Here's some need-to-know information for the week:
Parks and Recreation to launch text alerts for operational updates
Starting April 17, the Parks and Recreation Department will start using text notifications to send information to interested community members about unplanned operational changes. This is an enhancement to the current notification process, which relies on social media. Content will be cross posted to X/Twitter for now, but this may change in the future.
To start receiving BPR’s push notification texts related to specific topics, users will need to text any of the below keywords to the number 888-777. The request only needs to be made once, and users may sign up for as many of the topics that interest them. The service is free, except for any data usage charges that might apply.
The following is a list of the keywords and the related topics:
- BPRswim for updates related to indoor/outdoor pool operations;
- BPRnow for facility and parks operation updates, not related to aquatics;
- BPRValmont for updates related Valmont Park, including the bike park, dog park, green block area and skate park; and
- BPRReservoir for updates related to the Boulder Reservoir operations including the swim beach, aquatic nuisance species, and, potentially, special event operational impacts.
An example of how these push notifications could have been used this past weekend would be BPR staff sending out a notification to the BPRnow list about the East Boulder Community Center’s closure, to the BPRswim list about East’s pool being closed and reopening Monday at 9:30 a.m., and to the BPRReservoir list about the facility’s closure amid the wind and power outage events.
We believe this system – similar to one that Open Space and Mountain Parks currently uses related to trail conditions – will make this timely information more accessible and inclusive for all community members.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Parks and Recreation Director Ali Rhodes at 303413-7249 or rhodesa@bouldercolorado.gov.
Regards,
Nuria