The Parker Ice Trail will open for the 2021-22 season on Friday, Nov. 26, weather permitting!
During the winter, the Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park, located next to Parker’s Library on Mainstreet and Pine Drive, is available seven days a week. One of the only ice trails in the country, the Parker skating path meanders through the park reminiscent of a frozen river or canal. Skaters or visitors can stay warm next to any of the three fire pits adjacent to the ice trail, or enjoy hot chocolate while watching skaters pass by. Concessions, skate rental and restroom facilities are available for all patrons visiting the park.
The Parker Ice Trail will open for the 2021-22 season on Friday, Nov. 26, weather permitting!
20115 E. Mainstreet
Normal Ice Trail Hours
M – F: 5 to 9 p.m.
Sa: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Su: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Holiday Hours
Nov. 26: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dec. 17 – Jan. 3
M – Sa: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Su: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Christmas Day: 3 to 7 p.m.
New Year’s Eve: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
New Year’s Day: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Those who don’t wish to skate are invited to keep warm at the firepit near the concessions area.
Admissions and Rentals
10 years and under: $6
11 years and older: $8
Skate Rental: $4
4-Visit Pass: $38 – includes admission and skate rental. Passes can be used for any age and multiple people.
Group Rate (10 or more guests): $7.50/each, includes skate rental
Eight-hour+ days will include a 30-minute closure from 3 to 3:30 p.m. for ice maintenance. Hours are subject to change due to weather and special events. There is no time limit with paid admission. Complimentary ice-skating aids are available first-come, first-served. Lockers available, please bring your own lock.
Ice Trail rules and regulations (PDF) can be found here. For more information, email Bryan Gentilini.
Discovery Park Honored for Downtown Excellence
The Town of Parker’s Discovery Park has been honored by the non-profit organization Downtown Colorado, Inc. with one of the organization’s 2018 Governor’s Awards for Downtown Excellence.
Since 2003, the Governor’s Awards annually recognize outstanding projects and people in Colorado that demonstrate creativity in the face of enormous challenges, unlikely and enduring partnerships, and dedication to community.
Discovery Park, which opened to the public in late 2016, was one of three projects honored in the Governor’s Awards’ “Best Use of Public Space” category. The 1.4-acre site in the heart of downtown Parker is a year-round destination park and community gathering space that features interactive fountains in the summer, a unique ice skating trail in the winter and performances and events throughout the year. The ice trail is one of only a handful of such amenities in the country.
Also accompanying the park are the new Parker branch of Douglas County Libraries, the distinct “Ball and Jacks” public art installation that features larger-than-life sculptures inspired by the classic children’s game, and a four-acre future development site.
Each year, the Governor’s Awards for Downtown Excellence serve as a highlight for Downtown Colorado, Inc.’s IN THE GAME Vibrant Downtown Event, an annual conference for downtown champions, resources and stewards. The honor celebrates the amazing projects and people that are committed to economic and community revitalization in Colorado. The 2018 IN THE GAME event will be held in Boulder April 10 through 13, with the Governor’s Awards being presented on the conference’s final day.
For more information on Discovery Park, visit www.ParkerRec.com/DiscoveryPark or emailrecreation@parkeronline.org.
Our Gorgeous New Parker Library location opened September 24, 2016
The beautifully appointed new building, located at 20105 East Mainstreet, is the last of DCL’s three new locations to open—capping a successful campaign to launch dynamic new libraries and services that enhance lifelong learning.
With nearly 42,000 square feet of space on two stories, there’s something for everyone at this library. Kids can enjoy a dedicated area for interactive play and Storytimes, all library cardholders can play (or work) in the digital creativity lab, and students and professionals can collaborate in high-tech study rooms and meeting spaces. The lounge features café-style seating and laptop vending, and the adjacent learning commons offers adults and students the space to engage in diverse learning activities. The upstairs den with fireplace offers a quiet respite from the more well-traveled areas of the building.
Patrons will also enjoy the library’s drive-through book drop and increased parking—approximately 163 spaces at the building, with more accessible in an adjoining park.
“The Parker community loves its library but hasn’t always loved how difficult it’s been to get in and out of. We designed the new building with them in mind, providing much more parking; easier browsing of materials; nearly triple the space to sit and stay awhile; and more study rooms, meeting rooms and event space,” Long says.
Douglas County Libraries is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning. For more information, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org.
The Boomworm from the 90’s It’s so fun to see the changes of Mainstreet in these old photos. You’ll see the vacant lot is now Parker Station.
On June 14, Governor John Hickenelooper issued an Executive Order that bans all open burning and private fireworks in the State of Colorado. To comply with this order, on Monday, June 18, the Parker Town Council reinstated Parker’s full fire restriction ordinance, including the ban of the use, possession and sale of fireworks.
