Project Overview

In January 2021, GUB began conducting phase one master plan engagements with ten different groups, including six school groups and four non-school groups.  Although engagement details varied, each student group was asked to learn and think about Parks and Rec facilities, parks, and programs, consider how they currently use them and identify what recommendations and priorities they had for the master plan update.  GUB staff utilized a “Values, Hopes, and Concerns” engagement framework, and students presented their recommendations in share out events throughout spring 2021. ​
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View the final report below:

parks_rec_master_plan_final_report.pdf
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The questions asked of the students and their ideas generated were a perfect fit for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. I truly believe these students' ideas provide the department with some very valuable feedback that we can implement into the future of the Parks and Rec department in Boulder. As always, AMAZING work!
 
--Master Planning Coordinator for the City of Boulder

How did we engage our community?

GUB staff and interns worked with 10 groups representing 114 students, 6 teachers, and 20 parents for a whopping 2,830 hours dedicated by the GUB team, children, youth and educators to the project. Data analyzed originates from elementary, middle, and high school student engagements and share-out event recommendations, posters, watercolor paintings, in-person surveys and discussions, student-researched and created digital presentations, and student videos. 

Conclusion

Children and youth alike eagerly engaged with the City of Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update, as the Department’s facilities and activities are already beloved by Boulder’s young people.  What emerges from GUB’s engagements with 10 different groups is the capacity of our young people to offer meaningful, practical recommendations to the Master Plan which are as valuable as any adult contribution.  In fact, due to the in-depth research, design thinking processes, and weeks of reflection completed by our students, their input is particularly well-informed and well-reasoned. View the final report for specific recommendations!

Something I was pleasantly surprised by was how well thought out and thorough the students’ ideas were. They considered so many details and were so insightful, in a way I don’t know that I would have been at their age. It was refreshing and exciting to see.
 
--Parks & Rec Planner