Baseline Trail in spring
OSMP Staff

Baseline Trail in spring by OSMP Staff

Partnering with Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) helps us to protect and visitors to enjoy the open space lands that teem with native plants and wildlife and are home to threatened and endangered species. Boulder residents and visitors use the trails for walking, hiking, running, biking, horseback riding, dog walking, health and wellness and other passive recreational uses.

OSMP’s 45,000+ acres serve as a buffer between Boulder and nearby development. They sustain agriculture uses and add untold benefits to the natural environment - clean air, water, and earth.

Donate to OSMP at any time through the Boulder Open Space Conservancy (BOSC).

Contact: Deputy Director of Community Connections, Jennelle Freeston for more information about BOSC.

OSMP Bench Sponsorship Program

The OSMP Bench Sponsorship Program allows community members to donate funds for the purchase, replacement, or refurbishment and maintenance of a bench. The bench sponsorship donation includes a plaque commemorating a person for the life of the bench (see more details below). The Bench Sponsorship Program is a way to honor a loved one while supporting the ongoing maintenance of Boulder’s OSMP system. Please note that available sitting stones will be considered as part of this process interchangeable with “benches.”

  • To help illustrate available locations, the department has created a map showing all bench infrastructure locations available for sponsorship.
  • Applications will open Oct. 1, 2026, at 6:01 am, and will close on Oct. 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
  • Applications are considered in the order in which they are received, and selections are based on location and availability within the Open Space and Mountain Parks managed areas.
  • Staff will provide a list of available locations from which to choose as part of the application each year.
  • An applicant’s flexibility on the location of bench placement increases the chances that OSMP will be able to accommodate your request for a bench.
  • Please note that applications to sponsor infrastructure only apply for the year in which they were submitted, so you must re-apply if your application is not selected and you continue to be interested in subsequent years.
  • Staff will follow up with all applicants by December 2026 regarding the status of their application. Please email Megan Grunewald with any questions at grunewaldm@bouldercolorado.gov.
  • The department allows one bench per event or individual being commemorated. Each individual may only submit one application per term.
  • The style and size of the commemorative plaque is pre-determined based on the corresponding bench style common to the OSMP location.
  • Sponsored benches commonly accommodate a 2” x 10” inch zinc plaque, allowing up to 75 characters (3 lines with 25 characters each).
  • Simple graphics such as a heart or smiley face are generally possible when included as the same size and in-line with the text.
  • All plaque language will be reviewed by OSMP staff. The Director of Open Space and Mountain Parks will make the final decision on any language in question.
  • The city may refuse proposed language for a number of reasons (i.e. reference to a business that doesn’t align with the department’s mission, language that could be interpreted as offensive to the public or does not maintain the city’s desire for neutrality on political and religious issues). No websites, phone numbers, addresses or other contact information for the sponsor or any associated entity will be allowed.
  • Benches are available to commemorate events, or to dedicate to loved ones.
  • Benches always remain property of the City of Boulder.

  • The bench sponsorship donation ($4,000) supports the cost of the bench, the commemorative plaque, and installation and maintenance of the bench for 15 years.
  • Due to limited availability of benches and high interest in the Bench Sponsorship Program, OSMP may not be able to allow for renewal of another sponsorship term beyond the initial 15 years.
  • OSMP may terminate the sponsorship, at its sole discretion, in the event of unforeseen circumstances. For example, if a flood wiped away benches, they would likely not be replaced.
  • Major trail or trailhead renovations may alter the initial location of the commemorative bench, although the location of the bench will remain within the original site until the end of the sponsorship term. Staff will make their best effort to maintain the original intent of the bench location.
  • Staff cannot guarantee installation by a set date due to potential workload issues and unforeseen circumstances.
  • If you notice damage or vandalism to the bench after installation, please report it to OSMP staff by using the online reporting system.
  • Please check with your tax advisor for any questions regarding tax deductibility of your donation. The city makes no assurances regarding the tax consequences of any donation.

  • Applications will open Oct. 1, 2026, at 6:01 am, and will close on Oct. 31, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
  • Complete initial application online. Review the map showing all bench infrastructure locations and make note of the name(s) of your top three location choices for the application.
  • All applicants will receive confirmation of their application status by December 2026.
  • OSMP staff will review final locations for all approved applications with the applicants.
  • Approved applicants will submit signed agreement with a check or money order made payable to the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Department in the amount of $4,000.
  • Submit final proof of commemorative plaque text (department will provide final language approval).
  • OSMP will send the applicant notification of the plaque’s completion and installation. Please note that this process can take 12 weeks following final language approval.

Questions about these guidelines may be sent to:

Megan Grunewald, Operations Coordinator grunewaldm@bouldercolorado.gov.

Thank you!