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Town of Parker Holiday Lighting Event O’Brien 2023

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Ruth Chapel Mainstreet Parker Colorado

A Town of Parker Signature Event

Celebrate the Season when Parker Lights the LIGHTS!

Bundle up and bring your family and friends to kick off the holiday season at Parker’s Holiday Tree Lighting on the Friday after Thanksgiving, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. in O’Brien Park.

Mayor’s Holiday Lighting

O’Brien Park comes alive for the holidays! Join the Town of Parker for an enchanted evening in O’Brien Park. Gather around the Town Tree and join the Mayor and the Parker Chorale in a Sing-Along to Silent Night to kick off the event. Following Silent Night, the Mayor and Town Council will count down to the Town Tree and Grand Park Lighting. You will love the look and feel as our Town Tree lights up and the park sparkles in white elegance!

Once the park is lit up, it’s time for the fun to begin! Stroll around O’Brien Park and take in the sights of the fun holiday ice sculpture displays following a path to each of the displays.

Along the way, you are bound to run into some holiday characters all of whom will have some sort of story to tell or an activity to show you. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be in town for this festive evening, as will Elsa and Olaf, and you may even spot the “Elf in a Tree!” While you stroll through the park, you can enjoy tasty food from holiday food vendors.

The O’Brien Park Gazebo will come to life with the sounds of the holidays as the Parker Chorale and our local high school choirs sing some of our favorite holiday carols. The Colorado School of Dance performers will showcase one of their dances on stage as well.

This evening is sure to be filled with wonderful holiday memories.

Stage Entertainment Lineup

  • 5:30 p.m. | Winter Wizard has Magical Toys come to life  
  • 5:35 p.m. | Welcome. Parker Chorale opens the evening with Silent Night. Following Silent Night, the Mayor and Town Council will count down to the Town Tree and Grand Park Lighting
  • 5:45 to 5:55 p.m. | Parker Chorale sings more songs
  • 6:00 to 6:15 p.m. | Colorado School of Dance – Nutcracker 
  • 6:20 to 6:30 p.m. | Chaparral High School Choir
  • 6:35 to 6:45 p.m. | Lutheran High School Choir
  • 6:50 to 7 p.m. | Legend High School Choir 
  • 7 p.m. | Closing remarks and drawing for a Big Screen TV

Activities 

  • Holiday ice sculpture displays are stationed throughout the park
  • Holiday walk-around entertainment featuring magical toys and a Winter Wizard, all of whom have a story to tell or an activity to show you. 
  • Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be in Town for the evening!
  • Returning this year….the community has the chance to decide what our amazing ice sculpture vendor will create during his live ice carving demonstration!  Keep an eye on the Town’s Facebook page (@TownofParkerCO) to vote for your favorite and then come to the event to see if your favorite won!

Parking

West Victorian Drive and the O’Brien Park parking lot will be unavailable for event parking and Victorian Drive from Longs Way to Mainstreet will be closed from 3:30 p.m. through 8 p.m. Event attendees can seek other public parking opportunities throughout the Downtown area. 

Public parking is just a short walking distance from the park. Parking at Parker Town Hall, PACE Center, Discovery Park or the Schoolhouse parking lot is a great way to stroll through Downtown on your way to and from the event. Or, you can park west of Parker Road and walk through Kieffer’s Crossing, an underground tunnel that helps pedestrians avoid crossing South Parker Road. The tunnel is between Taco Bell/Long John Silver’s and Colorado State Bank and Trust. 

Trick or Treat on Mainstreet Now Trunk or Treat Off Mainstreet

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Trunk or Treat off Mainstreet is FREE of charge but you do need to register.

This Halloween tradition that has been run by the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club for years is now in all-new hands. The Downtown Business Alliance of Parker is bringing some new ideas to this event that the entire community looks forward to each year.

WHEN & WHERE

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Event time – 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Location – Parker Station Rear Parking Lot

Stop by 1 PM to 2 PM for a Sensory Sensitive Trick or Treat hour. 
Enjoy Trick or Treating until 6 PM. 

Please bring a donation of food or money to help us fill the shelves at Parker Task Force. 

Attendees will pre-register for the event with a timed entry. Timed entry is designed to allow a fun & enjoyable flow throughout the event. All families will receive a swag bag at check-in for the parents with all vendor swag. Kids will get to trick or treat at your trunks.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER If you have any questions please email admin@downtownparker.com
(All times are now full).

Kids of all ages are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters whether it be astronauts and princesses,  pumpkins or football players all are welcome to join in the festive fun. Well-behaved dogs in costume are welcome.

truck or treat off mainstreet

Mainstreet is frightfully fun with ghouls and goblins throughout the land… so set off on your quest for sweets. 

The PACE Center has authorized its lot to be used which is located at 20000 Pikes Peak Ave, Parker, CO 80138, There is street parking around the PACE Center and down Pikes Peak Court and Pikes Peak Drive. 

H2O’Brien Parking Lot will be open for use. 

Be sure and bring your camera to snap keepsake fall shots of all the fun your family is having and a Trick or Treat bag to hold all your tasty treasures.

Our favorite moment from past Trick or Treat off Mainstreet: Thriller Flash Mob, watch for rumors of the time to be revealed on social media.

The decades-old Trick or Treat on Mainstreet event has been a tradition for lots of families in Parker but with the growth and traffic concerns changes are being made. Not only will the event be OFF Mainstreet this year, but it’s also happening the Saturday before Halloween instead of on the date. I think that’s a great change. This part of the Halloween celebration will be in the Parker Station parking lot.

They are now registering vendors for the event. Please email admin@DowntownParker.com for more information.

Adults are encouraged to dress up and walk up and down Mainstreet using the tunnel that goes underneath Parker Rd. There will be Music on Mainstreet and all the bars on the route will also have drink specials we encourage all Zombies & friends to stop in.

Participants are encouraged to use the tunnel under Parker Road for the safety of Pedestrians and Vehicles.

trick or treat on mainstreet parker co

TRUNK OR TREAT OFF MAINSTREET VENDOR INFO

1 – WHAT IS THE TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT?

Our Trunk or Treat off Mainstreet event is a Parker Tradition with a spin. We have the Rear Parking Lot off Parker Station as a secure safe location for children & families to come trick or treat, hear music, see entertainment and just have fun. 

Trunk or Treat is easier on our Vendors as you will be decorating your vehicle versus setting up a booth. Easier set up and take down plus fun for everyone. 

2- WHAT IS MY COMMITMENT AS A VENDOR?

  • Bring your Car/Truck/Van and decorate the trunk for Halloween
  • Bring enough goodies to hand out to 1,500 kids (we’re limiting entries to 1500 children per Parker Police request)
  • Some examples: Candy, Rub on Tattoos, Stickers, Bracelets, Glow sticks, bouncy balls, etc.  
  • As a Sponsor, we are giving you an opportunity to place your own items in the Parents Swag Bags that each family will receive at check-in.
  • Examples are business cards, literature, coupons, specials, swag etc.
  • Cost for a vendor spot is $25 for DBA Members or $40 for non-DBA members

Overall we priced out this event & it should cost a vendor total of around $500.

3- DETAILS FOR THE EVENT:

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Event time – 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Location – Parker Station Rear Parking Lot

Attendees will pre-register for the event with a timed entry. Timed entry is designed to allow a fun & enjoyable flow throughout the event. All families will receive a swag bag at check-in for the parents with all vendor swag. Kids will get to trick or treat at your trunks.

4- DECORATING CONTEST:

We will be taking pictures of each vendors decorated trunk and will be having a contest for the best decorated trunk. The winner will be selected by our committee and will receive a gift card to one of our local restaurants. SO bring your best!

The finalists and winners will be posted onto our social media accounts with the hashtag #TrunkOrTreatParker

5- VENDOR REGISTRATION & PAYMENT:

To register for this event please email: Admin@DowntownParker.com

We will then get you registered, send an invoice for payment and send you the welcome email with further details and information for vendors.

Senior Stroll in Parker Colorado May 31, 2023

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Each year, older adults across the country participate in local fitness activities as part of the annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day®.

senior stroll parker co

National Senior Health & Fitness Day – Senior Stroll

On Wednesday, May 30, an estimated 100,000 older adults will participate in local fitness activities throughout the country as part of the 25th annual National Senior Health & Fitness Day®, the nation’s largest health and wellness event for older adults.

To celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day, Parker Parks and Recreation hosts the annual Senior Stroll. This free event features a one-mile fun walk on a paved trail around O’Brien Park, delicious refreshments, socializing with friends, exciting prize giveaways and interacting with local business vendors that put an emphasis on senior health and wellness. 

Date: May 31, 2023
Time: TBD
Location:  /256/Salisbury-Equestrian-Park-Sports-Complex Salisbury Park, 11920 Motsenbocker 
Cost: FREE; registration is required.

Registration opens on March 1, 2023.

To celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day, Parker Parks and Recreation hosts the annual Senior Stroll. This free event features a one-mile fun walk on a paved trail, delicious refreshments, socializing with friends, exciting prize giveaways, and interacting with local business vendors that put an emphasis on senior health and wellness. 

Volunteer Opportunities

Click here Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteer Opportunities (www.VolunteerParker.org) for this event volunteer opportunity. Email recevents@parkeronline.org with questions about volunteering.

Additional Information

For event questions, please email Heather Ballantyne at hballantyne@parkeronline.org or call 303.805.3208. For sponsorship and vendor information, please email Jaime Vollertsen at jvollertsen@parkeronline.org or call at 303.805.3267.

“Older adults at all levels of physical fitness are encouraged to participate in National Senior Health & Fitness Day,” says Patricia Henze, National Senior Health & Fitness Day program manager. “Our goals for Senior Day are to make exercise fun, to increase awareness of the benefits of a regular exercise program for older adults, and to encourage all older adults to take advantage of the many health and fitness programs offered in their communities.”

Senior Resources for Douglas County

Christmas Eve Church Services in Parker Colorado 2023

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Ruth Chapel Parker CO Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Church Services

Parker Colorado Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Church Service Times

Of course, this year will be different than any other so please click the link for full information. Masks indoors will be required at all in-person services. Many of the churches haven’t updated their websites to include their Christmas Eve services.

If you don’t have a regular church home, Christmas Eve services are a great time to visit and check it out. If you are looking for a smaller church check out the ones with only one or two service times.

  • Crossroads Community Church
    Christmas Eve December 24th, 1,3, & 5 pm – Seating will be available the Main Auditorium, the East Auditorium, Camp Faith, and the Multi-Purpose area. This will not be a candlelight service. They will have regular services on Sunday, December 26 at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. There will be no Children’s Ministry or Student Ministry programming on December 26.
  • Grace Lutheran Church
    Christmas Eve Service of Lesson and Carols – December 24, 4, 5:30, 7, 10:30,p.m. Communion Service 10:30 p.m.
  • Parker Evangelical Presbyterian Church PEPC
    Christmas Eve  – 3:00 outdoor hillside service, 5:00, 7:00 p.m. Indoor social distanced services.
  • Parker United Methodist Church PUMC 
    • Blue Christmas Service – Christmas isn’t a joyful time for everyone. Some folks have lost loved ones around the holidays, or have difficult experiences and memories surrounding this time of year. Honoring these feelings is very important so we’ll be sharing a Blue Christmas service on December 19th at 5:30 p.m.
    • Christmas Eve Services – Please join us for Christmas Eve worship at 2, 4, 6, and 8 p.m. Families with children will really enjoy the 2 p.m. service. The 4 and 6 p.m. services will have a traditional feeling and performances from our fine arts teams, and our 8 p.m. service will be held outside in our parking lot. All services will have candlelight! 
    • Kids Live Nativity – Hey kids, we need you to be part of the Christmas Eve service at 2pm! We need narrators, sheep, shepherds, angels, wise people and of course Mary and Joseph. All ages are welcome! We will be singing “Go Tell It On The Mountain” Please watch the YouTube video for words and hand motions. Please contact Noelle Allison if your kids are interested in participating, noelle@parkerumc.org
    • Christmas Eve Workshop
      Families, join us on Christmas Eve for worship! We are having a special family service at 2 pm and family-friendly services at 4 & 6 pm plus a special condensed outdoor service at 8 pm.  At 3 pm check out the Christmas workshop in the Fellowship Hall. It’s full of crafts and is a place for kids to be kids. 

You can click on the links for each church for more information map and directions.

If I have left any churches off the list or made an error, please post in the comments. Merry Christmas Everyone

Adult Pickleball at the Parker Fieldhouse

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Adult Pickleball

Looking for something new? Try pickleball! Pickleball is a racquet sport which combines badminton, tennis and table tennis. The sport is played on a smaller court with a net that’s just a bit lower than a tennis net and is played with a hard paddle and a whiffle ball. 

Pickleball is accessible to a wider range of players than tennis, particularly children, and seniors because it is played on a smaller court and the speed of pickleball is slower than that of tennis. If you haven’t played before, they will teach you. If you have played, there is good competition to be had. It can be played both indoors and outdoors.

The Parker Fieldhouse offers drop-in pickleball for ages 18 and older. Paddles and balls are available. The program does not take place during school breaks. Call 303.805.6300 for more information.

For more information or to register, visit www.ParkerRec.com or contact Bob Bullock at bbullock@parkeronline.org or 303.805.6311.

Advanced and Intermediate Play
Days: Monday – Friday
Time: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

General Time of Year: September through April. Skip dates include Douglas County School Closures
Location: Parker Fieldhouse
Cost: $6 Adults, $5 Seniors (62+)

Open Play – SUMMER ONLY
Days: Monday Evenings
Time: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Location: Parker Fieldhouse
Cost: $6 Adults, $5 Seniors (62+)

Outdoor Drop-In Pickleball Schedule

Players must bring their own paddles and balls. 

Days: Monday – Sunday
Time: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Parker Recreation Center
Cost: Free

 Location: Parker Recreation Center Facility: PRC – Aux Gym (Full)

Price: $5.00 (Resident)
$6.00 (Non-resident)
Ages: At least 10 but less than 100
Gender: Coed
Spaces: Unlimited openings

Holiday Drop-in Pickle Ball for your family

Spend time with your family this holiday season playing Pickleball with Parker Recreation! We offer drop-in play for families and friends over winter vacation.

Players of all levels are welcome. Participation is limited to ages 10 and up, as younger kids struggle with racquet strength and control and gameplay. Instruction will be available as needed for beginners. We will have three courts available at the Parker Recreation Center.
Notes:

Swing by the Recreation Center at a time that works for you between 9 and 11 a.m.

Dates TBA

Drop-in rates apply. No registration is taken for this activity. Space is limited as drop-in play is taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

All equipment will be supplied.

PickleBall parker recreation center

Pickleball Schedule

Advanced and Intermediate Play
Days: Monday – Friday
Dates: Sept. 3 – Dec. 19
Time: 8 a.m. to 12;30 p.m.
Location: Parker Fieldhouse
Cost: $6 Adults, $5 Seniors (62+)

Fall Outdoor Drop-In Pickleball Schedule) 

Days: Monday – Sunday
Dates: Sept. 2 – Nov. 30
Time: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Parker Recreation Center
Cost: Free

Pickleball Lessons (TBA)

Jump on the pickleball bandwagon and start em young! Participants will learn proper hitting techniques, pickleball rules, philosophy, scoring, and instructional play. Once complete, participants will be able to test their skills against grandma and grandpa!

It is one of the fastest-growing recreation sports for both drop-in and tournament play. It is catching on across the nation and played by all ages making this the perfect family sport.

Pickleball combines skills from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and is played with a whiffle ball and a paddle on a badminton-size court

Notes: All equipment will be supplied. Participation is limited to ages 10 and up, as younger kids struggle with racquet strength and control and gameplay.

Beginner Bootcamp – Adult

Description: Pickleball Boot Camp sessions are designed to teach the basics of pickleball to beginners, focusing on game philosophy, general rules, and proper form and technique.
Once boot camp is completed, players practice what they’ve learned during instructional play! These sessions will focus on game situations with instructors monitoring and assisting participants to increase their skills. Instructional play is included in the boot camp registration.
Please contact Bob at bbullock@parkeronline.org or 303.805.6311 for questions.
Level of Instruction: Beginners Adults
Skills/Fundamentals Learned: Participants will learn:

  • Proper hitting techniques
  • Pickleball rules
  • Game philosophy
  • Scoring
  • Instructional play

Contractor/Instructor: Archie Aquino has played tennis for several years rising to a 5.0 level tennis player. Using her tennis skills, she transitioned to pickleball and is recognized as an advanced player in the Parker Pickleball program, where she now serves as one of two pickleball instructors for the Parker Parks and Recreation Department. She is also a certified pickleball instructor through the USAPA. Along with English, Archie speaks German and Tagalog/Filipino.
David Lissy has been playing pickleball for about six years and teaching for three. David has an MA degree in Curriculum and Instruction and has written a pickleball curriculum used in his boot camps and clinics. He grew up in the suburbs west of Chicago playing a multitude of sports including baseball, football, basketball, tennis, golf, table tennis, hockey, swimming, biking, and running. David’s claim to fame during this time was winning his grade school’s table tennis championship! David’s main focus for teaching is to pass the enjoyment of the game along to new players.
Notes:

All equipment will be supplied.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing recreation sports for both drop-in and tournament play. It is catching on across the nation and played by all ages making this the perfect family sport. Pickleball combines skills from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and is played with a whiffle ball and a paddle on a badminton-size court.

Learn more about pickleball

Part I: The basics

Part II: A game for everyone

Part III: Brief history

Part IV: The layout of the court

Part V: Equipment

Part VI: Appropriate apparel

Part VII: Places to play pickleball in your area

International Federation of Pickleball
Find rating descriptions for the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP).

Days and times vary during school breaks. Please call 303.805.6300 for current availability.

Interested in staying up to date on dates, times, competitions and other information? Join the Parker Pickleball Group on Facebook and never miss an update again!

Additional Information
Contact Bob Bullock for more information.

Places to Play in South Denver

Beck Rec Center
Aurora, CO 80011
800 Telluride St.
303-739-6888
TT – 6pm-8pm

Buck Com. Rec. Ctr.
Littleton, CO 80120
2004 W. Powers Ave
303-797-8787.
TT – 1-4 pm
Sun – 4-6 pm

Cornerstone Park
Englewood, CO 80120
5150 Windermere St. Outdoor Crts SE
Corner of park

Crestridge Park 2 Outdoor
Aurora, CO
E. Yale & S. Elkhart

Englewood Rec. Ctr.
Englewood, CO 80110
1155 W. Oxford
303-762-2680
12-1 Tuesday
12-3 Thursday

Goodson Rec. Ctr.
Centennial, CO 80121
6315 S. University B
303-798-2476
Monday 3-5 all
Tuesday 1-4:30 all
Thursday 1:45-4:30all
Friday 3:30-6:30all
6:30-10 Adv
Sunday 1-3 Beg. & 3-6 Adv.

Highlands Ranch S. Ridge Rec. Ctr.
Highlands, CO 80130
4800 McArthur Ranch Rd.
303-471-7020
MWF – 11-2:00

Lilley-Gulch Rec. Ctr.
Littleton, CO 80123
6147 S. Holland Way
303-409-2500
TT 12:30-2:30
Sun 1:30-3:30

Lone Tree Rec. Ctr.
Lonetree, CO 80124
10249 Ridge Gate Cr
303-708-3500
TTF – 1-4
Sun – 3-6

Malley Senior Ctr.
Englewood, CO 80113
3380 S. Lincoln St.
303-762-2660
Monday 11:30-1 Beg & 1-4:00
Friday 11-1 Beg & 1-4:00
Saturday – 9am-1pm

Ridge Rec. Ctr.
Littleton, CO 80127
6613 S. Ward St.
303-409-2337
MTu Friday 8:30-11
Sun. 9-11 Beg. – 11-1 Adv.

Trails Rec Center
Centennial, CO 80016
16799 E, Lake Ave
303-269-8400
Thursday – 10-12

Parker Library Updates 2021

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DCL summer camps help kids make up for lost social, learning time

Summer camp is the perfect place for kids to be kids, especially after the last year of evolving school schedules and modified activities. Douglas County Libraries is excited to offer an array of in-person summer camps for kids ages 4-11 at Camp DCL, June 7-August 6. Kids can connect with peers, have fun, and expand their skills and knowledge through interactive, hands-on activities, with precautions in place for health and safety.

“It’s been a year of back and forth for our kids, shuffling between in-person and remote learning and missing friends and activities that help them thrive,” said Kristen Kallio, Special Events Supervisor at DCL. “We’re excited about our Camp DCL options this summer, and we want every camper to have a great experience.”

DCL’s summer camps are available at six locations—Castle Pines, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker, and Roxborough. Registration for the weeklong camps is open at DCL.org/camp-dcl. There are also a few spots remaining for DCL’s spring break camps in Lone Tree and Parker, March 15-19.

At DCL, campers can explore cooking, coding, robotics, art, engineering, science, and LEGO adventures. Some of the summer camps offered include:

  • Rollercoaster Science Camp
  • Kinderbots Robotics Camp
  • Mission to Mars and Adventures in Space Science Camps
  • We Love Pets! and There’s No Place Like Space! Art Camps
  • Castles, Kingdoms & Wizards and Basics of Minecraft LEGO Camps
  • High-Flying Catapults Engineering Camp
  • Kids’ Cooking Network and Cameras, Cooks & Kids Film Camps
  • Gaming With Scratch Coding Camp
  • And many others

Visit DCL.org/camp-dcl for the full list of summer camps as well as spring break camp openings.

Parents can choose from half-day camps or full-day camps (at select DCL locations, at a 10% discount). All camps are facilitated by subject matter experts and are supported by trained DCL staff and volunteers.

DCL adheres to all state and local health department guidelines for operations and events.

While Camp DCL is budget-friendly for families, scholarships may be available from the Douglas County Libraries Foundation for qualified campers.

To register for Camp DCL or to learn more about the camps and scholarship opportunities, visit DCL.org/camp-dcl.

Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.

Library’s HistoryGeo launch aids genealogical and local history research

The Archives & Local History department at Douglas County Libraries (DCL) is excited to launch HistoryGeo, an interactive database for mapping land patent recipients, Douglas County historic sites, and other resources that can aid genealogical and local history research. HistoryGeo is conveniently available to customers remotely as well as from any DCL location with the use of a library card.

Through HistoryGeo, users can search by surnames, geographical features, place names, or latitude and longitude. Search results are displayed on interactive maps with modern street overlays, and results are linked to Bureau of Land Management records, Google maps, and DCL Archives & Local History materials. A growing list of local history markers are available to aid research into Douglas County historical sites.

Visit DCL.org/research/all-databases to connect to this unique and free resource.

For more information, call DCL’s Archives & Local History department at (303) 688-7730 or email localhistory@dclibraries.org.

Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.

All Douglas County Libraries locations are open and operating under state and local health department guidelines for operations and events.

Masks are required at all times in the library, and we recommend that customers wash hands frequently, especially after handling materials and/or touching surfaces. Disposable masks are available for customers.

All in-person public events and space reservations remain unavailable at this time. Our digital library remains open, and there are many virtual family and community resources available to you, as well as virtual events.

LIBRARY OPERATIONS

Hours

Modified services are available at all DCL locations during our current operating hours:

  • Monday-Thursday, 9AM-7PM
  • Friday-Saturday, 9AM-5PM
  • Sunday, 12-5PM
  • Louviers only: Tuesday, 3-7PM & Saturday 9AM-12PM

Archives & Local History services are available by appointment only; call (303) 688-7730.

Borrowing, Holds & Fines

Standard borrowing timelines and fines on late returns apply. Materials Request and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) are available. Learn more about fines, fees and borrowing.

Book Drops & Donations

All DCL book drops are open and accepting returns of checked-out items. Book donations are important to us. Due to current restrictions and fewer volunteers to process donations, we’ve implemented some temporary changes. Book donations are accepted on a limited basis at our Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, and Parker locations during the times listed below. We are currently accepting donations of only two 18”x14”x12” boxes or less per household.

  • Castle Rock: Wednesdays, 3-7PM
  • Highlands Ranch: Saturdays, 10AM-2PM
  • Lone Tree: Mondays, 10AM-2PM
  • Parker: Thursdays, 10AM-2PM

Storytime, Events & Playscapes

In-person Storytimes and other library events remain unavailable.Virtual Storytime will continue with Storytime fun and activities each weekday at 10:30AM. Library staff will lead songs, rhymes, reading and fingerplays to keep nurturing those all-important emerging reading skills. Virtual Storytime also is available through Storyblocks, a project of Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL).Playscapes and other interactive features at all libraries remain closed, including Little Letters Post Office at Castle Pines, The Market at Highlands Ranch, Playful Pets at Lone Tree, the Dino Wall at Parker, and Mission Control at Roxborough.

Spaces

Meeting rooms are available for public use at 50% of room capacity, not to exceed 100 people. Study rooms are available by reservation only. Drop-in use of empty meeting and study rooms is not permitted. Other personal gatherings are limited to 10 people.Contact Event & Hospitality Services at (303) 688-7605 for guidelines specific to DCL meeting rooms.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Park & Pick-Up Holds Service

Pick-Up Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9AM-5PM & Sunday, 12-5PM.Use our curbside service to pick up holds at your preferred DCL location*, following these instructions. Book Club Express kits may also be picked up using this service:

  1. Look for the flag denoting parking spaces set aside for this service. Note that the service location in our parking lots has changed, and there may be a longer wait for delivery to your car. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
  2. If all marked spots are full, please wait in your car for a space to become available. We will work as quickly as possible to serve you, but there may be a wait during busy times. Please be prepared.
  3. Keep your phone handy. Once you are parked in a numbered space, call or text the number on the sign with the required information.
  4. Health regulations prevent us from touching your vehicle. Please be prepared to open and close your own trunk for delivery of held items.

*Not available at Louviers.

Our Digital Library is Open

Our digital library is always open—and it’s been enhanced to accommodate more digital checkouts (now up to 12 borrows per month) and less wait time (decreased ratio of holds to copies, now just 3:1). You may Skip the Line on OverDrive and through the Libby app for instant checkout of items, similar to Your Lucky Day items in our branches. And you’ll see that familiar shamrock.Access a variety of digital library perks, from crafting classes to online learning and more.Check out DCL Connect for a digital world of Family & Community resources.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Protect Yourself & Others

Masks are required at all times in the library, and we recommend that customers wash hands frequently, especially after handling materials and/or touching surfaces. Disposable masks are available for customers.Hand sanitizer stations are set up at library entrances, public service desks, cash-handling points, and other heavily used areas.

Safety Precautions & Protocols

Enhanced in-library cleaning and disinfecting procedures are ongoing using EPA-registered disinfectants. Common areas; hard surfaces such as stair rails, door handles, and elevator buttons; reserved rooms; and restrooms are cleaned at least four times a day. Hard flooring is thoroughly cleaned once each day. The Holds section in each library closes for 15 minutes at the top of each hour to allow social distancing for DCL staff as they shelve. In-library modifications facilitate social distancing. Tables and individual seating are spaced at least 6 feet apart. Plexiglass partitions are in place at public service desks. Increased signage throughout all libraries encourages social distancing and hand hygiene. Protocols and systems are in place to increase air circulation in library buildings.

Our Digital Library is Open

  • Our digital library is always open—and it’s been enhanced to accommodate more digital checkouts (now up to 12 borrows per month) and less wait time (decreased ratio of holds to copies, now just 3:1).
  • You may Skip the Line on OverDrive and through the Libby app for instant checkout of items, similar to Your Lucky Day items in our branches. And you’ll see that familiar shamrock.
  • You may also access a variety of digital library perks, from audio-guided workouts, to crafting classes, to online learning and more.
  • Those who do not currently have a DCL library card can get instant access to our digital collection with a digital library card through OverDrive’s Instant Digital Card and Hoopla’s Engage.
  • Virtual Storytime is available through Storyblocks, a project of Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL).
  • Access to PebbleGo K-3 databases is free at www.pebblego.com, providing expertly leveled text and navigation for beginning researchers. Sign in using the username engaged and password learning.
  • Access to Capstone interactive e-books for older kids is also free at www.mycapstonelibrary.com. Sign in using the username continue and password reading.

Douglas County Libraries are closed due to Covid-19

Douglas County Libraries (DCL) has been closely monitoring information from local, state and federal authorities about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its impact on our communities. At this time, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close all of our libraries until further notice, in addition to canceling, postponing and/or rescheduling all public events and space reservations.

We are so grateful to be part of a community that loves and supports its libraries. And while we take great pride in being open to all and being a place where you can explore, learn, gather and celebrate, we also want to ensure that our staff and community remain safe and well.

While our physical libraries are closed:

  • Our digital library is always open—and it’s been enhanced to accommodate more digital checkouts (now up to 12 borrows per month) and less wait time (decreased ratio of holds to copies, now just 3:1). Check out e-books; audiobooks; downloadable magazines; movies, TV and kids videos; and music. 
  • You may Skip the Line on OverDrive and through the Libby app for instant checkout of items, similar to Your Lucky Day items in our branches. And you’ll see that familiar shamrock. 
  • You may also access a variety of digital library perks, from audio-guided workouts, to crafting classes, to online learning and more. 
  • Those who do not currently have a DCL library card can get instant access to our digital collection with a digital library card through OverDrive’s Instant Digital Card and Hoopla’s Engage. 
  • Virtual Storytime is available through Storyblocks, a project of Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy (CLEL). 
  • Access to PebbleGo K-3 databases is free at www.pebblego.com, providing expertly leveled text and navigation for beginning researchers. Sign in using the username engaged and password learning. 
  • Access to Capstone interactive e-books for older kids is also free at www.mycapstonelibrary.com. Sign in using the username continue and password reading.

What else you should know:

  • We will waive fines and/or extend due dates on physical items checked out.
  • Book donations will not be accepted during the closure.
  • Prospector and Interlibrary Loan will be unavailable as most other library systems are also closed.
  • All DCL book drops are closed. Hold onto your library materials. No current checkouts will come due, and no fines will accrue during the closure.
  • Current holds in our system will not expire.
  • Materials Request and Book Club Express kits will be unavailable. Current items/kits that are checked out will not come due or accrue fines during the closure. Groups with kits reserved during the closure can arrange for a different borrowing period by emailing bce@dclibraries.org.
  • We have increased cleaning and disinfection throughout our libraries, which will continue until we are advised that COVID-19 is no longer a potential threat.

As the situation surrounding COVID-19 changes, we will continue to communicate with you via email and will post ongoing updates to our Community Safety Notice online and through our social media channels. To check the status of rescheduled events, please see our online Events Calendar.

The closure of our libraries is based on guidance from health officials about limiting gatherings and employing social distancing. For more information, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment or call (303) 389-1687.

We’re doing all we can to ensure the safety and health of DCL staff and our community. Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate this situation together. Stay safe. We wish you and your loved ones good health.

Warm regards,
Douglas County Libraries

New Year, New Ways to Use Your Library

Douglas County Libraries Introduces Aaptiv Audio-Guided Workouts

The new year brings new active workout options for Douglas County Libraries cardholders. Through Douglas County Libraries’ new partnership with Aaptiv, the #1 audio-based fitness app on the Apple App Store, cardholders can now access trainer-led, music-driven audio workouts for free. Douglas County Libraries is currently the only library in the nation to offer Aaptiv.

Patrons look to public libraries to meet a variety of needs, including entertainment and informational fulfillment. With Aaptiv, Douglas County Libraries gives patrons one more way to use their library, especially at a time when resolutions are made to save money and get fit.

“Douglas County Libraries is about giving the community free access to premium products and services that enhance their lives,” said Collection Development Librarian Andrea Wyant. “The county is full of active people who have access to some of the most beautiful outdoor surroundings in the nation, as well as top-notch rec centers and fitness clubs. This 100-percent audio product complements all of that.”

Aaptiv provides audio fitness classes, guided by expert trainers, that let people make the most of their workouts—at home, the gym, or outdoors. Membership provides unlimited access to more than 2,500 workouts in 13 categories, including running, strength, boxing, yoga, indoor cycling, cardio machines, and meditation.

Every class features inspiring music by well-known artists, so members can move to the music they love. Programs help members prepare for races from 5K to marathon, improve strength or flexibility, lose weight, or reduce stress, while powerful filters let them find perfect workouts by trainer, duration, music genre, or intensity.

Wyant said she was looking to add a fitness app to the library’s digital collection and liked the ratings and reviews Aaptiv received. After trying out the product herself, she reached out to the company. “They were really responsive to our needs as a library, like authentication with library cards,” she said.

Douglas County Libraries cardholders get unlimited access to Aaptiv for three months, for free. Subscriptions are limited.

To learn more or to get started with Aaptiv, visit DCL.org/library-perks or call 303-791-7323.

Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery, and connection.

Parker Library Event Calendar

Parker Library Events Currently CLOSED

Parker Storytime

Monday – Friday

  • 9:30 a.m. Baby
  • 10:15 a.m. Toddler
  • 11:15 a.m. Preschool

Saturday

  • 10:15 a.m. All Ages

Reading to Dogs Builds Confidence and Self-Esteem

Volunteers and their trained therapy dogs give budding and struggling readers an opportunity to read out loud without the stress of being judged.

Register for a specific appointment time at one of the libraries listed below.

James H. LaRue Library in Highlands Ranch
Second Saturday of each month beginning at 12pm
Fourth Tuesday of each month beginning at 3:45pm

Parker Library
Fourth Wednesday of each month beginning at 4:00pm
Second Thursday of each month beginning at 4:00pm

Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock
First and Third Wednesdays of each month beginning at 4pm
Fourth Tuesday of each month beginning at 4pm

Roxborough Library
Second Tuesday of each month beginning at 4:30pm
Fourth Saturday of each month beginning at 10:30am

 Click here to reserve a meeting room at the Parker Library

Parker Chess Club

  • PRIMARY AGE GROUP: All Ages
  • GENRE: Games
  • TIME OF DAY: Evening
  • DAY & TIME: Thursdays, 7-9PM
  • Friendly drop-in competition for all ages and abilities.NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Adult Coloring Groups in Colorado

Have you heard? Adult coloring books are all the rage! Month after month, adult coloring books are topping Amazon’s bestseller lists and more and more adults are finding their zen in between the lines of a coloring page. If you are already a Colorist check out the latest adult coloring books, supplies and tips here at ColoringBookAddict.com. Need more info about supplies to buy or tips and tricks? Check out the Coloring Book Addicts site.  So far this event has attracted guys and gals from 19 – 89 so grab your book and head over to make some new friends.

Unfortunately, the Parker Library has stopped hosting the coloring group but the links below will help you find a new one.

If you live outside the Parker area, check this list from Cleverpedia to see the coloring group nearest you.

Senior and SilverSneakers® Fitness Programs at the Parker Rec

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senior stroll at obrien park parker co

The Seniors in Parker are well served by the Parker Recreation Center

Take a look at all of the programs happening for Seniors with the SilverSneakers® Fitness Programs

The Parker Recreation Center and Parker Fieldhouse are members of the SilverSneakers® networks of fitness facilities. Check with the front desk to determine whether your Medicare supplemental health coverage provider participates.

Admission/Membership Fees
Discounted senior (62+) rates are available. View fees for the Parker Recreation Center here. View fees for the Parker Fieldhouse here. Call the Parker Recreation Center at 303.841.4500 or the Parker Fieldhouse at 303.805.6300 for additional information. Senior and SilverSneakers® Fitness Programs

Free with daily admission or membership

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

SilverSneakers Circuit
12:05 – 1 p.m.		Golden Splash
9 – 10:10 a.m.		Silver Sneakers Cardio
12:05 – 1 p.m.		SilverSneakers Classic
12:05 – 1 p.m.		SilverSneakers Cardio
12:05 – 1 p.m.
SilverSneakers Yoga
1:05 – 2 p.m.		SilverSneakers Classic
12:05 – 1 p.m.		Gentle Yoga Plus
1:05 – 2 p.m.		Gentle Yoga
1:05 – 2 p.m.		Gentle Yoga
1:05 – 2 p.m.
 Gentle Pilates
1:05 – 2 p.m.		   

Parker Parks and Recreation is excited to offer two new Arthritis Foundation exercise programs, which are proven to reduce the pain of arthritis and improve overall health.

Parker Parks and Recreation is excited to continue offering Arthritis Foundation exercise programs, which are proven to reduce the pain of arthritis and improve overall health.

The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program is a low-impact physical activity class that includes gentle range-of-motion exercises suitable for every fitness level and ability. Class begins Jan. 9 and is held Mondays and Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Fieldhouse, 18700 E. Plaza Dr. The cost for a twelve-week session is $60 for Parker residents and $66 for non-residents.

The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease program is a six-week class that teaches participants how to safely make physical activity a part of everyday life. In addition to reduced pain and improved health, Walk with Ease is proven to increase balance and strength and build confidence in the ability to be active. Participants meet Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. at the Fieldhouse. The cost is $45 for Parker residents and $50 for non-residents. New sessions begin Jan. 9 and Feb. 20

The Arthritis Foundation’s Aquatic Program is a low-impact water exercise class for those with arthritis and related conditions. Led by a trained instructor, classes focus on joint range of motion, stretching, breathing and light aerobic activities. Registrants meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Recreation Center, 17301 E. Lincoln Ave. Twelve-week sessions are $60 for Parker residents and $65 for non-residents. A new session begins on Jan. 10.

Register online at ParkerRec.com. For additional information about these and other senior fitness and wellness programs, contact Deni at 303.805.3208 or email djacobs@parkeronline.org.

Register online at ParkerRec.com. For additional information about these and other fitness and wellness programs, contact Deni at 303.805.3208 or email djacobs@parkeronline.org.

Senior and SilverSneakers® Fitness Programs
Free with daily admission or membership

ClassDays of the WeekTime
 SilverSneakers Circuit Monday – Friday 12:05 – 1 p.m.
 SilverSneakers Yoga Monday – Friday 1:05 – 2 p.m.

Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program
The Parker Recreation Center and Parker Fieldhouse are members of the SilverSneakers networks of fitness facilities. Check with the front desk to determine whether your Medicare supplemental health coverage provider participates.

Group Fitness Classes are free* with your daily admission or membership and include cardio, strength and conditioning, yoga, Pilates, and aqua aerobics classes. A complete Group Fitness schedule can be found here. *Excludes Specialty Fitness Classes.

50+ Weight Room Orientation
Join us for a free weight room orientation with a certified personal trainer. All orientations include a demonstration on the proper use of the equipment, weight room etiquette, and proper equipment safety. This orientation is held monthly at 10 a.m. at the Recreation Center. Call 303.841.4500 for specific dates and for additional information.

Active Aging Adults Fitness Club

The club offers adults 50 years and older a variety of activities to choose from ranging from low-impact aerobics to cycling, strength training, walking, and more.

  • Instructor – Dana Yager
  • Rate – Free with admission or membership
  • Drop-in rate – $4 resident, $6 nonresident
  • Location – Fieldhouse
  • Day/Time – Friday, 9:45-10:45 a.m.

Senior Drop-In
The Parker Fieldhouse offers drop-in activities for active, older adults. Call 303.805.6300 for the week’s schedule.

The Parker Recreation Center and Parker Fieldhouse are members of the SilverSneakers® networks of fitness facilities. Check with the front desk to determine whether your Medicare supplemental health coverage provider participates.

ADULT PICKLEBALL INFO HERE

Tai Chi
18 and older
Lower your stress and raise your body awareness through smooth, flowing movements of Tai Chi. Tai Chi is a great fitness option for seniors, but this class is open to all ages and fitness levels.

  • Instructor Kris Lefler
  • Rate – Free with admission or membership
  • Location – Mainstreet Center
  • Day – Tuesday, 10:35 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Beginner; 11:25 a.m. to Noon Advanced; Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m Beginner; 11:55 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Advanced

Senior Sports

– Drop-in Pickleball

Douglas County Senior Initiative

Douglas County’s senior population is growing rapidly. To plan for this population shift and increased need for services, the partnership of Douglas County governments requests input from senior adult, their caregivers and those approaching retirement age. For additional information about the Douglas county Senior Initiative, visit their website.

Online Survey
In addition to providing input during a community meeting, residents and caregivers are encouraged to complete an online survey.

How to sign up for emergency notifications in Parker

By

code red emergency system for parker co

Life can change with just a moment’s notice, so it’s important for emergency response personnel to be able to connect with residents during an emergency. Changes in technology are allowing governments to do so in more ways than ever before.

In an effort to take advantage of new technology and to continue to ensure accurate crisis communication with residents, the Parker Police Department and all other Douglas County agencies have transitioned to a new mass notification system called CodeRED.

Sign up for CodeRED Emergency Service

CodeRed is a high-speed telephone emergency notification system that allows public safety personnel to send messages directly to residents – whether they are home or away – during an emergency. It uses geo-tracking to target specific areas with prerecorded phone messages, emails or texts.

Some Douglas County residents may have been signed up for a previous system that all jurisdictions within the County used; including the Town of Parker. County and municipal agencies are no longer using that system. Though contact information will be transferred to the new system, it is suggested all residents sign up for the new system to ensure they are included in this important effort. Business owners are also encouraged to register their contact information.

The Douglas County Emergency Telephone Service Authority decided earlier this year to go with a different notification provider. After requesting proposals from a variety of providers, CodeRED rose to the top. The authority, which is funded by a monthly 70 cent phone surcharge on all cell phones and landlines within the County, will pay for the system.

Like the former system, CodeRED alerts may be implemented in situations such as police activity in the area, an Amber Alert, wildfires or other emergency incidents. However, the system does not include weather alerts. The Parker Police Department encourages residents to stay tuned to weather radios and local media for information during severe weather.

In order for CodeRED to perform at its best, it needs an accurate database of contact information, associated with addresses. That’s why the public’s help is needed. To ensure your information is included in this database, you must sign up.

Registering is free online at http://NotifyDouglasCounty.org

Required information includes First and last name, street address (no P.O. Boxes), city, state, ZIP code and primary phone number. Data will be kept confidential.

Residents can also sign up using cell phone numbers and emails because dispatch centers can also use CodeRED to send messages via text message or email. Signing up allows residents to set their contact preferences. Should residents move, they will need to register again with the new address.

You can also download the app to your iPhone or Droid Smart Phone and either register for a new account or log in to the one you currently have using this QR code.Code Red QR Code

CodeRED will alert people of incidents in their area. The Parker Police Department also uses its Facebook and Twitter accounts to keep the public updated on events, issues and emergencies. Visit facebook.com/ParkerPoliceDepartment and follow us on Twitter @ParkerPolice.

Recognizing CodeRED messages: CodeRED messages will have caller ID No. 866-419-5000 and the name “Emergency Comm.” We recommend programming the number into your cell phone as a new contact using the name “CodeRED Emergency,” so that you can call the number to hear the message again if you need to.

The system does not include weather alerts. Douglas County and its municipalities encourage residents to stay tuned to weather radios and local media or use one of the many local news station apps for information during severe weather.

NWS alerts are now automatically being sent to all cellular phone subscribers during any severe weather conditions that occur within the county of the cellular subscriber. Douglas County does not have any control over those alerts and unfortunately, the NWS alerts are not an opt-in/opt-out service so the only way that you will not receive those alerts is a setting on your cellular phone.

How reliable is this system?
According to national averages, emergency notification systems connect with users 70 percent of the time. CodeRED has been tested in the County, and reports are showing it connects an average of 85 percent of the time. Cell tower connections and technology issues impact these statistics.

If you have specific questions for the Parker Police Department please call Ofc. Dawn Cashman at 303.805.6527 or email at dcashman@parkeronline.org

how to set up your reverse 911

With the onset of smartphones, iPads and PDA’s and the rising cost of everything have promoted many residents to get rid of their landline telephones. Those are the phone numbers that are registered in the Reverse 911 database so what shout we do now?

No problem, it’s actually very easy to set up the Reverse 911 system to alert you by email, cell phone or text message to you and other family members in the case of any kind of an emergency.

You simply go to your local county or sheriff’s office website and it allows you to add your home address, your business address and then many forms of contact including your home phone, cell phone, text message and email. The service also lets you rank by order of preference so they contact you first at your most used source of communication. Residents can edit their profiles at any time.

Other Reverse 911 ideas

  • Elderly Parents: Go and set this system up for them and put yourselves as alternate contact points as well.
  • House or Pet Sitters: You can also have your house or dog sitters number added when you are away on vacation to give you peace of mind as well and simply remember to remove them when you come home
  • Kids just leaving the nest? How about setting it up for them as well and including yourself on the contact list.
  • Vacation: Add a neighbor or nearby relative that knows you are going and can get a hold of you on the road.

The Reverse 911 system is designed to alert residents about fires, floods, toxic environmental issues and other emergencies using the Everbridge Aware™ mass notification system. Not only will you get the alert but it will also tell you what you should do in each circumstance, evacuate, remain in your home or help to locate a missing child.

You can sign up for Reverse 911 calls in most counties in Colorado and Across the United States. Below are some Denver Metro links and search on either your county or sheriff’s office website in your area.