Online questionnaire open April 10 through May 3 to help shape how people access Boulder's open spaces.

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department announces the launch of its Multimodal Improvements Assessment and is inviting community members to participate in an online questionnaire running April 10 through May 3. The questionnaire asks community members and visitors to share their experiences accessing open space and to weigh in on potential opportunities to improve how people travel to and within Boulder's open space system.

The assessment is a systemwide effort to better understand how people currently access open space and to identify practical opportunities for improvement. Focus areas include trail connections and allowed uses, trailhead and access point enhancements, signage and wayfinding, and community education and outreach.

Open space visitation has grown significantly over the past decade, placing increasing pressure on parking areas and access points throughout the system. Expanding multimodal transportation options can help reduce congestion, improve visitor experience, and support Boulder's climate and sustainability goals by encouraging alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles. Improved access also helps ensure that open space is available to all residents, including those who may not be able to drive.

“This assessment is an opportunity to hear directly from the people who visit our open spaces,” said OSMP Director Dan Burke. “Community input will be essential in helping us identify where improvements can make the biggest difference.”

Input gathered during this engagement period will be combined with technical analysis and staff expertise to help:

  • identify locations where visitors experience challenges accessing open space;
  • understand barriers to using alternative transportation options other than driving;
  • inform preliminary opportunity areas for improving multimodal access; and,
  • guide future planning and investment decisions across the OSMP system.

Engagement Opportunities

Online Questionnaire: Community members are invited to complete the online questionnaire to provide input on how they access open space and share feedback on potential improvements. The questionnaire is open through May 3.

Intercept Surveys: OSMP staff will conduct intercept surveys at select trailheads throughout April to gather on-the-ground feedback from visitors about how they traveled to the area and their access experience.

The Multimodal Improvements Assessment supports Action Item 7C of the Citywide Strategic Plan and aligns with the OSMP Climate Action Plan. The project focuses on OSMP-led improvements and will help the department identify and prioritize practical solutions to expand access while protecting the natural and recreational values of Boulder's open space system.

For more information and to access the online questionnaire, visit the Multimodal Improvements Assessment project webpage.

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