Here’s some need-to-know information for the week

Here’s some need-to-know information for the week

Next week, staff with Parks and Recreation will provide the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) and community with updates on implementation of the 2024 Courts System Plan (CSP). The 2022 BPR Plan, unanimously supported by the PRAB, Planning Board and City Council, directed staff to complete a Court System Plan to develop Levels of Service for tennis and pickleball and to seek opportunities to maximize community benefit through Joint Use Agreements and partnerships.

Staff reprioritized work to develop the CSP and completed it in 2024. The Court System Plan is now another input to guide capital investments, operating decisions and developing partnerships. We are excited to share several 2025 workplan projects related to the CSP.

Next week’s updates will provide information on:

  • The city’s annexation application to add city-owned property adjacent to East Boulder Community Park to the park. This increase in parkland captures a special opportunity to add community benefit at this site, including an opportunity to increase the quantity of courts dedicated to tennis and pickleball as well as future opportunities for nature education and play. Through an exciting partnership with the University of Colorado Athletics Department, there is an opportunity to provide an indoor facility that would provide 4-6 year-round indoor courts. The property, formerly known as Hogan Pancost, was purchased by the city in 2019 for the purposes of stormwater detention and parkland. In another noteworthy example of partnership, CU Boulder is also providing opportunities for public use of tennis courts inside the iconic Balch Fieldhouse. A reservation system went live earlier this week.
  • Construction of the city’s first dedicated pickleball courts at Tom Watson Park in 2025.
  • A total refurbishment of the multi-use court at Chautauqua Park in 2025, which will be almost entirely funded by a donor. This project includes the city’s first implementation of the 2010 Sponsorship Naming of City Facilities Policy.
  • The PLAY Boulder Foundation’s upcoming campaign, which will provide opportunities for donors to improve these projects by adding amenities not possible within current city funding.
  • Court sport programming adjustments in 2025.

The PRAB item will be shared with you, as City Council members, as an FYI so that you are aware of exciting updates on an item with high community interest.

For questions, please reach out to Ali Rhodes, director of Parks and Recreation, at rhodesa@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-413-7249.

OSMP’s Fort Chambers/Poor Farm Planning Process – Interpretive Experience Design

The 113-acre OSMP-managed Fort Chambers/Poor Farm property, acquired in 2018, holds historical significance related to the Sand Creek Massacre and offers substantial ecological and agricultural resources. A Concept Plan, developed in collaboration with Tribal Nations in 2024, aims to “heal the land and heal the people” through ecological restoration, ongoing agriculture, and a reflective visitor experience along an interpretive trail.

Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) staff is working in collaboration with Tribal Representatives to start a new, more detailed planning process to involve community members in designing the interpretive experience along the proposed healing trail at the Fort Chambers/Poor Farm property. During the planning process, people will have opportunities to share their stories, help determine what will be included along the healing trail and shape how the interpretive experience will unfold.

This planning process is anticipated to take approximately 15-18 months with five engagement windows. The process will involve the community throughout, with engagement windows that include both in person and online options. Engagement opportunities will be broadly announced, and all are encouraged to be involved. The first engagement window is anticipated to start in Q1/Q2 2025. Information about the upcoming planning process was shared with the Open Space Board of Trustees last week and is included in this memo.

For more information, please contact Katie Knapp, project manager, at knappk@bouldercolorado.gov or 303-441-4107.

Regards,

Nuria

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