Boulder Parks and Recreation outlines 2024 budget strategy and spending growth

The Boulder Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting on April 6, 2025, highlighted significant financial developments and challenges facing the department as it prepares for the 2025 budget. A key focus was the transition to a new financial system, which has resulted in some discrepancies in budget reporting. Despite these challenges, the department reported a strong performance in its operating budget, spending 96% of its allocated funds, a notable achievement that reflects improved budgeting accuracy.

The meeting revealed that the department's operating budget has grown from $21.5 million in 2019 to $28.4 million in 2024, although this increase is less than the rate of inflation. The discussion emphasized the need for careful financial management, particularly in light of rising costs associated with personnel and capital projects. The department is also grappling with the impact of increased minimum wage and living wage requirements, which have necessitated fee increases for recreation services.

A significant point of discussion was the Recreation Activity Fund (RAF), which relies heavily on user fees. The board noted a 16% year-over-year growth in earned revenue, driven by increased visitation to recreation centers. However, concerns were raised about the sustainability of this growth, especially as expenses continue to rise and revenues begin to plateau.

The board also addressed the importance of accessibility in recreation services, particularly for youth sports programs. There is a growing concern that rising fees could create barriers for families, especially as the community seeks to increase participation in youth sports. The discussion included potential strategies for subsidizing programs to ensure they remain accessible to all residents.

Looking ahead, the department is preparing for a comprehensive budget development process that will involve community engagement and discussions about long-term financial strategies. The board expressed optimism about the department's ability to navigate these challenges while continuing to provide valuable services to the Boulder community.