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Recycling in Parker Colorado

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Parker Colorado affiliate disclosure

Most of the HOA’s in Parker include recycling options either for free or a small fee. Here are some other options for you.

The Refillary

19501 E Parker Square Dr. Parker, CO 80134 Call 303-955-4792

Refillary is Parker’s only low-waste refill shop which provides you with USA-made, eco-friendly household and personal care products to make you, your family, the environment and your wallet feel good. Take care of yourself and the environment one refillable bottle at a time as well as other eco friendly items & gifts. They also have a shelter cat program where the store sponsors a celebrity cat that is up for adoption. Stop by and say hello to the friendly staff.

Hours

  • Monday & Tuesday – By appointment
  • Wednesday-Friday – 10am-6pm
  • Saturday & Sunday – 9am-3pm
reduce reuse recycle parker colorado

Batteries, Lightbulbs & Small Electronic Appliances

Batteries Plus
11355 S. Parker Road
Parker, CO 80134
303-805-5822 
Notes: Accepts rechargeable batteries and lead-acid batteries.  Call for fees and details. 

Trash Recycling

Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site (DADS)

3500 South Gun Club Rd., Aurora 80018
720.876.2620
Denver Arapahoe Disposal Site

Residential recycling:

  • Paper
  • Plastic #1-7
  • Aluminum
  • Glass

Also:

  • Electronic waste
  • Scrap metal
  • Tires
  • Wood
  • Yard waste

Sedalia Landfill

5970 US-85, Sedalia, CO 80135
720.733.8584
Sedalia Landfill Website

Has a small self-service recycle center that accepts:

  • Aluminum
  • Plastic Bottles
  • Cardboard boxes (corrugated)
  • Freon recovery on refrigerators, freezers and AC units
  • There is a charge per load

Front Range Recycling Services

720.588.0268
Front Range Recycling Services Website

Specialize in appliance recycling and take the hassle out of removing old, unwanted, and broken commercial and residential appliances and other types of scrap metal.

Community Recycling Center

701 Prairie Hawk Drive, Castle Rock, CO
Community Recycling Center Website

A volunteer organization that provides free recycling to the residents of the Town of Castle Rock and its surrounding communities.

Electronics Recycling

Best Buy

11267 S. Pikes Peak Dr, 80138
303.840.5501

Items Recycled:

  • TV and Video
  • Computers and Tablets
  • Cell phones and Radios
  • Appliances
  • Ink and Toner
  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Audio equipment
  • Music and Movies
  • Video Games and Gadgets
  • Cameras and Camcorders
  • Car Audio, Video and GPS

Additional Recycling Resources (Courtesy of Tri-County Health)

Christmas Tree Recycling in Parker allows you to not only recycle your Christmas tree but also to receive mulch to help with erosion and weeds. These perks are free to Parker residents.

If you know of other planet friendly resources we should include, please feel free to let us know.

Suicide Prevention Resources Douglas County

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Parker Colorado affiliate disclosure

Suicide Prevention Resources

national suicide prevention hotline parker co

Youth suicide rates in Colorado are alarmingly high compared to the rest of the nation. The encouraging news is that there are many very effective suicide prevention programs being implemented that bring hope, optimism and recovery to people struggling with thoughts of suicide and their families.

Need help now? 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and you’ll be connected to a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area, any time 24/7.

Who should call?

If you feel you are in a crisis, whether or not you are thinking about killing yourself, please call Lifeline. People have called us for help with substance abuse, economic worries, relationship, and family problems, sexual orientation, illness, getting over abuse, depression, mental and physical illness, and even loneliness.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, get help now

  • The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24. Need help now? The Trevor Project hotline is available 24/7: 1-866-488-7386.
  • Safe2Tell provides young people a way to report any threatening behaviors or activities endangering themselves or someone they know, in a way that keeps them safe and anonymous. By calling 1-877-542-7233 or submitting a tip through Safe2Tell’s website, young people can help anyone who’s in trouble or prevent a tragedy.
  • The American Association of Suicidology promotes research, public awareness programs, public education and training for professionals and volunteers.  In addition, AAS serves as a national clearinghouse for information on suicide.
  • The National Association of School Psychologists empowers school psychologists by advancing effective practices to improve students’ learning, behavior, and mental health.

Push to get suicide prevention resources in your local schools

  • Sources of Strength is a best-practice school suicide prevention program that emphasizes resilience and positive youth development.
  • The Colorado School Safety Resource Center provides free consultation, resources, training and technical assistance to foster safe and secure learning environments, positive school climates, and early intervention to prevent crisis situations.
  • Second Wind Fund decreases the incidence of teen suicide nationally by removing financial and social barriers to treatment for at-risk youth and working to create a network of local affiliates to provide such services in their own communities.
  • Teen Link

For more information on suicide among Coloradans under 18, read the Child Fatality Prevention System annual legislative report for data on youth suicide and prevention recommendations.

How you can help prevent suicide

What can you do?

More information on suicide in Colorado

  • In 2012, suicide was the seventh-leading cause of death for all Coloradans. Coloradans ages 45-64 demonstrated the highest number of suicide deaths (418) compared with all other age groups.
  • Among youth and young adults ages 10-34, suicide is the leading cause of death. Suicide is a problem that impacts Coloradans regardless of age, race, ethnicity, income level, gender or sexual orientation.
  • In 2012, there were 1,053 suicides among Colorado residents.
  • This is the highest number and rate of suicide deaths ever recorded in Colorado and represents a 16 percent increase over the number of deaths in 2011. To compare, the number of suicide deaths in 2012 exceeded the number of deaths from homicide (205), motor vehicle crashes (457), influenza and pneumonia (524), breast cancer (585) and diabetes (798). In 2010, the most recent year of data available nationally, Colorado had the eighth-highest suicide rate in the United States and is consistently among the 10 states with the highest suicide rates.

Douglas County Mental Health Resources

MENTAL HEALTH

Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network
303-730-3303
8565 S. Poplar Way,
Littleton, Colorado 80130   SUICIDE PREVENTION
Sources of Strength
http://www.sourcesofstrength.org
sourcesofstrength@gmail.com
701-471-7186

South Metro HEARTBEAT
303-770-1859
Littleton Adventist Hospital
7700 S. Broadway, Littleton, CO

Southwest Metro HEARTBEAT
303.408.4782
Abiding Hope Lutheran Church
6337 S. Robb Way, Littleton, CO

Suicide Prevention and Intervention Network – SPIN
303-770-1859
8174 S Holly St #206, Centennial, CO 80122

Colorado Veterans Administration
719-553-1093
303-399-8020 x3093

Suicide and Mental Health Statewide Resources

Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention
http://www.coosp.org/
303-692-2539
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246-1530Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado
www.suicidepreventioncolorado.org
720-934-2387Colorado Division of Behavioral Health303-866-7400
3824 W. Princeton Circle, Denver, CO 80236

Mental Health America of Colorado
303-720-208-2220; Toll-free 800-456-3249
1385 S. Colorado Blvd., Ste. 610, Denver, CO 80222

University of Colorado Depression Center
303-724-3300
Building 500, MS F546, 13001 E. 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045iCare packages contain books to assist the bereaved and lists of support groups and other organizations that exist to help people through this very difficult crisis. iCare packages are a program of the Carson J Spencer Foundation.

Carson J Spencer Foundation
www.carsonjspencer.org
303-837-8466
450 Lincoln St., Suite 100, Denver, CO 80203Sources of Strength
www.sourcesofstrength.org
sourcesofstrength@gmail.com
701-471-7186American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Colorado Chapter
www.afsp.org/colorado

Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado
http://biacolorado.org
303-355-9969

Stressful life events, financial and otherwise, have a significant impact on those vulnerable to suicide where typical coping strategies are weakened by the effects of mental illness, substance use, short-term mental health reactions and a host of other risk factors associated with suicide. Learn more about all the risk factors and warning signs of suicide to watch for in your loved ones and how to take action to help.

Parker Ice Skating Trail at Discovery Park

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Parker Colorado affiliate disclosure

We are now open through Friday, February 28, 2025!

Hours of Operation:

  • Monday through Friday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Holiday Hours of Operation: 

  • Dec. 24, Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Dec. 25, Christmas Day: 3 to 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 20 through Jan. 6, DCSD Winter Break: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Jan. 1, New Year’s Day: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Jan. 20, MLK Day: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Feb. 14, DCSD No School: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Feb. 17, Presidents’ Day: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Closing Day, February 28: 5 to 9 p.m.

Location

20115 E. Mainstreet
View Map

During the winter, the Parker Ice Trail at Discovery Park, located next to Parker’s Library on Mainstreet and Pine Drive, is available seven days a week. One of the only ice trails in the country, the Parker skating path meanders through the park reminiscent of a frozen river or canal. Skaters or visitors can stay warm next to any of the three fire pits adjacent to the ice trail or enjoy hot chocolate while watching skaters pass by. Concessions, skate rental and restroom facilities are available for all patrons visiting the park.

Location

20115 E. Mainstreet
View Map

Normal Hours For Ice Skating on the Trail

Hours are subject to change due to weather and special events. 

  • Monday through Friday: 5 to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Admission and Rates

AdmissionCost
Children 10 and Under$8
11 Years and Older$10
Skate Rental$4
4-Visit Pass$45
4-Visit Pass includes admission and skate rental. Passes can be used for any age and multiple people. Now available for purchase at the Recreation Center and Fieldhouse 
Season Pass$182 R/$200 NR
Season passes include skate rental and child/adult admission all season long.

R = Parker Resident, NR = Non-Resident

Speak to a Guest Services Representative at the Discovery Park Ice Trail or contact Nateal Wiepert to purchase a pass or for additional information. 

Ice Skating Groups and Rentals

Group rental reservations opens September 1, 2024. Field trips and groups are welcomed! Group rates for 10 or more guests are available with advance notice; $10/each includes skate rental. Please complete the online Group Interest Form at least 72 hours in advance of your visit. Group Interest Form submission does not automatically guarantee admission; you will be contacted by a representative. 

Please review and adhere to the Ice Trail Code of Conduct and Assumption of Risk (PDF).

Eight-hour+ days will include a 30-minute closure from 3 to 3:30 p.m. for ice maintenance. Hours are subject to change due to weather and special events. There is no time limit with paid admission. Complimentary ice-skating aids are available first-come, first-served. Lockers are available, please bring your own lock. 

Those who don’t wish to skate are invited to keep warm at the firepit near the concessions area.

Parker ice trail fire

Ice Trail rules and regulations (PDF) can be found here. For more information, email Bryan Gentilini.

Discovery Park Honored for Downtown Excellence

The Town of Parker’s Discovery Park has been honored by the non-profit organization Downtown Colorado, Inc. with one of the organization’s 2018 Governor’s Awards for Downtown Excellence.

Since 2003, the Governor’s Awards annually recognize outstanding projects and people in Colorado who demonstrate creativity in the face of enormous challenges, unlikely and enduring partnerships, and dedication to the community.

Discovery Park, which opened to the public in late 2016, was one of three projects honored in the Governor’s Awards’ “Best Use of Public Space” category. The 1.4-acre site in the heart of downtown Parker is a year-round destination park and community gathering space that features interactive fountains in the summer, a unique ice skating trail in the winter, and performances and events throughout the year. The ice trail is one of only a handful of such amenities in the country.

Also accompanying the park is the new Parker branch of Douglas County Libraries, the distinct “Ball and Jacks” public art installation that features larger-than-life sculptures inspired by the classic children’s game, and a four-acre future development site.

Each year, the Governor’s Awards for Downtown Excellence serve as a highlight for Downtown Colorado, Inc.’s IN THE GAME Vibrant Downtown Event, an annual conference for downtown champions, resources, and stewards. The honor celebrates the amazing projects and people who are committed to economic and community revitalization in Colorado. The 2018 IN THE GAME event will be held in Boulder on April 10 through 13, with the Governor’s Awards being presented on the conference’s final day.

For more information on Discovery Park, visit www.ParkerRec.com/DiscoveryPark or emailrecreation@parkeronline.org.

Our Gorgeous New Parker Library location opened on September 24, 2016

The beautifully appointed new building, located at 20105 East Mainstreet, is the last of DCL’s three new locations to open—capping a successful campaign to launch dynamic new libraries and services that enhance lifelong learning.

Parker Library Park girl reading book statue

With nearly 42,000 square feet of space on two stories, there’s something for everyone at this library. Kids can enjoy a dedicated area for interactive play and Storytimes, all library cardholders can play (or work) in the digital creativity lab, and students and professionals can collaborate in high-tech study rooms and meeting spaces. The lounge features café-style seating and laptop vending, and the adjacent learning commons offer adults and students the space to engage in diverse learning activities. The upstairs den with fireplace offers a quiet respite from the more well-traveled areas of the building.

Patrons will also enjoy the library’s drive-through book drop and increased parking—approximately 163 spaces at the building, with more accessibility in an adjoining park.

“The Parker community loves its library but hasn’t always loved how difficult it’s been to get in and out of. We designed the new building with them in mind, providing much more parking; easier browsing of materials; nearly triple the space to sit and stay awhile; and more study rooms, meeting rooms and event space,” Long says.

Douglas County Libraries is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning. For more information, visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org.

The Boomworm from the 90s It’s so fun to see the changes of Mainstreet in these old photos. You’ll see the vacant lot is now Parker Station.

Christmas Tree Recycling in Parker Colorado & Douglas County

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Parker Colorado affiliate disclosure
Parker & Douglas County Christmas Tree Recycling Info

The Town will host its annual Christmas Tree recycling program from Dec. 25 through Jan. 29  2025for Parker residents.

Parker Christmas Tree Recycling

Drop-off dates: Dec. 25 through Jan. 29
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Parker locations:

  • Salisbury Park (West paved parking lot), 11920 S. Motsenbocker Rd.
  • Contact the Town of Parker at 303-840-9546 for more information about this site.

Mulch is available on a self-serve basis on-site while supplies last for the first week in January.

Contact Douglas County Parks for questions related to these two sites at 720-733-6990

Bayou Gulch, 4815 Fox Sparrow Road, Parker

Challenger Regional Park, 17299 E. Lincoln Ave., Parker

The drop-off is available solely for Parker residents to recycle their Christmas trees. Additional yard waste and tree branches are not permitted. No commercial tree lot disposal is allowed as our elves have a hard time removing all of the tags.

Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, plastic wrap, tree stands, wire, rope, nails, etc. before bringing trees to be recycled.

Live trees with artificial snow sprayed on the branches cannot be mulched.

Please drop off during park hours only, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and do not illegally dump any other items at the drop-off location.

Tree Recycling Information

The trees collected by the program will be chipped into mulch, which is available at the same site at no charge to residents. The remaining mulch will be utilized throughout the Town and not discarded in a landfill.

Residents should not place Christmas trees in garbage containers. Keeping trees out of landfills helps extend the life of landfills and produces a useful resource. The annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program is just one of many ways that Parker residents can reduce, reuse and recycle.

Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, garland, plastic wrap, tree stands, wire, rope, nails, etc. before bringing trees to be recycled. Live trees with artificial snow sprayed on the branches cannot be mulched. Please check with your local jurisdiction or newspaper during the holiday season as Christmas trees are typically accepted at the following locations, but are subject to change.

Douglas County

Drop-off dates: Dec. 26 through Jan. 31
Hours: Anytime
Douglas County locations:

  • Bayou Gulch, 4815 Fox Sparrow Road, Parker
  • Challenger Regional Park, 17299 E. Lincoln Ave., Parker
  • Fairgrounds Regional Park, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock
  • Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St., Highlands Ranch

Mulch is available on-site while supplies last on a self-serve basis.

Contact Douglas County Parks for information at 720-733-6990

Castle Rock Christmas Tree Recycling

Drop-off dates: Dec. 26 through Jan. 31
Hours: Anytime
Castle Rock locations:

  • Founders Park, 4671 Enderud Blvd.
  • Metzler Ranch Community Park, 4175 Trail Boss Drive
  • Paintbrush Park, 3492 Meadows Blvd.

Douglas County location in Castle Rock:

  • Fairgrounds Regional Park, 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock
  • Contact Douglas County Parks for information regarding this site at 720-733-6990

Highlands Ranch

Drop-off dates: Dec. 25 through Jan. 16
Hours: Anytime
Highlands Ranch locations:

  • Dad Clark Park, 3385 Asterbrook Cir.
  • Redstone Park, 3280 Redstone Park Cir.
  • Toepfer Park, 9480 Venneford Ranch Rd.
  • Contact the Highlands Ranch Metro District at 303-791-0430 for information about any of the above locations.

Douglas County location in Highlands Ranch:

  • Highland Heritage Regional Park, 9651 S. Quebec St.
  • Contact Douglas County Parks for information regarding this site at 720-733-6990

Mulch is available on-site while supplies last on a self-serve basis.f-serve basis.

Butterfly Pavilion Events

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Parker Colorado affiliate disclosure

At Butterfly Pavilion, we transform the way people think about invertebrates. These small but mighty animals that surround us are so much more than people think. They are everywhere because everything depends on them. They are the hidden heroes of the animal kingdom, and we–you and us–stand on the backs of these tiny giants.

Butterfly Pavilion

Butterfly Pavilion is the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited, stand alone, non-profit invertebrate zoo in the world. Our immersive exhibits provide guests with the opportunity to discover the wonders of nature’s hidden heroes through hands-on, interactive experiences catered to all ages.

Arachnids Around Us

Do you ever see spooky spiders or scary scorpions all around you?

Teachers! Looking for exciting programs for your class? Check out our Distance Learning options by visiting www.butterflies.local/virtuallearning!

butterfly pavilion Steve Crecelius VISITDENVER

Buy Online for the Best Price on Admission

Buy Tickets

Reserve Online and Save!

Adult $17.45
Child (2-12) $12.45
Senior (65+) $15.45
Child Under 2: Free
Members: Free & Unlimited

Open daily from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. with last admission at 4:15 p.m.*Event Day pricing may apply. Closed certain holidays.

Discounted Butterfly Pavilion Tickets

SNAP/Museums for All: As part of the Museums for All program, Butterfly Pavilion offers SNAP card holders admission for $3 per adult/senior (65+) and $2 per child (ages 2-12) for up to 10 tickets per card. Butterfly Pavilion accepts valid SNAP, EBT, WIC, P-EBT, and cards from out-of-state.

Prior to entering, please bring your SNAP/EBT card with you. If you are unable to provide eligibility, you will be charged full price for entry.

Westminster Resident: Residents of Westminster receive discounted admission at $15.45 per adult.

Prior to entering, please bring a valid form of ID with your Westminster address listed on it. If you are unable to provide eligibility, you will be charged full price for entry.

Military: Butterfly Pavilion offers $2 off an Adult General Admission ticket for enlisted/veteran military personnel only. Personnel must present their military/veteran ID to the front desk upon arrival, or they will be charged full price.

AAA: Butterfly Pavilion offers $1 off Adult General Admission tickets for AAA cardholders only. Cardholders must present their AAA member card to the front desk upon arrival, or they will be charged full price.

Library Pass: Butterfly Pavilion currently partners with over 20 different library districts to provide library patrons passes for free and reduced admission. Patrons must reserve these passes through their local library for use at Butterfly Pavilion. Library pass holders are not required to reserve Butterfly Pavilion tickets ahead of time, and passes must be redeemed in person on the printed date of use.

Five by Five: The Five by Five program allows those enrolled admission for the student, along with one adult and up to five additional family members. The student must check in via QR code at the front desk and present the green “OK” screen to redeem their tickets.

Growing Scientist: The Growing Scientist program allows cardholders free admission for up to 10 people. These tickets can only be accessed in person by presenting the Growing Scientist card to the front desk.

Accessible Adult & Caretaker: Butterfly Pavilion offers incoming adult day groups and adults with intellectual disabilities reduced admission at $8 per person. Caretakers/Nurses are offered free admission when they are coming in to facilitate the experience of another individual(s).

Free Passes: Guests may use free passes for General Admission by redeeming them in person at the front desk. Free passes may not be redeemed past their listed expiration date.

The Butterfly Pavilion is conveniently located just 15 minutes from downtown Denver off Hwy 36 at 104th Avenue. Map 

The Butterfly Pavilion
6252 W. 104th Avenue
Westminster, CO 80020

Places to watch the game and tailgate party recipes

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Parker Colorado affiliate disclosure

Parker has several great sports bars

Parker Garage – Right on Mainstreet with the best Moscow Mules in town, owned by Broncos fanatics so make sure to wear your Orange & Blue! Upscale bar food served through dinner with Mule Monday’s for the Monday night games.
19420 Mainstreet, Parker, CO 80138
 (720) 389-8105

Wild Goose Saloon
11160 S Pikes Peak Dr, Parker, CO 80138
(720) 766-8449

Takoda Tavern – a low-key sports bar with great burgers, wings and nachos… and don’t forget the fried pickles! Best in Parker!

Hilltop Tapp House
19878 E. Hilltop Road Unit #113, Parker, CO
Phone:(720) 242-6224

20 Mile Tapp House
12543 N Hwy 83 Suite 210
(303) 862-5039

On the Rox Sports Bar & Grill
11957 Lioness Way, Parker, CO 80134
 (303) 790-1033

The Gym
18951 East Mainstreet, Parker, Colorado 80134, United States
303-805-2877

The Microbreweries also have TV’s to watch while enjoying our local brews.

PARKER MICROBREWERIES

Fiction Beer Company – Trivia & Book Clubs Nights
19523 Hess Rd #103, Parker, CO 80134
(303) 362-1213

DownHill Brewery
18921 E Plaza Dr # 104, Parker CO
(303) 805-2739

Barnet & Son Brewing Company
18425 Pony Express Dr, Parker, CO 80134
 (720) 420-0462

Parker Pour House
12919 Stroh Ranch Ct, Parker, CO 80134
(720) 551-7687

Colorado Taproom & Grill
19539 Hess Rd #101, Parker, CO 80134
(720) 328-8568

We are always confident that our Denver Broncos will be in the Super Bowl every year so get your ORANGE on!

Do you need some ideas for snacks to take to your own tailgate parties? Here are a few options.  Here are some other Super Bowl snack recipes for your tailgate party.

Sweet & Spicy Cheese Dip Recipe

Place a block of cream cheese in a microwaveable service dish. Stir together orange marmelade and green chilis. Pour of the block of cheese. Top with your favorite shredded cheese. Nuke or airfry it. Serve with crackers or veggies. DELICIOUS.

Check out these yummy options before you head to the grocery store today.