Boulder planning team reveals community feedback for Civic Area design concepts

Boulder City’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) meeting on April 6, 2025, revealed significant community engagement efforts aimed at revitalizing local parks. The board presented findings from "Window 2" of their engagement process, which confirmed feedback gathered during the initial phase and highlighted the community's desires for park improvements.

The engagement process has been extensive, reaching a diverse cross-section of Boulder residents, including youth, families, older adults, and historically excluded groups. Over 1,500 comments were collected through online surveys, and a successful event at the library attracted 100 participants, alongside 60 representatives from various community organizations. Additional feedback was gathered from pop-up events held at key locations, including the University of Colorado and local recreation centers.

Two design concepts emerged from the community input: the "Creekside Social" scheme, which emphasizes nature-based, flexible spaces, and the "Adventure Loop," focusing on recreational activities like tubing and skate parks. Both concepts received strong support for features such as upgrades to the Bandshell, a food truck plaza, and enhanced access to Boulder Creek.

Safety and family-friendly spaces were top priorities for residents, with many expressing a desire for improved social behavior in the parks. The board plans to continue community engagement with two more windows scheduled for mid-summer and late 2025, allowing for further refinement of the designs based on public feedback.

The board's commitment to inclusive engagement was underscored by their collaboration with community connectors to reach underrepresented populations, including those experiencing homelessness. Feedback from these groups emphasized the importance of creating welcoming spaces and ensuring access to resources.

As Boulder moves forward with its park revitalization plans, the ongoing community involvement is expected to foster a sense of ownership and connection among residents, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and inclusive public space.