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Rowing club, pickleball players and neighbors press Boulder parks staff on fees, lessons and South Boulder rec
Summary
Members of Boulder Community Rowing, pickleball players and neighborhood activists urged the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board to lower reservoir access fees, provide beginner pickleball times and preserve core amenities at South Boulder Recreation Center; staff pledged follow-up and provided program pricing.
Public comment at the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting on Feb. 23 focused on fees, access and preserving neighborhood amenities.
Jim O'Neil, president of Boulder Community Rowing, said rising reservoir fees have strained his nonprofit. “The largest expense for our club is a $300 per hour fee to access the reservoir before normal hours,” O'Neil said, and he said the club paid $28,000 in 2025 for two weekly early-morning practices. He said membership has declined by 25–40% relative to earlier years and urged staff to reconsider the fee calculation.
Scott Schuttenberg, deputy director, responded that fees have increased with operating costs and water-quality needs and that staff will review the calculation with business services and follow up with the rowing club. Schuttenberg said fees are set in accordance with the city's fee policy, which includes direct and indirect costs.
Several commenters pressed for more beginner-friendly pickleball opportunities. Shari Hack requested separate open-play times for beginners and affordable lessons through Boulder Rec, saying private lessons and current open-play patterns discourage new players. Schuttenberg said Boulder Rec offers a beginner lesson series (March 31–April 28) priced for Boulder residents at $174.25 and that the department will review scheduling to make open play more accessible for novices.
Residents also urged the board to preserve the core features of South Boulder Recreation Center. Christine Brescull described a petition canvassing about 1,100 residences and said the community expects to retain core amenities, including the lap pool, gym and basic facilities, rather than replace free community use areas with walled, paid facilities. Staff acknowledged the petition input and said design revisions are being evaluated and will return to PRAB with updates.
Other public comments addressed communications about projects, bench placement, and long-term planning. Staff emphasized upcoming engagement opportunities and asked residents to sign up for city notifications so they receive polling and meeting information.
