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RTD Service Changes to FlexRide in Parker Colorado

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The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is proposing service changes to its FlexRide on-demand bus service that would offer expanded hours of operation for its Parker route.

The proposed extended hours of service would be from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, in order to offer additional opportunities as more and more residents return to on-site work. The service currently operates between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Customers will have an opportunity to provide feedback about these proposed service changes, which would take effect in January 2022, during three virtual public meetings on Oct. 4 and 5. Meetings will be held on Microsoft Teams (an account is not needed to participate), and customers can also call the below conference numbers to listen in to the meetings.  

VIRTUAL RTD MEETING INFORMATION

OTHER WAYS TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK
You do not have to attend the virtual public meetings to share your thoughts with?RTD.?You?can also provide feedback via phone (303.299.2004), fax (303.299.2227), or email. RTD wants to hear your thoughts and is accepting feedback on the Proposed January 2022 Service Changes through Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021.

Who does what in the Town of Parker

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Many of these events have been temporarily or permanently canceled due to Covid-19. We will update you when the information is announced.

The Town of Parker recently put together this great information sheet about what local entity does what?

The Town of Parker government is proud to provide extensive public services to the residents of Parker. Since we work so closely with other Parker organizations, it is sometimes confusing to residents as to who provides which services. We would like to take this opportunity to give you more information about which local organizations are responsible for the services you depend on.

Town of Parker

The Town of Parker is in charge of “Let Freedom Sing” 4th of July Celebration as well as the Tree Lighting the Day after Thanksgiving and the Christmas Carriage Parade.* canceled for 2021 and possibly permanently. Other local events are run by various other non-profit and business groups such as the Parker Chamber and Rotary Clubs in the area.

Parker Water Services

Water and wastewater services are provided to most Parker residents by the Parker Water and Sanitation District. The District is a separate entity from the Town and determines water rates and watering restrictions. You can contact the District at info@pwsd.org or by calling 303.841.4627.

South Metro Fire Services

Although in some municipalities the fire department is a part of the governing organization, fire protection services in Parker are provided by the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority. South Metro Fire serves an area of approximately 176 square miles in portions of Douglas and Arapahoe Counties. Protection is provided to more than 198,000 citizens. You can find more information about the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority online at www.southmetro.org or by calling 720.989.2000.

Trash Pickup and City Dump

In many areas of Parker, trash services are included in homeowner’s association fees. If you do not live in one of those areas, arranging trash pick-up is the responsibility of the homeowner. Several private companies are listed in the phone book or you may contact your homeowner’s association for more information.

Public Education

Public schools in Parker are a part of the Douglas County School District. The School District determines when and where new schools will be constructed when to build additional school amenities and all other aspects of public education. You can find more information about the School District at www.dcsdk12.org.

Libraries

Douglas County Libraries provides all library services within Douglas County, including regional and neighborhood libraries, educational programs, and events. The Parker Library is located at 10851 South Crossroads Drive. For more information on the Douglas County Libraries or the Parker Library specifically, go to www.douglascountylibraries.org.

Parker Chamber of Commerce

The Parker Chamber of Commerce provides networking and professional development opportunities for local businesses and plans several large community events, including the popular Parker Days event held in June and the Wine Walks. The Chamber can be found online at www.parkerchamber.com or by calling 303.841.4268.

Parker Rotary Clubs

The Rotary club is in charge of The Parker Brewfest and up until 2021, Trick or Treat on Mainstreet however right now the event is in limbo and will not be held this year.

As always, the Town of Parker encourages you to contact your Parker Town Council with questions or comments at 303.841.0353 or by email at council@parkeronline.org.

1st Annual Caddyshack “Be the Ball” Golf Tournament

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Parker Colorado Chamber of Commerce

1st Annual Caddyshack “Be the Ball” Golf Tournament

A Parker Chamber of Commerce Event

Register online at parkerchamber.com. 

May 24, 2021 – Shot Gun 8 a.m.
BlackBear Golf Club

Title Sponsor- $5000
• Includes 2 foursomes ($1200 value)
• 1 year of Chamber Membership or Upgrade ($400 Value)
• Signage at hole (provided by sponsor)
• Banner at Club House (provided by sponsor)
• Provide goodie bags with logo to all golfers (provided by sponsor)
• Recognition at Awards Ceremony
• Logo on Website Golf Event Announcement and Social Media promotions
• First Right of Refusal Next Year’s Event
• Name on Sponsor list
• Includes Breakfast & Lunch
• Includes Appetizers at Award Ceremony

Hole Sponsor- $1000 (18 available)
• Includes 4 players in the tournament ($600 value)
• Includes Breakfast & Lunch
• Signage at the hole (provided by sponsor)
• Table to showcase your product or business
• Banner at the hole (provided by sponsor)
• Banner at Club House (provided by sponsor)
• Name on the Sponsor List
• Marketing Material in 100 Goodie Bags
• Website and Social Media promotions

Breakfast Sponsor- $1500
• Includes 4 players in the tournament ($600 value)
• Set up table at check in
• Provides Breakfast Burritos
• Includes Breakfast & Lunch
• Banner and Marketing Material at Check in (provided by sponsor)
• Marketing Material in 100 Goodie Bags
• Website and Social Media Promotions

Lunch Sponsor- $1500
• Includes 4 players in the tournament ($600 value)
• Includes Breakfast & Lunch
• Cart with Your Banner display (banner provided by sponsor)
• Distribution of Sack Lunches to all Participants
• Banner on Beverage Cart (banner provided by sponsor)
• Marketing Material in 100 Goodie Bags
• Website and Social Media Promotions

Award Ceremony Sponsor ($1500)
• Includes 4 players in the tournament ($600 value)
• Includes Breakfast & Lunch
• Provides Appetizers at Award Ceremony
• Marketing Material in 100 Goodie Bags
• Website and Social Media Promotions

One Foursome – $600 for Chamber Members
One Foursome – $640 for Chamber Members

Name_______________________________________________Phone_________________
Business__________________________________ Name of Sponsorship______________
Check# Total _ Parker Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit
501(c)6organization. (Federal tax ID 84-0721419). A receipt of your donation will be provided via email.
NOTE: Please provide your JPEG logo. You may send the JPEG logo to kara@parkerchamber.com
Parker Chamber Mission: Promote, advocate for, and provide a platform for connection for
businesses in the Parker area. You can help by participating in the Chamber’s 1st Annual
Summer Kickoff Golf Tournament, Monday May 24th at 8am at Black Bear Golf Club.
Cost is $150 per player. Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Awards and

Parker Farmers Market

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The Farmers Market in Parker celebrates its 15th Year on Mainstreet

Opening date Sunday – Mother’s Day every year

farmers market palazzi farms parker co
Farmers Market Palazzi Farms Parker CO

HOURS 8-1 (or sold out)

Parker Farmers Market is held Sundays from Mother’s Day through Mid-October on Mainstreet. 
The road is closed to through traffic from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Vendors prefer cash but many do accept local checks with I.D.

This market attracts a large and noisy crowd with lots of options for supporting local growers and artisans.

Among the treasures you’ll find each week are:

  • fresh vegetables
  • fresh fruit
  • fresh and homemade salsa
  • flowers
  • herbs
  • baked goods
  • fresh bread
  • meats
  • dog treats
  • pasta
  • cosmetics
  • crafts
  • and new vendors each week

If you are hungry the Farmers Market can help you out.

You’ll enjoy ready-made foods like breakfast burritos, quesadillas, samples of food, wine tasting, middle eastern food, Mexican, American, and of course don’t forget to stop at Fika Coffee for your favorite caffeinated beverage.

The Town of Elizabeth has a Farmers Market as well.

It runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. June through September at the corner of Highway 86 and Main Street in Elizabeth.

Rueter-Hess Reservoir

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Celebrate the trails at Rueter-Hess Reservoir; join National Trails Day June 2

 Celebrate National Trails Day at Rueter-Hess Reservoir. Get the chance to explore the scenic reservoir from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 2. The reservoir will be open for hiking and paddling recreational opportunities.

 Guided hikes will be taking place every 60 minutes from 9 to 11 a.m. The hikes will be between 1 mile and 3 miles round trip. The guided hikes will be limited to 30 participants, so registration is recommended. Or, feel free to take a self-guided hike along the 1-mile route. Please keep in mind these are not delineated trails, so bikes and strollers will not be allowed. Additionally, dogs will not be permitted at the reservoir.

 New in 2018 – get a chance to paddle on the reservoir as part of the celebration. Bring your own paddleboard, canoe or kayak. Rentals will also be available. Registration is required, and participants who bring their own watercraft will need to have it inspected by a certified Colorado Parks and Wildlife inspector. Inspections will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

 Head to CRgov.com/trailsday for registration or more information. There will be a fee of $5 per vehicle and $10 for each watercraft.

The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is a nationally recognized trail awareness program that takes place annually on the first Saturday in June. The program is intended to inspire the public to discover, learn about and celebrate trails.

Rueter-Hess Reservoir is located on Hess Road about 1 mile east of Interstate-25 and the Castle Pines Parkway exit. The Town is teaming up with the Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority – which includes the City of Lone Tree, City of Castle Pines, Town of Castle Rock, Town of Parker, Parker Water and Sanitation District and Douglas County – to determine potential outdoor activities for the reservoir.

Currently, the reservoir is open for recreational programming and special events through both the Town of Castle Rock’s and the Town of Parker’s Parks and Recreation departments. Further development will open opportunities for residents to enjoy hiking, biking and non-motorized boating on a regular basis. However, the entire plan will take up to six years to complete. For now, registering for events like National Trails Day is a great way to utilize the reservoir recreationally.

More information about the recreational master plan developed for the reservoir is available at CRgov.com/RueterHessRec. 

Questions about National Trails Day? Contact Natural Resource Specialist Barbara Spagnuolo at BSpagnuolo@CRgov.com. Or, get more information at CRgov.com/trailsday.

Rueter-Hess Recreation Planning

rueter hess reservoir parker colorado recreation visionF.A.Q.’s about the Rueter-Hess Reservoir in Parker Colorado

When will Rueter-Hess Reservoir be done?

The construction of Rueter-Hess Reservoir is complete. The expansion from 16,200 acre-feet to 72,000 acre-feet was completed in March 2012. The dam rises 185 feet above the bedrock and the reservoir will encompass 1170 acres, which is about one and half times the size of Cherry Creek Reservoir.

Where is Rueter-Hess Reservoir located?

It is located about three miles southwest of downtown Parker on Newlin Gulch, which is a tributary drainage of Cherry Creek.

How will Rueter-Hess be used?

The primary purpose of the Rueter-Hess Reservoir is drinking water storage for the Partner Districts in this massive project.  However, recreational uses are currently being explored!

Rueter-Hess Reservoir is a Long-Term Solution

Rueter-Hess Reservoir will serve the District’s ongoing water needs and solve its long-term water shortage problem.

For more information please contact:
Susan Saint Vincent – Director of Business Solutions
18100 E Woodman Drive
Parker, CO 80134
Ph: 303-841-4627

Hours:Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Parker Fundraisers – Officer Dan Brite

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Local business owner Wesley Crespi announced on his Facebook page that he wanted to do a fundraiser at the Coffee Cabin to honor Det. Dan Brite with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was shot by 40 year-old Randall Rodick on Friday afternoon and has spent the past several days in critical condition at Parker Adventist Hospital.

I know Parker is one of the most wonderful communities in the world, and I know that they’re very giving, generous and caring people,” Coffee Cabin owner Wesley Crespi said. Every single dime given through this window, every sale we ring up, it’s my promise to you we will give this to Dan’s family,” Crespi said.

The official plan is to meet at the hospital wearing blue (Please no blue balloons) and plan to car pool and park at Sierra Middle School across the street from the hospital so that there isn’t a traffic jam at the hospital and emergency vehicles and patients are able to access the building. People are asked to gather at the conference center parking lot on the west side of the building. See the map below.

This isn’t the first fundraiser Wes has spearheaded and certainly won’t be the last. People have been flocking to his little coffee shop and stuffing donations inside even when he’s not open. I want you to see Wes’s words so you also see his heart.

This Sunday 9/11 All of the proceeds and the salaries are going to be donated to Detective Dan Brite and his family from the coffee shop and at I would like to get together as many people as possible to meet in the parking lot of Parker Adventist Hospital at 3 PM on Sunday 9/11.

Our goal is to stand outside of Dan’s hospital window so his family, especially his daughter can see the support from our community. Dan’s daughter is devastated as well as the rest of the family, she cannot understand why someone would want to hurt her Dad. The goal here is to show his daughter how important her Dad and all First Responders really are, I want Her to know that Her Dad is not only a HERO, He is also in a very “Exclusive Fraternity” who put their lives before their own to protect our communities. I was fortunate enough to meet with Jason (CO Police Chaplin) and he has offered to lead us all in Prayer, and the Brite family hopes to join us in the parking lot to Pray as well. So I am asking EVERY friend I have, EVERY person that see’s this post to Share it like crazy!!! Let’s show The Brite Family that Parker Colorado Cares and Respects our Police Department as well as all First Responders everywhere. Let’s show Dan’s Daughter that her Dad really is a True Hero and how appreciative we are that he serves our Community with such Honor and Valor.

Thank you and God Bless you all!

Wes

Coffee Cabin
6430 Ponderosa Dr, Parker, CO 80138
(Across the street from Casa Mariachi near Parker Road & Lincoln)

Locals Coffee Shops in Parker CO

 

The Heat is ON St. Patricks Day weekend in Parker CO

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Parker Police Department Sculpture dedication

St. Patrick’s Day has become a celebration of Irish culture in which people of all backgrounds take part in the festivities, which often include alcohol. But far too often, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations end in tragedy because of drunk driving.

Whether your plans include gathering with friends at the local pub, hosting a party, or attending a local parade, the Parker Police Department is urging everyone to designate a sober driver and follow these simple tips:

Designate your sober driver or have an alternate transportation plan before the party begins.
* Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself – eat enough food, take breaks, and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
* If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
* Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive and have had too much to drink.
* Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against other drunk drivers.

If you are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party:

* Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
* Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance or help arrange alternate transportation.
* Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
* Stop serving alcohol sometime before the end of the party and begin serving coffee and dessert.
* Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who has had too much to drink.

The Parker Police Department urges you to celebrate responsibly this St. Patrick’s Day!!

Parker Police Department eagle sculpture town of parker co

The Parker Police Department will assign three dedicated DUI officers during the St. Patrick’s Day weekend for the enhanced detection of impaired driving offenses.
Become a fan of the Parker Police on Facebook! 

Follow Parker Police on Twitter!

Christmas Tree Recycling in Parker CO

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Christmas Tree Recycling Parker for this year

Both green and flocked real trees are accepted. Before dropping off any Christmas trees, remove all plastic tarps, tree stands and nails, ornaments, lights, garland, and tinsel. No artificial trees, garland or wreathes with wire backing will be accepted.

Please drop off during park hours only, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and do not illegally dump any other items at the drop-off location. Commercial tree lot disposal or yard waste is not permitted.

The trees collected by the program will be chipped into mulch, which will be available at no charge to residents around the first week in January. The remaining mulch will be utilized throughout the Town and not discarded in a landfill.

Residents should not place Christmas trees in garbage containers. Keeping trees out of the landfills helps extend the life of landfills and produces a useful resource. The annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program is just one of many ways that Parker residents can reduce, re-use and recycle.

Please contact the Town of Parker at 303.840.9546 with further questions.

Parker Home Town Heroes

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We are going to be using this space to recognize our own hometown heroes who do good in our community. If you know of someone who should be recognized, please let us know.

Scholastic’s Kid Reporter is Parker’s own Amyla Posey!

The award-winning Scholastic News Kids Press Corps™ today welcomed 32 new Kid Reporters, ages 10 to 14, to the country’s oldest and largest student reporting program. The young journalists will report “news for kids, by kids” with coverage of current events, breaking news, entertainment stories, and sports events from their hometowns and on the national stage. The 32 Kid Reporters hail from 20 states across the United States, with international correspondents in Puerto Rico, the Philippines, and Thailand.

The new reporters were chosen by the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps editors from more than 200 student applications, which required students to submit a news report about their local community, ideas for future stories, and a personal essay explaining why they would like to be a Kid Reporter.

We are very proud to announce that the winning student in Colorado is from Parker Colorado! Congratulations to Amyla Posey!

“The Scholastic News Kid Reporters’ stories are a terrific way to engage students with news reported by kids their own age. They’re an invaluable complement to the articles in Scholastic News® magazines and on Scholastic News online, which put contemporary news in a context that’s relevant and age-appropriate for young readers,” said Suzanne McCabe, Editor of the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps. “I’m really looking forward to working with our new team of Kid Reporters and seeing them grow as young journalists.”

In the past, Kid Reporters have interviewed politicians, entertainers, authors, sports stars—and even a sitting President, Barack Obama. They’ve also gathered “Tips from the Pros” from such journalists as Brian Williams and Soledad O’Brien.

For more than 14 years, the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps has delivered “news for kids, by kids.” The Kid Reporter videos and reports will appear in issues of Scholastic’s classroom magazines, which are read by more than 25 million students in classrooms nationwide, and be available on their news site.

Congratulating 7 year old philanthropist TJ!

This adorable young man is continuing in his efforts to help the hungry in Colorado. This summer he held a garage sale and a movie in the park with all proceeds going to the “Hunger Free Colorado” fund.

Second-grader TJwill host a”Parent’s Night Out – Kids In” fundraiser at Parker’s Prairie Crossing Elementary School in Parker Colorado on Friday Dec. 6, 2013 to fight hunger this holiday season.

Parents can drop off their children for a safe and fun movie night, as well as a learning experience about Hunger Free Colorado, for a small donation of $10 per child. Thirty to fifty children are expected to attend.

TJ started a Kids’ Club this past May, with a goal to fundraise and raise awareness for Hunger Free Colorado. Since then, they have raised more than $300 through garage sales and other activities. The 7-year-old philanthropist also joined the Hunger P.O.D. Squad, an engagement opportunity facilitated by Hunger Free Colorado, where people of all ages commit to at least five activities throughout the year to help end hunger in their community, whether it be hosting a fundraiser, volunteering at a local anti-hunger group, participating in a community or school garden, or educating others about the issue.

Hunger Free Colorado is the state’s leading anti-hunger advocacy organization, working to ensure that no Coloradan goes hungry. Learn more at HungerFreeColorado.org.

When: Friday, Dec. 6, from 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Prairie Crossing Elementary School, 11605 S Bradbury Ranch Drive, Parker, CO 80134
Contact: Michelle Ray, cell (720) 432-0255 for more information.

RelyLocal Parker – Closed

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My good friend Michael Harrity a partner in business & crime for what seems like many years but is really only a few… is closing the doors at the end of October on Rely Local Douglas County. He has tirelessly worked for businesses in Parker promoting them through social media, and by word of mouth and on the web. If you weren’t a client of his you missed an opportunity to not only have someone on your marketing team but to know a truly amazingly giving, honest, trustworthy (yes he probably was an Eagle Scout) guy.

Mike is the creator and orchestrator of Cash Mobs in Parker, Live-streaming of the mayoral & town council debate 2 years ago, Live-streaming of the Christmas Parade, Parker Days & the Farmers Market. (Most of which he never got a dime $ for) I just wanted to say thank you MIKE! For all you have done for the small business community in Parker and for all its citizens… so many people have been touched by what you do.

parker chronicle kirk selby mike harrity rely local parker co

He shared this To- Do list this morning (from Susie Wargin) … and this is how he lives his life.

Today’s To-Do List

  1. Practice Kindness
  2. Let go of what I can’t control
  3. Count my blessings
  4. Listing to my Higher Self
  5. Instill calmness around me
  6. Share my light with others
  7. Pass this on to encourage someone else

He is still promoting business using his gifts with video and knowledge of marketing at Loclyz

Loclyz is a Denver-based digital content and media services company focused on helping clients stand out and differentiate themselves.
Follow his company on Twitter & Facebook