Sasaki to Design a Resilient New Park in Colorado’s North Boulder Neighborhood

Set to become the city’s newest neighborhood park, the project speaks to the firm’s commitment to local communities and providing equitable park access across all ages and abilities. While preserving the magic of the site, Sasaki will work in partnership with the parks department to create areas for inclusive play and recreation grounded in local ecology.

Sasaki’s long legacy of work in Boulder goes back to the 1970s and the design of Pearl Street Mall and the original University of Colorado Master Plan that was updated in 2022. Now, the firm’s work for the park on Violet builds on Boulder’s connectivity between city and nature. As the city continues to grow, Sasaki is supporting sustainable development in Boulder and throughout the region. Working with Parks and Recreation, the team is developing an engagement plan that prioritizes ecology and community.

Residents adjacent to the park on Violet currently have little access to this land, which is situated within a floodplain and along a road without sidewalks. One key focus of the project is flood mitigation, aligning with the city’s floodplain goals. To achieve this, Sasaki will integrate innovative green infrastructure into the park design that will double as recreational features and rainwater absorbers. This approach aims to redirect and absorb stormwater, preventing flooding without relying on traditional hard infrastructure like gutters.

With Boulder facing one of the highest flash flood risks in Colorado, the park on Violet’s design represents a sustainable and community-focused approach. Through thoughtful landscape design and green infrastructure, the park will not only mitigate flood risks but also provide a vibrant and inclusive space for all residents to enjoy. The park on Violet will cater to a diverse range of residents, including under-resourced and underserved populations in North Boulder. The park will feature elements that include an interactive adventure playground, climbing structures, nature exploration areas, a community garden showcasing native and sustainable plants, a small bike track, and serene nature paths for visitors to North Boulder and locals alike.

The park on Violet aims to revitalize the Boulder Meadows neighborhood, offering a dynamic space for residents to connect with nature and each other.

Sasaki’s commitment to Colorado and Boulder is part of the firm’s DNA, and with the park on Violet, the firm builds on its relationship with Boulder’s Park Department. The selection of Sasaki to lead the design underscores the firm’s reputation for excellence in landscape architecture and urban design. Building on a depth of experience in sustainability and community engagement, Sasaki is poised to create a park that will not only meet the needs of North Boulder residents, but also serve as a model for resilient park developments nationwide.