Category: Open Space & Recreation

Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Louisville

Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sheriff’s Office, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 1,336 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Next Steps

Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-4850 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

July 2024: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $186,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 24% of properties in the Niwot area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

Eligibility

The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,547 seniors participated in center programs last year.

According to Kevin Larsen, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 33% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

Community Impact

Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 12 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 2493 county employees across 35 departments and offices.

Update: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director (2024)

Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 2,389 acres and features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

The application deadline is June 6, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 29 business days.

Resources

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 36% of properties in the Superior area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 28 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Timeline

Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway found 6 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sheriff’s Office, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Follow-Up Report

Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

Safety data from the Longmont area shows 11 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 26% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 319 affordable housing units since its inception, with 188 additional units in the development pipeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Human Services: (303) 441-1547 or email Human [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont office without an appointment.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 80% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,681 responses from residents across the county.

Contact Information

According to Robert Kim, director of Human Services, this program served 80% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.

Funding of $73,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2025 budget session.

March 2025: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,086 affordable housing units since its inception, with 138 additional units in the development pipeline.

According to Robert Kim, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 67% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.

Contact Information

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 67% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,176 responses from residents across the county.

Funding of $367,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2024 budget session.

Details

Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Boulder and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% of properties in the Boulder area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Lyons Area

Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 27 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 4 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

How to Participate

Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Assessor’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Assessor’s Office, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

Timeline

Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-3543 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 1905 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — April 2024

Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 93% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Funding of $414,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2026 budget session.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 7,467 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Residents in the Gunbarrel area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-1881 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Timeline

Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

January: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $296,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-4503 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 11 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

According to James Rodriguez, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 81% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

March 2025: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,215 seniors participated in center programs last year.

According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Transportation, this program served 45% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

What You Need to Know

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Transportation, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

Resources

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $364,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Jamestown Area

Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Details

According to Diana Orozco, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 72% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Diana Orozco said.

The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,151 seniors participated in center programs last year.

How to Participate

Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.