2 weeks Ago
By Jenny Robins As a member of Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB), I’ve seen firsthand how vital our parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities are to the health and well-being of our community. As a parent of two teenage athletes, I also deeply understand the value that organized sports bring to our youth. Sports and recreation build not just physical fitness, but mental focus, teamwork, discipline and joy.
These are just some of the many reasons Boulder needs a thoughtful, community-driven conversation about preserving the Iris ball fields. There are current and ongoing discussions about Boulder County selling its office complex at Iris and Broadway, along with its surrounding land that includes the ball fields. I understand the County’s consideration of their options here.
They have purchased a new building to replace the office complex, which should allow for more efficient and affordable operations. I expect redevelopment on the office site, which could be a great area for beneficial uses including affordable housing along a transit line. But the ball fields are a different story.
In today’s world, accessible outdoor spaces like the Iris ball fields are essential for fostering the physical, mental and social well-being of youth. Outdoor activity not only boosts fitness but also consistently helps to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. By offering a break from screens and daily pressures, these welcoming spaces give young people a chance to reset and grow into well-rounded individuals equipped to thrive in all aspects of life.
While the demand for ball fields in Boulder continues to grow, available resources have not kept pace. According to the 2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update, the current level of service for ball fields per 10,000 residents has dropped since 2014. Due to our increasing population, limited resources and declining level of funding, our recreation amenities are at risk of continuing to decrease.
At this time , funding for additional fields has not yet been identified, highlighting the need to keep and maintain what we have. Our community now has to engage in a crucial land use process. The Iris ball fields are currently zoned for public use, designated for recreational purposes.
However, the future of these fields could be jeopardized if they’re approved for development. If the property is sold for commercial or residential purposes without any restrictions, a zoning change would be required. This would trigger a local government review process.
It’s critical to me that Boulder County should impose restrictions or subdivision to ensure that a portion of the land remains designated for public use. Should the issue go before Boulder City Council for a zoning change, I would also urge them to preserve the ball fields as public space. Rezoning the entirety of the land would not only alter its designation, it would also represent a departure from one of Boulder’s core values, the preservation of green spaces that benefit all residents.
Any eventual City Council decision should take into account the long-term impacts on public health and community wellness. As Boulder continues to grow, there’s a clear need to try and match development with accessible green spaces and recreational opportunities. Parks like the Iris ball fields serve everyone, from children and teens to adults and seniors, offering space for play, connection and well-being.
Through my work on PRAB, I’ve seen strong community support for expanding, not reducing, these vital resources. The Iris ball fields are more than just fields; they are a cornerstone of youth development, mental health and community wellness. Preserving them means investing in the health, happiness and inclusivity of Boulder’s future.
Jenny Robins is a member of the Boulder Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Robins lives in Boulder..
