
Boulder Civic Area Phase 2
A Community-Driven Revitalization of Boulder Civic Area
RIOS is leading the revitalization of Boulder Civic Area, transforming it into an energetic recreational hub where community and nature converge. Collaborating with City of Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Civic Area Phase 2 project is a once-in-a-generation project to reimagine the heart of Boulder and create an inviting destination for everyone.
The project aims to reflect the community’s values, where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds feel welcome to recreate, socialize, relax, and enjoy the ambience of a high-altitude urban center at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. With a river park at its core, this area is flanked by bookends that can entertain civic, cultural, and commercial development that are alive with activity, collaboration, and innovation and reflect Boulder’s identity as a funky, fun, and friendly place to live.

Civic Area Phase 2 Community Open House (Image: Boulder Parks and Recreation)
RIOS is leading the planning analysis, community engagement process, and schematic design to ensure the realization of this shared urban vision. Recognizing the importance of this project, we have assembled a team that is internationally renowned for expertise in the design of public spaces that focus on merging the natural beauty with an activated, inclusive, and safe public realm. Our core team members include a carefully curated mix of hyper-local Boulder residents, multi-disciplinary experts, and a global resource team of trusted collaborators who will complement our design thinking with deep expertise and skill sets to develop the most impactful future for the Boulder Civic Area.

Boulder Civic Area (Image: Boulder Parks and Recreation)
Designing a Resilient Waterfront at Boulder Civic Area
Situated along Boulder Creek against the picturesque backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the area provides a unique blend of nature and city life in the heart of downtown. A goal of the project is to celebrate Boulder’s outdoor lifestyle by emphasizing environmental resilience, connectivity, and community-centered activations and experiences. Anchored by Boulder Creek, the design will enhance local ecology and habitat, integrating green spaces along the waterfront.
Boulder Civic Area is envisioned as both a central gathering place and a gateway to Boulder’s recreational offerings. The design process prioritizes people, striving to create an equitable and resilient future for both the site and the community. Active community involvement is key to ensure diverse interests are represented. The plans for programming include performance areas, markets, and multi-modal paths to energize this new hub.

Civic Area Phase 2 Community Open House (Image: Boulder Parks and Recreation)
Reimagining Boulder's Civic Hub and Connectivity
Beyond reimagining the park, the plan explores improved regional connectivity and opportunities for the adaptive reuse of historic and city-owned facilities. One project aspect includes the forgotten Arboretum Path, which can provides a chance to create a linear park linking the Civic Area with the University of Colorado, University Hill (“The Hill”) commercial district, and a new hotel and conference center. This transformative initiative will create a new urban center, blocks from the iconic Pearl Street Mall. It is poised to set a precedent for thriving social hubs that integrate the urban environment with its natural surroundings.
The Boulder Civic Area Phase 2 reimagining project builds upon prior city planning efforts, including the 2015 Civic Area Master Plan and the 2018 Phase 1 park improvements by TLS Landscape Architecture. As the second phase of these initiatives, the plan focuses on revitalizing Civic Park, Central Park, 13th Street, East Bookend, parts of the West Bookend, the Arboretum Path, and surrounding connectors for safety and accessibility.

Civic Area Phase 2 Community Open House (Image: Boulder Parks and Recreation)
A Revitalized Community Hub
The Civic Area Reimagining project is the next stage of redevelopment that will build upon the city’s master planning process, including the 2015 Civic Area Plan and the 2018 Phase 1 park improvements. These renovations included the addition of native gardens, updated multi-modal pathways, nature and water play areas, multi-use lawn space, plazas, and creek restoration.
As the second phase of these citywide interventions, the plan will focus on revitalizing these spaces and identifying opportunities for activation, signage, wayfinding, and safety and accessibility across Civic Park, Central Park, 13th Street, East Bookend, parts of the West Bookend, the Arboretum Path, and surrounding street and multimodal connectors. The design is guided by the main principles of the Civic Area Master Plan framework. These include:
- The Civic Heart of Boulder — Creating a City Center and a Unifying Public Space
Life & Property Safety — Building a Landscape Plan for Safety and Flood Plain Education - Outdoor Culture & Nature — Providing Connected Green Spaces, Tree Protection, and Creek Revitalization
- Celebration of History & Assets — Preserving and Integrating Historical Structures and Programming
- Enhanced Access & Connections — Connecting Pedestrians, Multi-Modal Routes, and Utilizing Parking Structures within Civic Area
- Place for Community Activity & Arts — Expanding Cultural, Art, Science, Educational, and Entertainment Opportunities
- Sustainable & Viable Future — Creating Economic, Social, and Environmental Sustainability