"A Year in the Life" at Primos Park

In collaboration with the City of Boulder’s Parks and Recreation, Open Space and Mountain Parks, and Climate Initiatives departments, Growing Up Boulder is developing and piloting a model for community engagement and nature-based space activation (programming) called “A Year in the Life.” "A Year in the Life" of a park or open space area aims to connect all young people of all abilities, across all seasons, to nature on Boulder's public lands. 

​One element of "A Year in the Life at Primos Park" is our "Picnics in the Park." After five successful Picnics in the Park with the Primos Park community, and two amazing walking field trips with two local preschools, Growing Up Boulder has closed the first engagement window. We are no longer able to host picnics this year due to funding limitations; however, the families and children living the Boulder Meadows Manufactured Home communities and attending our partner preschools are asking for more picnics! If you are interested in sponsoring a picnic, please contact us!

“Many of our families live in the mobile home park adjacent to the new park. It was a revelation to those families that there was a slice of nature right next door to them, and they could bring their children to play in the creek, explore the paths along the creek, and walk all the way to the new library. Many families participated in the picnics, and are now beginning to feel an ownership of the new park.

It’s amazing to many of them that their input has been asked for– that Growing Up Boulder and the City expressed an interest in their needs and their priorities. Having a natural place to explore and rejuvenate improves the lives of families immeasurably. Thank you to Growing Up Boulder and the City for inviting us to participate in the creation of the park and the preservation of the creek corridor. Interaction with nature is a sustaining and healing force. Our families who have limited resources and small living spaces are experiencing the joy of access to this gorgeous piece of undeveloped land!” 

– Isolde Stewart, Director of New Horizons Co-Operative Preschool

“My granddaughter lives right here in this neighborhood and has never been to this place before. I'm pretty sure by looking at her, this will be her new favorite place to play. I can't get her to leave.”

--Grandparent of Picnics in the Park Participant

Primos Park Naming Ceremony

Children and youth proudly announced the new name of "Primos Park" at the Boulder Meadows Manufactured Home community's neighborhood block party on Saturday, July 27. City leaders celebrated this momentous occasion with members of the community, and Growing Up Boulder was delighted to offer nature play opportunities to children and families as part of the event.

Consultation with City of Boulder Staff

On July 25th, Growing Up Boulder tested out a new model: drop-in consultation hours for city staff. Growing Up Boulder staff members, Luciana and Cathy, share their wisdom and facilitated a group discussion around making city projects child-friendly. City partners ask for support on projects such as:

• making a Junior Explorer Activity Booklet for parks
• how to increase the number of teens volunteering for a city department
  
• how to engage with youth entrepreneurs
• how to learn about the experiences and goals of youth about to enter the workforce
• ideas for engaging students and families of schools and living in multi-family housing near a project corridor.

Those who participated in the drop-in consultation hours reported feeling inspired and energized. We look forward to our next office hours in the fall!

NoBo Library's Accessible Playground

Thanks to the efforts of Boulder Public Library District's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee and support from Growing Up Boulder and staff at the City's Parks and Recreation department, the playground at the new NoBo Library will have many accessible play features. We can't wait to play there!

"Nothing Bundt Cakes -- Boulder, CO" helped us thank teachers from Boulder Journey School and New Horizons Cooperative Preschool for participating in our Picnics in the Park and Walking Fieldtrips.

Contact us if your organization would like to sponsor Growing Up Boulder! 

Growing Up Boulder's Vision and Mission

Growing Up Boulder's vision is to to cultivate vibrant communities where all young people thrive.  Growing Up Boulder's mission is centering young people's rights, voices, and agency to advance equitable and sustainable communities for all.