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

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.