Problem Statement:
Parker, like typical suburban towns throughout America, has begun to suffer the consequences of a collection of geographically proximate but not interconnected properties and developments. Unlike traditional urban environments where grid systems are used to successfully move local traffic from location to location, suburban towns have been developed using the superblock configurations. Consequently, this type of configuration, especially in the commercial core of a community, results in traffic congestion on its main thoroughfares and at major intersections.

While additional connectivity is critical, preserving the community character is just as important. Today, users are demanding more of their environments and suburban towns are challenged to improve not only transportation and circulation, but also the experience while traveling down these thoroughfares.

The Solution:
In order to alleviate congestion and provide an environment where economic development can flourish, alternative routes to support local trips are necessary. Ensuring connectivity is only one part of the solution. Encouraging the desired roadside appearance and experience of these circulation networks is critical to ensuring that the future growth of the downtown core is developed in a manner consistent with the community vision.

The Result:
This Plan, specific to the Greater Downtown District, is a management tool that focuses on three critical elements – ensuring connectivity, circulation and character; the basis for a successful and vibrant downtown.

Connectivity/Circulation: The below exhibit shows the intended framework for vehicular circulation in order to provide a greater level of connectivity between uses in the downtown area. This framework provides a basis by which the Town can review projects during the approval process. The framework is not intended to show all routes, only those primary circulation networks. As such, minor internal circulation specific to individual developments will need to be determined at time of platting and during the site plan review process.

Character:
The framework for the desired character and appearance of the streetscape and development activities along the thoroughfares are also included in this Plan. Such elements include: medians, on-street parking, pedestrian activity zones/sidewalks, building setbacks/orientation/height and visibility of off-street parking from the public thoroughfare.

Relationship to Other Plans:
The Plan is intended to be used in conjunction with other regulatory documents and master plans adopted by the Town.

Obtaining a copy of the ‘Greater Downtown District Circulation Network Visionary Plan’: The Plan can be purchased at Town Hall for $5.