North Boulder Park Renovation: How will it impact cross-country skiing?

North Boulder Park

As many of you know, North Boulder Park is a cornerstone of our local Nordic skiing scene. But a new renovation plan from the City of Boulder could threaten part of the groomed trail that makes this park such a special place to ski.

What’s Changing?

The city is planning flood mitigation for Upper Goose Creek as part of a major park renovation. While staff and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board have expressed a strong desire to preserve Nordic skiing in the park, the current final draft plan includes a dry creek bed that would cut through the Northeast corner of the park—right across the hill we normally groom each winter.

    🔗View the City's NBP Renovation Page

Why It Matters

The Northeast corner and hill are key to creating a fun and varied loop, especially when snow is thin. With only minimal snow cover, grooming over a dry creek bed would be nearly impossible. The proposed layout of the baseball fields eliminates the option for inner loops in the middle and South of the Park. That means less skiable area, less terrain variety, in an already cramped ski loop.

City Staff Have Been Engaged—And Need to Hear From You

The Boulder Nordic Club and the Nordic Community have a long-standing, positive partnership with the city. Staff have met with the BNC Board, granted grooming access, and house our snowmobile and equipment on-site. We believe they’re working in good faith—but they’re trying to balance multiple goals for this project and need to hear from community members who value skiing in the park.

How You Can Help

Please attend the upcoming open house, learn more about the proposed changes, and share your experience and passion for skiing in town. Let city staff know how important skiing in North Boulder Park is to you and that keeping the terrain skiable is vital.

🏛️ Open House Details:

• Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
• Time: 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. (drop-in format)
• Location: North Boulder Recreation Center, 3170 Broadway

There’s no formal presentation—just a chance to speak directly with staff and advocate for the sport we love.

Thanks for being part of this community. We’ll see you there.