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Home My WebLink About10.20.25 All CV Commissions Presentation 2Civic Area Phase 2 Concept Plan and Implementation RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Brief Project Background Key Drivers for the Concept Plan Concept Plan Overview Next Steps Questions & Feedback Agenda Purpose: To inform + share out what community input was for the Civic Area Final Concept Plan and collect feedback from boards + City Council before moving into the next phase of design + implementation 1. Brief Project Background 6RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 RTD Bus Station 1400 Block BVSD Land Ownership Boulder Creek Path CU Campus Conference Development The HillPlanning Study CU Housing Study Downtown The Arboretum Pearl St. Civic Area Expanded Shuttle Service with • Civic Area • Pearl Street • CU FlagstaMountainff Site Context RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 CIVIC AREA PHASE 2 I 2024 12 Phase 2 Scope Outline:Enlargement Public Library South Public Library North 11th Street BridgeBroadway Bou l d e r C r e e k P a t h13th StreetBus Gate Extens ion The A rbo retum Canyon Bo u l e v a r d Arapahoe A v e n u e Project Scope Age-Well Building Park CentralNew Britain Bandshell The Atrium BMoCA Operations Tea House Municipal Building11th Street9th Street Phase 1: Co m p l e t e d West Booke n d IT 14th Street Project Scope Adjacent Site Connections/ Not in Scope Arapahoe A v e 11th Street Canyon B l v d .Llincoln Pl Project Scope The Civic Area Phase 2 Project is building on the 2015 Park Plan, continuing the transformation of this important public space into a vibrant hub of urban life, cultural events, and natural connections while honoring the full history of the area and serving the Boulder community. RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 CIVIC AREA I 2023 5 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Q1 Q1 Q1 Q1 Q1Q2Q2Q2Q2 Q2Q3Q3Q3Q3 Q3Q4Q4Q4Q4 Q4 Scoping and Project Management Planning Analysis Concept Plan & Schematic Design Design Development + Construction Documentation Construction: REFINED P2 SCOPE Maintenance + Safety Program Space Activation Window 1: Planning Analysis • Park Planning Process: Inform • Existing Park Perception: Consult • Future Park Activation: Consult Window 2: What We Heard/Design Ideas • Design ideas feedback • Market analysis/use process Window 3: Concept Design Options • Design and Space Activation: Consult Window 4: Schematic Design/Renaming • Final Park Design and Next Steps: Inform •Park Renaming: Consult WE ARE HERE Window 5: Construction Kickoff •Groundbreaking: Inform Window 6: Park Opening • Ribbon Cutting Event: Inform City Council and Board Touch Points •All dates subject to change pending market shifts and schedule delays Project Timeline 2. Key Drivers for the Concept Plan RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 What went into the Concept Plan Engagement Analysis Policy Multiple community events, stakeholder meetings, pop-up tabling, and youth engagement Comprehensive assessment of City policy documents from the last 10 years Site assessment to understand opportunities, constraints, and design goals RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Engagement Analysis Policy What went into the Concept Plan: Policy •Civic Area Plan, 2015 • City of Boulder Engagement Strategic Framework, 2018 • Racial Equity Plan, 2021 • Community Cultural Plan, 2015 • Parks and Recreation Department Plan 2022 • The Downtown Urban Design Guidelines, 2002 • City of Boulder Facilities Plan, 2021 • Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Plan Update, 2022 • Transportation Master Plan, 2019 • Historic Places Plan, 2023 • Boulder Downtown Station Expansion Plan, 2023 • Downtown Boulder Vision Plan, 2022 • Boulder Social Streets on 13th pop-ups evaluation (draft) • Central Park Cultural Landscape Assessment, 2023 (draft) • Draft Boulder Civic Area East Bookend Existing Conditions Report, 2018 • Andrews Arboretum Promenade Study, 2018 • Cable Transit Study, 2020 RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 The Civic Heart of Boulder1 2 3 4 5 6Life & Property Safety Outdoor Culture & Nature Celebration of History & Assets Enhanced Access & Connections Place for Community Activity & Arts Sustainable & Viable Future7 City Center. Unified Public Space. Inclusive Space for All. Flood Safety. Secure, Protected, and Safe Environment for All. Cohesive Green Space. Creek Access. Outdoor Recreation. Integrated & Inclusive History. Celebrate Historic Assets. Connected & Multi-modal. Universal Access. Cultural Hub. Arts and Entertainment. Consistent Activation. Environmentally & Economically Sustainable. Policy: 2015 Park Plan’s Guiding Principles The 2015 Civic Area Park Plan establishes seven main principles (summarized here) to guide design and development, inclusive of values identified by a rigorous planning process, public engagement effort, and City Council approval. RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Improve Existing Disconnections Pull in Boulder’s Energy Embrace Natural to Cultural Spectrum Create Welcoming Gateways Leverage the Creek and its Personalities Celebrate Boulder’s Unique “Funky” Culture What went into the Concept Plan: Analysis Engagement Analysis Policy RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 What went into the Concept Plan: Engagement Engagement Analysis Policy •Engagement Window 1: Community Values & Park Perception −How community uses the park now −How they’d like to use it in the future −Confirmed community values •Engagement Window 2: What We Heard & Design Ideas −Shared two design diagrams created from community ideas and priorities −Asked the community to vote on their favorite features •Engagement Window 3: Concept Design Options −Installed a family-friendly temporary nature discovery area in Central Park −Shared the concept design, formed from feedback heard during Windows 1 & 2 −Asked the community to vote on their favorite features shown in the design RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 •The City of Boulder Engagement Strategic Framework, Racial Equity Instrument (REI), and equity groups including families with children experiencing disability has guided the project to ensure historically excluded community members are meaningfully represented in Phase 2 recommendations •At every stage of design, engagement, and analysis, historically excluded groups are being consulted to ensure their representation in the project through an engagement process overseen by (2) Downtown Community Connectors •Worked closely with city’s Community Connectors in Residence •Collaborated with Growing Up Boulder for in depth engagement with the youth community from diverse backgrounds •During data analysis, feedback from historically excluded groups is separated to bring visibility and elevate these voices Engagement: Equity-Driven Process Engagement Analysis Policy RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Public Open House for Concept Plan Feedback & Kids Concert in Central Park Boulder High School Engagement Sessions w/ Growing Up Boulder (GUB) Walking Field Trips with Boulder Day Nursery Design Charrette with CU Environmental Design Students Boulder High School Zonta Club Engagement Sessions w/ GUB Construction of Wild Woods Temporary Nature Play Area for Space Activation – Built w/ CU Design Students’ Ideas Pop-Ups (2 Library +3 Rec. Center)13 31 6 5 Online Questionn- aire Community Connectors in Residence Milestone MeetingRoll & Stroll w/ Disability Community Walking Field Trips with Whittier Elementary Community Organization Meetings 2 2 MARCH - JULY: YOUTH ENGAGEMENT JULY - AUGUST: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Window 3: By the Numbers RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 This graphic highlights the top 10 favorite features that community members selected from across the entire project. *NOTE: Concept plan is in progress. More detailed design to come in 2026. NEW CONFERENCE CENTER PARKING STRUCTURE THE ATRIUM S&T BLDG LIBRARY TATE BLDG NEW EAST BOOKEND DEVELOPMENT LIBRARY BROADWAY14th STREET9th STREETCANYON BLVD ARAPAHOE AVE B O U L D E R C R E E K P A T H 22RIOSBoulder Civic Area Phase 2 Reimagining Concept Design Package 07.23.2025 N 0’100’200’400’ Farmers Market & Festival Street Beer Garden & Market Hall Nature Play with Splash Pad Accessible Elevated Boardwalk Experiential Lighting Top 10 Boardwalk Swing Forest Accessible Shallow Kids Creek Boulder Beach Nature Hub with Restrooms Top 5Window 3: Favorite Features 3. Concept Plan Overview 24RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Concept Plan NEW CONFERENCE CENTER PARKING STRUCTURE THE ATRIUM S&T BLDG TEAHOUSE LIBRARY TATE BLDG NEW EAST BOOKEND DEVELOPMENT NEW DEVELOPMENT LIBRARY BROADWAY14th STREET9th STREETCANYON BLVD GRAND V I E W A V E ARAPAHOE AVE B O U L D E R C R E E K P A T H N 0’100’200’400’ BandshellBandshell Market DistrictMarket District Farmers Market + Festival StreetFarmers Market + Festival Street NatureNature HubHub Boulder Boulder BeachBeach North Creek ConnectionNorth Creek Connection West EndWest End The Arboretum The Arboretum PathPath RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Four Zones THE ATRIUM: YEAR ROUND MARKET HALL LIBRARY LIBRARY EXISTING PLAYGROUND EXISTING PHASE I PARK SISTER CITIES PLAZA PARKING PARKING 14TH STREET9TH STREETCANYON BLVD ARAPAHOE AVE TEAHOUSE S&T BLDG Beer Garden & Market Hall Teahouse Garden New, Connected Green Park Shaded Areas & Canopy Enhanced Bandshell Nature Play + Splash Pad Creek Viewing Deck Farmers Market & Festival Street “The Porch” Wayfinding Signage Nature Hub w/Restrooms, Info Kiosk, Youth Programming, Food & Beverage Boulder Beach Food Truck Plaza Swing Forest Tubing Eddy + Rental Return Accessible Shallow Kids Creek The South ShoreArt Tunnel Nature Discovery Contemplative Garden Park Patio & Creek Steps Café Mobility HubEntry Plaza Artful Elements North Creek Overlook Riparian Garden Overlook Outdoor Classroom Youth Hub w/ Skate Feature Boardwalk Fishing Access **** NEW EAST BOOKEND DEVELOPMENT WITH PARKING NEW EAST BOOKEND DEVELOPMENT MARKET DISTRICT New Pedestrian Bridge Youth Hub Youth Hub Art / Signage / StorytellingArt / Signage / Storytelling ** PENFIELD TATE II MUNICIPAL BUILDING NEW CONFERENCE CENTER PARKING STRUCTURE Foraging Gardens Elevated Boardwalk Experiential Lighting Mini Cafe FUTURE FOOD AND BEVERAGE DEVELOPMENT Viewing Tower Climate Education Gardens ** Alpine Garden & Fitness Stairs ZONE 2 Boulder Beach ZONE 1 West End ZONE 3 East End ZONE 4 The Arboretum Path To better facilitate conversations with the community,To better facilitate conversations with the community, four zones were identified to breakdown the number offour zones were identified to breakdown the number of features and distinct areas within the park from West to East.features and distinct areas within the park from West to East. N RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Access PathAccess Path NewNew BridgeBridge BoardwalkBoardwalk LIBRARY LIBRARY ContemplativeContemplative GardenGarden Fishing AccessFishing Access NatureNature DiscoveryDiscovery Art TunnelArt Tunnel ARAPAHOE AVE.9TH STREETCANYON BLVD NatureNature DiscoveryDiscovery CONCEPT PLAN: ZONE 1 West End •Nature immersion •Enhanced circulation •Native plantings •Nature discovery for youth •Improved creek access •Raised paths •New pedestrian bridge 28RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 New Pedestrian Bridge Boardwalk Art Tunnel Nature Discovery Contemplative GardenFishing Access CONCEPT PLAN: ZONE 1 West End RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 CONCEPT PLAN: ZONE 2 Boulder Beach •“Boulder Beach” nature and recreational hub •Convert asphalt to flexible green space •Enhanced creek access •Entry plaza at Canyon Blvd and 11th Street •Cafe offering •Patio steps to the water •Accessible kids’ creek •Tubing eddy •Food truck plaza •Swing forest •Nature Hub with restrooms and programming •Shade shelter Phase 1 ParkPhase 1 Park (ex.)(ex.) North CreekNorth Creek OverlookOverlook The South ShoreThe South Shore NatureNature HubHub FoodFood TruckTruck PlazaPlaza Boulder BeachBoulder Beach Boulder BeachBoulder Beach Swing ForestSwing Forest TubingTubing EddyEddy Pearl StreetPearl Street ConnectionConnection EntryEntry PlazaPlaza MobilityMobility HubHubParkPark Patio &Patio & CafeCafe Sister CitySister City GardensGardens CreekCreek StepsSteps Enhanced CreekEnhanced Creek AccessAccessAccessibleAccessible ShallowShallow Kids CreekKids Creek Phase 1Phase 1 PlaygroundPlayground (ex.)(ex.) LIBRARY TATE BLDG ARAPAHOE AVE. CANYON BLVD 29RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Nature Hub Food Truck Plaza Boulder Beach The South Shore Creek Walk Park Patio & Creek Steps CONCEPT PLAN: ZONE 2 Boulder Beach 30RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Enhanced Creek Access Park Patio & Cafe Creek Steps CONCEPT PLAN: ZONE 2 Park Patio RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 CONCEPT PLAN: ZONE 3 East End •Vibrant park and urban space •Pedestrian-first Festival Street along 13th •Expanded Farmers Market •Enhanced Bandshell and flexible green •Future food and cultural spaces •Creek viewing deck and connected green •Improved mobility and creek access •Beer garden and “The Porch” seating and plaza •Teahouse garden •Shaded areas •Nature play and splash pad EnhancedEnhanced Band shellBand shell The PorchThe Porch GatewayGateway GatewayGateway GatewayGateway Beer GardenBeer Garden ATRIUM: YEAR-ROUND MAR- KET HALL CreekCreek ViewingViewing DeckDeck NewNew BridgeBridge ExpandedExpanded FlexibleFlexible GreenGreen PrivatelyPrivately OwnedOwned ParcelsParcels NEW EAST BOOKEND DEVELOPMENT TEAHOUSE Farmers MarketFarmers Market Festival StreetFestival Street SplashSplash PadPad NatureNature PlayPlay S&T BUILDING NEW EAST BOOKEND DEVELOPMENT WITH PARKING MobilityMobility Hub Hub EnhancedEnhanced TransitTransit CorridorCorridor ARAPAHOE AVE. CANYON BLVD BROADWAY14TH STREET 31RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Decorative Crosswalks “The Porch” Seating Market & Festival StreetShaded Area & Canopy Beer Garden & Market Hall Existing Heritage Trees Integrated Art CONCEPT PLAN: ZONE 3 East End 32RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 13th St. with Farmers Market CONCEPT PLAN: ZONE 3 East End RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 CONCEPT PLAN: ZONE 4 The Arboretum Path •Welcoming, dynamic and multi-modal path •Diverse gardens •Elevated boardwalk and viewing tower •Youth-oriented gathering spaces •Distinctive lighting •Placemaking and storytelling N ExperientialExperiential LightingLighting Viewing Tower/Viewing Tower/ Outdoor ClassroomOutdoor Classroom ForagingForaging GardensGardens ElevatedElevated BoardwalkBoardwalk MiniMini CafeCafe Future F&BFuture F&B DevelopmentDevelopment Climate EducationClimate Education GardensGardens ** ** ** Alpine Garden andAlpine Garden and Fitness StairsFitness Stairs Art / Signage / StorytellingArt / Signage / Storytelling Youth HubYouth Hub** CU Conference CenterCU Conference Center Pocket Park and Gate-Pocket Park and Gate- way (Accessible)way (Accessible) OutdoorOutdoor ClassroomClassroom Youth Hub withYouth Hub with Skate FeatureSkate Feature Riparian GardenRiparian Garden OverlookOverlook 33RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Climate Education Gardens Accessible Elevated Pedestrian Boardwalk Enhanced Bike Path Viewing Tower & Outdoor Classroom CONCEPT PLAN: ZONE 4 The Arboretum Path RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 The Arboretum Path: Experiential Lighting Viewing Tower & Outdoor Classroom Experiential Lighting Foraging Gardens Accessible Elevated Pedestrian Boardwalk 4. Next Steps RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 • Q1 2026 – Schematic/Design Development −Continue design within the boundary of the recommended Phase 2 area −Collaborate with the DDA and Commercial Blue Print Effort to create a Civic Area park management model • Q1 2026 – Park Renaming and Branding Effort −Engage community in a conversation about identity of the space including the colors, materials, and name −Depending on feedback, renaming could be proposed in 2026 in alignment with city policy • Q3 2026 – Final Design Share-out −The team will share-out final design of the Phase 2 Implementation Plan to be constructed in 2027 • Q1 2027 – Construction Begins −Construction of Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in 2027. • Park Management Plan −After ribbon cutting to open Phase 2, implement a Park Management Plan with guidance for Rules and Park Policy, new space activation programming with key partners, and a new operations and maintenance plan Next Steps 5. Questions & Feedback Thank you! Additional Info The project team met with Downtown Community Connectors, Community Connectors in Residence, and people in the disability community to gather additional comments about the concept plan. These discussions focused on Civic Area as a space that will: •Tell the stories of the land and people who have previously lived in the area, and have these stories be a major focal point of the design and park experience •Build community and be welcoming for all •Serve the local community more than just tourists •Serve the land and ecology in the park in its design and management, balancing this with recreational uses •Serve people in the accessibility community RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Historically Excluded Groups RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Roll & Stroll Accessibility Takeaways Design Suggestions •Lie-back stations in nature for looking up •View points for people sitting in mobility devices •Bandshell accessible seating - not forced front and center •Pull-outs from main paths to get into nature •Spaciousness (in paths, play, seating, parking) - helps with maneuvering •Accessible fishing dock •Crusher fines nature paths (avoid mulch for mobility devices) •Min. 10’ height in parking garages •Adult size changing tables Sensory Experiences •Touching the water •Hearing the birds •Feeling the trees/textures •Getting close to things to see and touch •Dappled Light •Movement stimulation (like bumpy paths and swings) •High contrast colors, specifically on black backgrounds •Pure sounds •Sensory Trail Nature Play •Raised sand box •Some stump seats should be large and have backs •Railings into climbing pit and climbing structure •Low climbing surfaces for crawling •More overhang on maker tables •Non-steep slides with long ending at the bottom •Adult size changing tables •Uneven surfaces cause balance challenges •Low barriers at thresholds (one foot balancing is difficult) Programming •Early access (30 minutes to an hour) at Farmers Market for disability community •Accessible equipment for rent at the Nature Hub •Volunteer escorts at Bandshell events for directing foot traffic RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 For Engagement Window 3, the project team worked with Growing Up Boulder on sixteen (16) youth-oriented events and activities. The project team engaged with: •66 Children 0-5 yrs (Boulder Day Nursery) •54 Parents/caregivers (Boulder Day Nursery) •36 School-age Youth (Whittier Elementary, 9-10 years) •30 Tweens (Boulder Country Day Middle School; 11-12 years) •130 Teens (Boulder High: Zonta Club 14-18 yrs, Language Arts students, 17-18 years) •17 Teachers (3 BHS, 4 Whittier, 10 BDN) About half of these events focused on gaining feedback on youth ideas for Civic Area and specific park features for Civic Area. The other half focused on activating Civic Area with kids and families. Youth Engagement RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 Children at Boulder Day Nursery visited the Wild Woods Nature Discovery Area three times with GUB. The school then conducted many of their own field trips to the space. •A questionnaire also showed 55% of parents now visit Wild Woods one or more times per week and prefer this type of play experience over traditional playgrounds because they believe their children are more engaged. •Teachers also reported they had never used the area near the bandshell until they were exposed to it through programs with Growing Up Boulder both before and after Wild Woods was built. •Now 30% of teachers use it weekly, and 65% of teachers use it monthly. Children ages five to ten gave direct feedback about how they want to use the park space. Based on a visual preference survey, results show they are most excited about: •Splash pad •Adventure play •Outdoor movie nights •Creek play •Nature-based art activities •Ice cream stand Youth Engagement Kids Age 0-10 RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 From the 130 teens engaged between February and March of 2025, results consistently emphasize five interconnected priorities that should guide development of the area: •Community Connection & Inclusivity: Creating spaces that foster meaningful social interaction across diverse groups •Relaxation & Comfort: Balancing active recreation with comfortable environments for downtime and reflection; variety of seating options •Affordability & Accessibility: Ensuring economic accessibility for all teens through low-cost food and recreation options and activities •Safety & Extended Hours: Enhancing usability beyond daylight hours through strategic lighting and design •Novel Activities & Experiences: Providing unique recreational opportunities currently unavailable in Boulder Specific features developed through Boulder High Student proposals include a teen-run cafe, outdoor seating area, ice skate/rollerblade venue, greenhouse, open green space, and movie night area. The project team also worked with CU Environmental Design students to create a temporary nature discovery area in Central Park. Three students who submitted design proposals during Window 2 of engagement were selected to co-create the Central Park installation with the project team. The end result – the Wild Woods Nature Discovery Area – combined ideas from all three of the student proposals. Youth Engagement Teens + CU Students RIOS Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 •Connecting the lawn and creating a bridge over one area of the irrigation ditch in the Civic Area would improve continuity, accessibility, and usability within the Central Park space. •This modification would enhance circulation, support a wider range of public uses and expand the Farmers Market functionality. •Community members voted to connect the green lawn in Central Park while keeping the ditch open by the Teahouse. Nature PlayNature Play Splash PadSplash PadExtended Extended Creek Access Creek Access +Overlook+Overlook Extended Extended Creek Access Creek Access +Overlook+Overlook Expanded Expanded Green SpaceGreen Space MaintainMaintain Existing DitchExisting Ditch Extended Farmers Extended Farmers Market PlazaMarket Plaza Extended Farmers Extended Farmers Market PlazaMarket Plaza Maintain Existing DitchNew, Connected Green Park OR 67% of Votes from Entire Community 70% of Vote from Historically Excluded Groups Window 3 Feedback: The Ditch Recreation + Restroom Opportunities Publicly Accessible Restrooms Creekside Boardwalk Fishing Access Enhanced Creek AccessAccessible Shallow Kids Creek Tubing Eddy + Rental Return “The Shore” Shallow Creek Play New Expanded Green Space New Expanded Green Space Nature Play w/Splash Pad Nature Discovery Nature Play Skate Feature at Youth Hub Festival Street Boardwalk +Viewing Tower/ Outdoor Classroom Experiential Lighting Alpine Park w/ Fitness Stairs Swing ForestNature Play in Existing Phase 1 Playground Nature Discovery Nature Discovery Enhanced Creek Access Enhanced Creek Access Accessible Shallow Kids CreekTubing EddyCreekside Creekside BoardwalkBoardwalkSkate Skate FeatureFeatureNature Nature DiscoveryDiscoveryExpanded Expanded Green SpaceGreen SpaceSwing Swing ForestForest