The original item was published from July 10, 2018 9:56 AM to September 15, 2022 4:28 PM
With the growing community interest in the Rueter-Hess Reservoir, we wanted to take this opportunity to share some useful information. Read on to learn more!
Who owns Rueter-Hess Reservoir?
The Parker Water and Sanitation District, which is a separate entity from the Town of Parker, owns and operates the Rueter-Hess Reservoir.
What is the Town of Parker’s involvement in the reservoir?
The Town of Parker is a member of the Rueter-Hess Reservoir Recreation Authority, a regional collaboration including the Parker Water and Sanitation District, Douglas County, the Town of Parker, the Town of Castle Rock, the City of Lone Tree and the City of Castle Pines. As an Authority participant, the Town of Parker provides some funding toward future recreation improvements at the reservoir and facilitates limited on-site recreational programming, such as paddle boarding and kayaking opportunities.
Is the reservoir currently open to the public?
Although the reservoir is not currently open to the general public, there are opportunities to come out and enjoy the reservoir. Details on scheduled programs, events and classes can be found at www.RHRecreation.org. Access is limited to programmed activities only at this time due to the lack of infrastructure needed to accommodate the public such as parking lots, roads, trails, shelter, restroom facilities, etc. The Recreation Authority is working diligently to implement the Master Plan that allows for this infrastructure to be built, but it will likely require several years to complete. In the meantime, efforts to implement more programmed activities are being explored.
Was the reservoir built solely for recreational purposes?
The primary purpose of the Rueter-Hess Reservoir is to store drinking water for the Parker Water and Sanitation District and their storage partners. For safety and water quality purposes, some uses won’t be allowed at the reservoir, including a swim beach and motorized boats. However, organized recreational programs and special events are currently available through the Authority recreation partners and contracted vendors and we hope to expand recreational opportunities in the future as funding allows. Available programs and events can be found at www.RHRecreation.org.
When will the Reservoir Recreation Master Plan be implemented?
The Rueter-Hess Reservoir Recreation Master Plan, which can be found at www.pwsd.org/2283/RHR-Recreation-Master-Plan, outlines the future desired uses at the reservoir. However, these improvements are funding dependent, so they will need to be implemented over time as money is available.
Learn more!
Want to learn more about the reservoir? Check out www.RHRecreation.org or contact the Parker Water and Sanitation District at 303.841.4627 or info@pwsd.org. A public informational session/tour of the reservoir will also be offered on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m.
The Town will continue to update our community as we have more information from the Parker Water and Sanitation District and the Rueter-Hess Reservoir Recreation Authority.