Guidelines for neighborhood fun
As the weather begins to warm up, so do students’ desire to be outside enjoying it. Some students may wish to hold block parties to celebrate the warming weather.
“Block parties are typically held on neighborhood streets in Boulder between the months of May and September,” Mary Hunter, communication manager for the Boulder city manager said.
According the Web site for the city of Boulder, a block party includes barricading off a city street, providing refreshments and other activities that are within the guidelines of a safe and legal environment.
“I’ve been to block parties in the past and it was a good time,” Will Lyons, a junior integrative physiology major said. “There were a lot of families and specialty foods. I would be interested in having one especially when it’s nice outside – get a chance to grill outside with some friends.”
Alcohol is not permitted on public property including sidewalks and streets, and live music is permitted with the approval of the Environmental Enforcement Office prior to hosting the party.
Certain streets are limited as well, restricting block parties from heavily trafficked streets and state highways.
While planning a block party can be a pricey endeavor, the Web site for the city of Boulder lists fundraising tips and ideas including places to look for sponsors and using neighborhood allocated funds.
The city of Boulder requires that after the application process has been completed and the city street barricaded off, marshals must be hired to manage the party.
“Marshals are typically volunteers who feel comfortable managing and promoting a safe environment for the block party and who can address issues that come up in violation of the permit,”Heidi Haberman of the Boulder City Council Office said.
Block party applicants must demonstrate that they are responsible enough to manage the party within the guidelines of the city of Boulder.
“CU students are not excluded from applying for a block party or receiving a permit,” Hunter said. “All applications from residents are welcome.”
Students say they are looking forward to planning block parties as the weather warms.
“Block parties are fun,” said Sarah Farris, a junior business and Spanish major. “I haven’t been to one in a long time, but I think it would be a great idea for students to organize one.”
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Brittany Sovine at Brittany.Sovine@colorado.edu.
