Mission

The Parks and Recreation Department promotes the health and well-being of the entire Boulder community by collaboratively providing high-quality parks, facilities, and programs. This mission will be accomplished through sustainable practices, partnerships, continuous improvement and a focus on the common good, service excellence and with health at the core of all we do.

Structure

Department Programs:

  • Administration (Healthy & Socially Thriving)
  • Community Building & Partnership
  • Planning & Ecological Services
  • Recreation & Park Operations

2023 Total Budget: $35,946,749

The 2023 budget is funded by the:

  • General Fund;
  • $0.25 Sales Tax Fund;
  • Permanent Parks and Recreation Fund;
  • Recreation Activity Fund;
  • Lottery Fund;

Responsibilities

Administration (Healthy & Socially Thriving)

Administration for the department encompasses the department leadership and strategic direction of the department. In addition to department leadership, the Business Services team supports department wide finance, marketing, communications, information technology, staff training and development, business planning and process improvement. This program's intended outcomes are focused on organizational readiness, documented through collection of related data. This includes metrics for streamlined systems, workforce strength, and seasonal support. FY23 enhancements for this program include restoration of funding for employee training and equipment needs.

  • 2023 Budget: $1,737,302

Community Building & Partnership

The Community Building & Partnership team supports accessibility and equity efforts for the department. This includes: Outreach, in the form of community access to public spaces, the delivery of programming for those from underrepresented communities as well as individuals with disabilities, and coordinating system-wide volunteer efforts; Engagement in the form of promotion of department services through digital and print media; and Partnerships, in the exploration of public/private relationships that facilitate community goals. FY23 enhancements for this program include a Partnership Management position (+1 FTE) and one-time support of expanded programming and materials.

  • 2022 Budget: $1,488,657

Planning & Ecological Services

The Planning program area manages capital project planning, design and construction. This team leads asset management and park renovation projects, and community engagement related to planning efforts. The Natural Resources Team manages urban forestry and natural lands and leads the Urban Park Ranger Pilot Program. FY23 enhancements to this program include one-time maintenance funding for North Shore and Coot Lake Trails, one-time funding to support the forestry program, and a one-time expansion of the Parks Ranger pilot program. This program also includes the addition of three vehicles for two Urban Park Rangers and one Forestry Planner.

  • 2023 Budget: $3,189,164

Recreation & Park Operations

The Community Building & Partnership team supports accessibility and equity efforts for the department. This includes: outreach, in the form of community access to public spaces, the delivery of programming for those from underrepresented communities as well as individuals with disabilities, and coordinating systemwide volunteer efforts, engagement in the form of promotion of department services through digital and print media, and partnerships, in the exploration of public/private relationships that facilitate community goals.

  • 2023 Budget: $11,786,351

Advisory Boards, Commissions, and Working Groups