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OUT OF THE KITCHEN

Pickleball has taken the country by storm. I recount my foray into the trendy culture.

BY BRET TUELLER

HISTORY

Take a walk through time with the story of how our central park came to be.

BY AMBER TUELLER

The most comprehensive reference of our favorite places to dine in Douglas County

BY SEARCH SOUTH AURORA STAFF

BY SEARCH CASTLE ROCK STAFF

Out of the Kitchen

BY BRET TUELLER

As I walked into the gym, I heard a very unfamiliar "pock-pockpock" sound. I'd played tennis, racquetball, and a smattering of other racquet sports but this sounded nothing like I had heard before. I had hit the pickleball before, messing around with my kids at our local "tennis-courts-converted-with-pickleball-lines," but this was different. I was about to enter the world of pickleball.

I was quickly welcomed by the small group (even though my paddle was made of wood) and they taught me the rules, the etiquette, and the strategies. Adam, Cathy, Chris, Heath, and Kelly were patient as I hit ball after ball into the net or stumbled like a newborn giraffe when they hit the ball at my feet. They soon became my friends and I looked forward to our regular matches.

My newfound sport is actually not new at all. Pickleball was invented during the summer of 1965 by a couple of dads on Bainbridge Island, Washington, who heard their kids complaining that they were bored. Little did they know that their backyard game would become the fastest growing sport in America.

Founders Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell play on the original pickleball court. Bainbridge Island. 1960's

There are currently 36.5 million pickleball players estimated in the U.S., with 14% of Americans saying they played pickleball at least once in the past year. Those stats place pickleball as one of the largest sports in America, measured by participation, trailing only running & cycling. Players 18-34 make up the largest percentage of pickleball players at 28.8% nationwide.

Denver currently ranks 2nd in U.S. cities for the most places to play pickleball with 37 locations. Our local area boasts 9 official locations.

Pickleball is played on a court that is much smaller than a tennis court - about the size of that for badminton - on which players hit a heavy-duty wiffle ball over a net with large paddles. Even though singles pickleball exists, most people play pickleball with a partner.

Pickleball is also incredibly social and provides an outlet for many to make new friends of all ages. No matter who you are, that competitive fire could be in you, waiting to show itself as you have fun on a pickleball court near you. Who knows, you might just find the hobby you never knew you needed.

COME TOGETHER

The Colorado culture and our affluent Denver-area counties make for public places that are done well. They are designed with continuity, accessibility, and style. Think of our parks, trails systems, and green space –– how they continue from one neighborhood or shopping center to the next. They provide nearby options for walkability, shopping, sports, and leisure. Trails take us not only though town but into the great outdoors and provide connection to mountains, rivers, and breathtaking hikes. These are some of the favorite things we love about where and how we live.

These local features are especially utilized during the warmer months. In contrast to our cold winters and wet springs, Colorado summer is a season-long event to be celebrated. It provides opportunities to seize and times to take it all outside to enjoy the bright, sunny days and warm evenings. Being outside brings us together to hike, to play games, to compete, and to spend time together. Our local towns also maintain quaint main streets and downtown areas that invite people to gather. Outdoor gathering zones draw people to assemble and socialize. It is an exciting site to see this congregating and bonding. These spaces are often full or overflowing with people who are there to enjoy moments together. In this issue we focus on some of our well-loved outdoor gathering areas.

Southlands Mall in southern Aurora is a favorite place to gather and has even been named “Town Square.” It is centered around the AMC dine-in movie theatre and a huge multi-use courtyard that provides an outdoor gathering space. The dining, shopping, and entertainment space joins people together for many different activities. The courtyard includes tables and chairs to sit and chat, a huge grass area with games, and a central fountain splash pad zone. The courtyard is transformed into an ice arena in the winter, The Pond, and even hosts a Holiday Hometown Parade. Along with these traditions, Southlands is home to many events and concerts.

PHOTO: SOUTHLANDS MALL

PHOTO: SOUTHLANDS MALL

PHOTO: SOUTHLANDS MALL

Discovery Park in downtown Parker has been turned into a multi-purpose space to serve the community through all seasons. Centered around the Parker location for the Douglas County Library, Discovery Park offers an outdoor courtyard splash pad for families to cool off on hot days. Surrounded by benches and sidewalks, families can visit the library and water for hours. The nearby grass and cement area opens up on Thursday evenings to host a free concert series. In the winter, the cement is surrounded by a glass railing and turned into the Parker Ice Trail with hot chocolate available in the skate rental shop and firepits nearby to warm up chilly ice skaters. The jumbo sculpture, “Ball and Jacks,” was created by artist, Christopher Weed of Colorado Springs. He said the sculpture, like the park itself, speaks to a simpler time of connection to friends, family, and community.

The new Riverwalk area of downtown Castle Rock has added purposeful outdoor space and attraction to the historic county seat for Douglas County. The newly renovated section of town boasts paths and bridges along the river, an expansive pedestrian bridge connecting buildings on Wilcox street, and many outdoor gathering spaces. The Riverwalk area behind Town Hall includes Festival Park, a grassy area with firepits, seating, splash pad, and a pavilion. It is home to Castle Rock hometown events and the farmer’s market. The major renovation also includes mixed use properties in the downtown area for living, shopping, business, and recreation. This area of town is a popular and well-loved place to visit and brings the community together.

PHOTO: TOWN OF PARKER

PHOTO: TOWN OF PARKER

PHOTO: TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK

PHOTO: TOWN OF CASTLE ROCK

HISTORY HASTAG - O'BRIEN PARK

Our newly renovated park is the center of Mainstreet, Parker, and is an iconic part of the town. Standing in O’Brien Park is a stone marker placed by the State of Colorado. It marks ¼ mile east of the spot of the first house in Parker, a stagecoach stop built in 1864. It was moved from the NW corner of Mainstreet and Parker Rd. (visible above) due to road widening. It was just twenty miles south of Denver, thus called the Twenty Mile House.

The park is named after Charles Henry O’Brien (1901-1984), "The third of William and Annie’s five children, was born at Twin Houses and, with occasional absences, lived in the Parker area all his life. He became what could be described as Parker’s leading citizen. In his lifetime he was engaged in many businesses: Parker Drug, Parker News, O’Brien Construction Company, Parker Denver Truck Line, O’Brien Realty and the O'Brien hardware and liquor store. He was a civic booster. He donated the land for O’Brien Park and was a member of numerous civic organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, the Optimist Club, the Parker Breakfast Club, Douglas County Safety Board, the list goes on and on." (from Parker Colorado: An Historical Narative by Ruth L. Miller) As an adult, Charlie lived in downtown Parker in a house built in 1932 at 11017 Pikes Peak Drive.

"Baseball in Parker goes back to the early 1900s, but the first game on this (now O'Brien Park) site was recorded in the May 16, 1935 issue of the Parker News. In the early 1960s, the park was used for adult softball league games and little league baseball events. In 1950 the property, approximately eight acres, was donated by Charles H. O'Brien and Lena Pouppirt to the newly formed Parker

Community Club which operated the ballpark with donations received from the community. In honor of Charlie O'Brien's community service and membership on the first recreation board, the park was designated O'Brien Park in 1978. Under the ownership of the Town of Parker, the park has grown to a multi-functional community park, a jewel in the center of town." (text from the Historic Walking Tour brouchure). Also in the 1970s a trolley bus station was built in O’Brien Park with a vision to shuttle people from historic downtown to Rowley Downs. The structure on the other end of the route can still be seen at Parker Vista Road and Mainstreet.

O’Brien Park was listed on the Parker Landmark Register on July 21, 2003. The current park contains a softball field, basketball court, new multi-tiered playgrounds, an outdoor pool, and a large grassy expanse of trees and lawn. The large and beautiful gazebo was donated to the town of Parker by the Rotary Club of Parker in 2004 and replaced a previous smaller gazebo. It sits on the southeast corner near the intersection of Mainstreet and Victorian Drive, where much of the Parker nightlife happens. The gazebo is the location for concerts, the sendoff for the Mayor’s Day of Service and the spotlight for the Mayor’s Tree Lighting. Kieffer's Crossing tunnel, which goes from O’Brien Park and under Parker Road, displays student paintings and a mural of historic Parker. The park also displays various permanent public sculptures by Colorado artists. The park is the center for many Parker events including various festivals, Art in the Park, and the state-wide famous Parker Days. It is a special gathering place in the heart of Parker that brings the community together.

New Parker Community Center, 1951 Built by donations of townspeople

The Parker Trolley Station was built in the 1970's with the purpose of running a trolley up Mainstreet

O'Brien became home to the Parker Baseball team

Photo circa 1910 - 1916

O'Brien Park Gazebo during construction in 2004, donated by Parker Rotary Club

Photos: Parker Area Historical society

In the interest of providing the 50 best dining options in Douglas County, we must be able to personally recommend each listing. The guide is subject to change. If you have a suggestion for inclusion on the list, email us at contribute@tuellers.com.

KEY

Based on a typical dinner for one person, excluding drinks, tax or tip.

$ ............................. Under $15

$$ ............................... $15-$25

$$$ ......................... Over $25

(EC) Editors Choice

(N) New

Asian fusion

CHERRY VILLAGE

ASIAN GRILL

Offering a Chinese and Vietnamese-centric menu in a relaxed atmosphere.

17001 Lincoln Ave, #A, Parker 303-840-7338 $$

DANCING NOODLE

A small, family owned, dinein and take-out restaurant that serves authentic homestyle Thai food.

10841 S. Crossroads Dr., Suite 10, Parker 303-805-3880 $$

INDOCHINE

A local go-to for quality home-style cuisine. This Parker fixture is known for a fresh, creative menu.

19751 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-851-8559 $$

JOHN HOLLY’S

Chinese and Thai dishes that are nothing less than the culinary equivalent of an exotic adventure.

9232 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree 303-768-9088 $$

THE GUIDE

THE BEST PLACES TO DINE IN DOUGLAS COUNTY

JUNZ

More than just great sushi! Junz has been a local staple for years and remains one of the premier destinations for a casual night out or fine dining experience. If you are seeking a great restaurant to get acquainted with Japanese cuisine, look no further than Junz.

JUNZ

A favorite sushi place in town with a unique blend of Japanese and French at its very best.

11211 S. Dransfeldt Rd., Parker 720-851-1005 $$

BAKERY/DESSERTs

LA PETITE CREPERIE

The locals favorite spot to grab made-to-order crepes. Sweet or savory, you can’t go wrong. Proudly serving farm to table fresh.

19751 Mainstreet, Parker 720-638-9722 $ (EC)

PARIS BAGUETTE

Popular Korean chain that brings expertly crafted baked goods through a warm and welcoming bakery cafe' experience that delivers joy to everyone.

18374 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 720-500-5555 $ (N)

POULETTE BAKESHOP

New artisan bakers taking Parker by storm. Order early, they sell out every day!

19585 Hess Road, Parker 303-955-5647 $ (N)

BARBEQUE

BIG JIMS

Don’t be fooled by this being a food truck; if you like southern BBQ, this is your place. Corner of Parker Rd and Longs Way, Parker $$$

GQUE BBQ

Award-winning food. Try the wood-smoked ribs, brisket, pork, or garlic potatoes. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Suite 143B, Lone Tree 303-729-2506 $$

HICKORY HOUSE

The Parker tradition. Known for their baby back ribs, but don’t miss the pulled pork and barbeque chicken.

10335 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-9742 $$

OLD WEST BBQ

A hidden gem with familyfriendly pricing. Don’t miss out on their breakfast burritos. 107 Wolfensberger Rd., Castle Rock 303-660-6340 $

BREW PUB

20 MILE TAP HOUSE

Best known for their burgers and wings. Make sure to catch Trivia Tuesdays. 12543 N Hwy 83, Parker 303-841-6782 $$

GREAT DIVIDE BREWERY & ROADHOUSE

Destination locale with an informal ambiance offering hearty comfort classics 215 Wilcox St Suite G, Castle Rock 303-955-5788 $$ - $$$ (N)

ROCKYARD BREWING CO.

Douglas County’s longest running brew pub. Steaks, burgers, pizza and soup!

880 Castleton Rd, Castle Rock 303-814-9273 $$

TAILGATE TAVERN & GRILL

Your neighborhood tavern for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sports bar with live music not to miss on the weekends.

19552 E. Mainstreet, Parker 303-841-7179 $$

THE LIBRARY CO. BAR & KITCHEN

Offering great food & amazing drinks in a relaxed and warm atmosphere. Clear and simple menu options.

3911 Ambrosia St., Suite 101, Castle Rock 720-389-5986 $$

ITalian

CRANELLI’S

Comfort Italian food in a rustic, cozy, casual familyoriented format.

10047 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree 303-799-3661 $$

DANIELLE’S SCRATCH KITCHEN

Stylish, energetic eatery offering elevated Italian fare with an emphasis on great customer service.

872 Happy Canyon Rd. Suite 100, Castle Rock 303-524-9788 $$$

PORTOFINO

Authentic Italian eatery featuring pizza, pasta, calzones and heros. The local “go-to” for fresh Italian. 10920 S Parker Rd, Parker 303-841-9900 $$

SCILEPPI’S

A modern Italian restaurant focused on family recipes and premium ingredients. 210 Third St., Castle Rock 303-688-9000 $$

VIA BACI

Neapolitan pizzas join modern Italian fare at this casual eatery featuring a full bar & patio. 10005 Commons St, Lone Tree 303-790-0828 $$

MEXICAN ADRIANNA’S

Intimate Mexican eatery for authentic cuisine in a relaxed ambiance. Great for parties. 7272 E Hwy 86, Franktown 303-663-7800 $$

CASA MARIACHI

Unassuming local joint serving up straight-forward Mexican plates.

9771 S Parker Rd, Parker 720-842-5105 $$

LA CASITA

Vibrant, cantina-style eatery offering Mexican cuisine in a laid-back atmosphere.

18951 E Mainstreet, Parker 720-842-5181 $$

LAS DELICIAS

Bare-bones, family-owned local Tex-Mex eats for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

19553 E Mainstreet, Parker 303-840-0325 $$

LOS DOS POTRILLOS

Elegant family-owned eatery. There’s a combo dish to please everyone.

19340 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-840-6574 $$

LOS VOLCANES

Don’t miss the Carnitas! And bring your appetite for the large portions.

10471 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-841-0160 $$

new american

CASTLE CAFE

Set in a former 1890s hotel. Plating hearty American fare like pan-fried chicken & burgers.

403 Wilcox St, Castle Rock 303-814-2233 $$

VALERIE'S BREWHOUSE

Uniquely fun sports bar with a creative menu of brats and dogs.

971 Park St., Castle Rock 303-660-2399 $

CRAVE

A favorite gourmet burger joint. Imaginative menu with amazing handcrafted shakes.

3982 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock 303-814-2829 $$

DOUG'S DAY DINER

American breakfast cafe where everything is made from scratch.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-476-7162 $$

MANNA

A casual sit-down destination with a menu that reflects Colorado’s growing season.

2350 Meadows Blvd., Castle Rock 720-455-3664 $

PARKER GARAGE

The Parker landmark located right downtown offers a locally-sourced menu. Great service and large portions.

19420 Mainstreet, Parker 720-389-8105 $$ (EC)

PEGASUS

A local favorite for breakfast or lunch. American, Greek or Mexican dishes.

313 Jerry St., Castle Rock 303-688-6746 $$

RORY’S

Comfort food and baked goods at their finest. Don’t see it on the menu? Ask for it!

11020 S Pikes Peak Dr., Parker 720-708-2889 $$

SIERRA

High-end, wood-fired kitchen with a warm ambiance, preparing select American dishes.

10680 Cabela Dr., Lone Tree 303-662-8800 $$

TRIBE AT RIVERWALK

Upscale, yet casual dining experience with a one-of-akind menu. Don't miss the brunch.

115 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock 303-362-0904 $$$ (N)

WEST MAIN TAPROOM

A modern and open venue that boasts thoughtful and honest cuisine. A haven for the gluten-free crowd.

18595 Mainstreet, Parker 720-826-3689 $$

PIZZA

ANTONIO’S

A traditional family-style Italian pizza restaurant with a Brooklyn flair.

12947 S Parker Rd., Parker 720-851-5300 $

ARTISAN

Delicious Neapolitan-style pizza that makes each dish an individual work of art! And don’t forget dessert.

12311 Pine Bluffs Way, Parker 303-840-0518 $

COLORADOUGH

A refreshing take on madefrom-scratch pizza. So fresh they don’t even have a freezer! 17860 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-386-3333 $$

LIL’ RICCI’S

New York pizzas & other red sauce staples in a low-key setting. Can’t miss the garlic knots. 16526 Keystone Blvd, Parker 303-220-7422 $$

PARRY’S

NY-style pizza, wings, & casual Italian eats, in kidfriendly quarters.

5650 Allen Way, Castle Rock 303-814-8686 $$

STEAKHOUSE

DUKE’S

Rustic restaurant featuring beef & seafood dishes, plus a sports tavern with an Irish vibe.

363 Village Square Lane, Castle Pines

303-814-2487 $$$

FOGO DE CHAO

Upscale Brasilian steakhouse with all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside. Guaraná is a must, and try the Creme de Papaya. 8419 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-481-4001 $$$ (EC)

PERRY’S

Chops, seafood, wine, & cocktails served in an upscale setting with a lounge & live jazz. 8433 Park Meadows Center Dr., Lone Tree 303-792-2571 $$$

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Financial Representative Parker, CO 80134-8201 (303)841-3018

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0817-501HC-07460-1/13/2021

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

Texas-themed steakhouse with a great menu and wonderful atmosphere.

11205 S. Parker Rd, Parker 303-805-5848 $$

TRAPPER’S CHOP HOUSE

Upscale hideaway local favorite featuring their signature Volcanic Hot Rock sear-it-yourself experience.

19308 Cottonwood Dr., Parker 303-248-2132 $$$

UNIQUE

VISTAVINO MODERN

Quaint Tuscan grill made fresh from local fare. Every dish is a winner!

611 Wilcox St., Castle Rock 303-814-2487 $$