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Key Elements of Landscape Design
When you think about landscape design, especially in a place like Highlands Ranch, there are a few key elements that really stand out (and make a difference!). First off, you cant overlook the importance of plants. Different species can create varying textures, colors, and even scents that can transform a space entirely. Its not just about filling spaces with greenery; its about choosing the right plants that thrive in the local climate and soil conditions.
Next, lets talk about hardscaping. This term refers to the non-plant elements like patios, walkways, and walls. They provide structure and functionality to a landscape, making it not only visually appealing but also practical. You wouldn't want to have a beautiful garden without a path leading to it, right?
Another important aspect is the use of space. Effective landscape design takes into consideration how people will interact with the area. Making sure there's enough room for activities or just lounging around is essential. You definitely dont want people feeling cramped or uncomfortable in their own yards.
Water features, like ponds or fountains, can also be a wonderful addition. They bring a sense of tranquility and can attract wildlife. However, they require maintenance, so its important to think about whether you're up for the task or not.
Lastly, lighting should not be ignored. Proper lighting can highlight certain features and create a cozy atmosphere during the evenings. It's amazing how a well-placed light can change the mood of an outdoor space.
In conclusion, when designing a landscape in Highlands Ranch or anywhere else, it's crucial to consider plants, hardscaping, space usage, water features, and lighting. Each of these elements plays a role in creating a harmonious and functional outdoor environment. Just remember, it's not about making everything look perfect; it's about creating a space that feels good and serves its purpose!
Choosing Native Plants for Highlands Ranch
Choosing native plants for Highlands Ranch can be quite the adventure! When it comes to landscape design, there's just so much to consider. You might think that any plant will do, but that's not the case at all. Native plants are really the way to go if you want a garden that's not only beautiful but also sustainable.
First off, native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. This means they require less water and maintenance, which is a huge plus! You won't have to worry about them struggling to survive during those hot summer months. Plus, they're usually more resistant to pests and diseases, so you wont be constantly battling with bugs or diseases that can ruin your hard work.
Another great thing about using native plants is that they support local wildlife. Birds, butterflies, and other pollinators thrive in environments where native species are present. It's like giving a helping hand to nature right in your backyard! Imagine sipping your morning coffee while watching butterflies fluttering around-how lovely is that?
However, not every native plant is suitable for every space. It's important to do some research and choose the right ones for your specific area. Some might not thrive in shaded spots, while others might prefer well-drained soil. You don't want to plant something that's not going to flourish, right?
Incorporating native plants into your landscape design can create a sense of place and beauty that's truly unique to Highlands Ranch. Plus, it's a great conversation starter. People will often ask about your garden and you can proudly share that you've chosen plants that are native to the region. What a great way to connect with your neighbors!
In conclusion, while it may seem like a hassle to choose the right plants, it's totally worth it. Native plants not only enhance the beauty of your yard but also contribute to the health of the local ecosystem. So, dive into the world of native landscaping-you won't regret it!
Sustainable Landscaping Practices
Alright, the user wants a short essay on Sustainable Landscaping Practices for Landscape design in Highlands Ranch. Let me start by understanding the key points. They need it to sound human, so I should avoid formal language. They mentioned adding grammatical errors, contractions, and an exclamation mark. Also, no repetition, and some negation.
First, I need to outline the main aspects of sustainable landscaping. Maybe start with native plants since thats a common practice. Then mention water conservation, like drip irrigation. Rain gardens could be another point. Composting and mulching are good too. I should avoid technical terms to keep it casual.
Now, how to add contractions? Use dont, theyre, its. For grammatical errors, maybe mix subjects with verbs, like uses its instead of its. Add an exclamation mark somewhere, maybe when talking about benefits. Parentheses could be used for asides, like explaining why something is done.
Need to check for negation. Words like dont, cant, shouldnt. Avoid repeating words; use synonyms where possible. Make sure the flow is natural, not too structured. Maybe start with a general statement about sustainable practices, then list examples with casual explanations.
Let me draft a sample. Start with Hey, if youre into landscaping... Best Landscaper Denver Colorado. to sound conversational. Mention native plants first. Then water-saving methods. Add a parenthetical note about chemicals. Include an exclamation about benefits. Use contractions everywhere. Check for errors: uses its instead of its, maybe a missing comma here or there. Make sure not to use any markdown and keep it all in plain text. Alright, lets put it all together.
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Add a splash of serenity with Denver water features that outshine your neighbor’s birdbath.
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Hey, if you're into landscaping in Highlands Ranch, sustainable practices are a must-no ifs, ands, or buts. Think native plants first; they're tough, they don't guzzle water, and they're basically friends to the local critters. (Who knew shrubs could be so chill?) Drip irrigation? Yeah, that's the way to go instead of blasting water everywhere like a sprinkler gone rogue. It saves cash, reduces waste, and honestly, your plants will thank you.
Now, don't forget to ditch the chemicals. I mean, sure, they make everything look picture-perfect, but c'mon-no one wants a toxic lawn. Go with organic stuff; it's safer, better for the soil, and hey, it's not like the weeds are gonna sue you. Rain gardens are another win. They soak up runoff, prevent erosion, and add a little oomph to your yard. (Pro tip: Pair them with some wildflowers for a pop of color!)
Mulching? Oh, it's not just for grandmas' gardens. It keeps the soil cool, holds moisture, and cuts down on weeds. And composting? Don't even get me started. Turn your kitchen scraps into gold, folks! You'd be amazed how much life a little compost can bring.
Oh, and if you're thinking, “But what about the costs?” I get it-it might seem like a splurge upfront. But trust me, the long-term savings on water and maintenance are worth it. Plus, you'll be doing your part for the planet, right? No one wants to be the neighbor who mows their lawn for three hours a day, right? Let's keep Highlands Ranch green, smart, and-dare I say-freaking sustainable!
Creating Outdoor Living Spaces
Okay, the user wants an essay on creating outdoor living spaces for landscape design in Highlands Ranch. Let me start by breaking down the query. They specified it should sound human-like with grammatical errors, contractions, and interjections. Need to avoid repetition and use negation. Also, include a parenthesis and an exclamation mark.
First, I should mention Highlands Ranchs climate and how it affects design choices. Maybe talk about native plants since thats eco-friendly.
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Need to add some errors, like maybe mixing up their and there or a missing comma. Let me think of a contraction like dont or cant. An interjection could be Oh! or Well, to make it sound natural.
They want a parenthesis, so perhaps a side note about local regulations. The exclamation mark could be used when emphasizing a benefit, like You cant go wrong with a cozy fire pit! Also, use negation, so phrases like dont forget to consider or avoid overwatering.
Wait, need to check if Im avoiding repetition. Use synonyms for outdoor spaces-patios, decks, gardens. Maybe mention materials like stone or wood. Also, lighting is important at night. Add a parenthetical about checking local rules. Let me make sure the grammar errors are subtle, like subject-verb agreement or a misplaced modifier. Alright, let me piece this together now.
Creating outdoor living spaces in Highlands Ranch is no small feat, but it's totally worth the effort! You've got to start by thinking about what you really want-like, do you crave a cozy spot for morning coffee or a place to host friends while the sun sets? (Honestly, who doesn't love a good fire pit?) I mean, it's easy to get carried away with fancy designs, but let's not forget the climate here. You can't just plant anything; some plants won't survive the cold snaps or the occasional drought. I learned that the hard way when my tropical flowers turned to compost last winter!
Now, think about the flow of your space. Do you have a smooth path from your backyard to the grill? Is there enough shade without making the area feel gloomy? Oh, and don't neglect lighting! String lights are a hit, but you'll also need task lighting for cooking or reading. Let's face it, no one wants to fumble for a book in the dark. Plus, using native plants isn't just eco-friendly; it's practical. They require less water, and honestly, they look way better with the local vibe.
Wait-don't overlook the little things. A bench here, a planter there, maybe even a small fountain to drown out the noise from the street. Highlands Ranch has some lovely spots where the views speak for themselves, so why not frame them with smart design? I know, I know, it's tempting to go all-out, but balance is key. Overdoing it can make the space feel cluttered. And hey, if you're unsure, talk to a pro. They'll point out stuff you'd never think of, like drainage issues or weird soil pH. Trust me, it's better to ask than to end up with a muddy mess after the first rain.
So yeah, creating an outdoor space isn't just about looks-it's about making a place you'll actually use. You don't want to build something pretty only to let it sit empty! With a bit of planning and a whole lot of patience, your backyard can become the kind of spot people rave about. Just remember: it's your space, so make it yours.
About Landscaping
Modifying the visible features of areas of land
"Landscapers" redirects here. For the 2021 true crime TV series, see Landscapers (TV series).
Landscaping an elementary school courtyard in the city of Kuching
Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land, including the following:
Abstract elements, such as the weather and lighting conditions.
Landscaping requires a certain understanding of horticulture and artistic design, but is not limited to plants and horticulture. Sculpting land to enhance usability (patio, walkways, ponds, water features) are also examples of landscaping being used. When intended as purely an aesthetic change, the term Ornamental Landscaping is used.[1]
Often, designers refer to landscaping as an extension of rooms in your house (each one has a function). Outdoor spaces have a vast amount of flexibility as far as materials and function. It is often said the only limitation to outdoor space is one's imagination.
Construction requires both study and observation, and the process varies in different parts of the world. Landscaping varies according to different regions.[2] Therefore, normally local natural experts are recommended if it is done for the first time. Understanding of the site is one of the chief essentials for successful landscaping.[3] Different natural features and phenomena, like the position of the sun, terrain, topography, soil qualities, prevailing winds, depth of the frost line, and the system of native flora and fauna must be taken into account.[4] Sometimes the land is not fit for landscaping. In order to landscape it, the land must be reshaped to direct water for appropriate drainage. This reshaping of land is called grading.[4] Sometimes in large landscaping projects like, parks, sports fields and reserves soil may need to be improved by adding nutrients for growth of plants or turf, this process is called soil amelioration.[5]
Removal of earth from the land is called cutting while when earth is added to the slope, it is called filling. Sometimes the grading process may involve removal of excessive waste (landfills), soil and rocks, so designers should take into account while in the planning stage.[6][7]
At the start, the landscaping contractor issues a statement which is a rough design and layout of what could be done with the land in order to achieve the desired outcome.[4] Different pencils are required to make graphics of the picture. Landscaping has become more technological than natural, as few projects begin without bulldozers, lawnmowers, or chainsaws.[2] Different areas have different qualities of plants. When growing new grass, it should ideally be done in the spring and the fall seasons to maximize growth and to minimize the spread of weeds. It is generally agreed that organic or chemical fertilizers are required for good plant growth. Some landscapers prefer to use mix gravel with rocks of varying sizes to add interest in large areas.[8]
The urban and suburban development of the community known as Lakewood was started in 1889 by Charles Welch and W.A.H. Loveland, who platted a 13-block area along Colfax Avenue west of Denver in eastern Jefferson County. Loveland, the former president of the Colorado Central Railroad, retired to the new community of Lakewood after many years of living in Golden.[citation needed]
Until 1969, Lakewood had no municipal government, relying instead on several water districts, several fire districts, several volunteer-staffed fire districts, and the government of Jefferson County, including the Jefferson County Sheriff. Additionally, some neighborhoods lacked street lights and sidewalks.[citation needed]
The City of Lakewood was incorporated in 1969 as Jefferson City. Soon after, an election was held and the city's name was changed to Lakewood, due to an overwhelming dislike of "Jefferson City" and the belief that it would be confused with existing communities in Colorado and Missouri.[10] At the time of incorporation, the city population was already over 90,000.[citation needed]
Lakewood never had a traditional downtown area.[11] West Colfax Avenue served the metropolitan area as U.S. Route 40 and the main route joining Denver with the Rocky Mountains. [citation needed] As such, Colfax from Harlan west to Kipling and beyond had mostly commercial establishments. In addition to the Jewish Consumptives' Relief Society (JCRS) for tuberculosis patients, the small, frame Methodist Church, and telephone exchange, by the 1950s grocery and drug stores, gas stations, restaurants and taverns, several motels, branch banks, a movie theater, a roller rink, a bowling alley, and used car lots emerged there. Several multiple-business "shopping centers" developed followed by much larger centers at JCRS and Westland. The Villa Italia Mall on West Alameda Avenue, 20 blocks south of Colfax, reflected the southward expansion of the Lakewood settlement and housed a larger concentration of retail space. As the mall went into decline, the Lakewood City Council developed a plan to demolish the Villa Italia Mall and replace it with a new development called Belmar.[12]
In 2011, Lakewood was named an All-America City for the first time.
On December 27, 2021, a Denver gunman killed three Denver residents and two Lakewood residents before being killed by seriously wounded Lakewood Police Agent Ashley Ferris.[13]
Lakewood is located at the junction of U.S. Route 6 and Colorado State Highway 121 in central Colorado, the city lies immediately west of Denver and 62 miles (100 km) north-northwest of Colorado Springs.[14][15]
The city is located in the watershed of the South Platte River, and several small tributaries of the river flow generally east through it. From north to south, these include Lakewood Gulch, Weir Gulch, Sanderson Gulch, and Bear Creek. Two tributaries of Lakewood Gulch, Dry Gulch, and McIntyre Gulch flow east through the northern part of the city. Turkey Creek, a tributary of Bear Creek, flows northeast through the far southwestern part of the city. In addition, Lena Gulch, a tributary of Clear Creek to the north, flows east then north through the extreme northwestern part of the city.[14]
Several small lakes and reservoirs are in Lakewood. The Soda Lakes lie in the extreme southwestern part of the city. East of them lies Bear Creek Lake, a reservoir fed by Bear Creek and Turkey Creek. Clustered near each other in central Lakewood are Main Reservoir, East Reservoir, Smith Reservoir, Kendrick Lake, and Cottonwood Lake. Northeast of them lies Kountze Lake. In the northwestern part of the city, Lena Gulch both feeds and drains Maple Grove Reservoir. In the extreme southern part of the city lies Bowles Reservoir No. 1 and, just outside the city limits to the reservoir's northeast, Marston Lake.[14]
At the 2020 United States Census, the town had a total area of 28,574 acres (115.635 km2), including 751 acres (3.040 km2) of water.[6]
Lakewood, Colorado – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
As of the 2010 census, 142,980 people, 61,986 households, and 35,882 families were residing in the city. The population density was 3,334.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,287.4/km2). Its 65,758 housing units averaged 1,533.5 per square mile (591.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 82.9% White, 3.1% Asian, 1.6% Black, 1.4% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 7.7% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 22.0% of the population.[24]
Of the 61,986 households, 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.1% were married couples living together, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.1% were not families. About 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27, and the average family size was 2.92.[24]
The distribution of the population by age was 20.8% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.2 years. The gender makeup of the city was 48.9% male and 51.1% female.[24]
The median income for a household in the city was $52,960, and for a family was $66,947. Males had a median income of $46,907 versus $41,476 for females. The city's per capita income was $30,027. About 9.1% of families and 11.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.3% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.[24]
As of 2013, 67.3% of the population over the age of 16 was in the labor force. 0.1% were in the armed forces, and 67.3% were in the civilian labor force with 61.1% employed and 6.2% unemployed. The occupational composition of the employed civilian labor force was 38.6% in management, business, science, and arts; 25.9% in sales and office occupations; 16.9% in service occupations; 9.9% in production, transportation, and material moving; and 8.7% in natural resources, construction, and maintenance. The three industries employing the largest percentages of the working civilian labor force were educational services, health care, and social assistance (18.4%); professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services (13.8%); and retail trade (11.9%).[24]
The cost of living index in Lakewood, compared to a U.S. average of 100, is 107.4.[25] As of 2013, the median home value in the city was $238,500, the median selected monthly owner cost was $1,546 for housing units with a mortgage and $442 for those without, and the median gross rent was $940.[24]
Lakewood maintains a council-manager form of government. Citizens elect a city council consisting of the mayor, who is elected at-large, and 10 city council members, 2 from each of the city's five geographical wards. The mayor and the council members assert the policies for the operation of the city government. The current City Manager, Kathleen Hodgson, is the longest-tenured City Manager in the State of Colorado.[citation needed]
The current mayor is Wendi Strom. The council members representing Ward 1 are Jeslin Shahrezaei and Glenda Sinks; Sophia Mayott-Guerrero and Isabel Cruz represent Ward 2; Roger Low and Rebekah Stewart represent Ward 3; Rich Olver and David Rein represent Ward 4; and Ward 5 is represented by Jacob LaBure and Paula Nystrom.
Bus and light rail service within the city, and to other areas in the metropolitan area, is provided by the Regional Transportation District. Light rail service to Lakewood began on April 26, 2013, with the opening of the W Line. Seven light rail stations are located within the city, all of which are located along the W Line.
Intercity transportation is provided by Bustang. Federal Center station in Lakewood is along Bustang's West Line, which connects Denver to Grand Junction.[37]
Heritage Lakewood Belmar Park is a 20th-century museum and festival grounds, with several historic buildings, and is located near Kountze Lake; the site formerly housed the Belmar family mansion.
At William Fredrick Hayden Park in the foothills of Green Mountain, the Colorado National Guard previously used the north side for artillery practice. Since 2012 the Department of Defense Military Munitions Response Program has financed investigations to identify unexploded ordnance there.[38]
The 40 West Arts District includes a bike and "walking art experience" along the light rail line.[39]
The first known people to live in the area were ancient and PlainsWoodland peoples. Utes, Arapaho, and Cheyenne were in the area by the 1800s. They were all hunter-gatherers who established seasonal camps to acquire food.[8] A nearby rock shelter, Franktown Cave, shows evidence of habitation beginning in the early Archaic period about 6400 BC and continuing through each of the intervening cultural periods to 1725 AD.[9]
Stage roads were established on historic Cherokee and Trapper's Trails through present-day Denver. In 1864, Alfred Butters established the Pine Grove Way Station in a small one-room building (south of the current Parker United Methodist Church) to sell provisions, handle mail and messages, and provide respite for travelers.[8][10] The area was then within the Territory of Colorado (1861–1876). Butters became a state senator and representative. His house is on the National Register of Historic Places listings in downtown Denver.[10] George Long and his wife purchased the building, moved it to its present location on Main Street, and expanded it to include ten rooms, a ball room and outbuildings.[8] Built at the junction of stage routes, it was called Twenty Mile House for its distance to Denver. The stage station offered provisions, meals, and lodging, as well as protection for early settlers against attacks by Native Americans.[8][11]
Initially, there were peaceful interactions with Native Americans. Chiefs Washington and Colorow led their tribes along Sulphur Gulch, passing and sometimes visiting cabins of early settlers, like John and Elizabeth Tallman. During one visit, Chief Washington offered up to 20 ponies in trade for their red-headed son. They occasionally heard the sounds of celebration and mourning from nearby encampments.[10] Tension between settlers and Native Americans began to build in the 1860s due to broken treaties, aggression, and cultural misunderstanding. People became especially fearful following the Hungate massacre of 1864 in present-day Elbert County, which may have been started by Nathan Hungate shooting a Native American who stole his horse. It may have been a precipitating factor in the Sand Creek massacre led by General John Chivington later that year. John Tallman was one of the first to arrive at the scene of the Hungate Massacre and he served under Chivington during the Sand Creek massacre. The citizens of Parker became quite concerned and closed the school for a brief time after the massacres. In 1870, Jonathan Tallman (John's brother) was killed by Native Americans while out riding his mule.[10]
Twenty Mile House, Parker, Colorado, 1908
In 1869, Twenty Mile House was owned by Nelson and Susan Doud.[8][11] In 1870, the Douds purchased the Seventeen Mile House in what is now Centennial and sold the Twenty Mile House[12] to James S. Parker, an American Civil War veteran from Illinois who came to Colorado in 1865.[8][13] He added a blacksmith shop and mercantile store. In December 1870,[8] or 1873, a post office was established for the Pine Grove settlement; James Parker was the postmaster.[14] He built a schoolhouse and provided lodging and the first year's salary for the teacher.[8] George Parker, James' brother, homesteaded and built a saloon on land east of Parker Road.[8] George owned most of the land that ultimately became the town of Parker. He encouraged settlers and business development by "parceling out his spread" to newcomers.[8][10]
The name of the settlement was changed to Parker in 1882.[14][15] It was first called Parkers' for the two brothers and largest landowners, but the apostrophe was later dropped.[10] That year, the Denver and New Orleans Railroad completed the initial railroad route[16] that provided service between Denver, Parker, and Colorado Springs. To ensure that the railroad came through the center of town, rather than along Cherry Creek, James Parker sold his right-of-way for $1 and his brother George sold his right-of-way to bring the railroad into the center of town to Parker station.[17]
Rhode Island Hotel, 1908. Built near the railroad depot, the hotel had modern conveniences, a livery stable, a telephone company for the town, and a telegraph office. Over the years, it has been used for multiple purposes. It is now contained within the 20 Mile Center on Mainstreet. The outline of the old hotel can be seen from the rear of the building.[18]
James donated three acres for Parker Cemetery around 1884, at which time it held the graves of his two sons. It holds the graves of early settlers, the earliest known death was in 1870. Parker (died 1910) and his wife Mattie (died 1887) are also buried there.[8] In the mid-1880s, gold was found at Newlin Gulch (site of the current Rueter–Hess Reservoir.) More businesses were added, including a dry goods store, two more general mercantile stores, another blacksmith shop, a livery stable, barber shop, creamery, stockyard, hotel, church, and a brickworks. Many of these were added by 1900.[8][10]Victorian architectural style houses were built along Pikes Peak Drive in the 1910s.[19] The Parker station of the Colorado and Southern Railway, which was renamed as it expanded its route, closed in 1931.[17]
At least through the 1930s, there were dances the first Saturday of each month at Pikes Peak Grange, located north of Franktown. The dances were attended by teenagers from Parker and Elizabeth.[20]
The Parker City Land Company began development of a "modern western town" in the 1960s, but they did not complete the housing projects due to financial short-falls. In the 1970s, first african-american astronaut candidate Ed Dwight was involved in the project as a real estate developer.[21] The developer skipped town in 1971. About 1980 or 1981, the development was completed by another builder. Dean Salibury advocated for Parker's incorporation to protect its landowners.[20] The town was incorporated in 1981,[22] and Salisbury was Parker's first mayor.[20] Parker grew exponentially in the mid-1990s and mid-2000s, during the growth of Denver's southern suburbs.[22] In 1981 there were 285 people in Parker and by 2014 48,000 people resided in the town.[19]
The Twenty Mile post office, originally the Pine Grove post office building, was restored by the Parker Area Historical Society. It is located on Mainstreet, just west of Parker Road.[23]Ruth Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[24] The town of Parker was given a grant by the History Colorado State Historical Fund a restoration project for the Parker Consolidated School at the Mainstreet Center.[25] The Hood House, one of two houses that did not sustain any damage during the flood of Tallman Gulch in 1912, is located in Preservation Park.[26] Some of the other historic sites include Tallman–Newlin Cabin and Parker Cemetery.[19]
Parker is located in northeastern Douglas County.[27] Its northernmost border follows the Arapahoe County line, and the city of Aurora touches the town's northeast border. The center of Parker is 23 miles (37 km) southeast of downtown Denver.[28]Castle Rock, the Douglas County seat, is 15 miles (24 km) to the southwest. Unincorporated communities that border Parker are Dove Valley to the northwest, Stonegate to the west, and The Pinery to the south.[29] Parker sits at an elevation of 5,900 feet above sea level.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 22.455 square miles (58.158 km2), of which 0.00 square miles (0.008 km2), or 0.02%, is water.[1]Cherry Creek flows through Parker on its way north toward Denver.[30]
This climate type is usually found in the outskirts of true deserts in low-latitude, semi-arid regions. It has cooler, wetter weather resulting from the higher latitude and mid-latitude frontal cyclone activity. Annual precipitation totals are greater than in tropical and subtropical desert climates. Yearly variations in amount are not as extreme as in the true deserts but are nevertheless large. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "BSk". (mid latitude Steppe Climate).
As of the American Community Survey of 2022, there were 61,222 people, 20,083 households, and 6,525 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,619.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,011.5/km2). There were housing units at an average density of 897.8 per square mile (346.6/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 84.4% White, 4.9% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.88% from other races, 1.01% Black, and 6.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.1% of the population.
There were 20,083 households, out of which 45.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.1% were married couples living together, 18.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.7% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of people living alone, and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.28.
In the town, the age of the population is trending older, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.2 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $120,075, and the median income for a family was $136,520. Males had a median income of $93,090 versus $63,008 for females. The per capita income for the town was $48,857. About 1.8% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 1.3% of those age 65 or over.
As of the 2000 census, there were 23,558 people, 7,929 households, and 6,525 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,615.2 people per square mile (623.4/km²). There were 8,352 housing units at an average density of 572.6 per square mile (221.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 92.60% White, 1.71% Asian, 1.01% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.88% from other races, and 2.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.80% of the population.
There were 7,929 households out of which 52.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.8% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.7% were non-families. 13.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 1.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.27.
In the town the population was spread out with 34.0% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 43.4% from 25 to 44, 15.0% from 45 to 64, and 2.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 98.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $74,116, and the median income for a family was $77,384. Males had a median income of $52,070 versus $35,700 for females. The per capita income for the town was $27,479. About 1.7% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 2.1% of those age 65 or over.
Parker is served by Douglas County School District. Douglas County School District has among the highest level of students in Colorado. Students have scored, on average, 12 to 19 percent above the state average.[33] The district was rated 9th in the state in 2009.[34] The Pine Lane Elementary School had the largest student enrollment in Parker until Mammoth Heights Elementary opened in January 2007 and took the overload.
Two of the three principal high schools in the area, Ponderosa and Chaparral High School, have a cross-town rivalry and compete annually for The Pride of Parker trophy. Legend High School opened in 2008, as Douglas County's ninth high school.
Private schools in Parker include:
Ave Maria Catholic School (PK-8)
Southeast Christian School (PK-8)
Lutheran High School Parker (9–12)
Parker Montessori Educational Institute (PK-K)
Montessori Academy (PK-K)
For other Parker and Douglas County school information:
Challenge to Excellence Charter School (annual lottery)
North Star Academy (annual lottery)
Parker Core Knowledge Charter School (students selected through a wait list; application at birth strongly recommended in order to gain entry for kindergarten)
The Town maintains 10 trails with over 27 miles of concrete paved, multi-use trails, over 6 miles of natural surface equestrian trails and a 1.8-mile natural surface, multi-use loop trail. The Cherry Creek Trail runs along Cherry Creek, north and south through Parker. Bicycling, hiking, nature walks, and cross-country skiing are all popular uses.
The Rueter–Hess Reservoir is located west of town and is not yet open for recreational use of the water as of 2021, although trails around the reservoir are open. Planned activities there include fishing, hiking, and non-motorized boating.[36] No natural streams flow into the reservoir, instead, water rights owned by the Parker Water and Sanitation District provide water delivered via Cherry Creek and local canals. If filled to capacity, the surface size would be 1,140 acres.
The Parker Recreation Center is located alongside Lincoln Avenue and has several amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, fitness and cycling studios, sports and fitness classes, and more.
The Parker Field House offers 100,000 square feet (9,300 m2) of space, including sports turf, batting cages, gymnasiums, inline rink with Sport Court flooring, and climbing.
The Parker Racquet Club opened in 2019 and offers six indoor courts to tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. Phase 2, opening in 2023, adds one of the first paddle courts in Colorado, and additional outdoor tennis courts and pickleball courts.
The town currently maintains about 250 acres of developed parkland and more than 900 acres of open space.[37]
Parker is home to the Parker Arts, Culture, & Events Center (PACE). It is a venue that hosts art exhibits, art classes, theater productions, and concerts. It is the official home of the Parker Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra established in 1994, that offers a full season of orchestra concerts annually. The Parker Symphony was formerly the South Suburban Community Orchestra.
Parker is also home to Colorado School of Dance, which partners with PACE each December to produce the "Nutcracker of Parker." The annual ballet has been a Parker tradition since 2003.
Parker currently has one local magazine and one local paper. Search Parker Magazine is the local magazine and the Parker Chronicle is the local paper. Parker also receives the county-wide channel, Douglas County 8, which broadcasts school sports events and assorted programs run by residents.[38]
McLaughlin, Frank B. (1998). A Guidebook to Historic Sites in the Parker Area: What They Look Like, what They Looked Like, how to Find Them, Their History. Parker Area Historical Society.
Miller, Ruth L. (2005). Parker, Colorado: An Historical Narrative. Parker Area Historical Society.
Whelchel, Sandy (1996). A Folk History of Parker and Hilltop. Parker Distributing/Paintbrush Press. ISBN978-1-878406-08-8.
Whiteley, Lee (1999). The Cherokee Trail: Bent's Old Fort to Fort Bridger. Johnson Printing. ISBN978-0-9671351-1-3.
Aurora (,) is a home rule city situated in Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas regions, Colorado, USA. The city's populace was 386,261 at the 2020 United States census with 336,035 living in Arapahoe County, 47,720 in Adams Region, and 2,506 in Douglas County. Aurora is the third-most-populous city in the State of Colorado and the 51st-most-populous city in the United States. Aurora is a primary city of the Denver–-- Aurora–-- Centennial, CO Metropolitan Statistical Location and the Denver-Aurora, CO Combined Statistical Area, and a significant city of the Front Range Urban Corridor.
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