Boulder Parks and Recreation (BPR) is setting the groundwork for the future of the city's racket sport facilities, with the Court System Plan paving the way for a series of projects set to shape the city's parks throughout 2025. The plan addresses the need for new courts, and better facility management and encourages partnerships for expanded access to the community. Following the finalized Court System Plan in 2024, which aims to steer the management and development of racket sport courts, BPR unveiled their plans for major overhauls at East Boulder Community Park and Tom Watson Park this year.
In a notable move, East Boulder Community Park is slated for up to 12 new pickleball courts, while the old tennis courts will give way to a brand new tennis area complete with eight courts. For those seeking shelter from the elements, the city, in partnership with the University of Colorado Athletic Department, plans to erect an indoor facility featuring up to six courts beside the park on city-owned property, which is currently undergoing annexation to expand the park. "Community engagement happening this spring," according to the City of Boulder.
Not to be outdone, Tom Watson Park will receive 12 dedicated pickleball courts, while retaining its existing four tennis courts. Plans are afoot not just for the courts, but also for an array of improvements including the addition of new restrooms, a shade shelter, food court, resurfaced parking lot, and an updated play area designed for youth. The design phase is expected to begin this spring, with the courts set to open for play by the end of 2025.
The funding tapestry for these extensive park upgrades includes a significant pool of $2,000,000 earmarked for each park from BPR's Capital Improvement Program. Yet, the city looks beyond its coffers, seeking further financial means through grants, partnerships, and donations. With community input shaping the final site designs, a definitive budget will be established that encapsulates the collective vision. Furthermore, as shared by Boulder Colorado's website, CU Athletics’ Balch Fieldhouse has now opened its indoor tennis courts to community bookings seven days a week, a direct offshoot of the city-university collaboration.
An integral part of this narrative is the Chautauqua Park court refurbishment. The project is made possible by a generous contribution from Mo and Jennifer Siegel, helping to mitigate maintenance woes and enhance playability and court longevity with constructions anticipated to conclude come June. As BPR's philanthropic arm, the PLAY Boulder Foundation is instrumental in facilitating community donations like the Siegels', and is spearheading a capital campaign that invites public donations towards these park enhancements.
