Us Boulder County's Parks and Open Space program was initiated in the mid-1960s by citizens interested in preserving land from rapid development. At that time, there were fewer than 130,000 people living in Boulder County. Now, there are nearly 300,000. Today, we own or oversee more than 60,000 acres of open space. Our mission is to promote and provide for the preservation of open space, environmental and cultural resources and non-urban recreational opportunities in a way that reflects sound resource management and community values.
Open space is acquired in a variety of different ways using a variety of funding sources.
Preserve critical ecosystems, cultural resources and scenic vistas. Provide access to lakes, streams and other public lands. Conserve forests, agricultural land and water resources. Protect areas of environmental concern. Other Department Functions Boulder County Parks and Open Space has about 60 full-time employees and 50 seasonal employees who operate and maintain county open space.