Boulder Reservoir Master Plan
Boulder Reservoir Public Workshop has been postponed. We will post the new date here when it is available.
Boulder Reservoir gateway enhancement project construction information and update
Boulder Reservoir opened for the summer season May 25
The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department opened the Boulder Reservoir front gate, beach and boathouse for the summer season on Saturday, May 25, and is charging entry fees. Boulder Reservoir is located at 5565 N. 51st St.
Boulder Reservoir infrastructure improvements include a new entry station; roadway and parking lot work; water, sewer and storm water infrastructure improvements; installation of a raw water irrigation system; upgrades to the aquatic nuisance species (ANS) inspection station; and landscaping work, which will be applied over the course of the summer and fall.
These improvements were funded by the Capital Improvement Bond (CIB) which was approved by voters in 2011.
The Boulder Reservoir Master Plan was approved by City Council Jan. 17, 2012.
Parks and Recreation Department hosted community events regarding implementation of Boulder Reservoir Master Plan
The Boulder Parks and Recreation Department hosted community events regarding implementation of the recently adopted Reservoir Master Plan. These events were designed to engage the community in discussions about trends relevant to implementation goals identified in the master plan.
The events provided opportunities for reservoir users to continue working with staff to balance the management of recreation activities with the natural resources of the reservoir for present and future generations.
Motorized Boating Tour Summary
General topics of discussion
- Getting to and arriving at the Reservoir
- Upcoming 51st roadway improvements including a new road surface
- Install a call button or mirror to help gate workers know when boaters arrive
- Getting on the water
- Launch procedure should be better organized. Have staff at the launch area, extend painted launch lines
- Bilge pump requirements
- No wake zone
- Protection for docks
- More cleats for boats requested
- General Reservoir experience
- It's very easy to boat here
- Generally more affordable than private lakes
- Easy in/out process
- Inspections are fair
- Restrooms need improvement
- All attendees were very appreciative of the excellent work by Stacy and Andrew
- Next steps
- New Reservoir Gateway Project
- Better traffic flow through addition of a new turn lane and additional gate house
- Dedicated ANS inspection area
- Defensive landscape design
The next Reservoir Master Plan implementation meeting is scheduled for December.
Non-Motorized Boating Tour Summary
The Parks and Recreation Department hosted a Non-Motorized Boat Tour in relation to the implementation of the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan on Sept. 19, 2012. Four people (two City of Boulder residents and two Boulder-area residents), attended the event.
The attendees included:
- A power boat owner and waterskier, with more than 15 years at the Boulder Reservoir;
- A rower and coach with CU and other organizations with more than five years at the Boulder Reservoir;
- A power boater and wind surfer with more than 20 years of coaching, teaching and family enjoyment at the Boulder Reservoir;
- A wind, kite and paddle aficionado with more than 20 years at the Boulder Reservoir.
General topics of discussion:
- Upcoming Boulder Reservoir bond project scope and schedule including the new entry, with construction scheduled to begin in October;
- Consultants scheduled to collect and analyze data about user groups' needs, use patterns and number of participants;
- Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) regulations and effects on hours boaters are allowed to be on the water;
- Expanding number of uses and people at the Boulder Reservoir:
- New activities including kite and paddle boarding
- More people visiting from neighboring communities
- More special events, which impact other visitors and boaters.
Trails and Transportation Walkabout Summary
The Parks & Recreation Department hosted a Trails and Transportation Walkabout in relation to the implementation of the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan on July 12, 2012. A group of nine Boulder residents joined City staff at the 55th Street Trailhead for an informal hike around the north shore trails. The intention of the hike was to highlight the user perspective/experience on aspects of the trails and roads connecting the Reservoir. These topics included access/arrival, entry area, trail experience, regional connectivity, and natural resource management.
Trails and Transportation Walkabout
General Topics of Discussion:
- Amount and types of recreation activities and users such as equestrian use, exercising dogs, hiking, biking and wildlife observation.
- Increased understanding of management goals to balance resource values and recreation needs. Some attendees are concerned about the potential limiting of uses at the Reservoir.
- User experience and the unique qualities of the Reservoir in terms of an aquatic recreation area within the community.
- Proposed capital infrastructure improvements and scheduling relating to projects such as the 51st Street multi-use trail, Feeder Canal bridge, trailhead improvements and other needs.
Boulder Reservoir Site Management Plan
A public meeting was held April 18, 2012. Meeting materials will be posted here when they are available.
The Boulder Reservoir Site Management Plan was defined in the 2012 Boulder Reservoir Master Plan as one of the next steps.
Background on the Master Plan Project:
The city has developed a master plan for the Boulder Reservoir Study Area . The purpose of the plan is to establish management goals and objectives for Parks and Recreation Department land and activities at the Boulder Reservoir (including Coot Lake) that will guide long-term investment strategies and programs.
The project was conducted in the following three phases:
Phase I: Vision, Goals and Key Challenges
Phase II: Policy and Plan Alternatives
Phase III: Draft and Final Master Plan
There were several opportunities for the public to participate in development of the master plan throughout the process. Staff held public meetings at each phase of the project and provided on-going updates at this Web site and to e-mail list subscribers (Sign up for "Reservoir").
Vision for the Boulder Reservoir Area:
Recognizing that the Boulder Reservoir is first and foremost a source of clean water and valuable natural resources, the community envisions a Reservoir where high quality and appropriate recreation activities are managed and sustained in a manner consistent with preserving and enhancing the environment.
Goals for the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan:
- Support City sustainability objectives at the Reservoir.
- Waste reduction.
- Carbon emissions reduction.
- Water conservation.
- Reduction of single occupancy auto trips through encouragement of alternative transportation options and management of parking.
- Provide for a range of high-quality recreational uses, events, facilities and services that are inclusive of the community.
- Identify sensitive wildlife and plant species and protect, enhance and restore their natural habitat.
- Develop and implement strategies and partnerships to reduce and manage the risks of Aquatic Nuisance Species infestations.
- Identify and minimize water pollutant sources.
- Promote and support visitor safety.
- Develop and implement a business model for longterm sustainable management of the Reservoir, including the use of public/private partnerships.
- Endeavor to be a good neighbor to adjacent properties.
- Promote visitor and community awareness and stewardship of the Reservoir through ongoing education and outreach.
- Ensure the security and maintenance of the facilities and infrastructure in the Reservoir area.
- Collaborate with other agencies and departments to accomplish mutual goals.
Previous Public Meetings:
Dec. 14, 2011 Open Space Board of Trustees public hearing as an informational item on the final draft of the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan. Memo [PDF]
Dec. 5, 2011 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board public hearing continuation for a recommendation on the final draft of the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan. [Memo + attachments] The outcome was a recommendation for City Council to accept the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan with the approved changes discussed. Summary
Public Process Chronology
Nov. 28, 2011 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board documents
Nov. 16, 2011 meeting documents
Agenda
Presentation
Frequently Asked Questions
Public Comments
Thanks to all who participated in the Boulder Reservoir Master Plan!
Last Updated on Thursday, 30 May 2013 10:10
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