[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6749431,"mediaKeyId","5345548-367b7a49302274750af54172a673a9a3","parentId",5345548,"title","Parks staff outline 2026 budget timeline, stress limited revenue and rising costs","audioSeconds",304,"startMs",2910000,"endMs",3214000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345548-367b7a49302274750af54172a673a9a3&start=2910&end=3214","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345548-367b7a49302274750af54172a673a9a3/thumbnail_2910000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6749431/Boulder/Boulder-County/Colorado/Parks-staff-outline-2026-budget-timeline-stress-limited-revenue-and-rising-costs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6749431-6663c33a676e27b3c696dc77720fc7b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770994353&Signature=YE2YPQGmwy7YQ7yXpJ8ixx3TvwfKtMSmf9QC5tmjITPFr4p0XyF-O0vAZ3ikDrfgjws1FpO7HtLrRZvkCutvoy7skrgp8nooO4OzlmhX0XVjqwGigmnWrYWBwJQkeNJ4az-q0UqMAnowd1Tu2Z4G~FHyTJRQBWikpSrAGboEweqrI9LjxTcfgo3-Mhj144bfPmfrh2n1toaJB-GXd6a42pblRtFzBRieX~lnx8Y42CMZYGstmqZxwbnKfnKNI5B6UrmkYtYOdwyHGwPh-y3qqNa0ERt5vlTCXgTdmrNKa6MkctrSJW-VKpo7N5~8w2EgTbduLDLkEotba1vFoMxEkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Boulder City, CO","date","2025-07-10T03:30:04Z","article","City parks and recreation staff presented a two‑month schedule of touchpoints and a high‑level strategy for the department’s 2026 operating and capital budgets, telling the advisory board they will return in June with numeric proposals and ask PRAB for a formal recommendation in July.

Stacy Hoffman, city budget analyst with the department, and Jackson (business services manager) described PRAB’s role in the budget cycle and a timeline that calls for a preliminary departmental review in May, a draft operating and capital budget in June, and a PRAB action item in July to forward the board’s recommendation to the executive budget team and city council. City council study session dates and ordinance readings were listed as October 9 (first reading) with a possible second reading on October 23.

Staff emphasized three budget principles that will drive choices: outcome‑based budgeting, racial equity and resilience (the city’s stated priorities), and prioritizing the “highest and best use” of constrained dollars. Jackson and Stacy warned of limited revenue growth — recent slowing in sales taxes and single‑digit property valuation increases — and called attention to rising costs in fleet, specialized field equipment and construction materials, which have escalated since 2020.

Stacy described the department’s multi‑step budget process: start from a base budget, add base cost drivers (inflation, contractual increases), consider fund‑level realignments (net zero moves between line items), and then present enhancement requests (new FTE or program expansions). The Capital Investment Program (CIP) was described as a six‑year planning tool (2026–2031) with only the 2026 line actually appropriated in the budget year.

Staff discussed specific operational signals the board may want to consider: the recreation activity fund typically rolls about $14,000,000 for operating programs; the department’s growth in financial‑aid use now serves over 4,000 individuals and accounts for more than 15% of visits to the three recreation centers; and play‑area replacement needs substantially exceed current annual investment (staff cited roughly $500,000 per year currently budgeted for play-area work versus an estimated $5,000,000 per year needed for full replacement to current standards).

Staff also noted the city has the option to bond against some funds (community culture, resilience and safety tax has bonding capacity) and that staff will pursue federal grants and philanthropic partnerships (Jackson referenced the Blake Boulder Foundation partnership) to supplement capital funding. Staff said the department will update revenue projections and present enhancement requests and CIP priorities for PRAB review at the June and July meetings.

Board members asked for more detail on staffing impacts (lifeguard hiring and retention), chemical handling at pools (chlorine deliveries and contractor protocols), the asset‑management dashboard, and how potential ballot measures in 2025 and 2026 would intersect with department priorities. Staff committed to return with numbers and a more complete CIP prioritization in June.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","4-28-25 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Parks and recreation staff presented PRAB with the department’s 2026 budget timeline and principal constraints and asked the board for guidance as staff prepare numeric proposals for June and a formal recommendation in July.","taxTitle","Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado","taxId",3386,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6749435,"Seniors urge North Boulder Rec Center to act after repeated injuries at lunchtime basketball",1232,1026000,2258000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345548-367b7a49302274750af54172a673a9a3&start=1026&end=2258","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345548-367b7a49302274750af54172a673a9a3/thumbnail_1026000.jpg","/articles/6749435/Boulder/Boulder-County/Colorado/Seniors-urge-North-Boulder-Rec-Center-to-act-after-repeated-injuries-at-lunchtime-basketball","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6749435-0a0a83de838e5b1462b897420b9f88d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770994353&Signature=bpSZw0BvxiLi2hbpQFwQb~evrJhZspSJ20pm3q~uE1ixtTa6G~um5l9CKER3j0~jVJ5YbHp12ON1Zir-ERheqXqt2CVSXmUPU4equdmgaSEOldNPNZqCW4SNSDHudoTswG7~DsJOdGbfODYQYfnxrq51pz6ZCeywoBzCHvppxXGYKhEB2A8C1ejsnPxedBbLb8bpJERO8Iz6iJOw9tzXpYe55v0Q8mz2naM6y~n5wbNr-WccYuqcyNSMa21ElPhhwcm1LhCIs48wNgOhG5MuJrtt08aSCbBA0-WwiQYmV8YVWavt7LRfjmTZu8I9Q6mnS6e1DIkD~J0f98ie~2mbow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Seniors who regularly play a noon basketball session at North Boulder Recreation Center told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board that repeated collisions and aggressive play by a single participant are causing injuries and driving longtime players away.

Bruce Schoenfeld, a longtime participant, told the board the player identified in testimony as “Pekka” had “an aggressive, reckless, unthinking, and destructive” style that had led to multiple injuries and a decline in attendance. “Several of us are here tonight to petition both administrators at NBRC to take action against Peker,” Schoenfeld told the board.

Other players described injuries they linked to the same individual. Dr. Rachel Yates, who identified herself as a hospice physician and as the spouse of a regular player, said her husband sustained a retinal hemorrhage and a retinal tear that required urgent surgery after an on‑court elbow; she said the surgery was needed “to prevent a retinal detachment, which can lead to blindness.” Another speaker said collisions had produced torn shoulder muscles and cuts; several speakers said they now check whether the player is present before deciding to play.

Speakers said they had attempted informal resolutions: they collected feedback, asked the player to change his style and sought rec center help. They said center staff offered to have the group exclude him or told them to “walk off the court” when he arrived — an arrangement the players described as untenable. One speaker said a center administrator was a personal acquaintance of the player and had hired his daughter; the rec center has not validated any conflict of interest in public comments.

Scott Schoenberg, deputy director of parks and recreation, acknowledged he was hearing many of the specific details for the first time and said he would “certainly look into this,” speak with staff and meet with players at the court later in the week to review the situation. Schoenberg described the city’s standard process: staff investigate complaints, consult existing facility policies (including suspension for reckless conduct when warranted) and, when necessary, consult the city attorney’s office before taking disciplinary steps.

No formal disciplinary action was decided in the meeting. Board members pressed staff for a timely follow‑up; staff committed to on‑court review, additional conversations with both parties, and to report back to the board about findings and next steps. The board also discussed whether staff had adequate written documentation of complaints and whether the rec center’s processes for patron conflicts need clearer communication to affected user groups.

If staff finds a violation of facility rules, available remedies cited during the meeting include suspension from the facility and enforcement of the existing rule that allows suspension for reckless conduct.","Senior players at a noon basketball session at North Boulder Recreation Center told the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board they have sustained repeated injuries they attribute to a single participant and asked staff to enforce rules on reckless conduct.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6749440,"Parks and Recreation Advisory Board elects Jenny Robbins chair, approves agenda and consent items",244,212000,456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345548-367b7a49302274750af54172a673a9a3&start=212&end=456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345548-367b7a49302274750af54172a673a9a3/thumbnail_212000.jpg","/articles/6749440/Boulder/Boulder-County/Colorado/Parks-and-Recreation-Advisory-Board-elects-Jenny-Robbins-chair-approves-agenda-and-consent-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6749440-b3c7a1686b9ca306d76133aecbb7faa3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770994353&Signature=R5weanagXwfw5PRiO9W67omCLDva7w1NHcqn6w3sU~yzIihSUdzaFenE1DkBCdmlODEhTsC~jzq~fG5JGzCgEo4xgkNia9iIjJXGu4bBL36WbPtf7WdVrMW9SvSQb1ethcRgAjA9Z1D4hnHRvmtLJsImJ5trAiX0XmTGHF28Zo1OQts606QZRP~aG10yZ3sScZWXdx6eLn07LEhfpSC1H~rSmZLKG1vwUDzpZtTWO0txoqA4d0m0E5VScPOAxPjjmSUnBpS4FOjGLW~CnQapqdKFOIA0TPd2fwmmBJF9MkZfRkXkDezTkxAPlkGOJ4WxlIqO~DErte7Lt6-PmffcQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board elected Jenny Robbins as chair and Andrew Vernon Bernstein as vice chair and approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda during routine proceedings at the start of the session.

The board nominated Robbins for chair and Bernstein for vice chair. After a second and a roll-call vote, members present recorded affirmative votes and the motions carried. Clarissa, the board secretary, facilitated the roll-call for the chair election; members verbally recorded their votes during the meeting.

Robbins told the board that budget work had been a key lesson during her prior year on the board and that the civic center and future recreation‑center discussions would be among the board’s priorities in the coming year. Bernstein described his decision to remain in a leadership role while beginning a graduate program next week and said he expects “a lot of enlightening, frustrating, entertaining, fun conversations about a lot of projects this year.”

The consent agenda — which included approval of minutes from previous meetings and routine parks and recreation operations and planning updates — was moved, seconded and approved without amendments. Staff answered a question from the board about the timeline and review process for a proposed annexation near East Boulder Community Park, explaining the property’s Area‑2 designation and that planning‑board and city‑council review are part of the annexation process.

Actions recorded at the meeting will be included in the PRAB packet forwarded to the executive budget team and city council as the board proceeds to its scheduled budget review and CIP discussions over the next three months.

The board’s next regular meeting was announced for May 19 at 6 p.m.","The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board elected Jenny Robbins as chair and Andrew Vernon Bernstein as vice chair and approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda during routine proceedings at the start of the session.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6749426,"Design team outlines nature‑based renovation and stormwater work for North Boulder Park",1044,3524000,4568000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5345548-367b7a49302274750af54172a673a9a3&start=3524&end=4568","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5345548-367b7a49302274750af54172a673a9a3/thumbnail_3524000.jpg","/articles/6749426/Boulder/Boulder-County/Colorado/Design-team-outlines-naturebased-renovation-and-stormwater-work-for-North-Boulder-Park","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6749426-275a0c1db87ff74b1f60335a31d2016f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770994353&Signature=nuZLEaX2djnT9Oy1WR03IfV6ATBuNCkr6IolH8jLgYOJXElJvugEaucoq5d9ho5Gxzq5p-X21DkQA4KRbMTCg2DURjztB5MxiIsbmqxKMP6Mxvafep3CQRl-jvxlAbTsYqk79z4qJhTMpPBeAY0epgxUEzlPNHP3ZD1j4uM-LNBf7~h2Zz87C9xe73vYuFrrdV5j-XKloD87oFfrwbpp0mlZZ50KH3~tH064q9U1z5uT5Z2oO67xsNmVQn-dfTDgXR8mmGF8fFMngSL2ObwsxFyQxIposrpO~tkQss3WCoHrK3i3rfXIEqGD7q2ggsRhTDLfjlfJN31-jPzweTg7-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Design staff presented a refined schematic plan for North Boulder Park that packages playground replacement, flood‑resilient grading, expanded nature play, and a redesigned shade shelter into a work plan intended for construction in late 2026 if permitting and funding proceed as scheduled.

Christophe Fisher, landscape architect with the city, described a multi‑phase approach: restrooms previously winterized were made year‑round, some fitness equipment was relocated away from the playground, and a framework plan now includes a “dry creek” surface channel to convey stormwater overland during rain events rather than relying on smaller buried pipes that have allowed flooding of active areas. Fisher said the city coordinated with Public Works Utilities to accelerate pipe replacement and that utilities contributed approximately $1.5 million to support infrastructure work that otherwise would have been delayed.

The updated concept retains the park’s major recreational uses (open lawns, volleyball and pick‑up sports, youth camps and Little League) while proposing conversion of underutilized irrigated turf in limited areas to native meadow and planting zones to reduce long‑term irrigation needs and increase pollinator habitat. The plan includes enhanced shade and tree canopy, more flexible event lawn space, and dispersed nature‑play nodes (timbers, boulders and loose natural materials) to provide multiple play types across the park.

Staff emphasized maintenance tradeoffs: nature play and timber elements often require different maintenance routines but can reduce long‑term replacement costs compared with imported manufactured equipment. The team said community engagement in March generated strong support for nature play and three‑season rental use of the shelter; staff reported about $8,000 in current shelter rental revenue that could increase if the shelter were usable for more months.

Schematic‑to‑construction schedule presented at the meeting calls for continued design development through late 2025, construction documents and permitting in late 2025–early 2026, and an anticipated construction window in 2027 with an opening timed around the summer season. Staff said they will return to PRAB in spring 2026 with final design documents and will host another public engagement window in late 2025 for design‑development review.

Board members asked about construction staging and whether activity would close portions of the park during the 2027 work; staff said portions of the park would be closed during construction but noted opportunities for phased openings and community construction‑period engagement.","Design staff presented a schematic renovation for North Boulder Park that emphasizes stormwater resilience, nature play, and a reworked three‑season shelter while retaining core recreation uses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parks staff outline 2026 budget timeline, stress limited revenue and rising costs

Seniors urge North Boulder Rec Center to act after repeated injuries at lunchtime basketball

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board elects Jenny Robbins chair, approves agenda and consent items

Design team outlines nature‑based renovation and stormwater work for North Boulder Park