Parks and Recreation director Julie Callaway details new indoor pool, courts and conservation plans

Julie Callaway, Boulder City’s parks and recreation director, presented the department’s annual report to the City Council, outlining planned capital projects, staffing challenges and program activity.

Callaway said the department employs 10 full-time staff and more than 100 part-time seasonal workers and reported “over a 100 special events, 13 film shoots and 29 weddings,” robust youth programming including about 10,000 SafeKey enrollments, and strong golf-course revenue that she described as “over 5 and a half million dollars in revenue.” She said the department aims to balance cost-effective services for residents with tourism-driven activities that support the city’s general fund.

Callaway highlighted infrastructure work slated in the coming months: construction of four pickleball courts at Veterans Memorial Park (construction slated to begin in April with an estimated 90-day turnaround), replacement of playground safety surfacing, and an irrigation and turf-reduction project at the municipal golf course planned for a November construction bid. She said the city is selecting a design firm for the new swimming pool and that the pool recommended by the ad hoc committee would be an indoor facility featuring a 10-lane 25-by-25 competition pool and a smaller therapy/teaching pool. She cautioned the project is still in design and “may start a summer, but not this summer,” with construction timing several months away.

On staffing, Callaway said part-time-hour limits (19 hours/week) and competition from private employers for hours and benefits make recruitment and retention challenging. She said the department maintains some subsidized budgets (for example, the pool and youth sports) while other divisions produce net revenue, and that scholarship funds and nonprofit partners help ensure program access for families with financial hardship.

Members of the council praised the department’s programs and asked for clarifications about upcoming events. Councilwoman Aschers noted the parks department’s role as a community hub. Callaway described a planned Astronomy in the Park partnership with Clark County, in which county staff will bring telescopes and subject-matter experts, and encouraged residents to attend the NCAA competition at Boulder Creek Golf Course this May.

Public commenters had urged further accessibility work. Cherabel Laub, speaking for the Dam Proud Group and as a resident, said the crossing at Elm and Buchanan is currently unsafe for wheelchair users because of cracked pavement, poorly placed ramps and weak audible crosswalk signals; Laub urged the council to prioritize repairs and accessibility upgrades. Pam Triolo thanked staff and called the Elm/Buchanan improvements beneficial for all pedestrians and children.

Callaway and council members said ADA-focused investments are a strategic priority and highlighted coordination with the regional transportation commission for funding support. Callaway said the city will post project updates online, maintain a project page for pool construction and provide regular status updates.

The presentation concluded with recognition of staff accomplishments and a reminder that the pool project was supported by a successful ballot question in November 2024 that secured final funding for the project. The council proceeded to other agenda items; Callaway said more detailed schedules and design selections will be provided as they are finalized.