BOULDER, Colo. – The City of Boulder announced today that in addition to closures related to Independence Day, there will be additional impacts later this week to city facilities and services that are currently operating in a limited capacity due to COVID-19.

All city facilities will be closed on July 2 as part of a citywide cost-saving effort to help address the financial impact of COVID-19. The city announced on June 1 that it would be implementing six furlough days for nearly all city staff this year as a cost-saving effort to close the budget gap caused by the pandemic. Employees will not be paid for this day away from work and are not allowed to use vacation time to offset the loss in income. This measure will result in an estimated budget savings of over $1.8 million. July 2 is the first in the series of furlough days for 2020.

Most city facilities will be closed on July 3 and 4 in observance of the Fourth of July, with the following exceptions:

Open on Friday, July 3:

  • Boulder Reservoir will be open with the incoming gate opening at 7 a.m. and exit gate closing at 8 p.m. Recreation opportunities are limited to passive recreation (walking, running, biking), permitted boat and small watercraft and Rocky Mountain Paddleboard rentals. Swimming in the reservoir is not allowed. Dogs are not allowed in the park May 15 through Labor Day. While volleyball nets and picnic tables currently are not installed, restroom facilities are available. Passive recreation opportunities are available to visitors to the North Shore or Coot Lake; however, it is illegal to bring any type of watercraft, including stand up paddleboards and flotation devices to this area (City of Boulder Emergency Regulation 8-3-3.D.20).  No parking signage areas will be enforced, so visitors should not park illegally at risk of being fined or towed.  For information about daily entry fees and current protocols, visit Boulder Reservoir.
  • Flatirons Golf Course will be open to players with tee times and pre-payment only, practice facilities and driving range open only for guests with a tee time. For more information about current protocols, visit Flatirons Golf.
  • Spruce Outdoor Pool will be open normal operation hours, reservations are required. For more information about current protocols, reservations and hours, visit Spruce Pool.
  • Park-to-Park shuttle to/from Chautauqua Park runs from 8 a.m.–8 p.m., and pay parking is in effect in and around Chautauqua Park on this city-observed holiday.

Open on Saturday, July 4:

  • Boulder Reservoir will be open with the incoming gate opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 4 p.m.; the exit gate closes at 5 p.m. All protocol from July 3 remain in place with the addition that alcohol is not allowed. For information about daily entry fees and current protocols, visit Boulder Reservoir.
  • Flatirons Golf Course will be open to players with tee times and pre-payment only, practice facilities and driving range open only for guests with a tee time. For more information about current protocols, visit Flatirons Golf.
  • Spruce Outdoor Pool will be open from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., reservations are required. For more information about current protocols and reservations, visit Spruce Pool.
  • Park-to-Park shuttle to Chautauqua Park, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Parking is free on July 3 and 4 at city pay stations, garages and lots in downtown Boulder, University Hill and Boulder Junction. Paid parking will remain in effect in and around Chautauqua Park on these dates and use of the free Park-to-Park shuttle is encouraged. Regular pay parking and enforcement will be in effect on July 2.

Visitors to Eben G. Fine Park can anticipate that Arapahoe Avenue will be closed July 3 and 4 from the east end of the park to Boulder Canyon Drive. Local traffic and emergency vehicles will be allowed beyond the closure. Parking within the vicinity of the park will be limited to designated areas; once these parking spaces are at capacity, no additional vehicles will be permitted access. Parking along the shoulder of Boulder Canyon Drive in the city is prohibited and is signed as such. Illegally parked vehicles at these locations or in the surrounding neighborhood will be subject to ticketing or towing.

Flagstaff Road will be closed from 5 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. After 5 p.m., all traffic will be diverted at 6th Street and Baseline Road. Only residents who live west of Chautauqua will be allowed vehicle access beyond the closure. Flagstaff Mountain-area trails will remain open.

We all play a part in keeping our parks a fun place to celebrate; please check out our list of general park rules to help you be a good neighbor as you plan your outing. If you plan to recreate on open space, please follow these responsible recreation guidelines.