The City of Boulder is considering a series of changes to its recreation facilities, including higher daily entry fees, new membership categories and paid court reservations, in an effort to close a growing budget gap.
Several funds that pay for parks and recreation operations are projected to have diminishing fund balances in the coming years. The Recreation Activity Fund, for example, is projected to be $3.5 million in the red by 2030, even after tapping its reserve funds. The proposed fee changes are expected to generate roughly $700,000 in 2026.
The fees are part of a larger strategy, as the city manager has proposed closing a $7.5 million budget hole in 2026 by trimming programs and departments and raising fees, including at recreation centers and for parking, business licensing, permits and water utilities…