Parker council approves Salisbury Park North phase 1 site plan, easements with Parker Water and Sanitation

Parker Town Council unanimously approved the phase 1 site plan for the Salisbury Regional Park North expansion and approved two ordinances conveying easements to Parker Water and Sanitation District, during the council's public hearing.

Town staff said the town owns a 91-acre parcel north of the existing Salisbury Regional Park and proposed a phased development that will add about 44.84 acres in phase 1. The phase 1 site plan calls for four lighted natural-grass baseball/softball fields (a Fourplex), two lighted synthetic multiuse fields, a 17-court lighted pickleball complex plus additional striped pickleball courts on two tennis courts, two basketball courts, a pedestrian promenade, restrooms, food truck parking, a community hub pavilion, inclusive playground, bike park, parking, landscaping, and trail connections to the Cherry Creek Trail.

Staff said the Salisbury Park master plan dates to 2014 and the Parker 2035 master plan identifies the parcel within the town's future growth map; because it is a town-owned public facility, the site plan was scheduled for public hearing under Parker Municipal Code section 13.03.04(p). Planning commission reviewed the application on June 26, 2025 and recommended unanimous approval.

Brett, a town presenter, described the full buildout concept for the 91-acre property and said once the four new natural-grass fields are built they will create the only eight-field complex in the South Metro area when combined with existing fields. He noted the project will be phased over roughly five years (2025'2029) depending on bids and revenue. Staff estimated synthetic turf fields can be playable immediately after construction; natural-grass fields will require a grow-in period and may not be available until the following growing season.

Council members asked about the number of pickleball courts (staff confirmed 17 distinct courts, plus additional striping on two tennis courts resulting in 21 total courts when counted), ADA accessibility, low-flow fixtures and automatic sinks in restrooms, water and sewer connections (an IGA and easements with Parker Water and Sanitation District were part of the agenda), and funding mechanics. Staff said funding is expected to come from town sales tax revenue and existing fund balance; the town has explored county-level funds but county support had not been committed. Staff said the town received its normal sales-tax share-back and has saved funds in the relevant fund balance to finance the project in phases.

Council member Barrington moved to approve two easement ordinances (Ordinances 1.648 and 1.649) and the phase 1 site plan based on staff findings and conditions in the staff report; the motions passed 5-0. No public comments were offered at the hearing.

Next steps: staff will coordinate construction phasing, complete required easement conveyances to Parker Water and Sanitation District, and proceed with bidding and permitting. Council members said they would continue discussions with the county about additional funding but noted the project is already budgeted in the town's long-range plan.