The Nederland Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board (PROSAB) met on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. to learn more about the Rights of Nature and hear updates on town events.

The meeting started with public comment about the possible expansion of the RINK to include more pickleball courts. Residents near the court are concerned about the noise interfering not only with their residences, but also with the wildlife that grazes in the area. PROSAB is still at the beginning stages of developing a design plan, but they assured the public that once the design is created, they will have more opportunities to voice their input.

Rich Orman attended the PROSAB meeting to discuss his role in administering the Rights of Nature. The Board of Trustees (BOT) recently appointed two "river guardians" to represent the rights of the Boulder Creek Watershed in Nederland. Orman’s job as a river guardian is to take concerns related to the watershed and bring them to the BOT.

The guardians will focus on the two main water supplies that run through the town by analyzing specific projects, such as the expansion of Eldora, and legal issues regarding the mine. The guardians will communicate with PROSAB on deforestation, meadows, and new developments near the water.

Peter Cacek recapped Nederland’s events from last year and provided an overview of upcoming events. In 2023, the team organized Nederdays in March, the Fourth of July parade, and the Holiday Mountain Market. They aim to host more community-focused events to ensure consistent success. Dealing with weather, location, and participation taught the events team how to prepare better moving forward.

This year, Nederdays will follow the theme “The Thaw-Out” to celebrate the coming of warmer months. The Fourth of July parade will also be a celebration of Nederland’s 150th anniversary and will include a potluck to unite the town. A likely new feature of the Holiday Mountain Market will be craft workshops offered by the vendors.

Nicki Dunn provided updates regarding PROSAB’s 2024 goals. A few new sidewalks and crosswalks are going in, and the 30 mph speed limit sign at the roundabout is moving a few hundred feet west. PROSAB is hoping that these updates will control speed and safety around town.

The RINK had an early end to the season because the warmer days caused the ice to melt. Dunn met with the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) mediator last week, and they discussed the possibility of building a roof over the RINK. A roof would help in not only keeping the ice frozen but also minimizing the noise coming from tennis and pickleball.

Next month’s ballot will include the question “Would you support the Town permitting the construction of an asphalt pump track in Chipeta Park between the basketball court and parking lot?”

The results will help PROSAB get a feel for how favored the new track is within the community. The ballot has a reverse side, so be sure to flip the page in order for your vote to be collected.

The Nederland Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board meets on the third Thursday of every month. Their next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2024, and can be attended online. For more information go to https://townofnederland. colorado.gov/parks-recreation-openspace-advisory-board.