# 09-28-26 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting


**Body:** City of Boulder
**Date:** September 27, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Physical Infrastructure


The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on September 28, 2026, primarily to review the city manager’s recommended 2027 parks and recreation budget. The proposed department budget was approximately $42 million amid a citywide $6.3 million General Fund gap. Staff described service reductions and funding realignments, including one-time funding to keep Spruce Pool operating in 2027 while its longer-term funding remains unresolved, reduced pool hours, and a 3% increase to recreation program fees. The board’s motion to recommend the proposed budget failed, with most members opposed. The board approved recommending $431,469 from the Permanent Parks and Recreation Fund to City Council for appropriation by a 6–1 vote. It also considered a recommendation on the 2027–2032 capital improvement program, but the transcript does not clearly capture the vote outcome. The board approved sending City Council a statement urging it to revisit citywide spending and ensure ongoing parks and recreation funding keeps pace with costs.

Capital projects discussed included North Boulder Park improvements, Boulder Creek Park work, irrigation system replacement at Tom Watson Park, and new courts at Tom Watson Park. Staff described $10 million in proposed 2027 funding for Boulder Creek Park within an $18 million project budget, with additional funding anticipated in 2028; North Boulder Park also has proposed 2027 capital funding for park improvements. No contract awards, vendor selections, or specific purchasing approvals were identified. The board and speakers also discussed a proposed Indigenous-informed botanical garden alternative to tennis courts at Hogan-Pancost, but no action on that proposal was taken.

**Source:** City of Boulder