A welcoming guide for people moving to Douglas County. BY
SEARCH PARKER STAFF
LET'S GET PHYSICAL
A few of the best local places to break a sweat.
BY SEARCH PARKER STAFF
IF YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW
Colorado particulars that locals know and you’ll come to experience soon enough BY SEARCH
PARKER STAFF
August 4 | O'Brien Park | 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
The 17th Annual Honey Festival makes its buzzworthy return to Parker. Visitors can indulge in a fun-filled event aimed at raising awareness and appreciation for the humble honeybee through an array of educational and entertaining activities. The festival will welcome between 20-25 local beekeepers and beekeeping organizations.
August 9 | H2O'Brien Pool | 8:00 - 9:30 pm
Let's Glow! Light up the night with an after-hours, glow-in-the-dark pool party at H2O’Brien Pool. Grab your glow gear, enjoy party music, play pool deck games and hang out with friends. Cost is $29 per Parker resident. The facility will be glowing and participants are welcome to take home glow items at the end of the event.
August 15 | 20120 E. Mainstreet | 5:30 pm
Class provides an opportunity to learn and ask building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical related questions. Bring your questions along with note - taking material. Typical discussion topics include decks, basements, patio covers, kitchen/bath remodels, additions, etc. Staff will explain the permit process, fees, and inspections.
Thursdays | 20115 Mainstreet | 6:30 - 8:00 pm
The lineup for this year's free concert series. May 30 - Amanda Vs Material Girl July 11 - Devil INXSide June 6 - Eric Golden Music July 18 - CW & Twenty Hands High June 20 - Cactus Cat July 25 - Foggy Memory Boys June 27 - The Fuzzheads Aug 1 - Titonic
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A Parker local and alumni of Legend High School, Derrick White, has been named as the replacement on Team USA Basketball to play in the Paris Olympics. He got the call while coaching at the Derrick White Basketball Academy in the fieldhouse. The news comes just one month after Derrick played a key role in the Celtics’ championship run.
President Biden steps down. Former Parker Mayor Greg Lopez was sworn in as a congressman to represent Colorado's 4th Congressional District after winning a special election to complete the six months remaining in former U.S. Rep. Ken Buck's term. Also, campagning begins for our local election held Nov. 5 to elect a mayor and three councilmembers to four-year terms.
Kids' TRY-athlon 2024 was a great success with a huge number of local kids competing in the event. Boys and girls from ages 6 -12 of all ability levels showed their skills in three events: swimming, biking, and running. It was the perfect starting point for some to try a tri, and a great repeat for those veteran kids! The summer tradition did not disappoint.
The 91-acre park site north of Salisbury Park ballfields will include four lighted baseball/softball fields, two synthetic turf lighted multi-purpose soccer fields, restrooms/shelter, two tennis courts, 21 pickleball courts, a community hub pavilion, outdoor fitness area, inclusive playground, bike park and overlook pavilion. The project will be phased over several years starting in 2025.
Here's a cheat sheet to the education options in the area. The Douglas County School District is the third largest school district in Colorado.
DCSD has a Home Education page that lays out 3 different options for varied levels of home school: full time, dual enrollment, and home education enrichment programs. Search DCSD Home Education to find out details.
Arapaho Community College (ACC) is a local college that offers classes to educate all ages of adults who are seeking an associate degree, a certificate, or a pathway to go on to a 4-year institution. There are locations in Littleton, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock.
Students: 62,341
Teachers: 3,539
Graduation Rate: 90.8%
Schools: 89
Chaparral - Public A Grades: 9-12
Students: 2,009
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
Legend - Public B+ Grades: 9-12
Students: 2,228
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Ponderosa - Public B+
Grades: 9-12
Students: 1,402
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
Colorado Early Colleges - Charter AGrades: 9-12
Students: 1,004
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
Lutheran – Private AGrades: 9-12
Students: 1,076
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
Castleview - Public B+ Grades: 9-12
Students: 1,990
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
Douglas County - Public B Grades: 9-12
Students: 1,758
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 19:1
EDCSD Online - Public BGrades: K-12
Students: 67
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
Renaissance Secondary - Charter BGrades: 6-11
Students: 407
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 23:1
A few important terms to learn in order to assimilate with other Coloradans.
Coloradans: People from Colorado usually drop the “o” and add the “an” to refer to themselves.
The Front Range: The eastern edge of the Rocky Mountain range which runs from southern Wyoming into central Colorado, flanked by larger cities like Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. It is the end of the mountains, giving way to rolling hills and prairie land.
14ers (fourteeners): Mountain peaks that have an elevation of at least 14,000 feet. There are ninety-six 14ers west of the Mississippi River and fifty-eight of them are in Colorado. The highest is Mt. Elbert, at 14,440 feet. Hiking the 14ers is a sport and hobby for many here.
DougCo: Short for Douglas County. Usually referring to the Douglas County School District.
JeffCo: Refers to the Jefferson County School District.
The Western Slope: This refers to the mountain area west of the Continental Divide beginning in Summit County, only an hour and a half from Denver. The Grand Junction area is a popular spot that lies in the western part of this region.
The Springs: This phrase refers to the city, Colorado Springs, and the surrounding areas, not to be confused with Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, or Manitou Springs.
Avs: Nickname for the Colorado Avalanche NHL hockey team.
Rocky Mountain Oysters: This is the more proper name for bull testicles, a cowboy delicacy deep fried in batter and rumored to taste a little bit like calamari, specially served at Colorado Rockies baseball games.
Nuggs: Nickname for the Denver Nuggets NBA basketball team.
Rox: Nickname for the Colorado Rockies MLB baseball team.
DTC: Denver Tech Center. A large business park conglomeration in the Greenwood Village area, southeast of Denver, where many businesses are located.
Gulch: A deep stream bed, either dried up or with water in it. Trees often grow along the gulch and the public trail system runs through many of the gulches.
LoDo: The LoDo area of Denver is the lower downtown section, alive with restaurants, shops, and galleries. LoDo includes 16th Street Mall, which is the center of tourism in Denver.
I-25 Corridor: The interstate 25 from Denver to Colorado Springs, the busiest part of the freeway.
Blucifer: Endearing reference to Denver airport’s 32-foot-tall, 9,000-pound blue mustang statue with blazing red eyes whose persona fits with the airport’s legends and conspiracy theories.
at Mini Inclines
Almost 50 miles north of the worldfamous Manitou Springs Incline resides its two little brothers. Both Castle Rock and Parker boast inclines for fitness junkies and casual hikers alike. Castle Rock - 200 steps Parker - 132 steps
Whether you’re into free weights, high-intensity interval training, spin classes, yoga, or infrared, we’ve compiled our favorite places to break a sweat.
Train at Pivotal Sports Performance Speed. That's the focus at Pivotal. Programs are tailored to help the athlete become more explosive, fast, and athletic as possible.
10315 S. Progress Way Parker pivotalsportsperformance.com
Spin at Cyclebar
A CycleStar instructor leads the workout while a monitor tracks your stats and music blasts overhead.
7824 Park Meadows Dr Lone Tree cyclebar.com
Stretch at Pure Barre
Pure Barre's comprehensive full-body fitness program was designed for women to find their "strong."
62 Founders Pkwy, Castle Rock purebarre.com
at Hotworx
Infrared heat absorption while being virtually instructed through a 30-min isometric workout or 15-min HIIT session. 34 E Allen Street Castle Rock hotworx.net
Dance at Jazzercise
Combination of HIIT cardio, aerobic exercise, and dance fitness with strength training for the ultimate full-body workout. 10471 S Parker Rd Parker jcls.jazzercise.com
Coached at The Exercise Coach
Called the "ideal exercise atmosphere," this coach-led system has no weights or treadmills, just a personalized workout.
19878 Hilltop Parker exercisecoach.com
at 9Round Fitness
HIIT classes, boxing classes, kickboxing classes & group fitness classes.
10136 Parkglenn Way Parker 9round.com
at Power Mixx Fitness
The Lagree model combines core, resistance, endurance, and cardio training to stimulate strength, flexibility, and balance to engage over 86% of your body’s muscles.
880 W. Happy Canyon Rd. Castle Rock powermixxfitness.com
Big Box
Planet Fitness
100 Founders Pkwy, Castle Rock planetfitness.com
Life Time Fitness
9250 Crown Crest Blvd. | Parker lifetime.life
Functional
Orange Theory 3990 Limelight Ave Castle Rock orangetheory.com
Rec Centers
Parker Rec
17301 Lincoln Ave Parker parkerrec.com
CR Rec 2301 Woodlands Blvd. | Castle Rock crgov.com
Yoga
CorePower Yoga
18551 Mainstreet Parker corepoweryoga.com
Don't subject your kids to the same old boring playground. We asked our resident expert, Christy from Slides & Sunshine, for the best spots around!
7005 Mira Vista Ln. | Castle Pines
Your whole family will love Elk Ridge Park! It has a bit of everything, including a playground, trail scavenger hunt, fitness zone, and splash pad!
12335 Canterberry Pkwy. | Parker
Tallman Meadow Park is a beautiful spot to stop and play. The playground boasts a tall spiral slide, climbing wall, and separate toddler play area. Surrounding the park are shade trees, flowers, walking paths, and fields for soccer and baseball.
23701 E Hinsdale Way | Aurora
The fully inclusive playground and splash pad at Red-tailed Hawk Park is a must visit. The music-themed equipment was chosen for kids of all ages and abilities, and includes a wheelchair accessible swing, zipline, and merry-go-round.
2020 Fiddle Rd. | Castle Rock
Home to one of the largest play structures in Colorado, Deputy Parrish Park will take your kids’ breath away! Not only are there obstacles high off the ground, there are also climbing features, swings, a toddler play area, zipline, and more!
10795 Victorian Dr. | Parker
3501 S Uravan St | Aurora
Your future ninja warriors will love the high obstacles overhead at Hampden Run Park! Other unique aspects of this playground include a musical instrument area, disc-shaped swing, and wavy sidewalk for scooters and striders.
1375 W Plum Creek Pkwy. | Castle Rock
Plan for a whole day when you check out the 300acre Philip S Miller Park! There are multiple play areas (which include a 40-foot hillside slide), splash pad, a large fitness zone, walking trails and a 200step incline.
One of the most popular parks in Parker got a new look! The park has a softball field, basketball court, playgrounds, an outdoor pool & picnic areas.
20115 Mainstreet | Parker
There is no playground at Discovery Park, however, it is the perfect spot to cool down during the summer at the large splash pad! During the winter, ice skating is available at the Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park.
Adulting: the assumption of tasks, responsibilities, and behaviors traditionally associated with normal grown-up life.
The Department of Revenue gives new Colorado residents 30 days to transfer their driver’s license and 90 days to transfer their vehicle. Renew license online if you meet the following:
• US Citizen and have a social security number on file.
• Age 21 - 65 years old
• Current license is valid or expired less than a year
• Name on current license has not changed
• No tests are required or pending actions on your record or overdue tickets
Visit coloradosos.gov. Click on “Elections and Voting” then “Voters” to manage your voter registration. Register at least 8 days before the election (or a voter may register in-person on election day at voter service centers). You can visit www.douglas.co.us/elections to find out where ballot drop boxes are located.
The ExpressToll tag system allows for an all-electronic toll collection system available on E-470, Northwest Parkway, and CDOT's Express Lanes. Customers' tolls are automatically deducted from a pre-paid toll account and they will pay the lower toll rate. Without the ExpressToll account, you will receive a toll statement from license plate toll cameras.
There are several large grocery store chains in the area, including King Soopers (a Kroger brand), Safeway, Trader Joe's, Costco, and Walmart Supercenters. For the healthy eaters, you can find Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Natural Grocers. For specialty favorites, try The Local or Tony's Meats and Market.
Colorado is a tax-friendly state compared to many in the country. The property tax rates are some of the lowest in the country, although offset somewhat due to the high cost of homes. Colorado’s income tax has a flat rate of 4.5%, so everyone pays the same rate, regardless of their income.
Forward your mail through usps.com under “Quicktools” then “Change My Address.”
Prior to registering a vehicle in Douglas County, an emissions inspection may be required. Proof of current Colorado automobile insurance is required. For locations and more information, go to www.douglas.co.us/ motorvehicle/information-for-new-residents
Meeting your neighbors is a lot easier — and less awkward — to do right when you’ve moved in. You don’t need to go door to door, but do make a point of introducing yourself the first time that you run into a new neighbor. Here are some tips for getting to know your neighbors after you’ve moved in: Smile and say hello, get involved in the community, ask questions, spend time outside, lend a hand and ask for help, invite neighbors to your home.
There is so much to be proud of within the Douglas County School District.
We have incredible students, fantastic teachers and sta , and amazing parents/guardians and community members who all work together to make this school district one of the best!
For the rst time in a decade, DCSD is the TOP scoring district in the Denver/Metro area!
DCSD is one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic!!) scores in every subject and every grade.
DCSD is one of the only school districts in the state to increase pro ciency levels across all student subgroups.
DCSD is one of the nation’s leaders “blurring the lines” between PK-12 and higher education through our incredible Concurrent Enrollment/Career & Technical Education o erings (Over 20K seats!)
DCSD is rated number 11 on the list of the 250 “most envied” school districts in the country by Test Prep Insight.
Colorado particulars that locals know and you’ll come to experience soon enough.
With the capital city of Denver being nicknamed the Mile High City, elevation is a big deal in Colorado. Denver sits at 5,280 feet above sea level. Leadville, CO, sits nearly 2 miles above sea level at 10,152 feet. You’ll see elevation signs on restaurants, towns, parks, and even Denver’s city magazine named 5280. Be aware of altitude sickness!
Even with an estimated 300 days of beautiful sunshine per year in our area, the weather can be very contrary. Events are often cancelled due to snow in the winter or lightning in the summer. The strong sun melts snow quickly, so do your sledding soon after it falls. Dress for daily weather changes and check for bans before starting a fire. One of the welcomed local weather patterns is afternoon showers on many hot summer days.
Coloradans take casual to a whole new level with T-shirts and joggers or workout clothes being the norm seen in public. Jeans and a “nice” T-shirt is considered dressing up for dinner. Even at the symphony or fancy event you will see a huge range in formality. Colorado casual usually means wear whatever you want. If you like to dress up, that’s accepted too!
Colorado is known for its legalization of cannabis in 2012, but Douglas County residents voted not to adopt the legalization. It is illegal in Douglas County to sell or distribute marijuana, to use it in public places, and to grow it outdoors.
Many neighborhoods in our area are organized by HOAs (Home Owners Associations). Members pay monthly dues toward garbage and snow removal as well as access to their clubhouse or rec center. The fees also cover amenities like a pool, tennis court, or golf course. HOAs can also fine you for infractions to their codes.
Being part of the old wild west, Colorado maintains a strong western and riding culture.
The Colorado Horse Park, Denver Stock Show, Elizabeth Rodeo and Douglas County Fair and Rodeo help foster the cowboy culture.
Yee haw!
Being the 5th wealthiest county in America (Kiplinger.com), Douglas County residents’ median income is nearly double that of the country. Living here, you’ll be paying some of the highest mortgages and rental fees in the country. But there’s so much to enjoy. Taking part in the great outdoors on the Cherry Creek Trails is a local perk, and seeing rabbits, deer, and hawks is a regular occurrence. Our gorgeous natural setting along with tidy sidewalks and roads, well-done public places, and safe, friendly neighbors make for a great place to live. Others agree! The city of Parker was ranked No. 2 by Money.com on its Best 100 Places to Live in America list and Castle Rock has been on the list 5 times in the last decade. We are also the 2nd healthiest county in America, according to the Healthy Communities rankings by U.S. News and World Report.
Foodies rejoice; we have some of the best cuisine options to tempt your tastebuds.
Derek Scheuerman's café is the definition of quaint. The Crêperie offers authentically French cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. Savory or sweet crepe, you can't go wrong.
19751 Mainstreet | Parker parkercrepes.com
Destroying the stereotype of hospital food. Manna, located in Castle Rock Adventist Hospital, serves innovative dishes that reflects Colorado's growing season. This is truly a destination restaurant.
2350 Meadows Blvd | Castle Rock mannasbounty.com
Family-owned Italian restaurant turning out pasta, pizza & other staples in a church dating to 1888. 210 Third St. | Castle Rock scileppis.com
This is were the locals go for authentic Mexican fare. Consistantly one of the best restaurants in Colorado, it's also one of its best kept secrets.
7272 E. Highway 86 | Franktown adrianasmexicanrestaurantco.com
The Brazilian Steakhouse is a little further away, but we had to include our all-time favorite. The most amazing meats are served the Gauchos' way, right at your table off skewers. Bring your appetite for this experience, and don't forget the Guaraná!
8419 Park Meadows Center Dr. Lone Tree fogodechao.com
A long-time favorite of residents, Chef Jun Makino is known for his unique blend of Japanese and French cuisine. The comfortable atmosphere and diverse menu make for a genuinely pleasant experience.
11211 Dransfeldt Rd. | Parker mannasbounty.com
Tribe is an exciting new restaurant concept offering fresh seafood, steak, and wild game with a modern twist. And try the breakfast potatoes.
115 Wilcox St. | Castle Rock tribehospitalitygroup.com
Award winning barbecue with mouthwatering pork, brisket, ribs & more in a casual setting. G-Que puts Colorado on the BBQ map.
8433 Park Meadows Center Dr Lone Tree gquebbq.com
Crave is a staple for foodies and casual diners alike for their outrageous and delicious burgers. This is a can't miss and easily one of the best burgers in town.
3982 Limelight Ave | Castle Rock craverealburgers.com
Modern eatery in a historic brick landmark building offering locallysourced American fare.
19420 Mainstreet | Parker parkergarage.com
Known mainly for their ribs, Paul Dioguardi brought his awardwinning BBQ to Parker, where he has established himself as a local favorite. And don't forget they pride themselves on their pig roasts!
10335 S Parker Rd. | Parker hickoryhouseribs.com
Kat is the most amazing person, she rescued my hair and I left there swearing I would never go anywhere else! Kat is the best stylist Haircolorxperts is also the best!!!!!. ~ Connie
Cindy does an incredible head massage when washing my hair. ~ Leslie
Lena is the best!!! She is very talented and a great person! I would recommend her to anybody! ~ Michelle
