City Seeks Community Input on Downtown Park Renaming

The City of Boulder invites the community to shape the identity of the downtown park currently called the Civic Area. As part of the city's Civic Area Phase 2 Project, renaming and investments aim to create a more cohesive and vibrant park space in the heart of downtown where all community members feel welcome.

Through the online feedback form, open now through Monday, May 4 community members can weigh-in on their favorite of the following eight proposed names or suggest a new name idea to replace "Civic Area":

• Creekside Park
• Civic Soul Park
• Heart Park
• Sunset Plaza
• Peace Park
• Populus Park
• Boulder Central Park
• Boulder Creek Park

Alternatively, community members can provide in-person feedback at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art's Dia Del Niño event on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. located at the Boulder Bandshell, 1212 Canyon Blvd.

The list of the proposed names combines ideas from a series of youth engagement events with students from Boulder High School's Zonta Club, community partners Growing Up Boulder and RIOS Boulder, as well as earlier engagement with University of Colorado Boulder's Department of Environmental Design. Watch this video to hear from a few of the Boulder High School students who participated in the process.

"The names of public spaces often reflect deep-held community values. Similarly, how names are chosen can build connection to the space and a sense of belonging. With this project, and similar efforts at Primos Park and North Boulder Park, the city is creating real opportunities for youth to take part in local decision-making," said Boulder Parks and Recreation Director, Ali Rhodes. "This park is nestled against Boulder High School and CU and sited right between many of the most visited places in our community - in building a stronger connection between this park and its surroundings, we will build community."

Using the feedback from this community engagement opportunity, the Civic Area Phase 2 project team will bring a final name recommendation for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB) this summer; the PRAB has the authority to approve park names. The new park name is anticipated to be announced later this summer and will inform the upcoming park investment.

Additional details and project updates will be shared on the Civic Area Phase 2 project webpage.

About Civic Area Phase 2 Project:

The Civic Area Phase 2 Project builds on the 2015 Park Plan, continuing the transformation of this important public space into a vibrant hub of urban life, cultural events and natural connections - while honoring the full history of the area and serving the Boulder community. Investment in this key downtown space address some of the most dated and highly utilized infrastructure in Boulder's park system while also contributing to Boulder's economic vitality and quality of life. Approved by City Council with the 2024 budget and following a multi-year engagement and design process, the investments in the space include replacing dated park infrastructure, improving gathering areas and transportation connections, building a permanent nature play area, and festival street enhancements along 13th Street. Funded by the 2021 Community Culture Safety and Resilience (CCRS) tax, construction on these elements is anticipated to begin in 2027.