Boulder, CO – After months of uncertainty and stalled talks between the city and the county, the neighbors of Iris Fields decided not to wait. The Save Iris Fields Committee, North Boulder Little League, the Broadway and Juniper Condo Association, and the Juniper Townhomes Association announced the submission of a community-driven proposal for the Iris site. Developed in partnership with Academy Boulder, this proposal is the result of months of organizing and reflects a coalition effort to protect Boulder’s legacy fields and community character while opening opportunities for community-driven development.
“This proposal didn’t originate from a developer or from City Hall,” said Aquiles La Grave, neighborhood resident and community leader. “It came from parents, players, and neighbors who refused to let Iris Fields sit in limbo. We created a vision that prioritizes community needs first, then found a partner to help fit development around that envelope.
The proposal preserves the ballfields and guarantees Little League play, protects historic structures, and introduces much-needed senior housing designed for minimal impact. Senior residents generate far less traffic than working households, and with most Academy Boulder residents coming from within the county, this model allows older adults to remain in Boulder while freeing up single-family homes for new families.
“This is what grassroots leadership looks like,” said Thomas Click of the Save Iris Committee. “Neighbors aligned on youth play, preservation, and connection, then found a credible partner to deliver. Academy Boulder stood out because their approach strengthens the community rather than replacing it.”
Gary Berg, Managing Partner of Academy Boulder, added: “It is an honor to be approached by NBLL and the surrounding neighborhoods about this unique opportunity. We can’t help but be inspired by this well-organized and deeply committed group that is clearly driven by the values of saving the ballfields and sourcing a use that is low impact for the community.”
The plan also envisions new amenities - a restaurant, cafe, and mercantile - that will serve the surrounding neighborhoods and create opportunities for intergenerational connections.
Next Steps
The community has submitted the proposal. Now the Save Iris Committee looks forward to discussions with Boulder County leaders to engage with this proposal, recognize it as the community’s vision, and work with local and regional leaders to move it forward.
“This is more than a plan - it’s a blueprint of what community-driven development can deliver,” said Alison Jaffe, incoming NBLL President and longtime Board Member. Residents have the opportunity to share their perspectives with Boulder County Commissioners and staff via https://bouldercounty.gov/, as discussions about Iris Fields continue.
By standing together, neighbors can ensure Iris Fields remains a space that honors its history and secures its future.
Aquiles La Grave, Broadway & Juniper Condo Association – (720) 503-0791
Media Contact
Name
Iris Fields
Contact name
Thomas Click, Save Iris Committee
Contact phone
(720) 285-7638
Country
United States
Url
https://saveirisfields.com/
