This editorial column about the Civic Area Phase 2 project was written by Cindy Torres, a Community Connector for the project.
As a Community Connector for the Civic Area Phase 2 project, I work in the space where the ideas of our community meet the practical steps we must take to build a collective dream.
I am working with the City of Boulder as they initiate their public engagement process for the space at the heart of the plan: an area in downtown Boulder between the public library and 13th Street and bordered by Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue.
Phase 2 focuses on engaging the community around various aspects of the Civic Area spaces including the building program, the arboretum path connecting downtown to the Hill and the park area. It also includes what aspects of Phase 1 (west of Broadway and north of the creek) are effective, what further improvements are needed and what additional elements should be integrated in the future.
The first window for engagement launched at the beginning of March and will run until the end of April.
Our goal is to transform this place into a welcoming space for individuals of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds. Your voice in this process is not just important but essential. Sharing your voice means visualizing the place of your dreams.
A vision of diversity, inclusion
In my dream park, I imagine a place where children are at play and elders enjoy peaceful reflection, where the aromas of various cuisines on the grill fill the air, and the sound of different languages amplifies our diverse local cultures.
Updated accessible playgrounds with sensory equipment for children with special needs, pathways for those with mobility challenges, quiet and shaded spots for contemplation and relaxation, and vibrant open spaces for cultural celebrations and community events — these are ideas that activate my dream park. A place that not only respects but celebrates diversity, encouraging every community member to explore, interact and thrive.
The importance of such a place goes beyond providing a recreational area. It’s about forging and reinforcing our community connections.
In a world that often disparages differences, a place designed with inclusivity at its core serves to unite us. It becomes a physical manifestation of our diverse values and a space where mutual respect and understanding can grow.
The power of shared ideas
The vision of this space cannot be realized by a single individual. It requires the collective imagination and wisdom of our entire community.
That is why your ideas, experiences and dreams are crucial. By sharing your thoughts, you contribute to a richer, more diverse and ultimately more authentic outcome. Each suggestion brings us closer to understanding our community’s full spectrum of needs and desires, ensuring that no one is overlooked in the planning process.
To bring this dream to fruition, we need your voice. I urge you to share your thoughts and ideas through our online questionnaire. It’s more than just a survey: It is your opportunity to shape the future of our community and ensure the Civic Area reflects the rich diversity of our town.
Please take a moment to contribute to this vital community conversation.
Ways to be heard
Pop-up public murals at three locations will be available through the end of April. The community can write and draw their ideas about the Civic Area. Find the community feedback mural at:
- The Boulder Public Library downtown, 1001 Arapahoe Ave.
- West Age Well Center, 909 Arapahoe Ave.
- East Age Well Center, 5660 Sioux Drive
Sign up for project updates on future engagement opportunities (through 2025).
Cindy Torres is a Community Connector for the City of Boulder’s Downtown projects, including the Civic Area Phase 2 Project, and is a resident of the Mapleton Mobile Home Park in Boulder.
Image Description: An artistic and colorful community brainstorming sketch for the Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 project. The image is filled with various speech bubbles and illustrations depicting public suggestions. Key ideas include 'natural and open spaces,' 'safe and welcoming places for teens,' 'interactive art installations,' and an 'honoring history' area. There are drawings of people engaging in activities such as skating, biking, enjoying water features like splash pads, ducks in a pond, and children climbing on playground structures. Text across the top asks, 'What do YOU imagine in the Civic Area?' emphasizing the inclusive and participatory nature of the planning process.