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Main office and contact information:
Address: Parker Town Hall, 20120 E. Mainstreet
Phone: 303.841.4500
Email: recreation@parkeronline.org
Parker Parks and Recreation Webpage
Social Media Accounts: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube 


Number of employees: 45 full-time and approximately 400 part-time 


Department overview:
Recreation facilities, open space, parks and trails in Parker are viewed by our residents as some of our most-prized amenities. We are dedicated to developing the facilities, events and programs offered by the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department to continue to enrich our community. 

The Town is proud to be home to award-winning recreation facilities. The Recreation Center opened in 1994. Since then, we have been busy keeping up with the expectations of our rapidly growing community. In 2007, the Town opened the doors to the Parker Fieldhouse. The Department has been recognized nationally for our achievements, including being selected twice as a recipient of the National Gold Medal Award, given by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to the top agencies in the country. Parker Parks, Recreation and Open Space joined the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country by earning accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) and NRPA in 2018.

Of course, Parker Parks and Recreation is much more than facilities. We offer a full range of adult and youth programming choices. Offerings include year-round swimming lessons, children’s and adult special interest classes, specialty fitness and wellness programs and community events. Recreational sport leagues are available year-round for kids as young as three, up to our 65-Plus softball leagues offering sports for more mature players. Opportunities for participation continue to grow and diversify with our population.

Additionally, the Town currently maintains approximately 250 acres of developed parkland, more than 1,200 acres of open space, and more than 35 miles of concrete and soft-surface trails throughout Parker. The Town's expansive parks and trails system provides endless opportunities to enjoy this beautiful region of Colorado.


Department divisions:
Parks: Maintains our inventory of parks, facility grounds, and medians

Forestry and Open Space: Maintains our inventory of trees, open space and trail network

Recreation Facilities: Operates the Recreation Center, Fieldhouse and H2O’Brien Pool

Recreation Programs: Develops and implements nearly 300 programs each season

Administration: Plans for future opportunities, oversees budgets, acquires and preserves open space, and designs and constructs new parks, trails and facilities


How does this department impact daily life for Parker residents?  
The mission of the department is to provide quality parks and recreation facilities and services to meet the needs of our community by utilizing the resources of our team, and fostering an environment that encourages support, creativity and integrity. Hopefully this translates into enhanced quality of life for our residents through a variety of recreational opportunities, state of the art facilities and beautiful, expansive parks, trails and open space.


What is the most common question received by this department and what is the answer?
Is Challenger Regional Park considered a Town of Parker facility/property?  The answer is no.  Challenger Regional Park is a Douglas County property maintained by their Parks and Trails Department and is located directly next to the Parker Recreation Center. It contains ballfields, multi-use fields, parking lots, picnic shelters and playgrounds.  


What would residents be surprised to learn about this department?
Parker Parks and Recreation staff are held in very high regard in the industry, and are often consulted by other agencies and asked to speak at state and national conferences. Currently, around 20 full-time employees hold their Certified Parks and Recreation Professional certification which is approximately half of the full-time workforce. 


How can residents get involved with the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department?
There are several opportunities to volunteer with Parker Parks and Recreation. Whether you assist with an event, Adopt-a-Trail, Adopt-a-Flowerbed or youth sports coaching, you and your group can always find a way to get involved with Parker Parks and Recreation. Learn more at www.ParkerRec.com/Volunteer.  Additionally, we frequently seek community input on master plans, park designs and other projects. Look for future opportunities at www.ParkerRec.com.


What else should residents know about this department? 
Due to the large number of part-time employees in the Parks and Recreation Department, it’s likely that many of your friends or neighbors know someone working for the department.  We love having Parker residents as employees, and we are one of Parker’s largest employers of teenagers. Check out www.ParkerRec.com/Employment for job opportunities.