01.26.26 PRAB PacketAGENDA
All agenda times are approximate
I.APPROVAL OF AGENDA (2 mins)
II.FUTURE BOARD ITEMS AND TOURS (2 mins), Page 2
III.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (15-30 mins)
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 mins), Page 3
A.Approval of Minutes from November 17, 2025, Page 4
B.Updates from the Director of Parks and Recreation, Page 7
C.Parks and Recreation Operations Updates, Page 7
D.Parks and Recreation Planning, Design and Construction Updates,
Page 11
V.ACTION ITEMS
A.None
VI.MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION/INFORMATION
A.None
VII.MATTERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT, Page 16 (45 minutes)
A.2025 Progress Report and 2026 Work Plan
VIII.MATTERS FROM THE BOARD
A.Confirm PRAB 2026 Meeting Dates, Page 17
B.Meeting Facilitation and Norms, Page 18
C.PRAB Matters (verbal), Page 17
IX.NEXT BOARD MEETING:
A.February 23, 2026
X.ADJOURN
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
Fully Hybrid Meeting
6:00 p.m., January 26, 2026
Boulder Parks & Recreation
Advisory Board Members
2026-2027
Andrew Bernstein
Yvonne Castillo
Jennifer Robins
Michael Schreiner
Kyra Siegel
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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PRAB Future Board Items Agenda
February March April
Fully hybrid for members, staff and
community.
Fully hybrid for members, staff and
community.
Fully hybrid for members, staff
and community.
Regular Mtg (c) •Board Recruitment Process
Update
•East Boulder Community
Center Phase 1 Construction
Update
•Board Recruitment Update
•Summer Staff Recruitment Campaign
•Annual Staff Training and East
Boulder Community Center
Maintenance Closure
•East Boulder Community Park
Annexation Outcomes & Next Steps
•Bill Bower Interpretive Area
Regular Mtg (a)
Regular Mtg
(d/i) •Recommended Renaming
for Civic Area
Regular Mtg
(md) •Long-Term Financial Strategy
Status Update and Engagement
Overview
•Pearl Street Mall Refresh
•Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan
•Civic Area Final Design and Naming
Process
•Future of Parks
•Chautauqua
•Tom Watson Pickleball
Courts
Regular Mtg
(mb) •Schedule & Prepare for April
Onboarding Study Session
•PRAB Recruitment/Orientation/
Departing Members
•Chair & Vice Chair selection process
•Induct new members
•Welcome new members
•PRAB Mentor
assignments
•Officer Elections - Chair &
Vice Chair
•Liaison Role Assignments
Other Mtgs or
Topics
•City Council Study Session –
Boards & Commissions Review
& Updates
•Feb 19: City Council Public
Hearing for East Boulder
Community Park Annexation
•City Council Retreat
Dept Events &
Items of Interest •Feb 2-13: PRAB Interviews
•Feb 16: COB President's Day
closure
•March 5: City Council Boards &
Commissions appointments
•March 14-22: East Boulder
Community Center Annual
Maintenance Shutdown
•New PRAB member
orientation(s)
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.
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.
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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
Jackson Hite, Senior Manager, Business Services
Megann Lohman, Senior Manager, Recreation
Scott Schuttenberg, Deputy Director
Erynn Simone, Senior Manager, Regional Facilities
SUBJECT: Consent Agenda
DATE: January 26, 2026
A.Approval of November 17, 2025, 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: November 17, 2025
Contact Information Preparing Summary: Clarisa Collins; 720-564-2147
Board Members Present: Bernie Bernstein, Yvonne Castillo, Michael Schreiner, Kyra Siegel,
Caroline Gecker
Board Members Absent: Robert Kaplan, Jennifer Robins
Staff Present: Bryan Beary, David Choate, Clarisa Collins, Mark Davison, Julia Dullien, Kate
Hernandez, Jackson Hite, Stacie Hoffmann, Shihomi Kuriyagawa, Megann Lohman, Charlotte
O’Donnell, Ali Rhodes, Scott Schuttenberg, Erynn Simone, Emily Urquhart, Bill Wildenberg
Guests Present: Curry Rosato, Growing Up Boulder teen consultants: Shelby Rosato and Jane
Hudson
Type of Meeting: Regular
Agenda Item 1: Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. A quorum was present for the conduct of business.
A motion to approve the agenda was made by Schreiner and seconded by Castillo. The motion
passed 5-0.
Agenda Item 2: Future Board Items and Tours
Rhodes, Director of Parks and Recreation, reviewed upcoming items and noted the December
meeting is cancelled. PRAB had no follow-up questions or comments.
Agenda Item 3: Public Participation
•Ted Connolly: Reimagine South Boulder Group member, thanked staff for South Boulder
Recreation Center repairs and requested planning begin for a new facility using Community,
Culture, Resilience and Safety Tax (CCRS) funding.
•Kendall Marks: Expressed concerns about proposed membership changes reducing household
size limits and charging extra for outdoor pool access, which disproportionately affects families
with children.
•John Scholz: Requested PRAB ask City Council to expand the Permanent Parks and
Recreation Fund for park operations but does not support an additional mill levy.
•Yvonne Bennett: Reimagine South Boulder Group member, stated the group has engaged
1,000+ community members whose top priorities include a lap pool, weights, cardio and gym.
•Lynn Segal: Expressed concerns regarding an additional mill levy and fee increases for seniors
and children that reduce residents' ability to contribute to sales tax revenue. Noted that people
come to Boulder for recreation services.
Agenda Item 4: Consent Agenda
A.Approval of Minutes from October 27, 2025
•A motion to approve the consent agenda was made by Castillo and seconded by Siegel.
The motion passed 5-0.
B.Updates from the Director of Parks and Recreation
C.Parks and Recreation Operations
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D.Planning, Design and Construction Updates
•Board members requested clarification on the North Boulder Park renovation timeline and
Chautauqua utilities project.
•Bernstein provided additional context on PRAB’s 2024 decision not to recommend the
landmark boundary extension, aiming to maintain flexibility for future park improvements.
Agenda Item 5: Action Items
A.None
Agenda Item 6: Matters for Discussion/Information
A.None
Agenda Item 7: Matters from the Department
A.Launching Nature Everywhere for the City of Boulder
Davison and Rosato presented this item.
•Board members expressed support for the initiative and asked about funding impacts,
strategies for engaging teens and marketing plans.
B.North Boulder Park Renovation
Wildenberg and Growing Up Boulder teen consultants, Hudson and Rosato, presented this
item.
•Board members thanked the teen consultants for their presentation and asked about the
project timeline, target users, safety improvements, accessibility features, budget status
and stormwater management.
C.Barker Park Renovation
Urquhart presented this item.
•Board members asked why this park was prioritized and inquired about budget, material
durability, maintenance requirements and partnership opportunities.
Agenda Item 8: Matters from the Board
A.Boards and Commissions Winter Pre-Retreat Letter to City Council
•A motion to approve sending the drafted letter to City Council was made by Castillo and
seconded by Siegel. The motion passed 5-0.
B.PRAB Matters (verbal)
•Gecker: Highlighted excitement about upcoming improvements at Tom Watson Park.
•Bernstein: Enjoyed the SBRC reopening and the strong community excitement around it.
•Siegel: Noted that good weather is keeping parks full and fostering community spirit and
socializing; also shared feedback that some community members prefer playing volleyball
at the recreation center because the sand is better there.
•Castillo: Requested clarity on South Boulder Recreation Center planning, CIP list process
and East Boulder Community Center funding and prioritization, noting community
questions about the sequence of projects and the use of voter-approved funds.
Agenda Item 9: Next Board Meeting
Next Board meeting: Monday, January 26, 2025, hybrid
Agenda Item 10: Adjourn
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The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Approved by: Attested:
________________________ ________________________
Jennifer Robins Clarisa Collins
Board Member BPR Staff
Date: ___________________ Date: ___________________
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B.Updates from the Director of Parks and Recreation
At the November meeting, members of the board asked that staff share previous City
Council materials related to the two-year project known as the “Long-Term Financial
Strategy”. In advance of finalizing 2025 ballot initiatives, the links below share the
memos and presentations from the meetings where City Council explored options and
set direction for the 2025 election:
•May 8, 2025 Study Session:
o Memo: 05.08.25 City Council Agenda - Study Session (pages 19-23)
o Presentation: Item 2 - 2025 Proposed Ballot Measures Presentation
•June 26, 2025 Regular Meeting
o Memo: 06.26.25 City Council Agenda (pages 948-951)
o Presentation: Item 5A Probolsky Research - City of Boulder - 2025
Voter Survey - Executive Presentation FINAL 1
City Council did determine to place on the item a permanent extension of the Community
Culture, Resilience and Safety (CCRS) tax. Boulder voters approved that item with 72%
approval, along with a companion measure supporting the ability to bond against CCRS
tax revenues.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Recruitment Process
The recruitment process for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) is
underway. Along with vacancies on other Boards and Commissions, two vacant PRAB
seats will be filled with this recruitment. The city is accepting applications for boards and
commissions through January 25, 2026. As of January 20, 2026, the city has received
nine applications for PRAB. Interviews will be conducted February 2-13, with City
Council appointments scheduled for March 5, 2026.
C.Parks and Recreation Operations Updates
SmartRec by Amilia update:
Since the launch of SmartRec by Amilia on November 14, staff have continued to
stabilize the system while supporting customers and implementing the approved 2026
fee structure. All 2026 fees are now fully in effect, and staff are shifting focus toward
targeted promotions throughout the year to encourage participation and support access.
To date, minimal feedback has been received regarding fee increases.
The full 2026 fee schedule is available online, and SmartRec is designed to clearly
display the final price of items in a customer’s virtual shopping cart prior to checkout,
ensuring transparency. Front desk staff have played a critical role during this transition,
assisting patrons with questions related to fees and navigating the new platform as they
arise.System performance metrics indicate strong early adoption. Since go-live, more
than 6,000 new customer accounts have been created, bringing the total number of
SmartRec accounts to over 35,000. During the week of January 12, the system
surpassed $1 million in total revenue collected since it went live. Winter 2026
registration, which opened on December 2, served as the first major operational test of
the platform and resulted in an 8% increase in registrations compared to Winter 2025
registration.
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Additional system refinements and enhancements are currently underway as part of
ongoing stabilization efforts. Staff continue to monitor performance, address issues as
they are identified, and refine processes to improve both customer experience and staff
efficiency. Further updates will be provided as stabilization work continues, and
promotional strategies are implemented.
Eurasian Water Milfoil at Boulder Reservoir
This item summarizes the City of Boulder’s evolving Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM)
management program at Boulder Reservoir. Summarizing a shift to non-chemical
strategies, highlighting progress date, 2026 workplan, funding structure, and outlines the
long-term vision.
Eurasian watermilfoil, EWM, is an invasive, non native aquatic plant that has established
itself in Boulder Reservoir and poses ecological, operational, and recreational
challenges. EWM spreads rapidly through fragmentation, forming dense underwater
mats that interfere with swimming, boating, and other water-based recreation, while also
creating safety concerns in high use areas. If left unmanaged, excessive EWM growth
can degrade water quality by contributing to low dissolved oxygen levels, increased
algae growth, and eutrophication, and can clog critical infrastructure such as the drinking
water intake and outlet structures. Because Boulder Reservoir, owned by the City of
Boulder and operated by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, serves as
both a regional recreation destination and a backup drinking water supply, proactive
management of EWM is necessary to protect public safety, recreational access, water
quality, and long-term reservoir operations.
Pivot to Non-Chemical Management
In 2025, the City of Boulder and Northern Water jointly decided to pivot away from
herbicide-based EWM management and instead focus on non-chemical control
methods, including manual removal, mechanical harvesting, and Diver-Assisted Suction
Harvesting (DASH).
This decision was driven by several key considerations:
•Uncertainty and complexity associated with guaranteeing downstream water
deliveries during and following herbicide treatments
•High treatment costs
•Community and partner discomfort with introducing large quantities of chemical
herbicides into a multi-use regional water supply
While herbicide treatment has not been eliminated as a future option, current conditions,
infrastructure, and risk considerations support a non-chemical approach at this time.
Current Efforts and Progress (2024–2025)
Manual Harvesting: Staff conducted Manual harvesting during the 2024–2025 seasons
and focused on high-use recreation areas along the South Shore to improve safety and
access for swimmers and boaters. This work was supported by standard and seasonal
Boulder Parks & Recreation (BPR) staff. In 2025, approximately 577 fifty-five-gallon
barrels of Eurasian watermilfoil were removed, representing a meaningful initial
8
reduction in invasive biomass and an important first step toward broader reservoir-wide
control.
On-Site Composting Program: The on-site composting program was launched in
August 2025 and is supported by a $14,000 contract with Eco-Cycle, funded by the city’s
water utilities. Removed Eurasian watermilfoil biomass is combined with goose waste to
eliminate regrowth potential, reduce landfill disposal, and produce nutrient-rich compost
for future beneficial use. Eco-Cycle provides operational planning support and staff
training on compost pile management. The composting plan was developed
collaboratively by staff from the City of Boulder, including teammates from Utilities and
Climate Initiatives, and Eco-Cycle. Initial compost piles have reached and maintained
appropriate temperatures and are currently being used on reservoir turf.
GOCO Grant Award: Staff applied for a Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) grant, which
was awarded in December 2025 in the amount of $303,600. The grant will fund a 22-
week Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) Service Corps program in 2026,
providing dedicated staffing to support Eurasian watermilfoil management efforts. Corps
members will assist with in-water EWM removal, fragment collection and debris cleanup,
composting operations, diver safety support, and public education and outreach.
2026 EWM Removal Plan: The 2026 season represents a significant expansion and
formalization of Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) management efforts at Boulder Reservoir.
In fall 2025, Utilities led a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process to support
development of a comprehensive EWM management program, including DASH
consulting, staff training, and the purchase of one DASH boat. The RFP was awarded in
December, and a contract is now in place with Aquatic Plant Management, LLC to
develop a concise, user-friendly five-year EWM management plan that integrates Diver-
Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH), mechanical harvesting, and manual removal into a
coordinated, long-term strategy.
The 2026 program goals are to reduce EWM impacts in key recreational areas and
achieve measurable reservoir-wide population reduction to support long-term
maintenance-level management
Funding Summary: Funding for the Eurasian watermilfoil management program is
shared across multiple partners. City of Boulder Utilities will provide $230,000 in 2026,
followed by $200,000 annually through 2028 to support program implementation and
long-term management. Northern Water has committed to a 50 percent cost share of up
to $200,000 per year. BPR will contribute $50,000 in funding in 2026, with ongoing costs
incorporated into the reservoir operational budget beginning in 2027. The $50,000 BPR
contribution is being pulled from dollars identified for unanticipated expenses, which are
often used for asset failures or emerging needs. In addition to direct funding, BPR is
providing in-kind support through reservoir staff time (both standard and seasonal staff),
small equipment, and ongoing operational resources.
Program Value and Innovation: From a departmental perspective, the project
advances Boulder Parks and Recreation’s goals by improving the visitor experience,
strengthening environmental education, and expanding interdepartmental and external
partnerships with Water Utilities, Northern Water, Eco-Cycle, and Colorado Youth Corps.
The addition of on-site composting creates a closed-loop system that converts invasive
vegetation and goose waste into a usable resource, reducing landfill disposal and
supporting the City’s climate and waste-reduction goals. By investing in scalable manual,
mechanical, and diver-assisted tools and building internal operational capacity, the EWM
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project positions the City of Boulder as a leader in innovative aquatic invasive species
management and provides a replicable model for other communities facing similar
ecological, operational, and regulatory challenges. The program is critical for supporting
the primary function of the Boulder Reservoir as a water storage facility, and thus
advances broader city goals as well.
Long-Term Vision: The focus in 2026–2027 will be intensive biomass reduction to bring
EWM to manageable levels. Beyond 2027, reservoir staff will transition to maintenance-
level management integrated into routine reservoir operations and build internal capacity
and scalable tools to reduce long-term costs and reliance on contracting harvesting
services.
Expanding Youth Sports with the YMCA of Northern Colorado
Boulder Parks and Recreation is pleased to report on a successful first year of
partnership with the YMCA of Northern Colorado, a collaboration that advances multiple
goals outlined in the 2022 Boulder Parks and Recreation Plan and expands youth sports
access throughout the community.
In 2024, BPR proposed a formal partnership with the YMCA of Northern Colorado to
better serve Boulder youth and families. YMCA leadership confirmed this was the first
such request in their 24 years of local service, signaling strong alignment and early proof
of concept.
The pilot launched in March 2025 and has completed two successful outdoor seasons
and is concluding its first indoor basketball season in mid-December, serving a total of
almost 300 participants in this first, shortened year. The city now provides field and
gymnasium space to the YMCA in exchange for a revenue-sharing agreement on these
programs. All YMCA youth sports leagues are co-branded with the City of Boulder, with
both logos appearing on marketing materials, staff uniforms, and participant jerseys,
making these City of Boulder youth sports leagues as much as they are YMCA
programs.
Outdoor sports have been booked at under-utilized satellite fields, ensuring historical
users have not been displaced and optimizing space usage. Indoor basketball required
cross-departmental collaboration to secure gymnasium time during busy winter months,
successfully identifying space at least one day per week at all three recreation centers
for youth basketball.
Beyond logistics, this partnership succeeds because of shared values. The YMCA's
commitment to removing barriers to access, their focus on recreational rather than
competitive sports, and their robust financial aid policy align with the city's mission and
values, allowing for a shared understanding of what’s important when it comes to youth
activity.
The city provides comprehensive support including marketing through e-newsletters, the
recreation guide, and social media, along with facility scheduling, field and facility
preparation and maintenance, and ongoing relationship management.
This partnership directly advances 2022 BPR Plan priorities including Community Health
and Wellness, Financial Sustainability, Building Community and Relationships, and most
specifically, Youth Engagement and Activity. By leveraging the YMCA's established
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brand recognition and programmatic expertise while the city contributes access to high-
quality facility spaces, marketing reach, and operational support, staff have created a
model that serves more youth, generates revenue, increases facility utilization, and
strengthens community connection, all without displacing existing users or diminishing
service quality.
All parties have been pleased with the results of this first year, and planning is already
underway to extend the agreement and launch a second indoor season in early 2026.
What began as a conversation about breaking down long standing silos has evolved into
a sustainable, values-aligned partnership that expands youth sports access and
strengthens the city's role as a convener and supporter of healthy, active childhood
experiences.
The city looks forward to continued collaboration with the YMCA and to exploring how
the principles and practices developed through this pilot might inform future partnerships
across Boulder Parks and Recreation.
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:
Projects Status Next 2026 PRAB
Milestone
System Planning
Future of Parks Planning April
Boulder Valley Comp Plan Planning March
Park & Facility Renovation Plans
Boulder Junction Park: Opening a New Park Design Q3
Civic Area Renovation and Renaming Design March
East Boulder Community Center Renovation Design TBD
North Boulder Park Renovation Design July
Pearl Street Renovation Planning Feb
Primos Park: Opening a New Park Design September
Tom Watson: Pickleball Courts Permitting November
Barker Park Renovation Design August
Park Asset Management
Bill Bower Park: Interpretive Area Construction April
Boulder Reservoir: ADA Dock Replacement Construction May
East Boulder Community Park: Racket Courts Design July
Valmont Park: Signs Design Sept
Chautauqua: Utilities Planning Sept
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Planning, Design and Construction (PD&C)
Civic Area Placemaking Engagement: Upcoming Renaming Process
Naming of parks provides an important opportunity to build community connection and a
sense of belonging in our public spaces. In 2020, the Department partnered with the
History Department at the University of Colorado Boulder to research park names across
the system and their impact on equity. Results of this collaborative study showed that
many of the parks named after people are named for white males, while very few parks
in our system are named after underrecognized community members. Through focused
renaming efforts, BPR endeavors to create a system of park names that better reflect
equity and current values of the city.
With this systemwide naming work in mind, the Civic Area project team is embarking on
renaming of the Civic Area to support greater placemaking and a sense of shared
identity as part of Phase 2 renovations as shared with PRAB in the October Matters from
the Department. Engagement as part of Phase 2 revealed most community members do
not use the term Civic Area and do not understand what space this name refers to in the
community. Additionally, renaming the space allows the community to find a name that
best reflects the values and hopes of the community for this park.
As part of renaming, the project team and Growing Up Boulder will work with students at
Boulder High School through the Zonta Club, at Whittier Elementary School, and at the
University of Colorado at Boulder. Following this youth engagement, name and
placemaking recommendations developed by these groups will be shared with the wider
community to inform a final name recommendation for the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board (PRAB).
As outlined in the Park Naming Policy (Attachment A), the PRAB has authority over park
naming and will consider the recommended name in Summer 2026. This process was
used most recently when naming Primos Park. If the recommended name
commemorates a person or organization, City Council will have the opportunity to make
a final decision in accordance with the City Commemorative Naming Policy. This
process was used most recently when naming Emma Gomez Martinez Park and Bill
Bower Park.
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Park and Plaza Naming and Dedication
Policy PAGE 1
CITY OF BOULDER
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
***
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Park and Plaza Naming and EFFECTIVE DATE: September 2007
Dedication Policy ADOPTION DATE : September 2007
Jan Geden, CPRP, Director of Parks and Recreation
I. POLICY
It is the policy of the Parks and Recreation Department to provide community members with the
opportunity to name and dedicate city parks and plazas owned and operated by the Parks and
Recreation Department .
II. PURPOSE
The purpose of the park and plaza naming and dedication policy is to provide a clear process for
naming and dedicating parks and plazas owned and managed by the Parks and Recreation
Department .
III. PROCEDURES
Park and Plaza Naming
• Considerations for naming a park or plaza include one or more of the following:
1. Historic names relevant to the park or plaza;
2. Geographic names descriptive of the location or significant natural features
(including flora, fauna and geograph y in or near the park or plaza);
3. Cult ural names relevant to the park or plaza;
4. Person(s) or organizations who made signif icant contributions to the park or plaza
being named;
5. Persons (or organizations) who made a significant contribution to the community
over an extended period of time; and/or
6. Person(s) or organizations donating land to be used for park or plaza purpose(s).
Attachment A: Park and Plaza Naming and Dedication Policy
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Park and Plaza Naming and Dedication
Policy PAGE 2
• Considerations for park or plaza name changes must be made through the completion of a
Park and Plaza Naming/Renaming Application (to be developed) to the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board (through the Parks and Planning Superintendent).
• Prior to the Board’s consideration, the department will notify the impacted neighborhood
of the proposed park name or name change to allow time for comments prior to the Board
meeting. Staff will review the naming application and supporting documentation, along
with the public input and make a recommendation to the PRAB.
• All proposed names for Parks and Recreation Department owned and managed parks and
plazas must be considered and approved by a majority of the members of the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) at a regular business meeting.
• Upon approval by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, a Weekly Information
Packet (WIP) item will be provided to City Council for their review and consideration
(through a City Council call-up), of the recommended name.
Park and Plaza Dedications
Areas within a named or unnamed park or plaza owned and managed by the Parks and
Recreation Department may be dedicated according to the following criteria:
• Considerations for dedicating a park or plaza include one or more of the following:
1. Persons (or organizations) who made significant contributions to the park or plaza
being named
2. Persons (or organizations) who donated the land for the park or plaza ; and/or
3. Persons (or organizations) who made a significant contribution to the community
over an extended period of time.
• Considerations for park or plaza name changes must be made through the completion of a
Park and Plaza Dedication Application (to be developed) to the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board (through the Parks and Planning Superintendent).
• Prior to the Board’s consideration, the department will notify the impacted neighborhood
of the proposed park name or name change to allow time for comments prior to the Board
meeting. Staff will review the naming application and supporting documentation, along
with the public input and make a recommendation to the PRAB.
• All proposed names for Parks and Recreation Department owned and managed parks and
plazas must be considered and approved by a majority of the members of the Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) at a regular business meeting.
• Upon approval by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, a Weekly Information
Packet (WIP) item will be provided to City Council for their review and consideration
(through a City Council call-up), of the recommended name.
Attachment A: Park and Plaza Naming and Dedication Policy
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Park and Plaza Naming and Dedication
Policy PAGE 3
Park and Plaza Naming and Dedication Policy Criteria
1. Name of the person/organization submitting the application_____________________
2. Current or working name of the park under consideration _____________________
3. Physical location of the park under consideration _____________________
4. Proposed name for the park under consideration _____________________
5. Is this a new name for an existing park? _____________________
6. Rationale for the name being proposed for park under consideration (may be as long as
applicant desires. Please provide supporting documentation if appropriate):
Attachment A: Park and Plaza Naming and Dedication Policy
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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
Jackson Hite, Senior Manager, Business Services
Megann Lohman, Senior Manager, Recreation
Scott Schuttenberg, Deputy Director
Erynn Simone, Senior Manager, Regional Facilities
SUBJECT: Matters from the Department
DATE: January 26, 2026
A.2025 BPR Progress Report and 2026 Workplan
Boulder Parks and Recreation’s 2025 Annual Progress Report tells the story of BPR’s
work, ongoing projects and how they are focused on what the community said is most
important in developing the 2022 Department Plan.
This report highlights BPR’s CAPRA Accreditation, transition to SmartRec by Amilia
recreation software, Civic Area Phase 2 Project, the Wild Woods Discovery Area and the
Indoor Recreation Facility Assessment – exciting projects and community engagement
opportunities completed at the same time that we provided high-quality parks, facilities
and programs for our community.
The report also includes metric and stories that show how BPR is advancing the
initiatives and measures the community shared as most important. The report is
available online. At the meeting, staff will share a brief presentation sharing highlights
from the 2025 Progress Report and outlining 2026 workplan projects and priorities,
including board engagement milestones.
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3198 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304 | www.boulderparks-rec.org | O: 303-413-7200
TO: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
SUBJECT: Matters from the Board
DATE: January 26, 2026
A.Confirm PRAB 2026 meeting dates and known holidays:
January 26
February 23
March 23
April 27
May 25 – Memorial Day
June 22
July 27
August 24
September 28
October 26
November 23 – Thanksgiving week
December 28 – Christmas/New Years week
B.Meeting Facilitation Guidelines
C.PRAB Matters (Verbal)
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PRAB Discussion Rules
1. Respectful listening
•During public comment, board members will take in all comment before responding.
o Staff will be given the opportunity to respond first
o Board members may provide answers to direct questions or briefly ask clarifying
questions
o If board members have comments beyond clarification, they are asked to be held for
the appropriate place on the agenda.
•With no motions pending, the chair clearly states the topic and clarifies that:
o No motion will be made
o No board action is sought
o The goal is information sharing and feedback
o Board members will listen to presentations respectfully and without
interrupting, holding questions for discussion following the presentation
Example: “Today’s discussion is to gather board input on preliminary budget assumptions. No
decisions will be made.”
2. Moderated Discussion
With no motion pending, the board may use moderated discussion, meaning:
•When recognized by the chair, members can speak without making a motion.
•The chair will determine the order of speakers, still maintaining order. The chair will speak
last.
•Discussion is focused on idea sharing, questions, and viewpoints.
3. Speaking Guidelines
To ensure an effective discussion:
•Speak one at a time; wait to be recognized by the chair.
•Keep remarks brief and on topic.
•Allow everyone an opportunity to contribute.
•Avoid side conversations or cross-talk.
The chair may call on quieter members or limit repeated comments to maintain balance.
4. Role of the Chair
The chair facilitates by:
•Keeping the discussion focused and orderly.
•Summarizing key points during the conversation.
•Redirecting if discussion becomes repetitive or off topic.
•Ensuring all viewpoints are heard.
5. Identifying Key Takeaways
At the end of the discussion, the chair summarizes:
•Areas of agreement
•Concerns or questions raised
•Items needing additional information
•Suggested next steps (if any)
As there are no motions pending tonight, the purpose of the meeting is a reflection of the board’s
collective feedback.
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