Parks and Open Space unveils outreach guide; staff plan bilingual engagement, '7 points of contact' marketing and expanded community engagement

Heidi Wagner, deputy director of Strategic Foundations for Boulder County Parks and Open Space, presented the department’s new Public Outreach Guide at the May 22 Parks and Open Space Advisory Committee meeting. Wagner said the guide documents current outreach practice across the department, clarifies roles and expectations, and formalizes tools and tiers of engagement intended to improve inclusion, plain‑language communications and early outreach.

The guide groups outreach into four tiers: Tier 1 (large, complex management plans such as East Boulder Creek), Tier 2 (subject‑matter expert projects such as elk management), Tier 3 (operational notices such as closures and maintenance), and Tier 4 (real‑estate/acquisition projects). Wagner said tier selection drives staffing, tools and audience focus; the guide also includes messaging tips, accessibility best practices, logistics contacts and suggested methods for closing the…