Electric vehicle charging at the recreation centers was originally introduced as a free service for users and costs were partially recovered through grants.
As grants expired many city departments moved away from free charging and in the last two years the recreation centers and pools have continued to provide the service. Unfortunately, with free parking and free charging stations instead of this service being a benefit for recreation center users, community members have at times used the spaces and commuted elsewhere.
This has resulted in unavailable charging for recreation center users, and a few escalated parking lot occurrences. In the interest of better aligning with other city departments, while still providing some benefit to recreation center users beginning June 1, 2025, the charging stations at North Boulder Recreation Center, South Boulder Recreation Center, East Boulder Community Center, and Scott Carpenter Pool will align charger rates to those of downtown lots and parking garages.
The rate for the first two hours of charging will be $1 per hour, while the rate for the second two hours of charging will be $2.50 per hour. Parking is not permitted for over four hours. With most recreation center and pool users at facilities for two hours or less, this provides a benefit for the intended quick in and out use of the locations and an incentive to free up the parking spaces for other users in a timelier manner.