Explore Boulder Creek: Eben G. Fine Park

Testing the Alert Function

This route stops at 3 locations: Eben G. Fine Park, a trail intersection near the intersection of Arapahoe and Broadway, and a bridge near Scott Carpenter Park. The paved concrete trail from Eben G. Fine Park to Scott Carpenter Park is 2.4 miles long in one direction. Walk, bike, or ride both directions or take the Hop bus to where you started. Look for these signs [include photo or describe], and type the URL or use the QR code at each stop. See what prizes you could earn/programs you can participate in on the Explore Your Watershed webpage.

A young woman with a life vest carries an innertube, walking down steps into a creek.

Splashing Around at Eben G Fine Park

You’re about to cross a bridge that goes over Boulder Creek. Stand on it but stay off to the side – there will likely be other dog walkers, runners, and bikes using the path. First, look east, toward the Main Public Library. Then look behind you to the west, where Boulder Creek comes down from Boulder Canyon. Does the water look calm or rough? Is anyone tubing or kayaking in the river right now?

While a lot of the work the city has done on Boulder Creek since the 1980’s has been focused on improving the health of the stream and preparing for flooding, they also considered recreation. Before the city adopted the Boulder Creek Plan, Boulder Creek was in poor shape. The creek was straightened and had steep sides, and some sections ran dry when too much water was sent into diversions. There were no ways for people to access the water or even walk along it.

Flood Mitigation on Boulder Creek

Compare the before and after photos from the flood mitigation project at Eben G Fine Park. Before, the stream was a narrow channel with tables nearby. Today, the stream is wide with protected areas to enter and swim. There are large Boulders on its sides to keep the banks stable and give people places to play and lounge.

One Creek, Many Uses

Over the years, the city has updated and rebuilt sections of the creek. Every boulder, drop, pool, and turn serves a purpose. They made space so the creek could handle floods or high stream flows, provided fish habitat, slowed water down for kids to splash around, and sped it up for an exciting kayak ride. Learn more about how to protect yourself and our waterways while playing outdoors.

Take another look off both sides of the bridge. What do you think each section of the creek was designed for?