Neighborhood Programs On Hold
Due the public health crisis and economic impacts to the city organization, the Neighborhood Connection Grants and Neighborhood Block Party Trailer programs are currently suspended.
The Connection Between Block Parties and Resilient Communities
By spending time with neighbors and strengthening those relationships, communities become more resilient in the face of unexpected shocks and stresses.
Block Party Resources
Are you planning to host a neighborhood block party? Great news - we have additional resources to help you out!
Boulder’s block party trailer has been very popular, and we recognize that demand sometimes outweighs availability. Thanks to feedback from the community, Type III barricades for road closures and Zero Waste bins were highlighted as especially useful resources.
In response to this input, Neighborhood Services has purchased an extra set of Type III barricades that residents with approved block party permits may borrow. These barricades will be stored at Resource Central, 6400 Arapahoe Ave., and block party hosts will receive a voucher with their permit, which they may turn in to borrow the barricades.
Also, Eco-Cycle, which co-locates with Resource Central, has temporary Zero Waste bins available to rent for a small fee.
Find the Right Space
Please note that a total of 50 feet will be needed to allow for ease of delivery and pickup of the trailer.
The trailer 8 feet 6 inches wide, 13 feet 6 inches long and approximately 7 feet tall. The delivery truck and hitch is 22 feet long, and an additional 5 or 6 feet in front of the truck and behind the trailer is needed. A city staff member will drop off and pick up the trailer, and we ask that you find a location that makes it easy to maneuver the trailer. The front or tongue side of the trailer also needs to be clear for delivery and pick-up for the truck that will be towing. The trailer cannot be parked in alleyways.
Finally, during the reservation process it is important to provide the following information:
- Describe the precise address and location where you would like the trailer to be delivered. Note: This needs to be a legal parking space and easily accessible for drop-off and pick-up.
- How will you ensure that the trailer will be accessible and does not get blocked in by other vehicles at the time of pick-up.
How to Reserve a Trailer
Permit Requirements
All permitting requirements still apply with use of the trailer. You will need a block party permit if you are planning to close the street. Type III barricades (required for street closure) are included in the trailer, available at no cost to the host.
Depending on where you plan to use the trailer, you will need to indicate which of the following processes, based on place and use, that you will follow when you reserve the trailer. Reservation of the trailer itself does not initiate these processes for you.
Trailer Location
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Private Property
Trailer will be used completely on private property — such as private residence, HOA pool or park, apartment parking lot — with no impact to public right of way or other space utilized by the public.
- Requirement: Letter from the property owner indicating participation/permission for use and a full description of how your event will be isolated from the general public and not impact the public right-of-way in any way. Submit to ritenourb@bouldercolorado.gov and place your name and block party trailer in the subject line of the email to assure receipt.
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Right-of-Way
Trailer will be used in public right-of-way — to enhance block parties in neighborhoods on or near city streets, bike paths and sidewalks. Street may or may not be closed but the right-of-way will in some way potentially be impacted.
- Requirement: block party permit must be completed.
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At a Park / Near a Park
Trailer will be used at or near a public park.
- Parks and Recreation has developed a streamlined permit process to encourage neighborhood gatherings. Use of the park for neighborhood gatherings eliminates deposits, allows a gathering to occur outside of the four-hour time blocks used for shelter rentals and authorizes low-level amplified sound. Additionally, activities fitting the neighborhood gathering criteria will not be subject to insurance requirements.
Benefits of Community Building
Check out this article to learn more about the connection between community building and resilience, as well as other benefits cities across the country have seen from holding block parties. And if you're thinking about throwing your own block party, take a look at this exhaustive list that offers a wide range of tips.