About Parker Parks and Recreation

Establishment of the Parker Parks and Recreation Department

The Parker Parks and Recreation Department was established in 1992 and 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, a 100,000 square foot sports and fitness facility.

Despite its brief history, the Parker Parks and Recreation Department has been named as a finalist for the National Recreation and Park Association's (NRPA) top award five times. In both 2000 and 2011, the Parks and Recreation Department was selected as the Gold Medal Award winner as the nation's top department for its population size. The Gold Medal Award is given to departments displaying the highest degree of excellence in parks and recreation administration.

Parker Parks, Recreation and Open Space is among the ranks of elite park and recreation agencies across the country with accreditation through the CAPRA and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This distinguished accomplishment was awarded in 2018 and is reviewed every five years. 

Cost Recovery Strategy

In 2021, the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department worked with a consultant to develop a Cost Recovery Strategy and Model that focused on creating sound cost recovery and financial management principles to create a more sustainable system for providing services.

In order to accomplish this, we conducted a thorough analysis and assessment of the Department’s programs, services and facilities. This resulted in the categorization of services based on the level of community versus individual benefit, the identification of direct/indirect costs of services and an evaluation of current offerings. We also use this model to assist in establishing fees and charges for programs.

The model we adopted directs more subsidized resources, such as tax dollars, to services and programs that offer a greater overall community-wide benefit. Services that provide more of an individual benefit require more fiscal commitment from the individual participating.

View a graphic representation of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department’s Cost Recovery Strategy here.