Urban rangers work to protect more than 100 city parks and properties in Boulder.

What do Urban Rangers Do?

Enforcement

Urban rangers patrol parks for violations of the Boulder Revised Code, generally related to the peoples’ safety and protection of our public spaces. Among the wide variety of issues, urban rangers often handle dog violations, wildlife harassment, public trespassing, permit compliance, fires, and littering.

Urban Park Rangers next to Boulder Creek

Education

Urban rangers work with the public to teach them how to interact with our parks, wildlife, natural resources, and other visitors respectfully and sustainably. Rangers may answer questions about Boulder’s history, natural environment, and city resources.

Urban Park Ranger meeting a community member and her dog, Luna

Boulder Parks and Recreation has created an exciting and educational Junior Explorer activity booklet that's perfect for kids ages 8 and up who are eager to explore and learn all about what BPR does. From forestry to swimming to the Urban Park Rangers to the Boulder Reservoir and more, this booklet is packed with fun activities!

Urban Park Rangers will have the activity booklet with them as they're out and about in our community. Learn more about the booklet and the official Junior Ranger ceremony.

Security

Rangers support city staff doing routine work or special projects throughout the parks system and facilities for extra safety measures, traffic control, or de-escalation. Rangers provide extra security for large public events that are hosted in the parks to make sure participants are having a safe and fun time.

A BPR Ranger writing a citation and speaking into the radio

Contacting an Urban Ranger

We appreciate the community's help to safeguard our parks and promote safe use and visitation!

  1. FOR EMERGENCIES DIAL 911
  2. Make sure you're contacting the right agency. Nearby agencies include:
  3. Call 303-441-4418 about increased patrols, complaints or concerns, questions, and to report non-emergency offenses. You will be directed to an on-duty ranger during working hours.
  4. Please keep in mind, ranger schedules and staffing vary, so inquiries may not receive immediate replies.
  5. Call the Boulder Police Department non-emergency line at 303-441-3333 for park issues that require a timelier response.
  6. Other issues may be reported through the city's online reporting system.
  • Boulder Parks and Recreation Rangers

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  • Boulder Parks and Recreation Ranger helping community member

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  • Boulder Parks and Recreation Ranger bicycling

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  • Boulder Parks and Recreation Ranger issuing a citation

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    • Bringing back the Ranger Program

    Boulder Parks and Recreation has employed rangers to protect park land for more than 100 years. In 2002, the City of Boulder's Open Space Department merged with Mountain Parks to form the Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department and most of Boulder's park rangers joined OSMP.

    The few remaining Parks and Recreation rangers retired, and Parks and Recreation didn't have a ranger program for about 10 years. Recently, there's been an effort to bring back the ranger program to Parks and Recreation to address ongoing, evolving and emerging park issues. In the summer of 2022, the department hired Lead Ranger Aaren Morrell, and three rangers to assist her.

    Please welcome our new crew as they protect our parks and educate our residents and visitors on park safety, etiquette, wildlife, and conservation.

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