Fact or Fiction?

Parker does not currently have a recycling plant. Recycling services are provided by the trash/recycling companies that contract with the individual Homeowner's Associations (HOAs) in Parker. You can find out more about recycling options at www.ParkerOnline.org/Recycling. Thank you.

Many of the local water and sanitation districts (Districts) existed before the Town of Parker incorporated in 1981. Most of the local Districts are participating in the South Metro Water Supply Authority (SMWSA) and the Water Infrastructure and Supply Efficiency (WISE) initiatives. These initiatives are a partnership between local and regional water suppliers (including Denver and Aurora) to provide water storage (i.e. Reuter Hess Reservoir) and renewable sources of water. For more information, please visit the following websites for information on how the Districts are taking the necessary actions to ensure a long-term reliable source of water for our residents:

Parker Water and Sanitation District (www.pwsd.org)

Stonegate Village Water and Sanitation District (www.svmd.org)

Cottonwood Water and Sanitation District (www.cottonwoodwater.org)

Thank you for your question. When considering development, the Town Council must work in accordance with Parker's zoning regulations. The purpose of zoning is to regulate the use of land and the physical improvements to land located within the Town of Parker, without imposing undue burden on the land owner, as provided by state and federal law. All land within the Town of Parker’s incorporated limits is zoned for specific uses. Land owners have a legal right to develop their privately owned land, as long as the development meets the Town’s current zoning requirements. The Planning Commission, Town Council and staff work to ensure that new developments meet the Town’s vision for growth and development, design standards and building code requirements.

The Town Council and Planning Commission do not have the authority to deny a commercial development on a property that is zoned commercial, or a residential development on land that is zoned residential, as long the project meets the Town’s standards and requirements. If a developer is requesting to rezone property, for example changing the zoning of a property to allow for commercial use instead of residential use, the Town Council can vote to deny the request to change the zoning if Town Council determines that the project does not meet the nine criteria set forth in the Municipal Code, including consistency with the Parker 2035 Master Plan.

The Town Council can ensure that developers meet the Town’s zoning standards and require that they provide adequate infrastructure and amenities such as parks, trails, open space and landscaping buffers. Parker also works hard to ensure that developments are of a high quality and pay their fair share for improvements that mitigate impacts on the community, for instance, contributing to road enhancements or expansions.

You can view the Town’s boundary map to see which developments are occurring in the Town of Parker, as many of the projects under construction are located on our Town borders in Lone Tree and unincorporated Douglas County. You can also view the Town’s Zoning Map to see how land in Parker is currently zoned.

Hello, Carman. Water service in the Parker area is provided by a few different special districts that are actually not affiliated with the Town of Parker. Depending on where you live, your water may be provided by either the Parker Water and Sanitation District, Cottonwood Water and Sanitation District or Stonegate Metropolitan District. If you contact your individual district, they would be able to provide you with more information on the issues you are currently experiencing. Hope this helps!

-Andy

Economic Development staff and restauranteurs alike are constantly evaluating Parker for potential new eating establishments. Some of these are emerging quick-serve concepts (i.e. Smashburger, Modern Market) while others are more traditional sit-down establishments. As in any new business, the controlling factor is often economic,s and this is a particularly tough equation for restaurants given Parker’s limited daytime economy. Most restaurants require both lunch and dinner demand cycles in order to succeed. However, Parker’s continued commercial growth and increasing population density make the Town an ever increasing target for new restaurants.

The section of the Kinney Creek Trail is within the Pinery, which is in Unincorporated Douglas County and not the Town of Parker; however, we are working with the County to explore a future trail connection under Parker Road that could eventually connect this trail to the Cherry Creek Regional Trail. To learn more information regarding a timeline, please contact Douglas County Parks and Trails at parksandtrails@douglas.co.us.

Hello, Deb. The City of Aurora has future plans to extend Aurora Parkway to the south / west to meet up with Parker Road just to the north of E-470.

Andy Anderson
Communications Manager

We estimate the Town’s current population at 57,538. The 2020 U.S. Census will release initial data in mid- to late 2021, so we will have an actual, official population count at that time. Our future population estimate based upon residential build-out at an undetermined point in the future is 80,000 to 85,000.   This assumes that all currently approved residential development projects and vacant land zoned for housing is built to the maximum allowed by Town approvals/zoning, a 3.5% housing vacant rate and a 10% adjustment for declining household size as the Town’s population ages. Please remember that this is a projection and the only thing we know is that the actual population at build-out will be different. 

The future development build-out of the Town is likely 20-30 years out, but this cannot be accurately estimated because it is driven by the economy, housing market and private property owner/private sector investment decisions over which the Town has little to no influence.

Andy Anderson
Communications Coordinator

Hello, klmickartz. From a Town perspective, pools are permitted as an accessory use to homes here in Parker. Residents are required to go through the permitting process with our Building Division when adding a pool. We also recommend that residents reach out to their water and sanitation provider and homeowner's association to ensure they do not have any restrictions.

Andy Anderson
Communications Manager

Hello and thank you for sharing your question.

Work on the Dransfeldt Road Extension Project began in April 2024 and is anticipated to continue until mid-2025. 

A project webpage with additional information, a place to submit questions, and form to sign up for email updates is available at ParkerCO.gov/DransfeldtExtension. 

Thank you, 

Ryne Dittmer, Town of Parker Engagement Strategist