You are invited to a FREE homeowner building class on Thursday, March 11 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 20120 E. Mainstreet. If you are planning to complete home improvements this year, this class is for you! Attendees will have a chance to have all kinds of building-related questions answered by experts in the field.

During this free session, Building Division staff will guide Parker residents through the permit process, explain fees and required inspections. This is a good opportunity to meet the people who will help you with the application and plan review process and also to meet with the field inspectors.

Please call the Building Division with any questions at 303.841.1970 or email building@parkeronline.org. We hope to see you there!
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Town offers new business assistance programs

The Town is committed to our business community and has several new Town Assistance Programs (TAP) in place designed to help them thrive and grow. Businesses that meet certain criteria are eligible to apply for use of these innovative tools. Specific details on each program, as well as application requirements, can be found online at www.parkeronline.org/TAP.

TAP Tools
The Town offers a variety of economic development assistance tools for businesses looking to relocate to or expand in Parker. Understanding that each business may vary in the type of assistance needed and that each situation may differ, staff customizes all economic development assistance to the needs of the company and/or situation. TAP can include:
• Rebates on Permit Fees and/or Construction Use Tax
• Rebates on Incremental Sales Tax
• Small Business Scholarship Program
• Parker Improvement Program (Matched Funds for Facade Improvement)
• Property Tax Rebates Within the Parker Authority for Reinvestment (PAR) District

As part of the Town’s commitment to small businesses and entrepreneurs, Parker is providing a Small Business Scholarship Program. This program allows reimbursement of business training expenses to small and home-based business owners/employers with 25 or fewer employees. To qualify, businesses must be licensed through the Town and located within the Parker Town limits.

If approved, businesses may be reimbursed 50 percent of the cost of tuition and fees, up to $500 per business per calendar year, after successful completion of the courses. All courses that reasonably benefit the business are eligible. This program is designed to allow for flexibility in choosing the type of training that enhances each business. Applicants may choose courses from any accredited institution or generally accepted programs.

Through the Parker Improvement Program (PIP), the Town provides matching funds up to $5,000 per business for eligible property owners and tenants to upgrade storefronts and building facades.

These improvements help create a positive commercial environment in Parker. Improving and upgrading building facades in Parker, especially along the Parker Road corridor, is one of the important goals of this plan. The PIP seeks to bring new life to existing buildings that do not conform to current standards or are in need of a “face lift.”

Other Resources
A variety of other business assistance resources are available from Douglas County and the State of Colorado. These could include, but are not limited to personal property rebates, private activity bonds, expedited plan review and permitting, job training grants, small business loans and tax credits.

For specifics on these exciting business assistance programs, please contact Becky Hogan, Economic Development Director, at 303.805.3169 or email bhogan@parkeronline.org.

The Town has recently enhanced the business section of our Web site and it is also a great resource for more information on these programs. Go to www.parkeronline.org/TAP.
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Douglas County recently began construction of the east phase of Hess Road to I-25. While this is a Douglas County project, the Town would like to inform Parker residents about the construction schedule and its impact to our local roadways.

As part of the construction of the east phase, Douglas County will close Hess Road west of Chambers Road to the Great Plains Way intersection beginning on approximately March 15 (weather dependent) for 60 days. The actual closure date of this roadway will be advertised via variable message boards several days prior to the closure. This closure will be used to expedite construction on this section of roadway. The remaining access points into the adjacent subdivision will not be affected by this closure.

Douglas County is moving forward with competitive bidding of the west segment of Hess road to I-25. Construction for this segment is planned to start this spring and Hess Road is anticipated to be open to I-25 for use in late 2011.

For more information on this important road project please contact Douglas County Public Works at 303.660.7490.

Spring is just around the corner and this is the time of the year when thoughts go to home improvements! As you consider making changes or enhancements to your home, remember that in most cases, a building permit is required. Before you start your project, give the Building Division a call to discuss the need for a permit. It’s also a good idea to check in advance with your local Homeowner Association’s architectural control committee to determine if there are any neighborhood restrictions that apply.

Some common home remodel projects that require a building permit include, but are not limited to:

Basement Finishes
Decks and Patios
Furnaces/Air Conditioners (new or replacement)
Gazebos or Shade Structures
Pools and Hot Tubs
Re-roofing
Large Accessory Structures, Garden Shed, Garage (over 120 sf)
Interior Remodel
Any Plumbing Work
Any Electrical Work
New Siding
Windows- Replacement or New Installations
Additions
Porches/Patio/Deck Covers
Commercial Remodel or Tenant improvement
Change of Occupancy Type/Use

Once you receive your building permit, be sure to place the permit in a window or other visible location that can be seen by our building inspectors. Building permits are required by law, but they also provide third-party verification that you (or the contractor you hired) met the minimum code requirements for your project. They also provide the homeowner with an inexpensive resource for construction-related questions and give you access to expertise in all fields, including plumbing, mechanical, electrical, framing and finish.

Building permit applications forms, plan review requirements, permit fees, building guidelines and the Homeowner building class schedule can all be accessed on the Town’s Web site at www.parkeronline.org/building.

The Town also offers FREE homeowner building classes several times a year that cover many of the projects mentioned above. At each class, Building staff will walk you through the permitting process, explain fees and the required inspections. This is a good opportunity to meet the people who will help you with the application and plan permit process, and also to meet with the field inspectors.

Classes start at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, located at 20120 E. Mainstreet. Upcoming 2010 class dates are:
Thursday, March 11
Thursday, June 10
Thursday, Sept. 9
Thursday, Dec. 2

If you have any questions about your home remodeling projects, please feel free to contact the Building Department at 303.841.1970 or visit us online at www.parkeronline.org/building.
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The Town of Parker is pleased to once again be offering FREE phone book recycling to the Parker community. From Monday, Feb. 22 through Monday, March 22, residents may drop off their outdated phone books at the Parker Town Hall, located at 20120 E. Mainstreet. A dumpster marked “phone book recycling” will be located in the east parking lot of this facility for your recycling convenience.

This is just one of the free or reduced cost recycling events the Town of Parker provides to our residents each year. Check our Web site at www.parkeronline.org/recycling for additional recycling opportunities throughout the year.

For more information, please call 303.841.0353.

Due to increased reports of concerns about coyotes in recent years, not only in Parker but across the Denver Metro region, the Town dedicated staff to research coyote issues and to convene with other regional agencies to share ideas on the topic. The result is an official coyote management plan that offers solutions the Town can implement to reduce fear and conflicts people may have with coyotes. It also prescribes our response when coyote activity could pose a safety risk to people.

Research has shown that coyotes are a fact of life in our area: they have adapted well to living in this environment and their numbers can not be impacted over the long-term by attempts to control or reduce their population. Under State regulation, coyotes can not be relocated to other areas. With that said, communities can safely coexist with coyotes if they are given the right tools.

The heart of the Town’s management plan is tracking coyote activity and helping educate people on how to safely coexist with wildlife. (The most crucial things to know are to NEVER feed or approach coyotes or unintentionally provide them food sources, to not leave pets unattended or off leash where coyotes can get to them and how to safely encourage coyotes to stay away from people through “hazing”). The Police Department’s Animal Services Division keeps records of when and where coyote activity is reported so we know where to focus our efforts.

In addition, the plan is also a guideline for the Town in the event that unsafe coyote activity is reported. As with any safety issue, citizens are encouraged to report coyote incidents immediately to the Police Department. Safety is the Town’s highest priority and reports of coyote activity will be immediately investigated and addressed according to the plan.

Visit the Town's Web site at www.parkeronline.org to review the Town's complete plan and the Division of Wildlife educational information.
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On Monday, March 8, Parker and Lone Tree police officers will play a fundraising “Kops N Kids” basketball game at 7 p.m. at Chaparral High School to benefit Chaparral Unified Sports and the Parker Task Force. Officers will be playing student athletes with special needs who wish to be involved in high school sports. Admission is a $1 donation and a non-perishable food item.
The Unified Sports teams provide an opportunity for students with special needs to participate in organized team sports with their peers in a fun and competitive environment. The formation of the teams was spearheaded by physical education instructor Lori Pace in concert with the special education department.
Both the Unified Sports program and the Parker Task Force rely on the generosity of our community members. If you wish to make a donation, please make the check out to "Unified Sports" or Chaparral Unified Sports and drop it off at the Parker Police Department, 19600 E. Parker Square Drive.

For more information, please call Debbie Daily at 303.841.9800. If you would like to know more about Chaparral Unified Sports contact Lori Pace at 303.906.8850.

The Parker Police Department is pleased to announce a new online police reporting program for the residents of Parker that will make filing a police report more efficient. The new program, powered by CopLogic, allows an individual to file an online report with the Police Department as long as the crime committed fits within certain criteria.

To use the online program, the crime must have occurred within the Parker Town limits, the loss or damage must be less than $1,000 and no suspect information is available. Crime categories available include: hit and run(vehicles), lost property and theft and vandalism (except graffiti).

This new system allows people to avoid going to the police station or waiting on the phone to file a non-emergency property crime report. The public also has the ability to report an anonymous crime tip via the system. All reports are reviewed by the Police Department. If there are any questions, or other follow-up is needed, the filing party will be contacted by an officer.

To access this program go to the www.ParkerPolice.org and click on “Programs and Services.”

To report non-emergency criminal activity that does NOT fit the criteria for online reporting, call the Police Department at 303.841.9800. [Additional info...]

The Parker and Lone Tree Police Departments are looking for volunteer victim advocates for the Parker/Lone Tree Victim Services Unit. Advocates provide immediate crisis intervention and support for victims of crime (and surviving families in cases of death), domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes. Emotional support is provided, as well as information regarding available long-term support services.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and able to work nights and weekends. They must be willing to commit to at least one year of service. Applicants must posses an open and non-judgmental attitude towards victims and survivors and if selected, must complete a full background check including a polygraph.

Advocates will be provided in depth and on-going training on the dynamics of victimization and the criminal justice system.

Interested parties should contact Nancy Prokop, Victim Services Coordinator, by email at nprokop@parkeronline.org or at 303.805.3310 before March 28. For more information on the victim advocate program, go to www.ParkerPolice.org.

Tired of buying new expensive equipment every year, or are you a local sports team looking to unload all your sports equipment out of storage to make a profit? Join us for the first annual RECycle Sports Equipment Swap on Saturday, April 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E. Plaza Dr.

Buy, sell or trade – any profit is yours to keep! All recreation equipment is fair game: football, hockey, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, golf, tennis, skateboarding, snow sports and even bikes. Miscellaneous household items are also encouraged. Equipment donations will be accepted for the Town booth and will benefit the Town of Parker scholarship fund to help Parker residents who demonstrate a need for assistance, participate in Recreation programs.

Register online at www.ParkerRec.com before March 20 for a $5 table space. The fee will be $10 after March 20. Space is limited and may be shared.

For more information about the RECycle Sports Equipment Swap, contact Brenda or Corey at 303.805.6300.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an estimated 65 percent of U.S. adults are either overweight or obese and only about one-fourth of U.S. adults eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
The American Dietetic Association’s National Nutrition Month® campaign reinforces the importance of nutrition as a key component of good health, along with physical activity.

Parker Recreation is celebrating National Nutrition Month by offering a free Q&A session with registered dietitian Loraine Cira on Saturday, March 13 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. as well as individual nutrition coaching sessions for only $30. Or take the extra step toward a healthy lifestyle with three one-hour personal training sessions plus a nutrition consultation for only $99 during the month of March. There are additional tools available to help improve your health and wellness; MedGem® analysis accurately measures resting metabolic rate (RMR), which allows for the development of a personalized nutrition and weight management plan. Parker Recreation will be offering 25% off of MedGem® services during National Nutrition Month.

In addition to proper nutrition, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, strengthen your bones and muscles, reduce your risk of some cancers, improve your ability to do daily activities and prevent falls and improve your mental health and mood. Let Parker Recreation help you increase your health and wellness with a free trial week membership (www.parkeronline.org/FreeWeek) at Parker Recreation Center and Parker Fieldhouse. Also, when you buy three sessions of Personal Training, Pilates Reformer Training or Thai Yoga Therapy during the month of March you will get one session free.

Join Parker Recreation in celebrating National Nutrition Month! For more information about these and other fitness and wellness programs, please call Hillary at 303.805.3278 or email hroemersberger@parkeronline.org.

Dust off your clubs and iron your plaid knickers—it’s finally golf season! Parker Recreation is offering a four-hour golf clinic on Saturday, March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E. Plaza Dr. Participants will prepare for the season physically with personal trainers, technically with a golf professional and mentally with a sports psychologist.

The clinic opens on the Fieldhouse sports turf as participants work with certified personal trainers to build the core strength, functional stability and balance necessary for a great golf game. Personal Trainer Tim Kilduff will use resistance training, fitballs and BOSU balls to help you build your core. Tim will also focus on sport-specific training to get you prepared for the upcoming golf season.

Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor Pam Kilduff will spend the second hour with participants teaching core strength exercises golfers can use throughout their season. She will take golfers through a series of Pilates techniques to help build full-body strength and flexibility and increase your body conditioning.

Next, get helpful golf tips from local golf professional Eric Coombs. Eric is a PGA Pro and an Assistant Pro at the Pinery Country Club. With his background in physical therapy, Eric combines both mechanical and physical techniques in his teaching style.

The final hour of the clinic focuses on the mental aspects of golf. Sports Psychologist Dr. Bill Campbell, EED has been featured on the Golf Channel, and is a mental coach to the pros, professional golf educator and author of "Hard Wired for Golf." Learn how to take charge of your game from the head down!

The Pre-season Golf Clinic registration fees are $75 for Parker Residents and $82 for non-residents. Register online at www.ParkerRec.com or contact Hillary Roemersberger at 303.805.3278 or by email at hroemersberger@parkeronline.org for additional information.
[Register online...]

Leave your little ones with our talented staff at the Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E. Plaza Dr., and enjoy your night, kid-free! A Parent’s Night Out event will take place on Saturday, March 13.

Fieldhouse staff will have plenty of games and activities, crafts, movies, climbing and skating to keep your kids busy. Concessions will also be available to purchase. Participants should wear athletic shoes and bring a water bottle, snacks and/or money for the vending machines and concessions. This special event for children ages 5 to 13 will give your kids a fun, safe place to spend the evening.

Attention Frequent Saturday Skate Night Attendees: You must be a registered Parent’s Night Out participant to join in on the fun during this skate night.

Pre-Register at www.ParkerRec.com or call 303.805.6300. Pre-registration is $15. At the door registration is an additional $5. Contact Andy or Errin at 303.805.6300 for more information or to receive sibling and group discounts.
[Register here...]

Come play at the Parker Fieldhouse on your Spring Break! Fieldhouse staff has coordinated specific drop-in hours for play throughout the week of March 22 to 26.

The inline rink will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday, March 22 and Tuesday, March 23 and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25. On Friday, March 26 the rink will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Open hours on the turf will be from 7 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, and from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday; 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday; and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The gymnasium will have drop in hours available from 6 to 9 p.m. on Monday, 5:30 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 to 10 p.m. on Thursday and from noon until 3 p.m. on Friday. Additional open gym is available at the Parker Recreation Center, 17301 Lincoln Ave. Please call 303.841.4500 for availability.

Extended climbing wall hours may also be available as well as daytime batting cage rentals. Please call 303.805.6300 for availability.

Don’t forget to register your kids for the Fieldhouse Day Camp! Space is filling quickly. The Fieldhouse Day Camp is the perfect way to keep your kids active on their school breaks. One fieldtrip is held each week on Wednesday and participants swim at the Parker Recreation Center on Fridays. For more information, contact Camp Director Cathy Berends at 303.805.6315.

The Parker Fieldhouse is located at 18700 E. Plaza Dr. Visit us on the web at www.ParkerRec.com.

When school is out for Spring Break, send your child to a Basketball Fundamentals camp at the Parker Fieldhouse, 18700 E. Plaza Dr. Camp will be hosted by Marcus Mason and his Nothing But Net staff for male and female players ages 6 to 17, March 22 to 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Off-Track camps are also offered from 9 a.m. to noon March 1-5, 8-12 and March 29 to April 2 for youth who attend schools on the track system.

These camps will consist of fundamentals that will enhance your son’s or daughter’s dribbling, passing and shooting. Camp will also develop players’ ability to work in a team structure while also having fun by playing individual and team games.

A big focus of these camps will be having FUN while playing individual and team games. Campers must bring their own lunch to the Spring Break camp. Register online at www.ParkerRec.com with key words basketball fundamentals. A sibling discount is available for families signing up more than one child. For more information, contact Andy Fraser at 303.805.6310.
[Register here...]