Evolution of the Urban Ranger Program

Boulder Parks and Recreation has employed rangers to protect park land for more than 100 years. In 2002, the City of Boulder's Open Space Department merged with Mountain Parks to form the Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department and most of Boulder's park rangers joined OSMP. In the summer of 2022, the department brought back the ranger program to address ongoing, evolving, and emerging park issues.

Urban Rangers work to protect nearly 100 city parks, properties, and facilities in Boulder with a combination of three permanent and three seasonal limited commission officers. Urban Rangers help foster safe and welcoming parks and facilities, provide security to visitors and staff through enforcing rules and regulations, creatively solve problems, build relationships, and engage community members to experience nature close to home.

Contacting an Urban Ranger

We appreciate the community's help to safeguard our parks and promote safe use and visitation!

  1. FOR EMERGENCIES DIAL 911
  2. Make sure you're contacting the right agency. Nearby agencies include:
  3. Call 303-441-4418 about increased patrols, complaints or concerns, questions, and to report non-emergency offenses. You will be directed to an on-duty ranger during working hours.
  4. Please keep in mind, ranger schedules and staffing vary, so inquiries may not receive immediate replies.
  5. Call the Boulder Police Department non-emergency line at 303-441-3333 for park issues that require a timelier response.
  6. Other issues may be reported through the city's online reporting system.

What do Urban Rangers Do?

Enforcement

Urban Park Ranger meeting a dog

Urban rangers patrol parks for violations of the Boulder Revised Code, generally related to the peoples’ safety and protection of our public spaces. Among the wide variety of issues, urban rangers often handle dog violations, wildlife harassment, public trespassing, permit compliance, fires and littering.

Education

Urban Ranger talking to a family at What's Up Boulder event

Urban rangers work with the public to teach them how to interact with our parks, wildlife, natural resources, and other visitors respectfully and sustainably. Rangers may answer questions about Boulder’s history, natural environment, and city resources.

Boulder Parks and Recreation has created an exciting and educational Junior Explorer activity booklet that's perfect for kids ages 8 and up who are eager to explore and learn all about what BPR does. From forestry to swimming to the Urban Park Rangers to the Boulder Reservoir and more, this booklet is packed with fun activities!

Urban Park Rangers will have the activity booklet with them as they're out and about in our community. Learn more about the booklet and the official Junior Ranger ceremony.

Security

ranger in front of Boulder Bandshell

Rangers support city staff doing routine work or special projects throughout the parks system and facilities for extra safety measures, traffic control or de-escalation. Rangers provide extra security for large public events that are hosted in the parks to make sure participants are having a safe and fun time.

Safety

Urban Rangers learning water safety

Urban Rangers are trained and certified in a variety of skills that help keep themselves and park patrons safe, including but not limited to: Emergency Medical Responder, First Aid/CPR/AED & Narcan, De-escalation, IPMBA Police Cyclist, Mental Health First Aid, Swift Water & Ice Rescuer, National Traffic Incident Management Responder and Chainsaw Operation.

Meet the Urban Rangers

  • Urban Ranger Aaren

    Aaren, Urban Ranger Supervisor, visited her first national park at three weeks old and has been hooked on the outdoors ever since. She is from Kansas but has been in Colorado since her time at Colorado State University completing a degree in Natural Resources Recreation & Tourism. She got her start in rangering with the City and County of Denver and began building the Urban Ranger Program with the City of Boulder in 2022. Aaren considers herself an outdoors “generalist” in that she is up for almost any outdoor activity, but her favorite is trail running. 

    Favorite BPR Park: Coot Lake and North Shore of the Boulder Reservoir 

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  • Urban Ranger Alec

    Alec, Urban Ranger II, moved to Colorado in 2020 after accepting a position as a seasonal park ranger with the City and County of Denver. He quickly discovered a deep passion for the profession and advanced to a supervisory role before joining the City of Boulder in 2024. One of Alec’s favorite aspects of his work is swearing in Junior Explorers and presenting them with their own ranger badges. After work, Alec enjoys biking, climbing, fishing, and hiking throughout Colorado. He also loves attending concerts at Red Rocks, one of his favorite parts of living in the state. 

    Favorite BPR Park: Eben G. Fine 

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  • Urban Ranger Sam

    Sam, Urban Ranger II,  has dedicated more than two decades to stewarding public lands across the Western United States. His career includes service as a wildland firefighter in California and Oregon, a park ranger in Washington’s Cascade Range, and the founder of a rafting company that provided access for restoration crews working in remote areas. In 2022, he relocated to Colorado to help develop and expand the Urban Ranger program, where he has since built a meaningful career and life. Sam enjoys fishing, skiing, hiking and cultivating native plants and vegetables in his garden. 

    Favorite BPR Park: Eben G. Fine 

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  • Urban Ranger Kyle

    Kyle, Urban Ranger Crew Member, moved to Colorado in 2017 where he began hiking the state’s 14ers and later became a wilderness guide for Rocky Mountain National Park. He spent several years leading trips and teaching visitors about alpine ecosystems and local wildlife. In 2024, Kyle became a seasonal ranger with the City of Boulder. The role reflects his passion for public lands, outdoor education and helping others enjoy Colorado’s natural spaces responsibly. Kyle is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys cycling, mountain biking and fly fishing whenever he can - and makes the best backyard barbeque west of the Mississippi. Never too far from him, you can find his much-loved fluffy dog named Winston who loves to follow him on his many adventures. 

    Favorite BPR Park: Harlow Platts

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  • Urban Park Ranger Caitlyn

    Caitlyn, Urban Ranger Crew Member, is a Colorado native whose passion for the outdoors was shaped by years of road trips across the United States. After earning her degree from Colorado State University, she joined the City of Boulder as an Urban Ranger. Additionally, Caitlyn is a proud member of the Colorado Air National Guard, where she continues to serve her community and country. During her service, she self-published a military reference guide promoting resilience. Caitlyn feels fortunate to have found a career that allows her to connect with people and spend each day exploring Boulder’s beautiful parks. Outside of work she enjoys running and spending time with her playful puppy.  

    Favorite BPR Park: Harlow Platts 

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  • Bark Ranger Rosie

    Rosie, our four-legged "Bark" Ranger, is named after Theodore Roosevelt and brings a wagging tail and visits each park with a wagging tail and a nose for adventure. She specifically remains loyal to every city dog park—Valmont City Park, East Boulder Community Park and Foothills Community Park.

     

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