Good Monday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Community Foundation Boulder County. From May 1-15, support local nonprofits through its All In Boulder County campaign, helping more than 100 organizations providing essential services across the community.
Leading today: Boulder is preparing to build the city’s first dedicated public pickleball complex near Boulder Reservoir, part of a broader push to expand racquet sports access as demand surges and tensions grow over limited court space. The investment comes as tennis court access shrinks and the city faces growing parks budget pressures. Por Jaijongkit reports.
Also today: The six-member panel selecting Boulder’s unofficial city flag is expected to reveal its winning design as soon as today. In the meantime, our own panel of 1,632 BRL readers has weighed in, and there are clear favorites. You can find the results below.
And in BRL Opinion: Brian Keegan, in his “Charting Boulder” column, takes on Boulder’s contentious tipped wage debate, arguing that claims restaurant workers already earn about $40 an hour don’t hold up to the data.
More, Below the Fold:
- Summer heat: Upper 80s; snowpack still historically low.
- Arts venues: Boulder eases height restrictions.
- Flag poll: BRL readers pick a favorite.
- North Foothills Bikeway: Feedback opens on U.S. 36 path.
- Giant Group: Bike giant picks east Boulder HQ.
- Trail closures: Maintenance work and wildlife protections underway.
- Things to Do: Live country music, a KGNU conversation, migratory birds, a crafts market, gardening small fruits, a vegan potluck, Sanskrit music + more.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Your community needs you: 51% of Boulder County nonprofits have had to cut programs or change services in the last year, and 70% of nonprofit leaders say community members’ access to basic needs is being threatened. So from May 1-15, we’re asking Boulder County to go all in. Community Foundation Boulder County’s Community Trust program supports 100+ organizations across animal welfare, arts & culture, civic engagement, education, environment, and health & human services. Donate at allinboco.org.
Boulder breaking ground on major new pickleball complex as tennis players seek more courts
The city plans to begin construction this spring on a 12-court pickleball complex near Boulder Reservoir while longer-term tennis court projects move more slowly amid growing demand for racquet sports. Continue reading…
Summer preview
We’re getting an early taste of summer this week, with sunshine and temperatures climbing into the upper 80s. Expect a high near 84 today, followed by overnight lows in the upper 50s. Tuesday stays warm, with highs near 81, before temperatures reach the upper 80s Wednesday.
The warm, dry stretch follows an April that brought some much-needed moisture but did little to improve Colorado’s drought picture. BoulderCAST described the month as “warm” and “bone-dry,” with several promising storm systems delivering limited precipitation along the Front Range. Colorado’s mountain snowpack remains historically low heading into mid-May, sitting at about 25% of normal statewide as of last week.
Boulder eases height restrictions for museums, theaters and arts venues
Boulder City Council last week approved a suite of land-use changes, including allowing a broader range of businesses and organizations to seek permission to build three-story buildings up to the city’s 55-foot height limit.
Under current rules, developers can request height modifications through the site review process to exceed standard zoning limits, typically about 35 feet. Those exemptions are generally used for pitched roofs or equipment clearance.
The ordinance adds new scenarios for buildings used for community, cultural, educational, recreational or entertainment purposes, such as museums, theaters and athletic facilities. Buildings would still be capped at three stories and must fall within the city charter’s 55-foot limit. Read more on BRL.
BRL readers pick their unofficial flag winner
Last week, BRL hosted an informal poll asking readers to pick their favorite designs from the 10 finalists in the Museum of Boulder’s unofficial city flag contest. We received 1,632 responses as of 7 a.m. today, with winners emerging:
1. Design by Guillermo Tirado — 50%
2. Design by Carolyn McHale — 42%
3. Design by Ethan Thomasset — 29%
Other designs received smaller shares of the vote.
Feedback sought on Boulder-to-Lyons bikeway project
Boulder County is seeking public feedback on the long-anticipated North Foothills Bikeway, a proposed 11-mile separated bike path along U.S. 36 between Boulder and Lyons. The project, years in the making, is intended to provide a safer alternative to riding on one of the county’s deadliest highways for cyclists.
The project has been an advocacy priority for the parents of Magnus White, the 17-year-old cyclist who was struck and killed by a driver on Diagonal Highway in 2023 while training for the UCI World Cycling Championships. County officials say the proposed 12-foot-wide paved path along the east side of U.S. 36 is technically feasible and would cost roughly $95 million, with federal funding likely needed. The project still faces significant hurdles, including potential impacts to Boulder open space and wetlands that could require additional city and federal approvals.
An online survey and project materials are available in English and Spanish at boco.org/NorthFoothillsBikeway. An in-person open house is scheduled for May 19 from 4-6:45 p.m. at the Boulder Public Library.
Global bike company Giant finalizes East Boulder headquarters
One of the world’s largest bicycle companies has finalized the location of its new U.S. headquarters in Boulder. Giant Group USA will move into a 44,000-square-foot building at 3825 Walnut St. in East Boulder.
Giant announced in December that it would relocate its U.S. base from Newbury Park, California, to Boulder. The move is expected to bring about 125 jobs to the area, with employee transfers beginning in late summer and early fall.
The new headquarters will house the company’s corporate leadership, product development and brand teams. In 2024, Giant also acquired Boulder-based Stages Cycling for $20.1 million.
Trail closures planned across Boulder County open space
Several Boulder County trails and recreation areas will temporarily close this week for maintenance. The Anne U. White Trail in Fourmile Canyon will close May 11-14 for parking lot improvements, while the Niwot Loop Trailhead and part of the Somerset Trail in the Niwot Trails system will close May 12 for resurfacing work.
Seasonal wildlife closures also remain in effect at Walden Ponds, Lagerman Reservoir, Carolyn Holmberg Preserve at Rock Creek Farm and Caribou Ranch.
Meanwhile, the Antelope Trail at Hall Ranch has reopened, with inspections of Nelson Loop and Nighthawk trails up next.
Brian Keegan: Boulder’s tipped wage debate rests on a myth about what restaurant workers earn
The argument for slowing tipped wage increases assumes workers are already thriving. The data suggests otherwise. Continue reading…
☀️ Explore events in Boulder and use the self-submission form on our events page to reach thousands in our community — for free! To have your event featured on our Monday to-do list, make sure to submit it to our events calendar.
Down to the Garden with Growing Gardens and the Museum of Boulder: Monday, May 11, 4-6:30 p.m., Growing Gardens, 1630 Hawthorn Ave. Read more.
Wayne Hancock: Tuesday, May 12, 8:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., Velvet Elk Lounge, 2037 13th St. Read more.
The Talk of Our Town: KGNU: Wednesday, May 13, 7-8:30 p.m., eTown, 1535 Spruce St. Read more.
Contemplative Group Meditation: Wednesday, May 13, 7-8 p.m., Unity of Boulder Spiritual Center, 2855 Folsom St. Alternative dates weekly. Read more.
Boulder Ensemble Theater Company: The Wheelchair on My Face: Thursday, May 14, 7-8 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read more.
World Migratory Bird Day of the Rockies: Friday, May 15, 4:30-6 p.m., Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat, 3893 N 75th St. Additional date Saturday, May 16, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Read more.
Set The Table Exhibition Opening Reception: Friday, May 15, 5-8 p.m., Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St. Read more.
Songs of Love & Life: Classical and Rock: Friday, May 15, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl St., Suite V3A. Read more.
Wheels and Walls – Saturday Morning Mural Ride in Downtown Boulder: Saturday, May 16, 9-11 a.m., Garage Sale Vintage, 1701 Pearl St, Ste A. Additional dates monthly. Read more.
The Gentlethem’s Club: A Psychedelic Housewife Cabaret: Saturday, May 16, 8 p.m., Roots Music Project, 4747 Pearl, Suite V3A. Read more.
Firefly Handmade Boulder Spring Market: Sunday, May 17, 1-4 p.m., Pearl Street Mall, 1301 Pearl St. Alternative date May 16. Read more.
Growing Berries & Small Fruits for Colorado, with Mikl Brawner: Sunday, May 17, 1-2:30 p.m., Harlequin’s Gardens, 4795 26th St. Read more.
Self-Compassion Tools for Chronic Pain: Sunday, May 17, 2-3:30 p.m., Boulder Public Library, 1001 Arapahoe Ave. Read more.
Plant Forward Boulder Potluck: Micronutrients & Sprouting: Sunday, May 17, 3-4:30 p.m., NoBo Library, 4600 Broadway. Read more.
Bhakti Shakti Kirtan: Sunday Night LIVE: Sunday, May 17, 7-9 p.m., Vali Soul Sanctuary, 6717 Valmont Rd. Alternative dates weekly. Read more.