At PLAY (Parks, Land, Access, Youth) Boulder Foundation, you make our work possible. Every day, your support helps youth from diverse backgrounds access sports, recreation, and enrichment programs that build confidence, healthy habits, and pathways to future opportunities. It helps neighborhoods stay cooler and greener through urban canopy initiatives, while transforming parks and public spaces into vibrant, inclusive places where families and communities can connect, play, and thrive.
Because of you:
Every gift multiplies across our programs, creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts strengthening health, connection, opportunity, and environmental resilience across Boulder County.
Each program reinforces and amplifies the others, making every investment exponentially impactful across youth development, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.
With your support, PLAY Boulder Foundation continues to expand opportunities, strengthen communities, and preserve our environment. Together, we are building a stronger, greener, and more inclusive Boulder County — and you are at the heart of this impact.
PLAY's mission is to support excellence in parks and recreation by mobilizing community support through education, philanthropy, and advocacy. We enhance local public spaces, preserve Boulder's environment, and expand access to recreation programs.
The PLAY Boulder Foundation (PLAY) began its efforts as the official non-profit partner of the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation department in 1976, a time when protecting our urban parks and public spaces was critical to the future of Boulder. PLAY helped the department launch the first Boulder Creek Festival, which provided funds to jumpstart PLAY's mission and initiate outreach for protecting Boulder's urban spaces.
Most recently, PLAY has realigned programmatic and project initiatives to reflect our community's changing economic, cultural, and environmental needs, and infuses fiscal sponsorship in all we do. PLAY's three core values and initiatives include Access, Environmental Sustainability and Urban Placemaking. PLAY delivers programming that aligns with each of these core values.
Access: PLAY seeks to ensure that residents of all ability, age, and means can access the exceptional programs Boulder has to offer while feeling welcomed and included. Our PLAYpass program aims to reduce barriers to fee-based participation in sport and recreation programs, so all Boulder youth can thrive and live healthy, active lifestyles.
Environmental Sustainability: PLAY is dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability of Boulder's environment. From our trees to pollinator-friendly plants, PLAY is making strides to keep our communities healthy and resilient for years to come. The Tree Trust works with citizens to support trees across Boulder County and promote and grow a healthy urban canopy. The program's goal is to provide citizens with resources to care for their trees, tools to recognize and prevent developing diseases, and the aid to retain a sustainable urban canopy. The Community Forestry Youth Corps is a natural climate solutions Urban canopy stewardship paid summer internship opportunity program for youth from diverse backgrounds. This program focuses on equity and accessibility to all who apply and participate in this program.
Urban Placemaking: Through PLAY's urban placemaking initiatives, we seek to enhance local facilities, parks, and public gathering spaces in Boulder to foster a more unified and healthy community.
As we look toward a brighter future, we invite you to stand with us in expanding our horizons, increasing recreational opportunities, and preserving the natural beauty that makes Boulder County so special. Your support fuels our initiative, enhances equity for all, and strengthens our commitment to environmental sustainability. Together, let's make an impact —one that future generations can enjoy and be proud of. Join us in this journey and make a difference today!
Organization name
PLAY Boulder Foundation
other names
Boulder Parks & Recreation Fdn.
1976
Tax id (EIN)
84-0725860
Category
Recreation & Sports
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
3160 Airport RdMailing
PO Box 20935Boulder County, CO, US