September 2003
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Mail: P.O. Box 590 Niwot, CO 80544
Phone: 303-845-3077
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FAX: 303-845-3078
A plain vanilla park has been turned into a space-age fun facility
for children aged two to twelve. Named after IBM’s founder, Tom
Watson Park at 6180 N. 63rd Street in northeast Boulder, on the west
side of IBM, has been there for many years. Originally owned by IBM,
the park was deeded to the city of Boulder a few years ago. The Boulder
Parks and Recreation Department quietly installed the new playground,
a terrific play facility, this spring.
The new play area is 8,000 square feet and has age-appropriate equipment
named after different stars in the solar system. It has separate areas
for children aged two to five and those six to twelve.
The playground renovation is part of the city’s plan to bring
older playgrounds up to date with current national safety standards
and accessibility requirements.
According to Lisa Bondi from the Boulder Parks and Recreation Department,
the staff has completed the initial neighborhood meetings and conceptual
playground plan. Play Environments, LLC, in Longmont completed the detailed
design and construction documents.
In addition to new play equipment, drought-tolerant trees, including
Western Hackberry, Legend American Linden and Shadblow Serviceberry,
were planted to provide more shade. Grass sod and wood chip mulch were
added to complete the renovation.
The park also has softball fields, tennis, volleyball, basketball courts,
a practice tennis/handball wall and walking paths. Restrooms, showers
and a shaded shelter are also available. The park is across the street
from Coot Lake, which offers nature trails for walking and a spectacular
vista of the Flatirons.
For more information, call the city of Boulder Parks and Recreation
Department at 303-413-7200.
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The Old Mockingbird
The property at the southeast corner of Lookout Road and
Gunpark Drive in Gunbarrel, site of the old Mockingbird restaurant,
is slated for redevelopment. Vern Seieroe of Midyette Architects is
responsible for the project. He explained that the design concept is
based on the lively pedestrian feel of a Tuscan marketplace.
The site, owned by Peter Williams, will ultimately include three buildings,
all of which will remain within normal height allowances.
Construction will begin with the addition of upper level office space
to the east building. The west building, currently the home of Toppers
Hair Studio and a dental practice, will grow to three stories. The lower
levels will be leased primarily to retailers to encourage foot traffic.
In the final stage, the restaurant building on the south end of the
property will be demolished to make room for a new, larger structure
yet to be designed. It will include a restaurant with a south-facing
terrace and a view of the Flatirons. “There is definitely a market
for another restaurant in this area,” Seieroe said.
The property opens to the golf course on the south and to future development
to the west. The pedestrian/bicycle path will remain accessible to the
complex via the parking lot, and plans include access to the golf course,
welcoming golfers to take a break, shop, and dine.
The proposed landscape scheme far exceeds the city’s requirements,
creating a buffer and lovely backdrop for the golf course. Central landscaping
will include a fountain and plaza, with room for outdoor seating in
the event a coffee house moves in.
A date has not been set to begin construction, but plans indicate an
exciting addition to this area.