planning
North Boulder Park: Major Renovation Design
Pleasantview: Parking Area Renovation Design
Primos Park: Opening a New Park Design
Bill Bower Park: New Interpretive Garden Design
Crestview: New Community Outdoor Classroom Completed
Coot Lake: Bridge Replacement Construction
Boulder Reservoir: ADA Dock Replacement Design
Barker Park Refresh Start 2025
Ebin G Fine Refresh Start 2026
Pearl Street Start 2026
Pleasant View Access Improvements
The 2024 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes funding to improve
access, safety and circulation at Pleasant View Athletic Fields. At the February
2024 meeting, members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board provided
input that encouraged further consideration of Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) strategies. This item provides an update on TDM efforts and
construction project status.
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Project staff have taken the PRAB and community input as well as considered
permitting requirements to address parking congestion, multimodal access
opportunities, points of access to the fields, and safety at Pleasant View Athletic
Fields. The diagram below reflects revised concepts that will be advanced
through more detailed design and permitting. For example, staff will engage a
civil engineering consultant to further evaluate the feasibility of expanding on-site
parking by roughly 45 spaces and improve points of access to the field will be
further reviewed to make for more efficient entry to the field.
A more refined design will be submitted for local permitting in early 2025.
Construction is anticipated to begin later in 2025. As design advances, staff will
continue to update the PRAB, partners, and neighbors. In addition, and as
previously noted, the city will continue to explore funding for future capital
improvements, such as a multi-use path bypass around the lot and a separated
multiuse path along Kalmia.
Revised diagram for conceptual layout of improvements to Pleasant View
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Programmatic efforts to manage site demand over the summer season were coordinated
with user groups and included:
•The maximum number of permitted attendees being reduced by nearly 40% until the
parking renovations or permanent operational improvements are complete.
•A BPR-provided letter sent to user groups communicating the on-site parking limits
and sharing resources for parking alternatives while also encouraging biking,
carpooling and rideshare – to share with attendees.
•Underscoring the importance of field gate access to improve circulation for those
walking or biking.
•Increased enforcement (both ticketing and towing) along the fire lane and 47th Street
bike lanes.
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While tournaments/events earlier in the season were slower to adapt to these changes,
staff observed a steady improvement across the summer months. Following the
weekend of the season’s largest remaining event, the Players Cup Tournament from
August 8-11th, several neighbors passed along their thanks for these efforts and noted
the improvements along 47th Street.
Meet the Spirits
Meet the Spirits is an event at the Columbia Cemetery sponsored by BPR and PLAY
Boulder Foundation and hosted by Historic Boulder as a biennial fundraising event.
Proceeds from the event are split between Historic Boulder’s programming and
maintenance of Columbia Cemetery. The cemetery is one of 12 historic landmarks that
BPR manages and maintains. October 6, 2024, was a record year with over 950 people
in attendance. This year, we included a youth mystery hunt, spooky prizes, and sugar
skull painting to make the event family friendly. We also had two young volunteers who
helped us engage the youth with their energy and smiles.
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C I T Y O F B O U L D E R
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD AGENDA ITEM
MEETING DATE: October 28, 2024
AGENDA TITLE: Proposed 2025 Boulder Parks & Recreation Fee Schedule
PRESENTERS:
Alison Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation
Scott Schuttenberg, Deputy Director
Jackson Hite, Senior Manager, Business Services
Megann Lohmann, Senior Manager, Recreation
Stacie Hoffmann, Senior Budget Analyst
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This memo provides information for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board’s (PRAB)
discussion regarding the proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule that aligns with the Parks
and Recreation Department’s (Department).
Most fee increases planned for 2025 align with Facility Access, Golf Course and Rental
Fees to account for increased costs, market rate comparisons and/or supply and
demand constraints to meet established cost recovery targets in the Fee Policy. This
fee schedule will return to PRAB for approval at the November meeting as an Action
Item. Following that approval, BPR will work with the City Manager’s Office to publicly
notice the fee updates pursuant to the Boulder Revised Code Section 8-3-8, which calls
for a 15-day public notice period before fees can take effect. The intent is to have new
fees in effect on January 1, 2025.
BACKGROUND:
The PRAB has been involved in developing the 2025 budget over the past several
months, with a different emphasis each month on funding sources and uses, revenues,
expenses, review of actuals, and the Capital Investment Program. At the July 22, 2024
meeting, the PRAB recommended the 2025 proposed operating and capital budgets to
City Council.
For the final portion of the 2025 budget development, the PRAB is being asked to
consider select fee increases across the BPR Fee Schedule that would take effect in
January 2025. With the department operating as a social enterprise, it is important to
balance revenues and expenses annually to maintain service levels. This is achieved
through methodical fee adjustments based on future year projected revenues and
expenses, current year actual revenues and expenses, visitation and participation
trends, market rate comparisons, and a review of historical fees, in alignment with the
2022 BPR Plan and the PRAB approved Fee Policy (Attachment A – BPR Fee Policy).
The 2022 BPR Plan (p. 76 – 77) prioritizes financial sustainability through six policies,
three goals and several initiatives. With a limited budget, there is no opportunity to
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provide additional services without reductions elsewhere in the organization or additional
funding. To ensure there is equitable access for populations the community has
prioritized, the department will continue to subsidize access for low-income individuals,
people with disabilities, youth and seniors. The department is committed to maintaining
financial aid programs to qualifying Boulder residents, providing subsidized access to
facilities and programs, as funding allows. The 2022 BPR Plan (the plan) recognizes the
need to focus on core services and community priorities within a fiscally constrained
budget; it directs staff to balance service demands with available resources while
continually seeking non-traditional funding. The Fee Policy supports these goals by
establishing a framework for setting and adjusting fees in alignment with costs of
operations and community benefit.
Fee Policy
In 2023, the PRAB approved a Fee Policy (Attachment A) that outlines the department’s
approach to fee implementation and a fee schedule that defines fees for a given
calendar year. The policy establishes a consistent method for fee setting and subsidy
allocation to community benefit programs. The policy outlines ten program types with
defined benefit levels, cost recovery targets, and community benefit, aimed at promoting
access while ensuring financial sustainability.
The Fee Policy aligns with the following initiatives of the plan’s Financial Sustainability
Goal:
•2.5: Regularly assess total cost of service for all programs and facilities to inform
budgeting and fee-setting.
•2.6 Identify, track and compare annual cost recovery targets against actuals.
•2.8 Identify services that can generate funds to support other programs.
The department has communicated throughout the 2025 budget development process
that the focus for 2025 fee adjustments would be Facility Entry, Golf Course,
Commercial Use and Special Events program areas. Due to project timelines, fees for
Commercial Use and Special Events will remain unchanged as review continues into
2025. The department has typically adjusted Facility Entry fees every two years, with the
last fee increase occurring in 2023. Golf Course fees were last updated in 2024 and are
being revisited due to cost escalations and continued high utilization of the course.
The adopted Fee Policy specifies ten (10) separate categories across programming,
facilities, and partnerships based on community benefit and corresponding cost recovery
targets. Programs and activities that provide the greatest community benefit are primarily
funded through subsidies from the General Fund and grants. Activities that primarily
benefit individuals are expected to recover a minimum of 100% of their costs through
user fees. This structure overlays the existing direction that the department offers
discounted access based on age and residency status.
Included in this Fee Schedule
New pricing and consolidated fees intended to take effect January 1, 2025
•Facility Entry: Last updated in 2023
•Golf: Last updated in 2024
•Rentals: Last updated in 2024
Coming in 2025 for 2026 Fees
•Special Events: In coordination with citywide Office of City Events
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•Commercial Use: Review of the pilot program and creation of Community
Access Framework
Alternative Mechanisms in Place
Program Types subject to Cost Recovery and pricing regularly updated through
established processes:
•Recreation Services: Pricing updated through Service Delivery Model and
Recreation Priority Index
•Resale Items: Updated in the point-of-sale system when materials are ordered
•Contracted Programming: Updated at time of contract negotiations
No Fee Setting
Program Types that do not have fees associated with them:
•Open Access to parks: Always free to access
•Grants, Philanthropy and Donations: Procedures and management pursuant
to citywide grants policy
As stated in the Fee Policy procedure, the Department’s pricing strategy is based on
several considerations:
•Level of Community Benefit
•Supply and Demand
•Market Comparisons
•Residency/Non-residency priority
•Age-based prioritization with an emphasis on youth and seniors
•Accessibility and health promotion
•Value of Program (availability of alternative providers, quality of program)
•Cost recovery
Following the approval of the Fee Policy in 2023, BPR used guidance from the PRAB to
set fees. The Fee Schedule for 2024, which was also reviewed by the PRAB, represents
the most comprehensive list of fees BPR charges. This update involved significant work
to ensure the fees reflect historical trends, market comparisons, and recent cost
escalations.
The 2025 Approved Budget includes a $500,000 placeholder for planned fee increases
to balance revenues and expenses considering rising costs. By postponing updates to
the Fee Schedule until later in the year, BPR was able to analyze historical price
increases, conduct market research, assess facility usage, and consider the impact of
increased costs.
BPR typically updates Facility Access Fees every two years, with the last update in
2023, making a 2025 update expected and appropriate given the rising operational
costs. Golf Course Fees will be adjusted based on continued usage, market research
and supply and demand. The majority of rental fees were updated in 2024; however,
certain rental fees are proposed for further updates to simplify options and align with
market research and cost recovery targets.
In conducting market research, staff reviews benchmark agencies and industry-specific
data. BPR’s fees tend to be on the higher end compared to other public agencies, with
some fees falling in the lower half of the market range. It’s important to note that BPR
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relies more on cost recovery than many other public agencies, as funding structures
differ.
BPR relies on the costing definitions from the BPR Fee Policy to determine cost
recovery:
Direct Costs: The costs directly related or attributed to providing a specific
service. Direct costs include staff time, materials and supplies directly related to
providing the service.
Indirect Costs: Costs incurred across the department that are not directly
attributed to a specific service but benefits the department as a whole. Indirect
costs typically include marketing expenses, software, utilities, space allocation,
and management staff that support a variety of services or programs.
With continuous year-over-year increases in these costs, it’s essential to adjust fees
accordingly.
It is important to note that as a form of indirect subsidy, the General Fund supports all
internal services expenses for the Recreation Activity Fund such as human resources,
finance, and Information Technology services. At the last cost allocation calculation, this
translates to an additional subsidy of $3M/year from the General Fund.
Finally, recreation operates on a volume-based model, meaning the higher participation
rates are, the more costs are spread across users. By analyzing historical usage data
through the peak season, which ends in September, BPR confirmed a full recovery from
COVID-19 and projected stabilized participation and visitation levels. This approach
supported more conservative fee increases to support planned cost increases.
ANALYSIS:
Updating recreation fees is essential for maintaining fiscal responsibility while ensuring
community access. Regular fee adjustments help prevent future sticker shock, allowing
users to adapt to gradual changes rather than face sudden increases. BPR is a quasi-
enterprise that relies on the General Fund and the .25 Cent Sales Tax Fund to provide
subsidies for youth, seniors, low-income and people with disabilities.
A key focus of the proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule is to simplify options and address
common questions, enhancing user experience. BPR places value on knowing who is
using our facilities to increase safety and to be able to market to recurring pass holders.
Therefore, the proposed changes emphasize that the best prices exist for individuals
with memberships (10 punch, monthly, annual, or summer fun), while there are changes
to the daily drop-in fee which has a premium due to its flexibility.
A goal with the proposed 2025 changes is to encourage daily users to transition to
recurring memberships, making the system more financially sustainable.
Staff understand and prioritize the ability for any community member to access
recreation facilities. Therefore, the financial aid program remains the primary option to
support individuals who couldn’t otherwise pay to access a facility. This ensures facilities
are inclusive for all community members. Financial Aid memberships through Q3 2024
are at 4,351 individuals, which is an increase of 59% from 2023 at 2,726 individuals for
the same period. Year over year visitation has increased substantially at all 3 recreation
centers, going from 29,766 visits in 2023 to 42,542 visits in 2024, which accounts for a
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42.9% increase. Financial aid visitation now accounts for approximately 17% of all
visitations at the 3 recreation centers.
The key changes identified below will mirror the changes identified in Attachment B -
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule – red lined changes from 2024.
The hourly rate per employee is increasing along with the cost of labor associated with
planned minimum wage and living wage increases. City of Boulder minimum wage is
expected to increase 8% per year in 2025, 2026 and 2027, followed by Consumer Price
Index (CPI). Living Wage is paid to all regular and temporary employees as well as
certain contractors and increased from $17.42 in 2023 to $22.44 in 2024. The City’s
Human Resources department continues to implement compensation structures for city
employees which address the living wage, minimum wage, compression and general
consistency in compensation philosophy.
Section V – Facility Entry Daily Entry:
BPR will shift to a flat daily drop-in fee for all visitors, regardless of residency, similar to
how facilities operated before 2020. This change aims to reduce confusion at the front
desk, where staff often field questions about the different fee structures.
By moving to a daily entry fee, BPR hopes to encourage more people to purchase
memberships (10-punch pass, monthly, summer fun, and annual passes). This allows
the department to collect important visitors’ information and promote other programs and
activities to regular users. An intended outcome is that this will lead to more frequent use
of facilities, help the department know who is in the building and provide more consistent
revenue.
While there is some concern with shifting to a flat daily fee, it is important to note that
89% of all visitations at the 3 Recreation Centers were by an individual with a
membership. That means a total of 11% of all visitors would be subject to the change in
rate structure. When accessing outdoor pools, 67% of visitors use passes, while the
remaining 33% rely on daily drop-in access. Of those drop-in users, 91% are residents,
with non-residents accounting for only 9%. This highlights the importance of encouraging
pass purchases for the best rates, while acknowledging that there is a price premium for
the flexibility to drop-in. This is also the practice across the market, with benchmark
agencies offering higher daily drop-in fees, to encourage memberships. These changes
will minimize confusion for infrequent users, retain value for regular users, and ensures
BPR can continue offering the facilities and programs the community has come to
expect.
Attachment C – Facility Access Fee History identifies the current fees from 2023,
along with proposed 2025 fees, with the percentage impact for residents and non-
residents.
Section V – Facility Entry Passes:
The 10 Visit Pass, Monthly Pass, Annual Pass and Unlimited Summer Fun Pass fees
have historically been based off the resident adult daily rate. With a shift to a flat daily
drop-in fee, this methodology no longer makes sense. Staff proposed a 4-5% increase
across the board to all existing pass types, acknowledging that price increases have
been averaging 6-10% to operate the recreation facilities. The passes would still provide
better financial value to the regular users. The 10-punch pass provides a 20% discount
to residents; and a 5% discount to non-residents compared to the purchase price for 10
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daily visits. The monthly, summer fun, and annual pass would break even after 6 visits
per month for residents or 7.25 visits per month for non-residents.
Reservoir access will continue to have the same access fees as the 3 Recreation
Centers and 2 Outdoor Pools during the peak summer season, from the Friday before
Memorial Day until Labor Day. The Reservoir Annual Pass would increase 5% to mirror
price increases for other passes. An operational change would be to honor the
“Household” pass for up to 4 people in a car to streamline entrances. The Boulder
Reservoir is working on a Reservoir Operations Plan in 2025, which is expected to
further refine the Reservoir pricing strategy in 2025 for 2026 based on key findings from
this plan, including market research and long-term strategy.
Attachment C – Facility Access Fee History identifies the current fees from 2023,
along with proposed 2025 fees, with the percentage impact for residents and non-
residents.
Section VIII – Golf Course:
Flatirons Golf Course remains one of the busiest golf courses in the area and the state,
prompting a need to adjust prices to reflect supply and demand, cover rising costs, and
stay competitive.
Prices for all rounds of golf will increase by 10% to 15%, adding $3.00 to $5.00 per
round. Weekend rates will now include holidays for consistency with increased demand
and current practice. Annual pass fees will also rise by 10% to reflect the continued
value. The main change is combining junior and youth categories into one age group
(11–17), whereas before there were Junior rates for 14- to 17-year-olds and Youth rates
for 11- to 14-year-olds. Children under 10 will continue to play for free with a paying
adult.
With the opening of Ironwood Bar & Grill, the course will resume hosting tournaments. A
new tournament fee will be introduced, based on the exclusivity of the event. A future
workplan will develop package options for tournament organizers.
There will be minimal increases in fees for range balls, carts, and rental clubs to align
with rising costs and market rates.
Collectively, these changes aim to ensure the continued quality and competitiveness of
Flatirons Golf Course.
IX – Rentals:
Fees for exclusive use of the Reservoir before and after regular operating hours will
increase based on the actual expenses for 2024. Adult groups will be charged the full
cost, while youth groups will receive a 35% discount, in line with 2022 BPR Plan
direction.
Significant changes are proposed for boat storage fees and annual permits for powered
and sailboats. The fee structure will transition from separate resident and non-resident
rates to a flat fee per boat, to be set at the current non-resident rates. The Reservoir’s
storage fees are already lower than those of nearby private facilities. Permits for
powered and sailboats will increase due to the exclusivity of these activities and rising
costs associated with Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS). However, there will be no
changes to the rates for small crafts for residents and non-residents, as demand remains
20
stable. According to existing sales data, 65% of annual permits and storage are held by
non-residents, so the impact is expected to be minimal. The Fee Policy indicates that
programs that primarily provide individual benefit should operate at 100%+ cost
recovery.
The Boulder Reservoir is working on a Reservoir Operations Plan in 2025, which is
expected to further refine the Reservoir pricing strategy in 2025 for 2026 based on key
findings from this plan, including market research and long-term strategy.
Park shelter fees will increase by $10 per day, as these rates have not changed since
2016. The shelters are available for full-day rentals, providing an affordable option for
gatherings such as birthday parties, picnics, and family reunions.
A rental fee will be introduced for the Valmont Farmhouse, which typically hosts around
3-5 rentals per year. This addition is intended to maintain consistency in the Fee
Schedule.
Staff reviewed various areas of the fee schedule and determined that no increases will
occur this year in several categories. Reasons for this include that some areas are
meeting current cost recovery targets, are at or above market rates, or are scheduled for
updates every other year.
Looking ahead, the Community Access Framework will be developed in 2025. This
framework will assess fees and processes for commercial use, special events, and
rentals, with the aim of updating fees by 2026. It will also focus on advancing community
goals through space use agreements, reducing administrative time and costs, enhancing
space usage, ensuring user accountability and supporting established cost recovery
goals in line with operational expenses.
Concurrent to the PRAB engagement, staff are also developing a communications and
engagement strategy to inform impacted individuals and user groups of anticipated fee
increases in January 2025. This strategy includes printed materials that will consist of
the hard copy recreation guide available at each of the recreation centers, new facility
signage, and FAQs to assist staff in answering customers’ questions, and pointing them
to the pass that provides them with the most value. Digital materials will include updates
to the online recreation guide, social media pushes, and web page updates. This will be
supported by individual communications for impacted user groups. Finally, there will be a
winter sale that aligns with a New Year’s promotion. The goal of this promotion will be to
convert drop-in users to punch pass holders and increase both monthly and annual
membership sign ups. Concurrent to the communications and engagement strategy, a
staff training plan will be developed to help front-line employees answer questions about
these changes, and direct customers to the best option based on their planned
visitations.
NEXT STEPS:
At the October PRAB meeting, staff will provide a presentation on the key changes
identified in this memo and will be able to respond to questions. Board members can ask
clarifying questions, share requests for more information, and provide any other
feedback on the proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule. For requests that require more time
or research, information will be provided with the November packet. At the November
18, 2024, PRAB meeting, there will be an Action Item to approve the proposed 2025
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BPR Fee Schedule. As a reminder, this vote will require a quorum and a simple majority
to pass.
BPR fees are not codified and therefore do not require City Council approval. However,
they do undergo a public noticing period called the City Manager Rule before
implementation. Fee increases will be communicated to affected users through outreach
prior to taking effect on January 1, 2025, to align with the calendar and fiscal year.
The city recognizes the fiscal constraints that BPR is facing, along with other
departments, due to flattening revenue and increased expenses. City Council has
prioritized a Long-Term Financial Strategy (LTFS) in their workplan; the project will be
led by the City Manager’s Office and Finance Department. The LTFS will include a
comprehensive fee study, an evaluation of service levels, an exploration of additional
funding mechanisms, refinement of financial policies, community engagement and a
ballot strategy.
Without additional funding and based on current expenses and projected revenues, by
2027, BPR will need to identify which services, facilities and programs to reduce or
eliminate to balance spending with funding. In alignment with the Long-Term Financial
Strategy, the department will begin exploring options to better align revenues and
expenses. In addition, the implementation of a new Recreation Management Software
(RMS) in the fall of 2025 will provide better data on cost allocation and cost recovery to
support this work.
ATTACHMENTS:
•Attachment A - BPR Fee Policy
•Attachment B - Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule – red lined changes from
2024
•Attachment C - Facility Access Fee History
22
I.Purpose of Policy:
The purpose of the fee policy is to establish clear and consistent guidance for how fees are set
and subsidies are awarded. In establishing a fee policy, BPR intends to create a standard
approach for all fees collected, develop transparent fee categories and definitions of the types of
access or programs which are subject to various fees, and create clear cost recovery targets.
The Fee Policy should be applied equitably to all programs, with an understanding that
additional support may be provided based on General Fund Subsidy as called for in the 2022
Parks and Recreation Plan. In determining the subsidy levels, BPR will provide subsidies based
on the level of funding available and the level of community benefit each program provides.
II.Background:
The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department promotes the health and well-being of
the entire Boulder community by collaboratively providing high quality parks, facilities and
programs.
BPR operates from five primary funds. These funds are the Recreational Activity Fund (RAF),
.25 Cent Sales Tax Fund (.25ST), General Fund, Permanent Park and Recreation Fund, and
Lottery Fund.
Recreation Activity Fund: A special revenue/quasi-enterprise fund that is specific to the Parks
and Recreation Department. The fund is the primary funding mechanism used to support
recreation centers and facilities and subsidize fees for services related to the provision of
recreation, reservoir and golf course services/programs that do not cover all their direct costs.
This fund is supported through user and participation fees, grants and donations, and an annual
subsidy transfer from the General Fund.
.25 Cent Sales Tax Fund: A special revenue fund that is specific to the Parks and Recreation
Department. The fund is primarily supported through a designated sales tax that was approved
by voters in 1995. In 2013 voters renewed the sales tax through 2035, with 85% of votes
supporting the tax. The fund supports multiple aspects of the department, including operations
and maintenance, administrative support services, renovation and refurbishment, and capital
improvements.
General Fund: The city’s largest fund that serves as the primary funding source for most
governmental services. BPR uses its portion for park operations, forestry and department
administration. The general fund is mostly supported through a blend of taxes, permits, fees,
and intergovernmental transfers. As a result of the fund’s heavy reliance on tax revenue and
pressure from other departments, the fund’s revenues, and ability to contribute to the
department’s budget can fluctuate, although it has been relatively stable over the years.
Permanent Park and Recreation Fund: A fund specific to the Parks and Recreation
department, this source of funding is permanent according to the City of Boulder’s charter and is
supported through earmarked property taxes, with the Parks and Recreation Department
receiving $0.01 for every dollar of property tax collected by Boulder County. These funds are
limited to the acquisition or permanent improvement of parkland, renovations, and refurbishment
of recreation facilities, and is a source of funds for capital improvements.
23
Attachment A:At
BPR Fee Policy
Lottery Fund: A special revenue fund that accounts for State Conversation Trust proceeds that
are distributed to municipalities on a per capita basis. Money from the Lottery Fund must be
used only for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of new conservation sites or for
capital improvements or maintenance for recreational purposes on any public site.
III.Definitions:
Residency:
Resident: any individual who lives at an address located within the City of Boulder
service area.
Non-Resident: any individual who lives outside of the City of Boulder.
Resident/Worker: individuals who live or work in the City of Boulder are eligible for
Resident/Worker rates for facility entry. Resident or non-resident status applies for all
other types of programs.
Age Based Fee Groupings:
Youth: participants between 3 and 18 years old.
Adult: participants between 19 and 59 years old.
Senior: participants who are over the age of 60.
Household: any adults, seniors or youth residing at the same address. Proof of address
is required and no more than 8 members aged 19 or older.
Costing Definitions:
Cost Recovery: the collection of revenue to pay for the direct and/or indirect costs of
providing a service or program. The level of cost recovery will vary based upon the
service, type of program, program category benefit level, targeted skill level, market
costs and other factors.
Direct Costs: The costs directly related or attributed to providing a specific service.
Direct costs include staff time, materials and supplies directly related to providing the
service.
Indirect Costs: Costs incurred across the department that are not directly attributed to a
specific service but benefits the department as a whole. Indirect costs typically include
marketing expenses, software, utilities, space allocation, and management staff that
support a variety of services or programs.
24
Attachment A:At
BPR Fee Policy
Market Analysis: A point-in-time analysis or survey of prices charged by other
agencies, public and private for a similar service. Market Analysis is typically limited to
benchmark communities, local private business and non-profit organizations.
Subsidy: Funding provided by the city to offset the costs of a service to support a higher
level of community benefit. Based upon community input, subsidies are typically
awarded to programs that support low-income residents, people with disabilities, older
adults and youth.
Discounts: Discounts may be provided associated with marketing and/or volume-based
discounting to provide benefits to participants who are regularly using a service or
program.
Program Benefit Categories:
Community: Services that enhance the health, safety and livability of the community
and therefore require minimal obstacles to participation.
Recreation: Services that benefit a broad range of users and are targeted to promote
physical and mental well-being.
Individual: Services targeted to specific individuals or user groups with limited
community benefit.
IV.Policy:
The Department of Parks and Recreation’s Fee Policy represents a standardized approach to
program categorization and definitions, while aligning a clear subsidy level based on the level of
community benefit provided. Fees are an efficient and equitable way to distribute the costs
25
Attachment A:At
BPR Fee Policy
associated with providing services that exceed the ability of the tax base to support the costs.
This comprehensive policy will promote community understanding with clear fee practices and
financial sustainability. This Fee Policy was developed through the documentation of previous
policy guidance from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, includes guidance received
from the 2022 Parks and Recreation Plan, along with significant input from the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board, Community Connectors in Residence and City Council. This Fee
Policy identifies and informs the program types and a consistent method to assign services to
those types and includes the appropriate benefit level of subsidy and cost recovery target that
should be achieved. Tax subsidy provided each year from the General Fund and/or other
sources such as .25 Cent Sales Tax Fund should be allocated in a way that supports the cost
recovery targets based on available funding, which then directs the corresponding pricing
strategy each year.
The concept of cost recovery involves setting fees based on the total cost of providing the
service and factors in the program category benefit level so that the total funding received
(Taxes and User Fees) equals the total cost of providing a particular service. This is critical to
the financial sustainability of public parks and recreation.
V.Procedure:
The department will review fees and charges for all programs and services along with cost
recovery performance at least every two years as part of the annual citywide budget
development process. Once the cost to provide services is analyzed, each service area will
review cost recovery performance compared to stated goals within the Fee Policy. Total cost of
service as well as the department’s Service Delivery Model, market analysis, and feedback from
staff and participants, will inform any recommendations to the Department Director to update
fees.
The Department’s pricing strategy is based on several considerations:
•Level of Community Benefit
•Supply and Demand
•Market Comparisons
•Residency/Non-residency priority
•Age-based prioritization with an emphasis on youth and seniors
•Accessibility and health promotion
•Value of Program (availability of alternative providers, quality of program)
•Cost recovery philosophy
•Availability of subsidy to support age-based discount, community benefit recreation and
financial aid.
Each activity will be sorted into a program type. Each program type will have a minimum cost
recovery rate and a target cost recovery rate. Programs that are being introduced will likely be
at the minimum cost recovery rate; over the lifecycle of the program, the goal will be to achieve
the target cost recovery rate. While setting rates, staff must evaluate market rates and demand
for the activity to determine price sensitivity for any proposed price adjustments. If the price is
too high and/or there is little demand for the program, staff must consider the feasibility of
reducing costs, reducing fees or propose the elimination of the program. To minimize impacts to
26
Attachment A:At
BPR Fee Policy
participants, fee increases may be limited to 10% in a year for any community or recreation level
programs. Fee increases may be phased in over a 2-to-3-year period to minimize impacts to
participants.
When establishing fees, BPR will support fees that the market will bear, even if this exceeds the
cost recovery targets. Additionally, BPR will not undercut the market as it is not a good use of
subsidy and jeopardizes the overall health of the market. Programs with high demand should
also evaluate fee increases to improve cost recovery. Both tactics will allow the department to
reinvest in other program areas with lower cost-recovery goals, in turn allowing the department
to reduce the reliance on tax subsidy and reinvest in priority programs. During future updates to
the Fee Policy, BPR will adjust the cost recovery targets accordingly based on actual
performance.
To ensure there is equitable access for populations the community has prioritized, the
department will continue to subsidize access for low-income individuals, people with disabilities,
youth and seniors. The department is committed to maintaining financial aid programs to
qualifying Boulder residents, providing subsidized access to facilities and programs, as funding
allows.
All fee updates will be reviewed annually by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and for
consideration by City Council with the adoption of the operating budget each year. The City
Manager shall give notice regarding changes in fees by filing a schedule of fees with the City
Clerk and displaying the changed fees on the City’s website. Increases shall not take effect until
at least two weeks have passed since notice was given. Fees shall be in effect as of the
effective date specified in the schedule.
Fees may be temporarily discounted or reduced through special promotional pricing as warranted.
The City Manager may reduce fees from time to time as market conditions warrant, and may also
raise them again, so long as the fee never exceeds that specified in the fee schedule.
Below are the program types with associated category benefit level and cost recovery target
goals, definitions and examples of activities. These are examples of various types: they are not
all-inclusive lists and program offerings change over time.
Program
Type
Program
Category
Benefit
Level
Cost
Recovery
Program Definition Examples of
Services Included
Open Access Community 0% Access to parks, park
amenities, pathways and
natural areas. Open
access allows for self-
directed activity and does
not include supervision
or oversight by staff.
Pocket,
neighborhood, and
community parks,
skateparks,
playgrounds, multi-
use paths, non-
reserved outdoor
courts, dog-parks
27
Attachment A:At
BPR Fee Policy
Grants,
Philanthropy
& Donations
Community Grants, philanthropy and
donations which further
the mission of the
department by providing
outside funding for a
specific focus which
increases access and/or
removes barriers to
participation
Health Equity Funds,
Grants, Memorial
Benches, Tree
Donations, Project
Specific Donations
Special
Events
Community 10%+ Large-scale events that
appeal to a broad portion
of the community.
Snow Much Fun,
Holiday Lights
Recreation 70%+ Large-scale events
produced by the
department and/or city
intended for a specific
demographic within the
community.
Drive-in movies,
Sweetheart Dances,
Halloween Carnival
Individual 100%+ Large-scale events with
pre-registration required
for a niche market or
specific interest.
Typically provided by
non-department
organization
Organized races
Recreation
Services
Community 50%+ Foundational classes,
leagues and workshops
which include instruction
and the primary goal of
introducing participants
to basic skills at a “learn
to” level; programs which
facilitate access to other
program types
Facility childcare,
beginner level sports,
fitness orientations,
EXPAND programs,
Youth Services
Initiative (YSI),
aquatics clinics
Recreation 70%+ Classes, leagues, clinics
and workshops with
instruction provided at an
intermediate level
Intermediate level
sports, enrichment
classes, youth sport
leagues, camps
Individual 100%+ Classes, leagues, clinics
and workshops with
instruction provided at an
advanced level of
training and
development; private or
semi-private setting to
meet unique needs of an
individual or small group
Advanced level
sports, specialty
fitness, adult sports
leagues, competitive
team events, boating
28
Attachment A:At
BPR Fee Policy
Facility Entry Recreation 90%+ Access to recreation
centers, indoor & outdoor
pools, outdoor swim
beaches and passive
recreation at Boulder
Reservoir where
monitored access is
provided for self-directed
activity with general
supervision and
oversight provided by
department staff
Facility admission,
drop-in classes, swim
beach, passive
recreation at Boulder
Reservoir
Resale Items Individual 100%+ Consumable and non-
consumable goods
available for purchase
Swim diapers, locks,
food or concessions,
clothing, pro-shop
items
Contracted
Programming
Individual 100%+ Registered programs
offered by a non-
city/department agency
that operate under a
revenue share/profit split
Specialty summer
camps, Tennis
lessons
Golf Course Individual 100%+ Utilization of golf course
and related amenities
Driving range, rounds
of golf, cart rentals,
tournaments
Rentals Individual 100%+ Space, facility,
equipment, park and
shelter reservations for a
use by an individual,
group or organization.
Field rentals, court
rentals, facility
rentals, shelter
rentals, lane rentals,
private access
rentals
Commercial
Use
Individual 100%+ Fee based instruction,
education, care or
supervision on park land
provided by an individual,
group or organization.
Yoga in a park,
summer camps or
nature programs held
exclusively at a park.
Attachments:
•Attachment A – Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
29
Attachment A:At
BPR Fee Policy
Attachment B:
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule
1
Attachment B: Proposed Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
This fee schedule provides detail in support of the BPR Fee Policy for the department’s facilities
and operations. The Definitions found in the Fee Policy apply throughout this document and are
incorporated by reference.
Subsidy Levels
To advance equity by lowering barriers and supporting access based on the priorities identified in
the 2022 BPR Plan, subsidy is provided to programs that support low-income residents, people
with disabilities, older adults and youth.
Other Facility Use and Services
Any other Boulder Parks and Recreation facility or service not listed specifically in this fee
schedule or elsewhere shall be available at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Department
Director. The Director or their designee will determine the applicable fees and necessary
requirements.
Staffing
Additional fees may be charged for events, rentals, and reservations that require staff above and
beyond those that are regularly scheduled to work. An additional premium applies for staffing
that must take place outside of regular operational hours, recognizing it requires a shift in regular
scheduling and management support to administer.
Specific fees are based on the approximate cost of staff as follows:
Staff Category Hourly Rate Per Employee
Seasonal & Temporary (Non-Standard) Staff $2224.50
Standard Operations Staff $3840.00
Standard Management Staff $5961.00
Overtime/After Outside of Operating Hours 2x multiplier
Fees by Program Type
I.Open Access
Access to parks, park amenities, pathways and natural areas. Open access allows for
self-directed activity and does not include supervision or oversight by staff.
No fees are associated with the use of Open Access facilities.
II.Grants, Philanthropy & Donations
Grants, philanthropy and donations which further the mission of the department by
providing outside funding for a specific focus which increases access and/or removes
barriers to participation.
30
Attachment B:
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule
2
Attachment B: Proposed Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
No fees from customers are associated with this revenue category, though a portion of
funds may be due to pass-through organizations.
III.Special Events
Large-scale events that involve reservation of department facilities and parks.
Depending on the intended audience of the event, any of the 3 community benefit
levels may apply.
Typically, most Community and Recreation level programs are produced by the
department and/or city, that fees would primarily apply for Special Events with an
Individual Benefit level. Citywide Special Events Office may have additional fees
beyond fees charged for Parks and Recreation facilities, programs, and staff.
a.Special Event Fees
Special Events Per Day
50 – 250 people $300.00
251 – 1,000 people $500.00
1,001 – 5,000 people $1,250.00
5,001 – 50,000 people $2,000.00
50,000+ people $2,500.00
Glen Huntington Bandshell Per Day
50 + people $900.00
Special Event Locations: Boulder Creek Path, Central Park, EBCC Community Park,
North Boulder Park, SBRC – Harlow Platts Park
b.Reservoir Events
Per Day
April 1 – Oct 31
Per Day
Nov 1 – March 31
Full facility closure $15,000.00 $7,500.00
Reservoir Basic site $400.00 $200.00
Reservoir Premier site $600.00 $300.00
½ Parking Lot (double for full) $250.00 $125.00
Restrooms N/A $200.00
Reservoir Lake Per Hour
April 1 – Oct 31
Per Hour
Nov 1 – March 31
Reservoir Lake closure inside no
wake area
$75.00 $50.00
31
Attachment B:
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule
3
Attachment B: Proposed Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
Reservoir Lake wake area ½ $500.00 $250.00
Reservoir Lake wake area Full N/A $500.00
Picnic Fees: Basic Site Per Event Premier Site Per Event
Silver $400.00 $440.00
Gold $625.00 $685.00
Platinum $800.00 $880.00
Custom a la carte pricing A la carte price A la carte price
Per participant impact fees $5.00 - $6.00 per
participant based on
impact of event
$4.00 - $6.00 per
participant based on impact
of event
Per car participant fee for picnics
only
$10.00 $10.00
Room Rentals: Per Hour
Main building dining room $200.00
Outdoor patio $50.00
c.Valmont Events
Valmont hosts limited Special Events during a typical year, so for each of those
instances applicable fees will be calculated based on the projected impact, staff
resources, and exclusivity of the rental based on the principles and targets in the
Fee Schedule and Fee Policy.
IV.Recreation Services
Fees associated with recreation programs and services are determined based upon the
department’s Service Delivery Model and may be updated each program session.
Rates are published in the Recreation Activity Guide each registration session.
V.Facility Entry
Access to recreation centers, pools, and other facilities are consistent across the BPR
system. Visitors may pay for individual daily entries, packages of “punches” to be
used for entrance , or memberships that allow unlimited use during a set time period.
a.General Definitions & Promotions:
i.Resident/Worker Fee: Rate reflects a discount for those who either live
or are paid employees of businesses or organizations within the city limits
of Boulder.
32
Attachment B:
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule
4
Attachment B: Proposed Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
ii.Household: Any adults, seniors or youth residing at the same address
(anyone 19 years old and over must provide proof of same-address
residency). The package may not include more than 8 members aged 19 or
older.
iii.Additional Annual Pass Family Members: First family member pays
highest full price; additional family residing at the same address qualify
for 50% off. Unlimited Annual passes only, purchased at the same time.
iv.Military and Public Service Discounts: A 15% discount on monthly or
annual passes is available to Active Military & Veterans; Local, State,
Federal Government employees within the city of Boulder; and University
and School District employees within the city of Boulder.
v.Silver Sneakers, Renew Active, One Pass, Silver & Fit: These programs
encourage older adults to participate in physical activities that will help
them to maintain greater control of their health. Many insurance
companies offer these benefits to their members which allows them to
access the Boulder recreation centers and participate in drop-in activities.
This does not include registered programs (see Section IV – Recreation
Services above).
b.Single Visit – Unlimited facility access within the same day
Ages Non-Resident Rate
Daily Entry Fee
Resident/Worker Rate
Adult (19-59) $12.00 $10.00
Senior (60+) $9.00 $7.50
Youth (3-18) $7.257.00 $6.00
Group Daily (4 entries; max 2 adults) $32.00 $27.00
c.10 Visit Pass
Ages Non-Resident Rate Resident/Worker Rate
Adult (19-59) $108114.00 $9096.00
Senior (60+) $8185.00 $6872.00
Youth (3-18) $6566.00 $5456.00
d.Monthly Pass
Ages Non-Resident Rate Resident/Worker Rate
Adult (19-59) $8387.00 $6972.00
Senior (60+) $6265.00 $5254.00
33
Attachment B:
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule
5
Attachment B: Proposed Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
Youth (3-18) $5052.00 $4143.00
Household $133139.00 $110115.00
e.Annual Pass
Ages Non-Resident Rate Resident/Worker Rate
Adult (19-59) $864907.00 $720756.00
Senior (60+) $648680.00 $540567.00
Youth (3-18) $522548.00 $432453.00
Household $1,3821,451.00 $1,1521,209.00
f.Unlimited Summer Fun Pass
Ages Non-Resident Rate Resident/Worker Rate
Adult (19-59) $249261.00 $207216.00
Senior (60+) $186195.00 $156162.00
Youth (3-18) $150153.00 $123126.00
Household $399417.00 $330342.00
*Valid from Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day
g.Reservoir Only Fees:
i.Flank Season Fees & Twilight Entry Fees
Season Individual Carload
Flank Season* $5.00 $10.00
Twilight Entry**$5.00 $10.00
Large Vehicle fee – buses, vans, etc.
* **
$10 + $3 for every person over 10 people
*April 1 to Thursday before Memorial Day & Tuesday after Labor Day to October 31
** 6:00 pm to facility close
*** Large Vehicle Fee – only during Flank Season
ii.Reservoir Only Annual Pass (January 1 to December 31)
Ages Daily Entry FeeNon-
Resident Rate
Resident/Worker Rate
Adult (19-59) $414435.00 $345362.00
Senior (60+) $310325.00 $260273.00
Youth (3-18) $249261.00 $207217.00
34
Attachment B:
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule
6
Attachment B: Proposed Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
Household $662695.00 $552580.00
VI.Resale Items
Consumable and non-consumable goods available for purchase at BPR facilities.
Resale items change throughout the year based on the season, availability of product
and price. All resale items will be priced at 100% recovery of direct costs or higher.
Discounting may be used to reduce inventory.
VII.Contracted Programming
Registered programs offered by a non-city/department agency that operate under a
revenue share/profit split. If city staff are managing registration and payment, a
revenue split of at least 30% to the city is expected with 70% to the partner, whereas
if the partner is handling those tasks, the revenue split would be at least a 20% to the
city and 80% to the partner. It is expected that contractors support department
priorities of supporting participation among youth, seniors, people with disabilities
and low incomes to encourage a greater diversity of participation.
VIII.Golf Course
The fees for Flatirons Municipal Golf Course year-round are:
a.Per Round (Monday through Thursday)
Ages 9 Hole 18 Hole
Adult $2730.00 $483.00
Senior $2224.00 $3740.00
Youth $1920.00 $2930.00
b.Per Round (Friday to Sunday) & Holidays
Ages 9 Hole 18 Hole
Adult $3329.00 $4853.00
Senior $2529.00 $4347.00
Youth $2124.00 $3134.00
c.Annual Pass:
Ages Per Year
Adult $1,5001,650.00
Senior $1,2001,320.00
Junior (14 11 to 17) $414425.00
Children (10 and under free w/ paying adult)
35
Attachment B:
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule
7
Attachment B: Proposed Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
Youth (Under 14) $314.00
d.Value Plan Card
Ages Per Pass 9 Hole w/ Value Plan 18 Hole w/ Value Plan
Adult $699.00 $9 per round $12 per round Senior $599.00
e.Tournament Fees
Weekday Tournament* $78.00
Weekend Tournament* $83.00
Add-On’s based on market rate+ Customized with Golf Staff
*Includes 1 round per person; 1 cart for every 2 players
e.f. Other Fees:
Practice Range Balls Per Item
Small – 40 balls $78.00
Medium – 75 balls $1011.00
Large – 100 balls $1314.00
Carts (per person) 9 Hole 18 Hole
Riding Cart with GPS $1315.00 $1820.00
Push Carts $45.00 $67.00
Rental Clubs 9 Hole 18 Hole
Standard Clubs $910.00 $1820.00
Performance Clubs $3035.00 $4550.00
IX.Rentals
Space, facility, equipment, park reservations for a use by an individual, group or
organization.
a.Reservoir-Specific User Groups, Events and Picnics
Exclusive Use Youth Per Hour Adult Per Hour
Hourly Rate Based on 2024 Expenses:
for before and after hours use only.
$284.00
20254 Rates $170.50185.00 $284.00$213.00
36
Attachment B:
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule
8
Attachment B: Proposed Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
Add Ons Per Day
Fire Extinguisher $10.00
Large Ice tub $20.00
Charcoal Grill $40.00
Picnic Tables $20.00
20’ x 20’ canopy $350.00
20’ x 30’ canopy $400.00
Equipment Use Per Hour
Loader / Tractor $85.00
Personal Water Craft $30.00
Motor Boat $50.00
b.Boating
Decontaminations Per Craft
Small craft $20
Large craft $50-$250 (depends on severity)
Annual Boat Storage: Mooring Resident Non-ResidentPer Boat
Fee
Rack $300.00 $380.00
Gravel $665.00 $830.00
Paved $755.00 $945.00
Wet $890.00 $1,110.00
Season – 7 days per week: Resident Non-ResidentPer Boat
Fee
Powered 50-499 HP $600.00 $735.00
Powered 1-49 HP and Sail boats $265.00 $315.00
Small watercraft $60.00 $70.00
Weekday – Mon – Fri (excludes
holidays)
Resident Non-ResidentPer Boat
Fee
Powered 50-499 HP $340.00 $400.00
Small watercraft $40.00 $45.00
Small Watercraft Non-Resident Rate Resident/Worker Rate
Weekday (Mon – Fri & excludes
holidays)
$45.00 $40.00
7 days per week $70.00 $60.00
37
Attachment B:
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule
9
Attachment B: Proposed Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
c.Outdoor Sport Fields & Tournaments
Rental Space Youth Group Per Hour Adult Group Per Hour
Inline Hockey Rink $16.00 $19.00
Horseshoe Pits $27.00 $32.00
½ Multi-purpose /
Satellite /Recreation Field
$18.00 $25.00
Multi-purpose / Satellite / Recreation
Field
$28.00 $35.00
Baseball & Softball Diamond / Soccer
Fields
$35.00 $44.00
Premier Field $67.00 $88.00
Add On’s
Lights $45.00 $45.00
Painting & Striping $38-110
Garbage At Cost At Cost
Portalet Rentals At Cost At Cost
Added Prep Costs See staff rates See staff rates
Cost Multipliers:
Daily rate is equivalent to 7.5 hours booked
Multi Day/Tournament rate is equivalent to 6 hours booked over multiple days
Multi-Purpose / Satellite / Recreation Field: Aurora 7 Park, Arapahoe Ridge Park, Columbine
Park, Foothills Community Park, East Boulder Community Park, Harlow Platts Community
Park, Keewaydin Meadows Park, Martin Park, North Boulder Park, Tantra Park, Summitt Middle
School, Tom Watson Park, Valmont Regional Park
Baseball & Softball Diamond / Soccer Field: East Mapleton Ballfields, Gerald Stazio Softball
Fields, Pleasant View (Fields 2-12)
Premier Fields: East Boulder Community Park (artificial turf only), Pleasant View (Field 1),
Scott Carpenter Park
d.Outdoor Space Rentals
Resident / day Non-Resident / day
Park Shelters $100110.00 $125135.00
Alcohol Permit $25.00 $25.00
Parking Lots $100.00 $100.00
Chautauqua Lawn Free – permit & deposit required
Valmont Park Resident Non-Resident / day
Shelter - 3 hours $150.00 $150.00
38
Attachment B:
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule
10
Attachment B: Proposed Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
Park Shelters: Foothills Community Park, Harlow Platts Park, Martin Park, North Boulder Park
Parking Lots: full closure of a parking lot is per day
e.Outdoor Court Rentals:
Court Type Fee Per Hour
Sand Volleyball Court $30.00
Pickleball Court $6.00
Handball Court $8.00
Tennis Court $6.00
Tennis Court with Lights $10.00
Platform Tennis Court $5.00
Basketball Court $33.00
f.Indoor Space Rentals
Resident / Hour Non-Resident / Hour
Small Room Rental $40.00 $50.00
Large Room $65.00 $80.00
Specialty Recreation Facility $80.00 $100.00
Basketball ½ Gym $50.00 $62.50
Basketball Full Gym $110.00 $135.00
EBCC Ballroom $250.00 $250.00
EBCC Kitchen Surcharge Surcharge
Valmont Farmhouse $125.00 $125.00
NBRC Gymnastics Room $2,575.00 / day
Small rooms: SBRC Lobby and Stretching Room; Indoor Racquetball Court
Large rooms:
All Centers: meeting or classroom space
EBCC: 1/3 of ballroom
NBRC: 2/3 of multipurpose room
SBRC: Ninja Studio; Community Lounge
Specialty Recreation Space: not normally rented except for special occasions:
Full multipurpose room, dance rooms, aerobics room, yoga room, childcare room
g.Aquatics
39
Attachment B:
Proposed 2025 BPR Fee Schedule
11
Attachment B: Proposed Parks and Recreation Department Fee Schedule
Rental Space Youth Per Hour Adult Per Hour
Pool Patio $35.00 $42.00
Indoor Lap Lane – 25yd $14.00 $16.00
Outdoor Lap Lane – 25yd $16.00 $20.00
Scott Carpenter Lap Lane – 50m $27.50 $33.00$40.00
Leisure Pool Space $64.00 $80.00
Cabana Rental Resident Non-Resident
Rental + admission fee per person
4 hour rental
$4065.00 $5075.00
X.Commercial Use
User groups and other entities rent space from the department and provide
programming outside the scope of BPR services. This is Ccurrently guided by a 2012
pilot program with minimal charges applied based upon participation; to be reviewed
in 2024.
a.Rentable Properties
For all 1+ year leases such as Boulder Reservoir Main Building Restaurant Space,
Flatirons Golf Course Food and Beverage Space, Harbeck House, etc., staff issue a
formal Request for Proposal with lease terms agreed upon by the Department and
confirmed by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (leases up to 3 years) and
City Council (leases over 3 years).
The department’s preference is a base rent plus a percentage of revenue, with
tenant responsible for all utilities.
b.Park Commercial Use Program (2012 Pilot)
Minimum Visitors* Maximum Visitors Quarterly Fee
50 250 $50.00
251 500 $250.00
501 1000 $500.00
1,001 2,000+$750.00
*Total projected visitations over a quarter
40
Attachment C - Facility Access Fee History
Fee Type Category 2023 Fee
2025 Proposed
Fee
Resident
Impact
Non Resident
Impact
Resident 10.00$ 12.00$ 20%‐
Non‐Resident 12.00$ 12.00$ ‐0%
Resident 7.50$ 9.00$ 20%‐
Non‐Resident 9.00$ 9.00$ ‐0%
Resident 6.00$ 7.00$ 17%‐
Non‐Resident 7.25$ 7.00$ ‐‐3%
Resident 27.00$ 32.00$ 19%‐
Non‐Resident 32.00$ 32.00$ ‐0%
Resident 90.00$ 96.00$ 7%‐
Non‐Resident 108.00$ 114.00$ ‐6%
Resident 68.00$ 72.00$ 6%‐
Non‐Resident 81.00$ 85.00$ ‐5%
Resident 54.00$ 56.00$ 4%‐
Non‐Resident 65.00$ 66.00$ ‐2%
Resident 69.00$ 72.00$ 4%‐
Non‐Resident 83.00$ 87.00$ ‐5%
Resident 52.00$ 54.00$ 4%‐
Non‐Resident 62.00$ 65.00$ ‐5%
Resident 41.00$ 43.00$ 5%‐
Non‐Resident 50.00$ 52.00$ ‐4%
Resident 110.00$ 115.00$ 5%‐
Non‐Resident 133.00$ 139.00$ ‐5%
Resident 207.00$ 216.00$ 4%‐
Non‐Resident 249.00$ 261.00$ ‐5%
Resident 156.00$ 162.00$ 4%‐
Non‐Resident 186.00$ 195.00$ ‐5%
Resident 123.00$ 129.00$ 5%‐
Non‐Resident 150.00$ 156.00$ ‐4%
Resident 330.00$ 345.00$ 5%‐
Non‐Resident 399.00$ 417.00$ ‐5%
Resident 720.00$ 756.00$ 5%‐
Non‐Resident 864.00$ 907.00$ ‐5%
Resident 540.00$ 567.00$ 5%‐
Non‐Resident 648.00$ 680.00$ ‐5%
Resident 432.00$ 453.00$ 5%‐
Non‐Resident 522.00$ 548.00$ ‐5%
Resident 1,152.00$ 1,209.00$ 5%‐
Non‐Resident 1,382.00$ 1,451.00$ ‐5%
Resident 345.00$ 362.00$ 5%
Non‐Resident 414.00$ 435.00$ 5%
Resident 260.00$ 273.00$ 5%
Non‐Resident 310.00$ 325.00$ 5%
Resident 207.00$ 217.00$ 5%
Non‐Resident 249.00$ 261.00$ 5%
Resident 552.00$ 580.00$ 5%
Non‐Resident 662.00$ 695.00$ 5%
Per Person 5.00$ 5.00$ 0%0%
Per Car 2+ People 10.00$ 10.00$ 0%0%
Per Person 5.00$ 5.00$ 0%0%
Per Car 2+ People 10.00$ 10.00$ 0%0%
Recreation Center
10 Punch Pass Senior
Family
2 Adults + dependent children
Youth
Reservoir Only
Twilight (after 6pm)
Flank Season
(April 1 to Thursday before Memorial Day; Tuesday
after Labor Day to October 31)
Adult
Adult
Senior
Youth
HouseholdRecreation Facility Entry Fees(East Boulder Community Center, North Boulder Recreation Center, South Boulder Recreation Center, Spruce Pool, Scott Carpenter Pool and Boulder Reservoir)Recreation Center Annual Pass
Adult
Senior
Youth
Adult
Recreation Facility Daily Admission
Daily 4‐Pack (New)
Recreation Center Monthly Pass
Youth
Adult
Senior
Unlimited Summer Fun Pass
(Outdoor Pool Pass)
Senior
Youth
Adult
Outdoor Facility Entry FeesSenior
Youth
Family
Household
Reservoir Only Annual Pass
*Excludes: East Boulder Community
Center, South Boulder Recreation Center,
North Boulder Recreation Center, Scott
Carpenter Pool and Spruce Pool.*
41
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
Denise Dawson, Senior Manager, Urban Parks
Regina Elsner, Senior Manager, Natural Resources
Jackson Hite, Senior Manager, Business Services
Megann Lohman, Senior Manager, Recreation
Scott Schuttenberg, Deputy Director
SUBJECT: Matters from the Department
DATE: October 28, 2024
A.Future of Recreation Centers: Project Approach, Phase 1
This memo is intended to provide the PRAB with an understanding of the project
approach and the engagement process so as to invite suggestions for ensuring
success.
Overview
City recreation centers function as a system of vital community wellness hubs for the
entire Boulder community, regardless of age, income, identity, or disabilities. They
also serve as places to practice and compete for many students in the Boulder
Valley School District. The East Boulder Community Center (EBCC) also houses the
East Age Well Center for older adults. The North Boulder Recreation Center (NBRC)
is a magnet for youth gymnastics, and the South Boulder Recreation Center (SBRC)
provides valued services for adjacent schools and neighbors. Thoughtful, long-term
planning for these important facilities is critical to ensuring Boulder Parks and
Recreation can serve the community well into the future.
The building conditions at each center vary. Built in 1973, NBRC received a major
renovation 29 years later to extend the life of the building. Built in 1991, EBCC is an
ideal candidate for renovations. While building systems need modernization, the
bones of the building are in good enough condition to justify significant investment of
public funding. Funded by the Community Culture, Safety and Resilience tax, voter-
approved funds have been allocated to support significant renovations to EBCC that
will extend the life of that building and maximize return on investment for taxpayer
dollars. Conversely, both the 2021 Facilities Plan and the 2022 BPR Plan confirmed
that the SBRC facility is past the point at which major renovations would be money
well spent.
As a first phase in understanding what renovations at EBCC need to include, the
Future of Recreation Centers project situates EBCC in a citywide conversation about
how well all 3 recreation centers are serving the Boulder community. Taking this
broad look will help ensure improvements at EBCC respond to emerging recreation
trends and help close any gaps in levels of service to the extent possible. The
resulting needs assessment report will also inform continued citywide engagement 42
around a long-term financial strategy to fund outstanding needs and priorities,
including future recreation amenities in South and North Boulder.
Project Purpose
The Future of Recreation Centers project is meant to:
-Understand how well recreation centers are serving the Boulder community.
-Identify emerging trends and gaps in service across all 3 centers.
-Develop recommendations on how to address needs and opportunities.
-Inform design in 2025 for funded renovations to EBCC.
-Inform citywide efforts to develop a long-term financial strategy to fund other
community priorities, such as recreation amenities in South Boulder and
renovations at the NBRC.
Shown in the graphic below, developing the needs assessment will draw from
community engagement, data and research, and existing policies.
Phasing and Timeline
This project is designed as a preliminary phase before detailed design, permitting
and construction of funded improvements at EBCC. The timeline below shows
how the following phases will happen:
1.Phase 1: Future of Recreation Centers (All Centers)
2.Phase 2: EBCC Renovations
43
Engagement
Community engagement will help the city prioritize which indoor recreation
activities are most important to provide across our recreation center system and
which amenities and services are most important at each location. For example,
the following questions will guide public process:
•Which indoor recreation activities are most important for recreation centers to
provide across the city?
•Are there emerging trends or activities not currently provided that could
enhance community health and well-being?
•Which indoor recreation activities are most important to provide at each
center?
•How can upcoming renovations to the East Boulder Community Center
accommodate those priority activities?
•Which other community priorities should inform a citywide financial strategy to
fund outstanding, unfunded needs at other centers?
Each round of engagement will include community-wide opportunities for input,
as well as focused conversations with community organizations and priority
populations. In addition, the Boulder Valley School District recognizes the role
recreation centers play in supporting high school athletics and is supporting the
effort to accurately understand community and school district demand and
desires for aquatics through a Needs Assessment.
The following engagement windows have been laid out to align with the city’s
Engagement Strategic Framework and Racial Equity Plan.
44
Engagement
Window
Level of
Engagement Purpose Opportunities
Phase I: Needs Assessment for All 3 Centers
1 - April
2023
INVOLVE Understand hopes &
fears about the future
of city recreation
centers, as well as
shared values, in
advance of the 2024
budgeting process.
•Tabling at all 3 centers
•Online questionnaire
•Website, email & social
media
2 - Sept
2024
CONSULT Affirm community
values; Understand
citywide priorities for
indoor recreation
activities across all 3
centers
•Interactive posters at all 3
centers
•What’s Up Boulder
•Kick-off meeting with
community organizations
•Online questionnaire
•South Boulder
neighborhood pop-up
•Website, email & social
media
3 - Dec 2024
to Jan 2025
CONSULT Provide updated
information on
building condition
and levels of service;
Affirm citywide
priorities for indoor
recreation; Explore
options for
accommodating
priority activities at
each location
•Micro-engagements (e.g.,
with youth, older adults,
low-income residents, and
people with disabilities)
•Workshop with community
organizations
•Interactive posters at all 3
centers
•Website, email & social
media
4 – Spring
2025
INFORM Confirm priorities for
each center; Share
Needs Assessment
Report and inform
LTFS; Conclude
Phase 1; Kick-off
Phase 2 to inform
more detailed design
of EBCC renovations
•Website, email & social
media
•Phase 2 opportunities to
be refined based on
Phase 1.
To explore and develop a long-term financial strategy (LTFS) to fund citywide
priorities – including other major recreation center improvements in other
locations, community conversations will continue into 2025 and beyond.
45
Next Steps
Timeframe Task
October 2024 Analysis: Review and synthesize Engagement Window 2 Public
input; Evaluate updated condition assessments
November 2024 Presentation to PRAB: Summary of Engagement Window 2 &
Preview of Engagement Window 3
December 2024 –
January 2025
Engagement Window #3: Explore priority activities for each
center
Key Questions
1.Does the PRAB have any questions about the project approach or phasing?
2.Does the PRAB have any input on Phase 1 engagement strategies?
46
TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
SUBJECT: Matters from the Board
DATE: October 28, 2024
A. PRAB Matters (Verbal)
47