City News
This is news from the city of Boulder, about the city or any of its departments
Learning from Boston marathon for BolderBOULDER race
May 14th
Race organizers from the Bolder BOULDER, the Boulder Police Department and the University of Colorado Police Department are asking the public to cooperate with additional security measures that will be in place for the May 27 Memorial Day run.
Race participants and spectators will notice an increased law enforcement and emergency services presence along the 10-kilometer course.
Organizers ask the public for their patience and cooperation with the new rules.
Police request that participants and spectators refrain from bringing backpacks or other bags to the race. If people must bring bags, please pack lightly and keep them in your possession at all times. “Airport rules” will apply, and any unattended bags along the course or at Folsom Field will be subject to confiscation.
On race day, the public is asked to immediately report any suspicious activity or people by calling 9-1-1.
“We realize that the recent events in Boston have created some extra concern for people, and we want to reassure everyone that the Boulder and CU police departments and race organizers are working together to make this event as safe and enjoyable as possible,” said Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner. “We have comprehensive security plans in place. We will not be discussing details or specifics of those plans.”
The public will also see an increased law enforcement presence at the race’s finish at CU’s Folsom Field. For spectators bringing items into the stadium, football game rules will apply. That includes only allowing soft-sided bags smaller than 12x12x12 (such as small purses and backpacks) inside Folsom Field. For a full list of permitted and prohibited items, please see http://bit.ly/FolsomFieldRules.
“The bag checks will be one of the evident changes seen by the public,” said Joe Roy, CU police chief. “But our police departments have added other security measures that will not be obvious to the public, by design, to enhance safety.”
The police departments and BolderBOULDER appreciate the public’s cooperation.
“The safety and security of the BolderBOULDER runners, spectators, volunteers and sponsors is our primary concern,” said Cliff Bosley, BolderBOULDER race director. “We thank everyone for their help in keeping this the fun and safe event we’ve enjoyed for the past 34 years.”
For updates and race-day information, please see www.bolderboulder.com.
MEDIA RELEASE BY BOULDER AND CU POLICE. ONLY A MORON WOULD THINK OTHERWISE.
Spruce Pool opens for the summer season May 13, Scott Carpenter pool delayed for “sprucing up”
May 9th
The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department will open Spruce Pool for the summer season on Monday, May 13. Spruce Pool, located at 2102 Spruce St., features an eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool; leisure pool with accessible ramp; and accessible play features including jets, fountains and a duck slide. Spruce Pool starts the season with a more limited schedule, and regular summer hours will begin Tuesday, May 28. Spruce Pool’s season runs through Monday, Sept. 2, Labor Day.
The schedule for Spruce Pool is available online at: www.BoulderParks-Rec.org and by clicking on the “pools” tab in the middle.
The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department’s other outdoor pool, Scott Carpenter Pool, located at 1505 30th St., is being painted and prepared for the summer season. This work has been delayed due to recent rain and snowstorms, and Scott Carpenter Pool will now open after Memorial Day weekend. A specific opening date will be announced as soon as possible.
Boulder Parks and Recreation Department Information: 303-413-7200.
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Noxious weeds on the city’s “hit” list
May 2nd
As a result of a state mandate to eliminate “List A” noxious weed species from all public and private property in Colorado communities, the City of Boulder is proposing an update to its existing weed ordinance to require property owners to remove the weeds from all properties.
“List A” weed species, as provided in the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, are plants that have yet to be well established in Colorado but are either present in small populations or are invasive in nearby states. There are two species of “List A” weeds that are of most concern within Boulder’s city limits: myrtle spurge and Japanese knotweed. The city was awarded a grant through the Colorado Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed Management Fund to assist in an educational plan.
“Early detection and eradication of these particular species can prevent them from becoming a major problem in Colorado,” said city Integrated Pest Management Coordinator Rella Abernathy. “Most of these plants are ‘escaped’ ornamental plants and many residents may not realize that they present a threat to the natural lands surrounding Boulder and are illegal to grow here.”
These noxious, invasive plants can negatively impact biodiversity, threaten endangered species, degrade native habitat, displace wildlife, increase soil erosion, damage streams and other wetlands and increase the risk and frequency of wildfires if allowed to spread. Boulder is in compliance with the Colorado Noxious Weed Act on city-owned properties but has not been enforcing the statue on private property.
The city will focus on education and outreach to notify the public of the requirements and to provide information for identification, environmentally-sound weed removal and suggested replacement plant options.
“A soft enforcement approach is being implemented with voluntary compliance being the goal and enforcement action being a last resort,” said Code Enforcement Supervisor Jennifer Riley. “However, ticketing is possible if property owners do not comply with repeated requests from officers to address illegal weeds.”
Education will begin with a “Purge Your Spurge” event on May 18 where residents are encouraged to pull their myrtle spurge and exchange it for free native plants. This event will occur as part of Boulder Community Day at the East Boulder Community Center, 5660 Sioux Drive, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other education efforts will include a webpage; fact sheets; media engagement; outreach to nurseries, landscapers and lawn care companies; and code enforcement officers who assist with education in the field.
“Identifying and removing noxious weeds from private property can take some effort, but it’s important to prevent these weeds from spreading to our neighbors’ yards and ultimately to natural areas,” said Abernathy. “Fortunately, only two of the weeds from the list are widespread within the Boulder city limits, myrtle spurge being the most common. We want to make sure people can easily identify the weeds, know how to remove them safely and know what native plants can be used to replace them.”
Myrtle spurge has been commonly used as a decorative plant. People should be aware that it contains a white sap that can cause skin irritation including blistering if touched. Those removing it should wear long sleeves, long pants, gloves and eye protection. Removing at least four inches of the root is recommended to prevent its return. It should be placed in a plastic bag and tightly fastened. DON’T compost noxious weeds as that will cause the weed to spread.
The city’s weed ordinance is expected to be modified through a City Manager rule change, which will be published in the Daily Camera on May 3, as well as on the city’s website. Public feedback will be accepted until May 20. The rule is anticipated to go into effect on June 1, 2013.
For more information or to provide feedback on the proposed City Manager’s rule, contact Rella Abernathy at 303-441-1901.
— CITY OF BOULDER NEWS RELEASE –
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