PRAB hears updates on major projects, accreditation push and staffing needs

Department leaders outlined the set of major projects that will come before PRAB over the next several years and described how PRAB members can serve as project liaisons.

Ali and Bernie explained that PRAB members often serve as liaisons to projects (for example, court system planning and park master plans) to help guide community engagement and bring stakeholder perspectives back to the board. "As a liaison, you don't have any additional authority on the project. You don't have additional decision making, but you do help support some of that," Bernie said, describing the role he held during a recent court/courts planning process.

Staff identified high-priority capital projects likely to appear in coming months and years: Civic Area Phase II (downtown park), East Boulder Community Center renovation, North Boulder Park improvements and new parks such as Primos Park, and the department's multi-project “Future of Recreation Centers” initiative. Staff noted the project list is not exhaustive and may be updated.

Ali described the department’s accreditation effort: the agency is pursuing national parks and recreation accreditation and hosted a site visit; staff said achieving accreditation would attest to departmental standards and management practices and could strengthen future funding and grant opportunities.

Staff also reviewed workforce and volunteer capacity: the department has about 153 full‑time equivalent (FTE) positions and reported more than 1,600 volunteers last year. Jackson said the department is in peak seasonal hiring and had approved roughly 25 job offers during the immediate hiring push.

Why it matters: Capital projects carry multi‑year budgets and public engagement needs; PRAB liaison roles provide board members a structured way to engage more deeply without expanding their formal decision authority. Staffing and accreditation updates provide context for how the department will execute projects and meet service levels.

Ending: Staff asked PRAB members to indicate interest in liaison roles and said the department will schedule site visits and deeper briefings, including a field trip option planned for August.