The PLAY Boulder Foundation is the official non-profit partner of Boulder's Parks and Recreation Department.
Our 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.
Dr. Bob Mehler built a cherished retirement routine around the Boulder Recreation Centers. For over two decades, he began his mornings with rigorous and healthy swimming, a pursuit he deeply valued as a senior. More than just exercise, the centers were a place of community, where he forged lasting friendships.
Bob would be delighted to know that memorial donations in his name will help sustain the Boulder Parks and Recreation programs, offering future generations the same valuable opportunities and welcoming spaces he enjoyed so much.
Our Foundational Pillars
Access
Committed to advancing health equity and recreation access, our PLAYpass program supports under-resourced youth in Boulder. We also contribute to initiatives like EXPAND and the Youth Services Initiative (YSI), ensuring every person not only has access but also feels a genuine sense of belonging in the exceptional programs Boulder has to offer.
A project we’re proud of:
PLAYpass
Environmental Stewardship
The Tree Trust is committed to growing Boulder's urban canopy and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the environment. By collaborating with partners and engaging with the community, we strive to implement nature-based climate solutions, contributing to the mitigation of climate change. Our ongoing efforts are dedicated to ensuring the health and resilience of our county for generations to come.
A project we’re proud of:
Tree Trust
Placemaking
Our placemaking endeavors empower us to help expand and renovate Boulder's local facilities, parks, and public and private gathering spaces, fostering a more cohesive and dynamic community for all.
Projects we’re proud of can be found here:
Placemaking