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Parks & Recreation previews 2025 work plan, notes rising demand, accreditation push and software upgrade
Summary
City parks staff presented a 2025 work plan update covering increased rec center visits, program expansions, capital projects and a department-wide accreditation effort. Staff warned of a budget shortfall that could require service adjustments and highlighted a new recreation software implementation slated for late 2025.
Parks & Recreation staff presented the department's 2025 progress report and work plan, reporting continued increases in recreation visitation and programming while urging attention to budget pressures.
Deputy Director Scott Schuttenberg and other staff told the board that rec center visits rose sharply in 2024 (staff reported a 23% increase) and that drop-in fitness and swim lessons rebounded. Financial-aid visits were up substantially, and staff said roughly 13% of total rec center visits were from participants using financial aid.
Staff described a set of capital and program priorities for 2025 across six departmental themes (community health, youth engagement, building community, financial sustainability, taking care of what we have, and organizational readiness). Major capital efforts include continued planning and design work for the civic area park and East Boulder rec center and system-wide court improvements guided by the courts plan.
On finances, staff said earned revenue increased in 2024 but noted costs (including wage increases and operational expenses) are rising faster. The department's leaders said additional revenue, philanthropic support and potential budget realignments will be needed to avoid service reductions and to address identified infrastructure backlogs.
Staff also summarized two operational initiatives: pursuing CAPRA accreditation (the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) with an on-site visit scheduled and a goal of nationwide best-practice alignment, and deploying a new recreation management software with a planned go-live in November 2025 to improve financial and demographic data for program planning.
Board discussion touched on volunteer programs, partnerships with Play Boulder and BVSD (Boulder Valley School District) for school-site plantings, and how small "park refresh" projects might be prioritized alongside larger renovations. Staff said they will produce a more transparent prioritization queue for park capital needs ahead of the 2027 budget cycle.
Ending: Staff said the work-plan materials will be included in upcoming budget briefings and that the department will return with more detailed CIP timelines and outreach plans as projects move from design to construction.
