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Volunteer for the Historic Preservation Commission

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Are you interested in Parker’s history? Are you looking for a way to get involved in your community? Volunteer alternate positions are available on the Historic Preservation Commission.

The Historic Preservation Commission is an advisory commission that is responsible for landmarking eligible Parker properties and fostering civic pride through education and creating awareness of the Town’s unique historic resources and heritage. Regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Town Hall, 20120 E. Mainstreet.

Overview
Over the years, Parker has continued to grow and now boasts a population of over 48,000. With the prosperity of growth comes the concern for the preservation of our past. Learn more about preserving our hometown feel and Parker’s background and history as Pine Grove before it became present day Parker.

4th of July

Sulphur Barn

Pine Grove School

Parker Main Street 1890sMainstreet 1946

Slemmer Barn

From Pine Grove to Parker

Did you know that Parker can trace its history back to 1862? Pine Grove, as it was then known, was a thriving community where many families established dairy farms while others raised cattle and horses.  The Town of Parker can trace its beginnings to 1862 when Alfred Butters built a 1-room building in a grove of pine trees about a mile south of the present-day Mainstreet. The cabin became a place to purchase provisions and a refuge for weary travelers along the Cherokee Trail.
Although it was not a post office as we recognize one today, messages and letters could be left there for other travelers. In 1864, the “post office” was sold and moved to the 20 Mile House site near Parker Road and Mainstreet in present-day Parker. The 20 Mile House was the sixth in a series of mile houses, or way stations, on the Cherokee Trail between Denver City and Pine Grove, Parker’s original name.

The Cherokee Trail followed Cherry Creek into Denver and brought travelers from many southern and eastern states using the Arkansas River route. Later, the Smoky Hill South Trail, a more direct but problematic route, brought in people from the Missouri River area.

Read the extended version of Parker’s history.

Oral History Program
In an effort to collect first-hand accounts of the history of Parker for the record, the Town works with Douglas County to conduct interviews with longtime residents.

Know someone who should be interviewed? Email us!

Planning Commission
Parker’s Planning Commission is charged with hearing historic-related matters which support efforts to safeguard the Town’s historic heritage. The Town is also committed to fostering civic pride through education and creating awareness of the Town’s unique history and legacy. The Commission is also responsible for recommending to the Town Council historic resources that should be listed asParker Landmarks.

 

Parker Mourns the Loss of 2nd Legend Teen

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Max Gantnier had been in the hospital since he fell into the water on Jan. 14.

He has been battling brain trauma and was taken off life support over the weekend. He passed away Monday afternoon. The Douglas County School District Crisis Team will be at Legend High School Tuesday to help anyone who needs support. You can also call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or visit www.coloradocrisisservices.org. one town one family #OneTownOneFamily Legend Strong Parker Colorado Services for Patric Lantz  will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at 11:30am with a reception to follow at: St. Thomas More Catholic Parish 8035 South Quebec Street Centennial, Colorado 80112

Continued prayers for the families.

On Monday, a letter was sent by Principal Jason Jacob to the Legend community, saying: Dear Legend Families, This is an extremely difficult time for our Legend family and I want to keep you updated with the latest information regarding the tragic ice incident on January 14. It is with incredible sadness that I share that Max Gantnier has passed away. Max was battling brain trauma and was taken off life support over the weekend. He passed away this afternoon. As we continue to grieve, we know the Parker community is here to support the three families affected by this tragedy. The District Crisis Team will be at Legend during school tomorrow to help anyone who needs support. Legend is here for all of our students, staff and families. If you need additional support, you may call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 (TALK) or visit www.coloradocrisisservices.org. I also want to provide you with some helpful information as you answer the questions your child may have when dealing with this tragedy. During this period of sadness, you may notice a variety of reactions from your child. You may find your child unusually talkative or quiet. Your child may ask a lot of questions, be anxious, or may want to cling to you more than usual. You may also notice no reaction from your child. Children can experience a wide range of feelings and behaviors that are normal when dealing with this kind of tragedy. Any of these may be signs of the need for a little extra support. As parents, you are the very best support system in meeting your child’s needs. You can provide the best explanation that fits with your values and beliefs. Knowing what to say to your child is often difficult. When no other words come to mind, a hug and saying, “This is really hard for all of us,” may provide comfort. You may wish to have a family discussion to talk briefly about loss of life and to acknowledge any feelings that may surface. If you need additional guidance in discussing this situation with your child, please go to www.dcsdk12.org/intervention-and-support. I am truly saddened by this loss and know it will affect our school community, especially given all that Legend has been through this year. It is important for us to remember to lean on each other and provide help as needed. As always, thank you for your continued support. I know we will get through all of this together. Sincerely, Jason Jacob

Tragedy struck Parker last night when one of three teenage boy from Legend High School pulled from an icy pond Thursday afternoon died, Parker Police confirm.

Update: Friday January 15, 2016 from Legend High School.

Dear Legend Families,

This is a difficult time for our Legend family and I want to keep you updated with the latest information regarding yesterday’s tragic ice rescue. As was previously shared, three Legend sophomores accidentally fell through the ice of a retaining pond near Tallman Drive and Hilltop Road in Parker.

It is with incredible sadness that I share the news that Patric Lantz has passed away. Max Gantnier was airlifted and remains in the hospital, and Cole Robinson has been released from the hospital and is at home with his family.

I have been in touch with all three families to let them know that the entire Legend community is here to support them. I am also humbled by the outpouring of support shown by all of those who live in Parker and all of Douglas County.

Legend is here for all of our students, staff and families. The District Crisis Team is available to support students, staff and parents at both Legend High School and Iron Horse Elementary School until 3:00 p.m. today (Friday) and during the school day on Tuesday.

As a reminder, we do not have school on Monday due to the observance of the Martin Luther King holiday. If you need support over the long weekend, you may call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 (TALK) or visit coloradocrisisservices.org. 

I also want to provide you with some helpful information as you answer the questions your child may have when dealing with this tragedy. 

First, it is important to acknowledge that everyone responds to loss in a personal way as each new loss surfaces feelings from prior experiences. During this period of sadness, you may notice a variety of reactions from your child. You may find your child unusually talkative or quiet. Your child may ask a lot of questions, be anxious, or may want to cling to you more than usual. These are all signals of the need for a little extra support. You may also notice no reaction from your child. Children can experience a wide range of feelings and behaviors that are normal when dealing with this kind of tragedy. 

Finally, I often talk about how Legend is a family. This is evident every day in our hallways and classrooms. This is especially true on a day like today. Please take care of one another and know that all of us at Legend are here to support you.

Sincerely, 

Jason Jacob Principal Legend High School

“As the Parker Community has learned of the passing of a Legend High School student and the recovery efforts of two other boys, who were involved in Thursday’s ice rescue,  it is the community’s desire to come together for support and prayer.  This evening at 6 pm the Hidden River Clubhouse and surrounding park area will be open for those who wish to gather in this time of sorrow. The DCSD Crisis team is available at Iron Horse Elementary today, until 3pm and will also be present this evening at the gathering of support.”

In Christ, Doug

The incident happened near the intersection of Hilltop Road and Tallman Drive in the Hidden River neighborhood

The boy who died was underwater for more than 35 minutes before rescuers were able to pull him out. This began at 4:25 p.m. when a nearby resident called police. Parker Police spokesperson Chris Peters said officers were there within five minutes. The first officer to respond pulled one of the teens out with a tree branch. Peters says that boy was struggling but conscious, and clinging to the edge of the ice. boy pulled from icy pond in parker colorado A second teen was rescued shortly thereafter. Thirty five minutes after the initial call, the third boy was pulled from the not-quite-iced-over pond and rushed to the hospital, Peters says. Authorities confirmed he had died a few hours later. legend student dies after getting trapped under ice for 35 minutes The Hidden River neighborhood’s homeowner’s association had placed signs near the pond warning people to stay off the ice as you can see in the photo here: Stay off Ice - no wading The Douglas County School District released the following statement about the apparent accident:

“We are incredibly sad to learn of the passing of one of our students involved in Thursday’s ice rescue in Parker. The student attended Legend High School, along with the two other boys involved in the rescue. The DCSD family is keeping these boys and their families in our thoughts. We recognize this will be a very difficult time for our students, staff and families. We will have our district crisis team at Legend High School tomorrow beginning at 8 a.m. for anyone who may need support.”

We will update here with the condition of the boys and the names when they are released. We ask that everyone be respectful of the families and friends who are mourning this loss.

legendstrong

Art in Public Places sculpture dedication at the Parker PD

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Sculpture Dedication at Parker Police Station

Parker Police Department eagle sculpture town of parker co

In June 2010, artist Adam Schultz was commissioned to produce an innovative public art sculpture for the Town of Parker’s new Police Station. Schultz’s creation, “Freedom through Safety,” is complete and will be dedicated on Jan. 19 at 4:30 p.m. at the Parker Police Station, 18600 Lincoln Meadows Pkwy.

Parker Police Station
18600 Lincoln Meadows Pkwy
Parker, CO 80138

The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony and meet the artist. The event is hosted by the Art in Public Places Committee, the group that was involved in the artist selection process. 

The powerful sculpture features a life-sized bronze eagle in flight, held aloft 14 feet in the air on two vertical stainless steel pillars.

One pillar represents safety and the other symbolizes strength. The base of the sculpture includes a “circle of hands” — tiles pressed with handprints of local community members from young children to senior citizens, metaphorically representing the support and involvement of the community. Many of the local community members whose handprints are on the sculpture will be present at the dedication.

Parker Police Department Eagle Sculpture dedication parker colorado

Adam Schultz was born in Detroit in 1966, but for the last 20 years Schultz has been living and sculpting in Loveland, Colorado. His bronze and stone sculptures have been placed all over the U.S., and he has been commissioned to sculpt animals, portraits, memorials and monuments for both private and public collections.

 

ARTIST COMMISSIONED FOR PUBLIC ART AT NEW POLICE STATION

PD_Public_Art_2.jpg

The Town is pleased to announce that artist Adam Schultz has been commissioned to produce an innovative public art sculpture for the Town’s new Police Station, which will open in October 2010.
Schultz is creating a powerful sculpture of an eagle in flight, wrought in bronze. With bold lines and a beautiful and original design, it symbolizes freedom, protection and the spirit of America. The life-sized eagle will be held aloft 14 feet in the air on two vertical, stainless steel pillars. One pillar will represent safety and one will symbolize strength. The base of the sculpture will include a “circle of hands” — tiles pressed with handprints of local community members from young children to senior citizens, metaphorically representing the support and involvement of the community. A call for artists went out in April, which resulted in the Town receiving 16 proposals.
The Art in Public Places committee met and selected five artists to interview. The six-member committee, along with three members of the Police Department staff, unanimously recommended Schultz to Town Council. Council approved the recommendation on Monday, May 24. Adam Schultz was born in Detroit, MI, in 1966. His bronze and stone sculptures have been placed all over America. For the last 20 years, Adam has been living and sculpting in Loveland, Colorado. He has been commissioned to sculpt animals, portraits, memorials and monuments for both private and corporate collections.
For additional information about Public Art in Parker, please visit www.ParkerRec.com or contact Kelly Kuper at 303.434.1560.

Wildlife Experience is part of the Liniger Building-CU South

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The Wildlife Experience is now part of the Liniger Building at CU South Denver at the same location.

Their community and K-12 education programs and special and seasonal events for children, adults and families will continue.

Click here for dates and information about Movie & a Martini – Whiskey & a Movie .

Liniger Building - Wildlife Experience CU South Denver Campus

The Wildlife Experience was founded in 2002 as a wildlife art and natural history museum serving as a cultural center and community asset for south metro Denver. The 151,000-square-foot, mission-style building is home to an impressive wildlife art collection and Globeology, an exhibit featuring open dioramas interpreting eight biomes of the world.

They continue strive to inspire a new generation of conservationists and outdoors enthusiasts by bringing visitors closer to wildlife and fostering the desire to experience the outdoors through high-quality exhibitions and many education programs.

The state-of-the-art theater features RealD technology, bringing amazing clarity and depth to 3D films. Click for films and show times.

Hours

The Wildlife Experience is open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.  Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Price

General Admission Theater Only Combo*
Adults 13-64 $10 $9 $14
Seniors 65+ $9 $8 $13
Children 3-12 $6 $6 $9
Children under 3 FREE FREE FREE

Groups of 10 or more can receive a group discount.

* Combo: One General Admission and one movie; or two movies.

CU South Denver has a no-refund, no-exchange policy. All sales are final. Refunds will be given only if the CU South Denver cancels a program.

Special Needs

The theater is wheelchair accessible. In addition, hearing-impaired sound amplification headsets are available. For more information, contact the admissions desk at 720-488-3336.

PRESS RELEASE CU RECEIVES LANDMARK GIFT

The University of Colorado has received the largest real estate donation in the institution’s 138-year history. The $40 million gift of The Wildlife Experience facility in Douglas County from Dave and Gail Liniger and their family will allow CU to expand its new CU South Denver presence.

Dave Liniger is the chairman emeritus of The Wildlife Experience and co-founder of REMAX International, Inc.

The Liniger gift builds on the collaboration that began in April when the Linigers teamed with CU, converting 11,000-square-feet of the 151,000-square-foot facility to classroom and lab space. CU began offering classes there in August, while the popular Douglas County wildlife art and natural history museum continued most of its museum services to the community.

The first classes at the facility are being offered by CU Denver and the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. CU’s Boulder and Colorado Springs campuses are expected to add programs in the future. CU Denver will manage the facility on behalf of the system.

In recognition of the Liniger’s generosity, the CU Board of Regents today approved naming the facility the Liniger Building at the University of Colorado South Denver.

“Dave and Gail Liniger have demonstrated a vision and commitment to serving our community and state that will have a substantial impact for decades to come,” said CU President Bruce D. Benson. “We value the confidence they have in CU and appreciate their transformational gift. The Wildlife Experience has been a cultural touchstone in south Denver and adding higher education will build on its commitment to the community.”

The Wildlife Experience was founded in 2002 and is designed to serve as a cultural and educational center and a community asset for south Denver. The facility hosts exhibits in fine art, natural history and interactive science each year and provides space for private and community events.

“Gail and I are making this gift to CU to provide more services and more value to our south Denver community,” Liniger said. “The museum remains open, events will be held, and the public spaces will be available for rental. The added value now is the easy access to a quality CU education right here in south Denver.”

Some CU classes at the facility are underway and others are scheduled to begin in October. Among the offerings from CU Denver and the CU Anschutz Medical Campus are programs from the Business School, the School of Education and Human Development, the College of Engineering and Applied Science, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Nursing and the Colorado School of Public Health.

“The initial course offerings demonstrate the wide range of educational opportunities CU is bringing to south Denver,” said University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus Chancellor Don Elliman. “CU Denver is proud to be managing this initiative on behalf of the CU system, and we look forward to adding even more options for students with classes and faculty from the CU Boulder and Colorado Springs campuses.”

Lisa Douglas, Associate Vice Chancellor for Budget and Finance at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, has been named vice chancellor of the new facility.

“The University of Colorado’s four campuses will offer a generous supply of quality higher education to serve the residents of south Denver,” Douglas said. “The benefits of combining quality higher education with community service and events are compelling.”

Before entering into the initial collaboration with The Wildlife Experience, CU conducted a market study and interviewed leaders from south Denver’s major employers and professional organizations. The study identified gaps in educational offerings in the south Denver area, which accounts for one-third of the population of metro Denver and is home to a variety of engineering, finance and health-care related companies.

For more information on the initiative, please visit CUSouthDenver.org.

Parker Winters Farmers Market is Open

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The Parker Farmers Market has something for everyone.

This new Indoor Market is Sunday at Sierra Middle School (6651 E. Pine Lane) from 10 am-2 pm. New vendors join regularly bringing you some great products. Baba & Pop’s Handmade Pierogies, Cholua Bros Coffee Roasters, Big E’s BBQ Sauce are just a few of the new vendors.

The Parker Farmer’s Market is held every Sunday from Mother’s Day through Labor Day from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Mainstreet is closed to through traffic  with booths all along the historic area, and Nanci even has some entertainment lined up. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of parking near the market, but get there early for the best selection.

With the street closed to vehicle traffic, booths will line both sides of the street providing a true marketplace for all types of food. Many local shops and restaurants will also be open with Sunday morning specials.

Douglas County Libraries plans ground breakings for May

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Library Update:

Douglas County Libraries will break ground on the construction sites of three new libraries on successive Mondays in May. The public is invited to join in the festivities, and hear comments from Library Director Bob Pasicznyuk and the mayors and other dignitaries from each community.

  • Lone Tree: Mon., May 4, 10 a.m., 10055 Town Ridge Dr., east of the Lone Tree Arts Center

  •  Castle Pines: Mon., May 11, 10 a.m., 360 Village Square Lane, south of the current library

  • Parker: Mon., May 18, 10 a.m., 20105 East Mainstreet, north of the PACE Center

Ground breaking events will include coffee and light breakfast, and a special Lego activity to encourage the community to celebrate the spirit of building.

Douglas County Libraries announced plans in 2013 to build three new libraries by early 2016, funded largely by library district savings. For more information on the building projects, including architects’ renderings and virtual tours, visit NoLeafUnturned.org.

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” – Albert Einstein

new home of the parker library parker co

The Town of Parker and the Douglas County Library announced today that these two entities have partnered together to make the dream of a new library in Parker a reality.

The New Parker Library will join the PACE Center at the East end of Mainstreet on the Kime property.

“The town is pleased to be able to partner with Douglas County Libraries to bring this important community amenity to fruition,” said Town of Parker Mayor. “With the Parker Library’s 530,000 visitors each year and annual circulation of 1.4 million, the Parker community has clearly demonstrated the priority they place on the library and the services it offers.”

There will be NO NEW TAXES.. really!

Construction of the Parker Library will be funded by Douglas County Libraries’ existing fund reserves, along with an active fundraising campaign. As part of this important new partnership, the Town of Parker intends to set aside the land necessary for the new library, located at the northwest corner of Mainstreet and Pine Drive.

“The Parker Town Council reflects the strong interest of it’s citizens,” said Jamie LaRue, Director of the Douglas County Libraries. “They clamor for more books, more technology, more programs and MORE PARKING!. Town leaders listened to our plans for a new library in Parker and our 3-5 year timeline, and said ‘We think we can make this happen faster. Our citizens want it and it’s a perfect fit for our plans for downtown.’  We’re thrilled to be part of a new creative district and can’t wait to work with our new partners.”

The Douglas County Library is committed to providing opportunities for community input and support and have already kicked off a program of public involvement to provide feedback at NoLeafUnturned.org.

The proposed new libraries will be in the Town of Parker, City of Lone Tree and City of Castle Pines. All are in great need of new library spaces to accommodate their expanding communities. Our leadership team is researching various potential sites in these communities, including opportunities to secure donated land. Parker will be the first to be built because of the “extraordinary vision of the Mayor and Parker Town Council” said Jamie LaRue.

When asked what will this new library have that the current one does not have, both Mayor Mike Waid and Jamie LaRue had the same answers, What do you the citizens in Parker want the new library to have? We are here to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Parker and the surrounding area and want to build the library that you want.

The Douglas County Library invites you to become part of the vision by first completing this survey form. At the end of the form, there is an opportunity to leave your contact information to be placed on a mailing list for updates and/or to volunteer to be part of the brainstorming group that will help to bring what the citizens of Parker want to this new library.

Parker Library Fun Facts

Mark Westen a member of the Douglas County Libraries Board of Directors shared some interesting facts about the Parker library.

  • The Library started in a storefront then the books were moved to a couple of churches in Parker (one of them the old Parker United Methodist Church building on Mainstreet).
  • In 1984 the library was able to open its own building which is now the Parker Water and Sanitation Building across from Ruth Chapel on Mainstreet.
  • In 1995 the old bowling alley was renovated and currently houses the Parker Library. 
  • Parker is the 2nd most visited building in Parker and is the 10th busiest library in all of Colorado. 

Douglas County Libraries by the Numbers

  • Staffed at about the same level as in 2006.
  • Circulates more than 8 million items annually, up from 6.5 million in 2007 (about 24% more).
  • Operates on property-tax revenues that have grown by 2.4% annually since 2007.
  • Serves a population that has grown by 1.3% annually since 2007.
  • Serves more than 2 million visitors a year.
  • Serves more than 230,000 program participants annually.

The design phase of the NEW Parker Library is scheduled to begin this fall, with a groundbreaking in late summer of 2014.

Douglas County Libraries Parker Branch 

Parker Chorale hires Paul Smith as new artistic director/conductor

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The Parker Chorale is excited about the addition of Paul Smith to its staff, as the new Artistic Director/Senior Conductor.

Paul Smith New Artistic Director for Parker Chorale
Paul Smith New Artistic Director for Parker Chorale

The board of the Parker Chorale did an extensive search to find the perfect fit for this growing group started in April of 2010. The group goes on hiatus for the summer but came back for a directing interview where the top candidates directed the chorale. Paul Smith was the perfect match.

Paul’s reputation, experience and warmth made him the perfect fit.  We had many incredible candidates, but Paul seemed to really connect with the group during his audition. Alicia Pope – Chairman/Founder, Parker Chorale

Mr. Smith received his undergraduate degree in instrumental music from Lawrence University in Appleton Wisconsin in 1971.  In the mid-1970’s, he attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and earned an MME degree in choral music.  At CU, Paul studied voice with Dr. Barbara Doscher, and choral conducting and literature with Dr. Lynn Whitten.

He has spent most of his professional life teaching high school choral music.  After several years in Iowa, he taught at Niwot High School in Longmont, Colorado beginning in 1976.  In 1982 he came to the Cherry Creek School District where he directed choirs and musicals at Cherry Creek High School and Overland High School.  He was a member of the cadre that developed Grandview High School and was the choir director and Performing Arts Coordinator there from 1997 through 2004.  Mr. Smith retired from public school teaching in June of 2004.

With the variety of other choral directing experiences Paul Smith has had during his career, adding a community chorale to that list seemed an obvious choice.  He directed choirs at Hope United Methodist Church, Cherry Hills Community Church, and Colorado Community Church.  From 2005 through 2012, he directed the Lamont Men’s Choir and taught classes in choral literature and choral pedagogy at the University of Denver.   For the past four years, Mr. Smith has worked with Young Voices of Colorado, directing the Boychoir for three years and beginning this year, directing VoiceMale, a choir for young men with changed and changing voices.

He is very excited to begin his tenure as director of the Parker Chorale this fall, in preparation for their holiday concert “A Classic Parker Holiday” with the Parker Symphony Orchestra, Dec. 7 & 8, 2013 at PACE Center Parker Arts Culture and Entertainment Center.

Visit their website at ParkerChorale.org for more information on how you can be a part of this 75 voice community chorale in Parker rehearsing at the PACE Center.

Ruth Memorial Chapel 100th Anniversary

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Ruth Chapel Mainstreet Parker Co

If you fell in love with the adorable little white chapel on Mainstreet the first time you came to Parker you aren’t alone. This structure has been here for 100 years this month and continues to be a bedrock of the historic downtown district.

You are invited to come and celebrate with the Parker Historical Society on March 18, 2013, from 10 a.m. – Noon.

There will be historic tours, classic treats, an art show and carriage rides.

Mark your calendar to take advantage of this fun and educational experience.

The very early settlers in the Pine Grove / Parker area had little opportunity for religious services. Most of the time religious services were held in the home and occasionally a circuit rider, an itinerant preacher of the Protestant faith would come to the area and gather their flocks at a local schoolhouse for a service. Evidence of such an event was published in the Castle Rock Record Journal of October 31, 1888. “In response to our small pleading in last weeks issue of this Journal, l there were religious services held in the Parker School House Sunday afternoon last week. We understand they are to continue one Sunday of each month. Let the good work go on.” Periodic services were also held from time to time in the Hill Top and Allison School Houses. The two earliest circuit riders were John L. Dyer and a Mr. McClure.

Services began being held on a regular basis when in 1909 the Reverend Shay and family moved to the area and began holding weekly Sunday services at the Allison School House. About the same time, a Reverend Varner and family purchased a ranch in the area. He ultimately became involved in church activities. The Reverend Varner officiated at the funeral of James S. Parker. As the population in the area was increasing steadily, in 1911, talk of a regular church building began being proposed. By February of 1912 action committees were formed for the building of a church. Trustees for the new church were to be as follows; Dr. Walter L. Heath, Walter M. Lewis, Neil M. Duncan, J. H. Bassell, Edward W. Hoskins, and F. B. Hood.

A site made up of land donations by George Parker and R. Walter L. Heath was acquired. Work was begun in late February of 1912. In March of that year, Dr. Heath passed away suddenly.

The Name Ruth Memorial was chosen for the new church in honor of a child of Dr. Heaths who died at an early age.

The first gathering held in the new church was held on June 14th, 1912. Dedication of the new facility was held May 25th, 1913.

This building has been placed on the national register of historic places as well as land-marked by the Town of Parker. This web page material updated in January 2009 by Larry T. Smith.

Parker Historical Society www.parkerhistory.org

 

Mike Waid wins Parker Mayoral Race 2012

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It’s been a rough race this year in Parker with 3 Mayoral candidates and 8 candidates for council to fill only three openings.

The vote tally as of 10 p.m. Tuesday November 6, 2012

Town of Parker Mayor

Votes  – Candidate

Updated 11-8-12*

8,588* –  Mike Waid

5,846* –  Lisa Coe

1,793* –  Adele Laurent

Town of Parker Council Race

Votes     Candidate

7,417* Debbie Lewis

5,679* John Diak

5,580* Joshua Rivero

5,212* Bill Wright

3,014* Ron Fraker, Jr.

3,548* Mark Lane

2,705* Robert Kron

3,674* Bob Roberts

Congratulations to the winners. 

The current council members and Mayor David Casiano will continue in office until mid December.

The new towncouncil will consist of current members:

  • Amy Holland
  • Josh Martin
  • Scott Jackson

and will be joined by

  • Debbie Lewis
  • John Diak
  • Josh Rivero

Most HOA’s in Parker ask that you have your signs down now that the election is over and the Town of Parker is offering recycling as well.

Town of Parker Offers Free Election Sign Recycling

The Town of Parker will be offering free election sign recycling for Parker residents Tuesday, Nov. 6 through Friday, Nov. 16. The recycling site will be located at Salisbury Equestrian Park, 11920 Motsenbocker Road, in the overflow parking lot on the south side of the equestrian arena.

Drop off will be during park hours only, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. This recycling program is limited to election signs – please do not illegally dump any other items at the drop-off location.

For more information, please email publicworks@parkeronline.org or call 303.840.9546.