Nonprofit Spotlight: PLAY Boulder Foundation

Editor’s note: Each month, Social Venture Partners Boulder County produces a Nonprofit Spotlight to highlight the work of nonprofits in Boulder County. 

BOULDER — The PLAY Boulder Foundation has been an integral part of enhancing Boulder’s parks, recreation, and community engagement for decades. Over time, it has evolved to provide independent programming focused on education, philanthropy and advocacy. Through initiatives centered on placemaking, environmental sustainability and equitable access, PLAY Boulder strives to improve the quality of life for all residents.

“PLAY Boulder started in the 1970s as the nonprofit partner of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department, working on small initiatives like the Boulder Downtown tulip bulbs planting project. As time passed, we saw the potential to achieve more and so we began to develop our own independent programming. Our mission is to support excellence in parks and recreation by mobilizing community support through education, philanthropy, and advocacy,” said Angie Jeffords, executive director of the PLAY Boulder Foundation.

Today, PLAY Boulder focuses on three key pillars:

• Placemaking: Enhancing public spaces, such as Boulder Reservoir and Scott Carpenter Park. An exciting project on the horizon is the redevelopment of Primos Park in North Boulder, which promises to bring new opportunities for connection and recreation.
• Environmental Sustainability: In collaboration with partners, PLAY Boulder works to develop a sustainable urban tree canopy across the city. While Boulder focuses on public lands, the Foundation ensures private properties contribute to a greener urban landscape.
• Access: Through programs like the PLAYpass scholarship, low-income families, underserved communities, and people with disabilities gain access to local sports and recreation opportunities.

Jeffords’ passion for community engagement stems from her roots in Boulder, “I grew up in Boulder, where my parents instilled a strong sense of civic engagement in me. My career started as an entrepreneur and business owner, supporting nonprofits across the region. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I collaborated with PLAY Boulder to put on the iconic Great Boulder Duck race. I had built a great relationship with the board through my own business. When I was offered the opportunity to step into a leadership role with the organization I accepted,” Jeffords said.

This year, PLAY Boulder launched the Community Forestry Corps, a groundbreaking summer internship program for youth aged 14 to 22. Twelve participants worked full-time over nine weeks, gaining hands-on experience in tree care while learning about climate solutions and exploring career pathways.

“In 2025, we plan to double the crew size and expand work throughout Boulder County, an exciting step forward,” Jeffords said.

PLAY Boulder also continues to strengthen partnerships to support its urban canopy efforts. Collaborations include:

• CU Athletics and PepsiCo: Donations to the Tree Trust tied to basketball team performances.
• Marshall Together: Restoration of trees in areas impacted by the Marshall Fire.
• AVERY Brewing: Proceeds from a specialty winter beer supporting the Tree Trust’s efforts to expand tree cover in high-heat, low-canopy areas.

Like many nonprofits, PLAY Boulder faces challenges with fundraising and public awareness. “Fundraising remains a significant challenge. Additionally, many community members assume we’re part of the City of Boulder, but we are an independent nonprofit and don’t receive city funds or employ city staff,” Jeffords said. “Raising awareness about our role and independence is key.”

To bridge this gap, PLAY Boulder is actively engaging with the community by encouraging people to: attend Tree Tender Training or tree care workshops; volunteer at events or join placemaking campaigns; and contribute to fundraising efforts or donate directly to the organization.

The PLAY Boulder Foundation is a catalyst for community well-being, fostering meaningful connections and enhancing quality of life in Boulder. By supporting access, parks, recreation, and our urban canopy, the Foundation invests in programs and projects that promote health, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. To learn more visit Playboulder.org.

Christian Castaneda is program coordinator for Social Venture Partners Boulder County. Katie MacDonald is development & communications manager for Social Venture Partners Boulder County.

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