Now operating at full capacity after a season of limited operations, the City of Boulder’s Parks and Recreation held celebrations to commemorate the completion of the Scott Carpenter Pool renovations and the remodeled Visitor Services Center and restaurant at the Boulder Reservoir.

Boulder Reservoir celebration

The Visitor Services Center at the Boulder Reservoir had surpassed its expected lifecycle and required significant repairs. In 2012, the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan indicated the facility needed replacement, and in 2016, staff began planning for the project.

Construction on the new center started in 2020 and was completed this year.

The new Visitor Services Center is now a modern, family-friendly, open and bright facility which offers:

  • Guest locker rooms, changing areas and restroom facilities;
  • A restaurant called Driftwind with indoor and outdoor dining options;
  • Outdoor dining and events plaza with reservoir and Flatirons views;
  • Children’s play areas at plaza and beach levels; and,
  • Boardwalk/promenade offering reservoir views, beach access and seating areas.

To celebrate its opening, members of the Parks and Recreation and Advisory Board (PRAB), City Council and city staff held an event on Friday, June 11, at the outdoor dining area with views of the reservoir and Flatirons. A ribbon cutting ceremony officially opened the center and restaurant to the community.

Scott Carpenter Pool celebration

Based on the recommendations of the 2015 Aquatics Feasibility Plan (AFP), staff started the process to develop a comprehensive concept design to renovate and rethink the aging Scott Carpenter Pool. The renovation project goals included:

  • Balancing lap swimming need with open swim availability,
  • Multi-use and multi-generational amenities,
  • Upgrading existing facilities, and
  • Incorporating a sustainable and environmentally-friendly design

The renovations included a remodel of the existing bathhouse, including new locker rooms; a leisure pool area with a drop slide, lazy river, diving platform, diving board, play structure, and climbing wall; a splash pad; and two tower water slides. In addition, the parking lot now includes additional bike parking, and vehicle recharging stations.

The celebration event on Saturday, June 12 included members of PRAB, City Council and city staff who thanked all involved in the project. The event was a chance to hold a ribbon cutting and see all the new features in action, while enjoying refreshments from the new Belly Flop Cafe.

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