Through the winter and spring, Boulder Parks and Recreation has focused on hiring enough seasonal staff for peak summer fun. While we continue to be impacted by the nationwide labor shortage, we expect to provide most department services at the highest level since 2019.

Through the winter and spring, Boulder Parks and Recreation (BPR) has focused on hiring enough seasonal staff for peak summer fun.

While we continue to be impacted by the nationwide labor shortage, we expect to provide most department services at the highest level since 2019.

We’ve hired over 150 lifeguards to staff our pools, the most the department has ever hired at one time for a summer. The lifeguard staff will keep our community members safe at North Boulder Recreation Center, East Boulder Community Center, Scott Carpenter Pool, and, open for the first time since 2020, Spruce Pool.

Scott Carpenter Pool’s lap lanes and splash pad opened on Monday, May 1 with the leisure pool and additional features opening on Saturday, May 27. We’re planning to have Spruce Pool open by mid-summer for limited lap swimming and swim lessons. South Boulder Recreation Center's pool will remain closed as we continue to address multiple pool leaks.

Success in recruitment this year means we will be able to offer services put on pause during the pandemic. Our gymnastics staff have started offering birthday party packages again at North Boulder Recreation Center. Flatirons Golf Course has partnered with Optimum Golf and will soon offer golf instruction for adults and kids.

“We have worked hard across the department to recruit enough people to host a safe and fun summer,” said Parks and Recreation Director Ali Rhodes. “Our ‘summer squad’ team has helped us recruit a record number of lifeguards and many community members to work in our parks and at our summer camps. It is looking to be a great summer with Boulder Parks and Recreation!”

BPR is still hiring to fill gaps in some areas, such as camp counselors and lifeguards. Some of the payrates for our positions include:

  • camp counselors - $17/hour
  • lifeguards - $16.50/hour
  • athletic program supervisors - $18.30/hour

As additional staff are hired, we can increase services, such as adding more camps.

While BPR jobs are great for people of all ages, we have great first jobs for our younger community members with positions available starting at age 14.

Those looking to “be a fun maker” with BPR can see all open positions at BPRjobs.org.

Keep Reading