Landscaping Thornton

Landscaping Thornton

Flower beds so vibrant, even bees RSVP early.


Landscaping in Thornton, huh? Okay, so when you think landscaping, (dontcha just picture perfectly manicured lawns?), it aint just about mowin the grass, ya know? Its way more than that. It's not simply throwin down some sod and callin it a day. Its about craftin an outdoor space thats actually functional and beautiful, a place you wanna, like, actually be.


Think about it: maybe youre envisioning a cozy patio for summer evenings, or perhaps a vibrant garden bursting with color? Perhaps youre not even thinking about flowers, but maybe hardscaping, like a stone pathway winding through your yard. Thats all part of the landscaping process, too!


It's about considerin the whole picture, the architecture of your home, the drainage, and, like, what kinda plants will even thrive in Thorntons crazy weather! Its not something you can just wing, especially if you want it to look good for years to come! Its a process, a design, and sometimes, its an investment. Gosh! Its quite an undertaking!

First, I should consider the local environment. Maybe something about climate and soil. Then, popular design styles in the area. Next, seasonal maintenance tips since Thornton has distinct seasons. Also, local regulations or permits might be important. Sustainability is a big topic now, so eco-friendly practices. Maybe include a section on professional services available. Lastly, community projects or initiatives could be relevant.


Okay, so youre thinkin about landscaping in Thornton, huh? Well, hold on tight, cause its more than just throwin down some grass seed (though thats definitely part of it!).


First things first, we gotta talk about what Thornton throws at ya weather-wise. Colorados a beast, right? We have that dry climate and the soil aint always the most forgiving. Its often clay-heavy, which means drainage aint its strong suit. Knowing this helps you pick plants that can actually thrive, instead of just... dying a slow, thirsty death. What about the design? Youll often see xeriscaping – rock gardens and drought-tolerant plants – really taking off. Folks are leanin into that Colorado vibe, but youll also see more traditional styles, especially in older neighborhoods. Whatever floats your boat, though!


Seasonal maintenance... oh boy. Spring? Prepare for planting frenzies and getting rid of winter debris. Summer? Its all about irrigation and keepin things alive under that blazing sun. Fall? Time to prep for winter, protect those plants, and maybe even plant some bulbs for a future surprise. Winter? Well, it aint exactly prime landscaping time, but you can still prune some trees and dream about warmer days, ya know. You shouldnt forget that snow!


Now, nobody likes red tape, but local regulations matter. Check with the city about permits for things like building fences or retaining walls. Seriously, it can save you a headache later.


Sustainabilitys a big deal, and thankfully, there are plenty of ways to make your landscape more eco-friendly. Think about using native plants – they need less water and attract local pollinators. Composting, rain barrels...

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Dont think you gotta do it all yourself either! There are tons of professional landscapers in the Thornton area. From design to installation to maintenance, they can handle it. And hey, sometimes its worth payin someone to do it right the first time.


Finally, keep an eye out for community projects! Sometimes there are neighborhood clean-ups or planting days. Its a great way to meet people and give back. Plus, maybe youll pick up some landscaping tips, too. Landscaping isnt not just a chore; its an investment, so make it count!

Wait, the user said 5 to 8. Let me check the count. That gives 7 headings so far. Let me make sure each is distinct and relevant. Climate and Soil Considerations, Popular Design Styles, Seasonal Maintenance, Local Regulations, Eco-Friendly Practices, Professional Services, Community Projects. Thats seven. Maybe add one more about cost considerations or budget-friendly tips? Or perhaps another aspect like hardscaping vs. softscaping. Hmm, but the user might prefer concise headings. Maybe stick to the initial list. Let me verify if each heading is specific enough and covers key areas for a landscaping guide in Thornton. I think that works. Avoid any extra text, just the numbers and headings as specified.



Okay, the user wants a short essay on landscaping in Thornton with specific elements. Let me break down the requirements. The headings are already listed, and they want a human-like essay with grammatical errors, contractions, interjections, and an exclamation mark. They also want to avoid repetition and use negations.

First, I need to make sure the essay covers the seven headings they provided: Climate and Soil, Design Styles, Seasonal Maintenance, Local Regulations, Eco-Friendly Practices, Professional Services, and Community Projects. But the user mentioned maybe adding another one, like cost or hardscaping vs. softscaping, but decided against it. So stick to seven.

Next, the essay should sound natural, with some mistakes. I should use contractions like dont and its to make it conversational. Add a few interjections like Hey! or Oh,. Maybe throw in a grammatical error here and there, like missing a comma or a subject-verb agreement issue, but not too many to make it unreadable.

I need to start with an engaging opener. Maybe something like, Hey, if youre into landscaping in Thornton... to grab attention. Then go through each heading briefly, making sure each is distinct. For example, under Climate and Soil, mention the semi-arid climate and soil types. For Design Styles, talk about popular choices like xeriscaping. Seasonal Maintenance could cover different seasons needs. Local Regulations might include permits and restrictions. Eco-Friendly Practices can discuss native plants and water-saving techniques. Professional Services should highlight hiring experts. Community Projects can mention neighborhood initiatives.

Make sure to include a negation, like dont forget or isnt just. Also, add an exclamation mark somewhere, maybe when talking about a tip or a benefit. Avoid repeating words by using synonyms where possible. Check the flow to ensure its smooth and not too rigid. Let me piece this together, keeping paragraphs short and casual.

Landscaping in Thornton ain't just about tossing plants around-oh no, it's a whole vibe. First off, you've gotta check the climate and soil. Yeah, that semi-arid zone can be a real pain if you don't pick drought-tolerant stuff. Who wants to water their yard every day when the dirt's acting like a sponge? (Spoiler: Not me.)


Popular design styles? Let's see-xeriscaping's big here, right? People love those low-maintenance, flashy rocks. But don't forget modern minimalism or cottage gardens; it's all about personal taste. Still, you've to match the look with what the land can handle.


Seasonal maintenance? Ugh, winter prep's a nightmare! Pruning in fall, mulching like crazy, and hoping the snow doesn't bury your perennials. Spring's better, but don't get too cozy-Thornton's weather's a moody teenager.


Local regulations… yeah, they'll trip you up if you don't check. Permits for hardscaping? Yikes, skip that and you'll get a call from the city. (Ask me how I know.) Water restrictions? Definitely don't ignore those fines.


Eco-friendly practices are a no-brainer these days. Native plants, rain barrels, composting-do it for the planet and your wallet. Plus, who doesn't want butterflies fluttering around?


Need help? Professional services can save your sanity, especially if you're new. Just make sure they're licensed and, heaven forbid, don't go for the cheapest bid.


Lastly, community projects-Thornton's got some rad initiatives. Join a neighborhood garden or a clean-up day; it's way more fun than doing it alone.


So yeah, landscaping here's about balance: knowing the rules, playing with styles, and not sweating the small stuff. After all, a garden's not a science lab-it's your backyard!



Okay, the user wants a short essay on landscaping in Thornton, Colorado. Let me start by recalling some key points about Thornton. Its a suburb of Denver, so maybe mention the climate there. They want it to sound human, so I need to add some contractions and maybe a few grammatical errors to make it natural. Also, include an exclamation mark and some interjections. Avoid repetition and use negation where possible.

First, I should outline the main aspects of landscaping in Thornton. Maybe talk about the semi-arid climate, the need for drought-resistant plants, and local ordinances like water restrictions. Mention popular plants like blue grama grass or Russian sage. Also, maybe include something about community gardens or local businesses.

Need to make sure the essay flows, starts with an intro, then some body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let me check if I can add some parentheses for extra info. For example, Thornton (you might've heard of it, right?) That adds a conversational tone.

I should use contractions like don't, it's, they're. Maybe throw in a few interjections like Oh! or Well,. The exclamation mark could be in a sentence like You've gotta try it!

Need to avoid repetition. Instead of using landscaping too much, use synonyms like gardening, yard work, etc. Also, use negation: but you don't have to worry about...

Let me start drafting. Check for the required elements: grammatical errors, contractions, parentheses, exclamation, negation, no repetition. Make sure its all in English and no markdown. Let me read through once to ensure its all there. Maybe add a personal touch like I've seen folks... to make it sound more human. Okay, that should cover it.

Thornton's got this vibe where you half-expect a tumbleweed to roll through your front yard, right? I mean, landscaping here ain't exactly a walk in the park-literally. With the semi-arid climate (hello, Colorado sunshine!), you've gotta pick plants that don't whine for water every five minutes. My neighbor tried a rose garden once; it was a disaster! (She ended up with more rocks than flowers.) But hey, there's hope. Drought-tolerant stuff like blue grama grass or Russian sage? Those bad boys thrive here. Oh, and don't forget the mulch-it's like giving your soil a cozy blanket.


Now, some folks get all worked up about xeriscaping, but you don't have to go full desert chic. A few native shrubs here, a wildflower patch there, and boom-you're golden. Plus, the city's got these nifty ordinances to keep water use in check. Not that you'll notice, but it's reassuring. I've seen folks rage about “overwatering” their lawns, but honestly, who's got time for that? Let nature do its thing.


Thornton's got a quirky charm, though. You'll spot a cactus next to a hydrangea, and it somehow works. (Maybe it's the Colorado magic?) Just remember: no palm trees. They look out of place, and the squirrels steal the coconuts. So, keep it simple, keep it tough, and your yard'll thank you. You've gotta embrace the grit-or else you'll be out there hosing down a Sahara!

Climate and Soil Considerations for Landscaping in Thornton


When it comes to landscaping in Thornton, theres a lot more to consider than just the plants you want to put in your yard. One of the biggest factors is the climate (which can be quite tricky!). Thornton experiences a semi-arid climate, meaning it doesnt get as much rain as some other places. If you're not careful, you could end up with a garden that's not just thirsty but downright parched!


So, what does this mean for your landscaping plans? First off, you might want to choose drought-resistant plants. There's no point in planting something pretty if it's gonna wither away in the summer heat. Native species, like some varieties of sage or wildflowers, can thrive in these conditions without needing constant watering. Plus, they're usually easier to maintain, which is a win-win!


Now, let's talk about soil (and trust me, it's just as important!). The soil in Thornton can be a bit rocky and clay-heavy. If you don't amend it properly, your plants might struggle to take root. Adding organic matter or mulch can really help improve drainage and nutrient levels. You don't want to plant something only to find that its roots are suffocating!


Another thing to keep in mind is that landscaping isn't just about plants. Hardscapes, like patios or walkways, should also consider the climate and soil. Using permeable materials can help with drainage, especially during those rare rainstorms. You definitely don't want water pooling in your yard, which could lead to all kinds of problems later on.


In conclusion, while landscaping in Thornton can be a rewarding experience, it's essential to pay attention to the climate and soil conditions. Otherwise, you might find yourself frustrated with a yard that just won't cooperate. So, do your research, plan wisely, and you'll create a beautiful outdoor space that not only looks great but thrives in its environment!

Popular Landscaping Styles and Trends in the Thornton Area


When it comes to landscaping in the Thornton area, there's a whole world of styles and trends that folks just love to dive into! From modern minimalist designs to lush, traditional gardens, it seems like everyone's got their own idea of what makes a yard truly shine. You might think that the most popular styles are set in stone, but that's not really the case. People are constantly mixing things up, and it's exciting to see how creativity flows through the community.


One trend that's really taken off is the use of native plants. They're just perfect for the local climate, and they don't require too much water. I mean, who doesn't want a garden that's low-maintenance? Plus, it supports local wildlife, which is a huge bonus! Another style that's been gaining traction is the incorporation of outdoor living spaces. Patios, fire pits, and even outdoor kitchens are becoming a staple in many backyards. It's all about creating a space where you can relax and enjoy the great outdoors without leaving home.


Now, let's not forget about the trend towards sustainability. More and more people in Thornton are looking for ways to make their gardens eco-friendly. This could mean using rain barrels, composting, or even installing solar lights. It's awesome to see how many homeowners are aware of their impact on the environment and are willing to make changes.


On the flip side, some styles just never seem to go out of fashion. For instance, the classic cottage garden, with its colorful flowers and charming pathways, continues to be a favorite. It's got that cozy feel that makes you want to sit down with a cup of tea and take in the beauty around you.


So, whether youre a fan of the sleek lines of modern design or the warm embrace of a cottage garden, there's something for everyone in Thorntons landscaping scene. It's all about finding what works for you and your space, and who knows? You might just stumble upon your own unique style that others will admire!

Seasonal Landscaping Maintenance Tips for Thornton Homeowners


Landscaping in Thornton, Colorado aint always a walk in the park, ya know? Especially when seasons change! Seasonal Landscaping Maintenance Tips for Thornton Homeowners? Absolutely crucial. Lets dive in.


Springs where everything starts poppin. Dont neglect clean-up! Rake away all that dead leaves and debris from winter. Itll suffocate your lawn if you dont (seriously). Check your sprinkler system, make sure there aint no leaks or busted heads. And hey, fertilize! It gives your grass a head start.


Summers all about upkeep. Watering is, like, the most important thing. Thornton can get real dry, real fast. Water deeply but infrequently, early in the morning, so you arent losing it all to evaporation. Weed control is a must, too. Aint nobody want weeds takin over their gorgeous garden. Deadhead flowers regularly; it promotes more blooms!


Falls where we prep for the big chill. Aerate your lawn to improve drainage and nutrient absorption. Dont skip fall fertilizing! It helps the roots survive winter. And, sadly, its time to say goodbye to some plants. Protect those that are tender by wrapping them or moving them indoors.


Winter? Well, it's mostly about resting. Avoid walking on your lawn when its frozen; youll damage it. Ensure snow isnt piled up excessively around shrubs and trees, as this can cause breakage, yikes! Pruning is best left for late winter/early spring.


Following these seasonal tips will keep your Thornton landscape lookin its best, no doubt! Its an investment, but a beautiful, healthy yard is totally worth it.

Local Regulations and Permits for Landscaping Projects in Thornton


Okay, so youre thinkin bout transforming your Thornton yard, huh? Awesome! But hold your horses (or should I say, your shovels!)! Before you go tearing up the turf and planting that prize-winning rosebush, ya gotta consider local regulations and permits.


It aint always sunshine and daisies, Im afraid. Even in a place as beautiful as Thornton, theres rules. No, really! The city (bless their bureaucratic hearts) has specific guidelines on what you can and cant do. Were talkin things like tree removal (especially protected species!), grading and drainage changes, and even the size and placement of structures like fences and sheds.


You cant just go buildin a ten-foot wall, ya know? Might block your neighbors view and, well, thats a no-no. And think about this: some projects, like adding a retaining wall or significantly altering the landscape near a waterway, absolutely require a permit. Ignoring this isnt a good idea. Trust me on that! Fines? Delays? Headaches? Nobody wants that.


So, what do you do? Well, first, do not skip checking out the City of Thorntons website. They usually have a section dedicated to permits and landscaping regulations. Or, even better, call the planning department! Theyre usually pretty helpful (sometimes, anyway). They can tell ya exactly what you need based on the scope of your project.


Dont underestimate the importance of this stuff! Its much easier to get the right permits upfront than to deal with problems later. Plus, following the rules protects the environment and ensures your landscaping project complements, not detracts from, the overall beauty of Thornton. So, yeah, do your homework and happy landscaping!

Eco-Friendly Landscaping Practices for Sustainable Gardens in Thornton



Okay, the user wants a short essay on Eco-Friendly Landscaping Practices for Sustainable Gardens in Thornton. Let me start by understanding the requirements. They want it to sound human, so I need to make it casual with some grammatical errors. Also, include parentheses, an exclamation mark, use negation, avoid repetition, contractions, and interjections. No markdown or HTML.

First, I should outline the key points. Eco-friendly landscaping includes native plants, rainwater harvesting, composting, avoiding chemicals, and maybe permeable surfaces. Mention Thornton specifically, maybe talk about the local climate or community.

Need to make sure its not too formal. Use contractions like dont, its, they're. Add some interjections like Oh, or Hey,. Include a few parentheses for asides. Maybe a misplaced comma or two for that human touch.

Avoid repeating words by using synonyms. For example, instead of saying eco-friendly multiple times, use terms like sustainable or green. Negation could be something like don't overwater or avoid synthetic fertilizers.

Check for the exclamation mark. Maybe end with an encouraging sentence. Also, make sure the essay flows naturally, each paragraph leading to the next. Maybe start with an introduction about the importance, then specific practices, challenges, and a conclusion.

Wait, the user mentioned Thornton so I should ensure that the essay is tailored to that location. Maybe mention local resources or conditions. But I dont have specific info on Thorntons climate, so keep it general but mention it by name. Best Landscaping Denver Colorado.

Let me draft a sample opening. Hey there, if you're into green thumbs and sustainability... Thats friendly and uses a contraction. Then list the practices with some parentheses for extra info.

Need to check for grammatical errors. Maybe mix up sentence structures, use some fragments. For example, Also, using native plants isn't just cost-effective-it's a win for local wildlife too!

Incorporate negation: Avoid tossing synthetic fertilizers... Use contractions: It's easy to get caught up...

Add an interjection: Oh, and don't forget...

Make sure to mention the challenges briefly, like time or cost, but frame it as manageable. Conclude with a positive note and the exclamation mark.

Okay, let me put this all together, ensuring each element is included without being forced. Read through to check if it sounds natural and meets all the users specs.

Hey there, if you're into green thumbs and sustainability, eco-friendly landscaping in Thornton isn't just a trend-it's a game-changer! (Who knew curb appeal could save the planet?) Start by ditching that chem-heavy fertilizer; instead, go local with native plants. They're tough cookies that don't guzzle water or cry for fancy soil. Oh, and don't forget to harvest rainwater-it's like free H2O for your garden!


Avoid paving every inch of your yard with concrete, folks. Permeable paths let water soak in, which cuts runoff and keeps the ground happy. Composting? Do it! Turn your kitchen scraps into gold (well, brown, maybe) and reduce trips to the landfill. But hey, don't go overboard-balance is key.


Thornton's weather can be a moody drama queen, so pick plants that thrive in its unique vibe. (No, your tropical fern won't survive a freeze, sorry!) Let's be honest, it's easy to get caught up in “perfect” lawns, but a mix of grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs? That's a haven for pollinators and a breeze to maintain.


Sure, eco-gardening takes a bit more thought, but it's not rocket science. Skip the synthetic stuff, embrace the messiness of compost, and let nature do the heavy lifting. After all, a sustainable garden isn't about perfection-it's about progress! Plus, you'll save cash and feel good doing it.

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Choosing Native Plants and Trees for Landscaping in Thornton


When it comes to landscaping in Thornton, choosing native plants and trees can be a game changer! I mean, who wouldn't want a garden that thrives and looks beautiful without too much fuss? Native plants are the unsung heroes of our local ecosystems, and they're often well-suited to the specific climate and soil conditions we have here.


First off, let's not forget how important it is to support local wildlife. Birds, butterflies, and even beneficial insects rely on native plants for food and shelter. If you plant non-native species, you might not just be missing out on a stunning garden; you could also be disrupting the local ecosystem. It's really a shame when people don't realize the impact their choices can have.


Now, you might be wondering which plants and trees are best for your yard. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available, from local nurseries to gardening clubs. They can help you figure out what fits best in your space. Plus, native plants tend to require less water and fewer chemicals, so you wont be spending a fortune on upkeep. Who doesnt want a low-maintenance garden, right?


Another thing to consider is the aesthetic value. You might think that native plants can't be as pretty as exotic varieties, but that's simply not true! There's a whole rainbow of colors and shapes to choose from. Imagine a garden filled with vibrant wildflowers or majestic oak trees that not only look good but also add value to your property.


In conclusion, if you're landscaping in Thornton, don't overlook the benefits of native plants and trees. They're not just a practical choice; they're also a way to connect with the local environment. So, next time you're planning your garden, give native options a shot-you might be surprised at how wonderful they can be!

Professional Landscaping Services and Contractors in Thornton



Okay, the user wants a short essay on Professional Landscaping Services and Contractors in Thornton, specifically about Landscaping Thornton. They want it to sound human-like with some grammatical errors, contractions, interjections, and an exclamation mark. Also, need to avoid repetition and use negation.

First, I should start with a general statement about Thorntons reputation for landscaping. Maybe mention how its known for its beauty but needs pros. Use a contraction like doesnt to keep it casual. Then, introduce the services and contractors, highlighting what they do. Add a parenthetical about different services. Maybe use you know to sound conversational.

Next, talk about why hiring pros is better than DIY. Use but wait as an interjection. Mention time and expertise. Add a negation like they don't just to emphasize their skills. Maybe a parenthetical about seasonal changes. Then, a common mistake people make, using like in the parentheses. Include an exclamation mark here, something like Oh, and let's not forget!

Then, address the cost concern. Use I mean to start a sentence. Contrast with the benefits. Add a parenthetical about curb appeal. Conclude with a recommendation, using so yeah and an exclamation. Check for contractions and grammatical errors. Make sure not to repeat words, maybe use synonyms like tackle and manage. Ensure the flow is natural with interjections and parentheticals. Avoid any markdown, just plain text. Let me piece it all together now, keeping sentences varied and the tone friendly.

Thornton's got this vibe where everyone wants their yard to look like a magazine spread, but let's face it-not everyone's got the time or clue how to make it happen. That's where pro landscaping folks step in, right? They don't just plant flowers and mow lawns; (I mean, they do that too, obviously) they actually design spaces that stick out, like, “Whoa, did they hire wizards?” You know, the kind of work that makes your neighbors think, “Hey, maybe I should call someone instead of trying to dig a hole with a spoon!”


But wait-why hire a contractor when you could, like, YouTube it? Well, sure, you could, but let's be real: digging a trench for irrigation while avoiding roots? No way. Pros know the soil, the climate, and (here's the kicker) how to make plants survive the Colorado sun without turning them into crisps. Oh, and they handle the heavy lifting, so you don't end up with a backache and a half-finished garden!


Some folks think professional services are a splurge, but c'mon-it's an investment. Imagine your yard thriving all year, not just when you remember to water it. Plus, they'll fix the messes you accidentally made, like that tree you planted too close to the house (oops!). So yeah, if you want your outdoor space to feel like a sanctuary instead of a jungle you're battling, call someone who actually knows what they're doing. Trust me, your future self'll thank you-and your lawn will look way better than your DIY rock arrangement ever could!

Community Landscaping Initiatives and Public Garden Projects in Thornton



Alright, lets tackle this query. The user wants a short essay on Community Landscaping Initiatives and Public Garden Projects in Thornton for the topic Landscaping Thornton. The key points are to make it sound human-like, include grammatical errors, use contractions, interjections, exclamation marks, but avoid repetition and markup.

First, I need to ensure the content is about community efforts in Thornton related to landscaping and public gardens. I should mention specific projects if possible, maybe the Community Garden or a specific park. The user might be looking for a personal touch, so using contractions like dont and cant would help.

I need to add some grammatical errors to mimic a human writer. Maybe drop an article here or there, or use incorrect prepositions. But not too many to make it hard to read. Also, include interjections like Hey!

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or Well, to add a conversational tone. An exclamation mark is needed, perhaps when expressing enthusiasm about a project.

Avoid repetition by using synonyms. Instead of saying initiative multiple times, use projects, efforts, programs. Make sure the essay flows naturally without repeating the same phrases. Check for contractions throughout to keep it casual.

The user might be a local resident, a student, or someone involved in community projects. They probably want to highlight the positive impact of these initiatives, so emphasizing community involvement, beautification, and environmental benefits would be good. Maybe mention challenges they face, but keep the tone positive.

Need to ensure the essay is concise, maybe 150-200 words. Start with a hook, then discuss the initiatives and projects, some challenges, and a hopeful conclusion. Use parentheses to add extra info or thoughts. Check for the exclamation mark placement, maybe when talking about the success of a garden.

Also, review the example response to see if it meets all the criteria. Make sure theres no markdown, just plain text. Let me draft a few sentences, inject some errors, contractions, and the exclamation mark. Maybe something like, Hey, if you've ever walked through Thornton's downtown... you've probably noticed the vibrant flower beds (no, not just any beds-colorful, well-cared-for ones!).

Check for repetition: initiatives and projects can be used but not too much. Use they for the community, maybe. Add a bit about challenges like funding, but the community doesnt back down. Conclude with a positive note, maybe a call to action or future hopes. Alright, time to put it all together with the required elements.

Hey, if you've ever walked through Thornton's downtown, you've probably noticed the vibrant flower beds (no, not just any beds-colorful, well-cared-for ones!). Community Landscaping Initiatives here ain't just about curb appeal; they're a lifeline for neighbors to connect. Public Garden Projects, like the one at Riverside Park, let folks grow veggies and flowers while learning about sustainable practices. But it's not all roses-funding's tight, and some folks still think gardens are a waste of time. Still, volunteers show up rain or shine, tossing seeds and stories. Oh, and don't get me started on the butterfly garden (yes, that one with the milkweed!)-it's become a local legend! Sure, mistakes happen (like the time they planted tulips in a sunflower patch), but hey, that's part of the charm. Thornton's green spaces aren't perfect, but they're growing stronger, thanks to folks who refuse to give up. Can't wait to see what blooms next!

Broomfield is located in Colorado
Broomfield
Broomfield
Broomfield (Colorado)
Broomfield
City and County of Broomfield
Flag of Broomfield
Official seal of Broomfield
Location of the City and County of Broomfield in Colorado
Location of the City and County of Broomfield in Colorado
Broomfield is located in the United States
Broomfield
Broomfield
Location of the City and County of Broomfield, Colorado.

Coordinates: 39°55′14″N 105°05′12″W / 39.9205°N 105.0867°W / 39.9205; -105.0867 (Broomfield, Colorado)[3]CountryUnited StatesStateColoradoCity and CountyBroomfield[2]IncorporatedJune 6, 1961[1]ConsolidatedNovember 15, 2001Named afterThe broomcorn once grown in the areaGovernment

 

 • TypeConsolidated city and county[1] • MayorGuyleen Castriotta[4]Area

 • Total

33.548 sq mi (86.890 km2) • Land32.968 sq mi (85.387 km2) • Water0.580 sq mi (1.503 km2)Elevation

5,348 ft (1,630 m)Population

 • Total

74,112

 • Estimate 
(2024)

78,323 Increase • Density2,248.0/sq mi (867.95/km2) • Metro

 

2,963,821 (19th) • CSA

 

3,623,560 (17th) • Front Range

 

5,055,344Time zoneUTC−07:00 (MST) • Summer (DST)UTC−06:00 (MDT)ZIP code[7]

80020, 80021, 80023,
80038 (PO Box)

Area codes303/720/983GNIS pop ID204704GNIS city ID2409919GNIS county ID1945881FIPS city code08-09280FIPS county code08-99014WebsiteCity and County of Broomfield

Broomfield is a consolidated city and county located in the U.S. state of Colorado.[1] It has a consolidated government which operates under Article XX, Sections 10–13 of the Constitution of the State of Colorado. Broomfield's population was 74,112 at the 2020 United States census,[6] making it the 15th most populous municipality and the 12th most populous county in Colorado. Broomfield is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Range urban corridor.

History

[edit]

The Broomfield post office opened on September 26, 1884.[8] Historians speculate that the town was named for the sorghum grown in the area, also known as broomcorn, which had stalks that were sold to make brooms and whisk brooms.[9]

Several railroads figure in the development of this area. The Colorado Central Railroad built a narrow-gauge line from Golden in 1873; the Denver, Utah and Pacific Railroad arrived in 1881; and the Denver, Marshall and Boulder Railway built a line through what is now Broomfield in 1886. The Denver, Utah and Pacific was widened to standard gauge in 1889. One of the early names for the area was Zang's Spur, after the railroad spur serving Adolph Zang's grain fields.[10]

The Denver–Boulder Turnpike was constructed through the Broomfield area to speed automobile travel between the state capital of Denver and the university city of Boulder. Construction of the toll road began in 1950 and the turnpike was opened to traffic on January 19, 1952, with the sole toll plaza at Broomfield with access to U.S. Route 287 through the town.[11] The toll to travel from Federal Boulevard in Adams County to Broomfield was 10 cents and the toll from Broomfield to Boulder was 15 cents, or 25 cents for the whole route.[11]

The City of Broomfield was incorporated on June 6, 1961, in the southeastern corner of Boulder County.[1] The Denver–Boulder Turnpike was a common commuting route and Broomfield became a popular residential area. On September 14, 1967, having paid off its construction and operating expenses, the turnpike was made free and became the official route of U.S. Route 36 between Denver, Boulder, and the Rocky Mountain National Park. The turnpike became the first public toll road in the United States to become free.[11]

In the 1990s, after three decades of aggressive annexation, the City of Broomfield had expanded into Adams, Jefferson, and Weld counties in addition to Boulder.[12] City leaders felt increasing chagrin with the need to deal with four different county governments, four separate county sales tax bases, and four separate court districts. They began pushing to make Broomfield a consolidated city-county similar to Denver, reasoning that they could provide services more responsively if Broomfield had its own county government.

The city sought an amendment to the state constitution to create a new county. The amendment was passed in 1998, after which a three-year transition period followed.

On November 15, 2001, Broomfield County became the 64th and least extensive county of Colorado. It is the newest county in Colorado (and in the entire United States, if county equivalents are not included).[13]

Geography

[edit]

Broomfield is located midway between Denver and Boulder along U.S. Routes 36 and 287 at coordinates

39°55′14″N 105°05′12″W / 39.9205°N 105.0867°W / 39.9205; -105.0867 (Broomfield, Colorado) at an elevation of 5,348 feet (1,630 m).[3]

At the 2020 United States census, Broomfield had a total area of 21,471 acres (86.890 km2), including 371 acres (1.503 km2) of water.[5] It is the smallest county by area in Colorado, and the 5th smallest in the United States.

Airport

[edit]

Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport is located in Broomfield.

Major highways

[edit]

Adjacent counties

[edit]
 

Climate

[edit]

According to the Köppen climate classification system, Broomfield has a cold semi-arid climate (BSk). According to the United States Department of Agriculture, it is in plant hardiness zone 6a with an average annual extreme minimum temperature of −9.4 °F (−23.0 °C).[14]

Climate data for City and County of Broomfield, CO. Elevation 5407 ft
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 45.4
(7.4)
47.5
(8.6)
54.6
(12.6)
62.3
(16.8)
71.6
(22.0)
81.9
(27.7)
88.7
(31.5)
86.2
(30.1)
78.1
(25.6)
65.8
(18.8)
53.0
(11.7)
44.7
(7.1)
65.1
(18.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 18.3
(−7.6)
20.2
(−6.6)
27.0
(−2.8)
33.8
(1.0)
43.0
(6.1)
51.7
(10.9)
57.6
(14.2)
56.2
(13.4)
47.3
(8.5)
35.9
(2.2)
25.7
(−3.5)
18.0
(−7.8)
36.3
(2.4)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.44
(11)
0.43
(11)
1.64
(42)
2.07
(53)
2.26
(57)
1.73
(44)
1.76
(45)
1.86
(47)
1.26
(32)
1.12
(28)
0.87
(22)
0.68
(17)
16.12
(409)
Average relative humidity (%) 50.5 51.1 48.0 45.8 49.6 46.8 44.2 48.5 46.1 47.2 49.8 51.8 48.3
Average dew point °F (°C) 15.6
(−9.1)
17.7
(−7.9)
22.6
(−5.2)
28.2
(−2.1)
38.6
(3.7)
45.8
(7.7)
50.0
(10.0)
50.8
(10.4)
41.7
(5.4)
31.4
(−0.3)
22.2
(−5.4)
15.6
(−9.1)
31.8
(−0.1)
Source: PRISM Climate Group[15]

Ecology

[edit]

According to the A. W. Kuchler U.S. potential natural vegetation types, Broomfield would have a Bouteloua/buffalograss (65, commonly known as grama grass) vegetation type and a shortgrass prairie (17) vegetation form.[16]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
Census Pop. Note
1960 4,535  
1970 7,261   60.1%
1980 20,730   185.5%
1990 24,638   18.9%
2000 38,272   55.3%
2010 55,889   46.0%
2020 74,112   32.6%
2024 (est.) 78,323 [17] 5.7%
U.S. Decennial Census

Broomfield is a part of the Denver–Aurora–Lakewood, CO Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The 2020 census estimated there were 74,112 people living in Broomfield.[6] The population density was 2,248 people per square mile (868 people/km2), making it the second most densely populated county in Colorado behind Denver.[18] The racial and ethnic makeup of the city was 76.0% White, 6.9% Asian, 1.3% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 10.9% from two or more races;[6] additionally, 13.4% were Hispanic or Latino[19] and, by 2023, 8.8% were foreign-born.[20]

In 2023, there were 33,563 households, of which 48.0% were married couples living together, 11.4% were cohabiting couple households, 18.7% had a male householder with no spouse/partner present, and 21.9% had a female householder with no spouse/partner present. 22.5% of households had one or more people under 18 years, and 25.6% of households had one or more people 65 years or older. The average household size was 2.28 people, and the average family size was 2.90 people.[20]

In 2023, age distribution figures showed 20.2% of residents under the age of 18 and 16.5% age 65 years or older.[21] The median age was 37.9 years and females made up 49.1% of the population.[21]

In 2023, the median household income in Broomfield was $112,139 and the median family income was $130,920.[22] The per capita income for the city was $59,679,[23] with 5.3% of the population living below the poverty line[24] and 2.7% without health care coverage.[25] By 2018–2022 estimates, Broomfield had the 3rd highest median household income among Colorado counties and the 40th highest in the United States;[26] for families, the median income was the 2nd highest among Colorado counties and the 18th highest in the United States.[27]

In 2023, the educational attainment of residents over age 25 included 97.0% being high school graduates (or higher), 58.8% holding a bachelor's degree (or higher), and 25.6% holding a graduate or professional degree.[28]

Politics

[edit]

When the county was formed in 2001, it was a swing county, and it has voted for the winner of Colorado's electoral votes since then. In the 2012 election, incumbent president and Democrat Barack Obama defeated Republican Mitt Romney by roughly five percentage points. In recent years, the county has trended towards the Democratic Party, in line with the rest of the Denver area. In 2016, it voted decisively for Hillary Clinton. Joe Biden won the county by a larger margin in 2020, and Kamala Harris won the county by an even larger margin in 2024.

As of August 1, 2025, among 56,705 active registered voters in Broomfield, 15,317 were Democrats, 10,412 were Republicans, and 29,857 were not affiliated with any party.[29]

Broomfield voters approved ranked-choice voting for municipal elections in 2021. Due to a lack of candidates and delays in the Colorado Secretary of State auditing procedures, implementation of ranked-choice voting has been delayed until 2027.[30]

United States presidential election results for Broomfield, Colorado
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2004 12,007 51.68% 10,935 47.06% 293 1.26%
2008 12,757 43.31% 16,168 54.89% 528 1.79%
2012 15,008 45.67% 16,966 51.62% 891 2.71%
2016 14,367 38.12% 19,731 52.35% 3,591 9.53%
2020 16,295 34.94% 29,077 62.35% 1,260 2.70%
2024 16,071 34.30% 29,426 62.81% 1,351 2.88%
 

Economy

[edit]
Company housing image for Monarch Mine in Broomfield, 1947

In the 1990s, Broomfield and other area suburbs experienced tremendous economic growth, much of it focused in technology.

The FlatIron Crossing mall is a large shopping and entertainment center, anchored by Dick's Sporting Goods, Macy's, and Forever 21.

Crocs, Vail Resorts, MWH Global, Flatiron Construction, Webroot, Noodles & Company, and Mrs. Fields are headquartered in Broomfield.

Top employers

[edit]

According to Broomfield's 2023 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,[31] the top employers in the city are:

# Employer # of Employees
1 Oracle America 1,650
2 Intermountain Health Care 1,550
3 BAE Systems 1,100
4 Hunter Douglas Window Fashions Division 950
5 City and County of Broomfield 900
6 Vail Resorts 750
7 DanoneWave Foods 600
8 Crocs 600
9 Broadcom Inc. 500
10 VMware 450

Media

[edit]

The Broomfield Enterprise is the local newspaper. KBDI-TV, the secondary PBS member station for the Denver area, is licensed to Broomfield.

Recreation

[edit]

Broomfield's recreational opportunities include the Paul Derda Recreation Center and pool, athletic fields, courts and rinks and open space and trails.[32][33]

Broomfield has an extensive trail system that connects the various lakes and parks. A scenic trail connects the Stearns Lake and the Josh's Pond memorial on the west side of town. Broomfield also has a 9/11 memorial containing a piece of a steel beam from one of the towers.

The Paul Derda Recreation Center

Broomfield also has a skate park with many different features such as bowls, a large half-pipe and several "street" obstacles.

The Broomfield Community Center (renovated in 2020) offers a wide variety of fitness classes, senior activities, and hosts swim meets and kids' camps for the whole city and county.

A few of the favorite outdoor activities of Broomfield residents are tennis and golf. There are a large number of golf courses and tennis courts open to the public. Broomfield Community Center also hosts other Denver metro cities in their center, mainly for pickleball games and tournaments.

Government

[edit]

Broomfield's leadership includes the Mayor, the Mayor Pro Tem, the City and County Manager, Attorney, and City Council members.[4]

Broomfield City and County Leadership
Role Name
Mayoral Office
Mayor Guyleen Castriotta
Mayor Pro-Tem Deven Shaff
City Officials
City and County Manager Jennifer Hoffman
City and County Attorney Nancy Rodgers
City Council Members
Ward 1
Kenny Nguyen James Marsh-Holschen
Ward 2
Paloma Delgadillo Austin Ward
Ward 3
Jean Lim Deven Shaff
Ward 4
Bruce Leslie Laurie Anderson
Ward 5
Heidi Henkel Todd Cohen

Sheriff and county commissioners

[edit]

Broomfield operates as a consolidated city-county. The city council acts simultaneously as the board of county commissioners, and the police chief is simultaneously the county sheriff. The Broomfield Police Department performs all of the duties that would normally be performed by a county sheriff's office, including operating the county jail (detention center), providing security and bailiff services for the Broomfield Municipal, County, and District Courts and the Combined Courts Building, and providing civil process in the county. The police chief can be hired or fired at will by the city council, which makes Broomfield's sheriff, along with Denver's, the only non-elected sheriffs in the state.

Education

[edit]

Since Broomfield used to be divided among four counties, students living in the city were served by the separate school districts for their county.[citation needed] While the city is now united within one county, it is still separated among 6 school districts:[34]

Of Colorado's 10 largest school districts, 4 (Jefferson County, Adams 12 Five Star, St. Vrain Valley, and Boulder Valley)[35] have sections in Broomfield.

Broomfield features two large public high schools (Broomfield High School and Legacy High School), two public middle schools, and eight public elementary schools. There are four private schools: Brightmont Academy, a 1-to-1 school for all grade levels; Broomfield Academy, with an academic preschool, an elementary school, and a middle school; Holy Family, a Catholic high school; and Nativity of Our Lord Parish, a Catholic elementary school. Broomfield also contains two K–12 charter schools — Prospect Ridge Academy and Front Range Academy, which has two Broomfield campuses.

Notable people

[edit]

Notable individuals who were born in or have lived in Broomfield (or both) include:

Sister city

[edit]

Broomfield has a sister city, as designated by Sister Cities International:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Active Colorado Municipalities". State of Colorado, Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  2. ^ "Colorado Counties". State of Colorado, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Local Government. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Broomfield, Colorado". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Council Members and Leadership". City and County of Broomfield. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data". U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. November 29, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d "RACE. Decennial Census, DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171), Table P1". U.S. Census Bureau. 2020. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  7. ^ "ZIP Code Lookup". United States Postal Service. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  8. ^ Bauer, William H.; Ozment, James L.; Willard, John H. (1990). Colorado Post Offices 1859–1989. Golden, Colorado: Colorado Railroad Historical Foundation. ISBN 0-918654-42-4.
  9. ^ O'Connor, Colleen (April 27, 2016). "Broomfield's historic train depot evokes forgotten history in Colorado". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
  10. ^ "History of Broomfield". City and County of Broomfield. City and County of Broomfield. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c Salek, Matthew E. (17 November 2013). "Colorado Highways: The Denver-Boulder Turnpike". Retrieved December 27, 2024.
  12. ^ "Broomfield with Legacy County Boundaries". City and County of Broomfield. City and County of Broomfield. May 10, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  13. ^ "Substantial Changes to Counties and County Equivalent Entities: 1970-Present". U.S. Census Bureau. October 8, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  14. ^ "USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Map". United States Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on July 4, 2019. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  15. ^ "PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University". www.prism.oregonstate.edu. Retrieved July 10, 2019.
  16. ^ "U.S. Potential Natural Vegetation, Original Kuchler Types, v2.0 (Spatially Adjusted to Correct Geometric Distortions)". Data Basin. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
  17. ^ "County Population Totals and Components of Change: 2020-2024". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
  18. ^ "2020 Census Demographic Data Map Viewer". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  19. ^ "HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE. Decennial Census, DEC Demographic and Housing Characteristics, Table P9". U.S. Census Bureau. 2020. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  20. ^ a b "Selected Social Characteristics in the United States. American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Data Profiles, Table DP02". U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  21. ^ a b "Age and Sex. American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S0101". U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  22. ^ "Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2023 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars). American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1901". U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  23. ^ "Per Capita Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2023 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars). American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Detailed Tables, Table B19301". U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  24. ^ "Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months. American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1701". U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  25. ^ "Selected Characteristics of Health Insurance Coverage in the United States. American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S2701". U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  26. ^ "Income Table for Colorado Counties — Median household income". HDPulse: An Ecosystem of Minority Health and Health Disparities Resources. National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  27. ^ "Income Table for Colorado Counties — Median family income". HDPulse: An Ecosystem of Minority Health and Health Disparities Resources. National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  28. ^ "Educational Attainment. American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1501". U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. 2023. Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  29. ^ "2025 Voter Registration Statistics — July statistics". Colorado Secretary of State. Retrieved August 2, 2025.
  30. ^ Stevenson, Corbett (2025-02-12). "Broomfield won't see ranked choice voting until 2027". Broomfield Enterprise. Retrieved 2025-07-09.
  31. ^ "City and County of Broomfield Annual Comprehensive Financial Report 2023". Retrieved January 6, 2025.
  32. ^ "Parks, Recreation and Senior Services". City and County of Broomfield. City and County of Broomfield. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  33. ^ "Open Space and Trails". City and County of Broomfield. City and County of Broomfield. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  34. ^ Geography Division (December 17, 2020). School District Reference Map: Broomfield County, CO (PDF) (Map). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  35. ^ "Colorado public school enrollment declines slightly with 3,253 fewer students". Colorado Department of Education. January 18, 2023. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  36. ^ Boslough, Mark (November 30, 2014). "F-Bomb the N-Word Out of Existence". Huffington Post. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  37. ^ Krider, Dylan Otto (19 May 2010). "Brown comes home to Broomfield for Broomstock". Broomfield Enterprise. Retrieved March 10, 2018.
  38. ^ "Broomfield man reviving dad`s Disney days". Broomfield Enterprise. Retrieved November 28, 2009.
  39. ^ "Dianne Primavera's Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  40. ^ "Anna Prins". Iowa State Cyclones. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  41. ^ Russo, Vince (2010). Rope Opera: How WCW Killed Vince Russo. ECW Press. ISBN 978-1550228687.
  42. ^ "Steve Schmuhl". Indiana University Athletics. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  43. ^ "Mike Wilpolt". ArenaFan. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  44. ^ "Kitty Zingano". UFC. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  45. ^ "Our Sister Cities". Broomfield Sister Cities Organization. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  46. ^ "Membership Directory". Sister Cities International. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
[edit]

 

 

Parker, Colorado
Mainstreet in downtown Parker
Mainstreet in downtown Parker
Flag of Parker, Colorado
Location of Parker in Douglas County, Colorado
Location of Parker in Douglas County, Colorado
Coordinates: 39°29′50″N 104°45′57″W / 39.49722°N 104.76583°W / 39.49722; -104.76583
Country United States
State Colorado
County Douglas
Founded 1864
Incorporated May 1, 1981
Named after James Parker
Government
 
 • Type Home rule municipality
Area
 • Town
22.455 sq mi (58.158 km2)
 • Land 22.447 sq mi (58.138 km2)
 • Water 0.0085 sq mi (0.022 km2)
Elevation 5,834 ft (1,778 m)
Population
 • Town
58,512
 • Estimate 
(2024)[4]
65,473
 • Rank US: 633rd
CO: 19th
 • Density 2,727.3/sq mi (1,053.01/km2)
 • Urban
 
2,686,147 (US: 18th)
 • Metro
 
2,985,871 (US: 19th)
 • Combined
 
3,663,515 (US: 18th)
Time zone UTC–7 (Mountain (MST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC–6 (MDT)
ZIP Codes[5]
80134, 80138
Area codes 303, 720, and 983
FIPS code 08-57630
GNIS feature ID 2413117[2]
Sales tax 8.0%[6]
Website www.parkerco.gov

Parker is a home rule municipality in Douglas County, Colorado, United States. As a self-declared "town" under the home rule statutes, Parker is the second most populous town in the county; Castle Rock is the most populous (the community of Highlands Ranch, with a population of over 100,000, is an unincorporated CDP).[7] In recent years, Parker has become a commuter town at the southeasternmost corner of the Denver metropolitan area. The population was 58,512 at the 2020 census.[3] Parker is now the 19th most populous municipality in the state of Colorado.

History

[edit]

Native Americans

[edit]

The first known people to live in the area were ancient and Plains Woodland peoples. Utes, Arapaho, and Cheyenne were in the area by the 1800s. They were all hunter-gatherers who established seasonal camps to acquire food.[8] A nearby rock shelter, Franktown Cave, shows evidence of habitation beginning in the early Archaic period about 6400 BC and continuing through each of the intervening cultural periods to 1725 AD.[9]

Pine Grove

[edit]

Stage roads were established on historic Cherokee and Trapper's Trails through present-day Denver. In 1864, Alfred Butters established the Pine Grove Way Station in a small one-room building (south of the current Parker United Methodist Church) to sell provisions, handle mail and messages, and provide respite for travelers.[8][10] The area was then within the Territory of Colorado (1861–1876). Butters became a state senator and representative. His house is on the National Register of Historic Places listings in downtown Denver.[10] George Long and his wife purchased the building, moved it to its present location on Main Street, and expanded it to include ten rooms, a ball room and outbuildings.[8] Built at the junction of stage routes, it was called Twenty Mile House for its distance to Denver. The stage station offered provisions, meals, and lodging, as well as protection for early settlers against attacks by Native Americans.[8][11]

Initially, there were peaceful interactions with Native Americans. Chiefs Washington and Colorow led their tribes along Sulphur Gulch, passing and sometimes visiting cabins of early settlers, like John and Elizabeth Tallman. During one visit, Chief Washington offered up to 20 ponies in trade for their red-headed son. They occasionally heard the sounds of celebration and mourning from nearby encampments.[10] Tension between settlers and Native Americans began to build in the 1860s due to broken treaties, aggression, and cultural misunderstanding. People became especially fearful following the Hungate massacre of 1864 in present-day Elbert County, which may have been started by Nathan Hungate shooting a Native American who stole his horse. It may have been a precipitating factor in the Sand Creek massacre led by General John Chivington later that year. John Tallman was one of the first to arrive at the scene of the Hungate Massacre and he served under Chivington during the Sand Creek massacre. The citizens of Parker became quite concerned and closed the school for a brief time after the massacres. In 1870, Jonathan Tallman (John's brother) was killed by Native Americans while out riding his mule.[10]

Twenty Mile House, Parker, Colorado, 1908

In 1869, Twenty Mile House was owned by Nelson and Susan Doud.[8][11] In 1870, the Douds purchased the Seventeen Mile House in what is now Centennial and sold the Twenty Mile House[12] to James S. Parker, an American Civil War veteran from Illinois who came to Colorado in 1865.[8][13] He added a blacksmith shop and mercantile store. In December 1870,[8] or 1873, a post office was established for the Pine Grove settlement; James Parker was the postmaster.[14] He built a schoolhouse and provided lodging and the first year's salary for the teacher.[8] George Parker, James' brother, homesteaded and built a saloon on land east of Parker Road.[8] George owned most of the land that ultimately became the town of Parker. He encouraged settlers and business development by "parceling out his spread" to newcomers.[8][10]

Parker

[edit]

The name of the settlement was changed to Parker in 1882.[14][15] It was first called Parkers' for the two brothers and largest landowners, but the apostrophe was later dropped.[10] That year, the Denver and New Orleans Railroad completed the initial railroad route[16] that provided service between Denver, Parker, and Colorado Springs. To ensure that the railroad came through the center of town, rather than along Cherry Creek, James Parker sold his right-of-way for $1 and his brother George sold his right-of-way to bring the railroad into the center of town to Parker station.[17]

Rhode Island Hotel, 1908. Built near the railroad depot, the hotel had modern conveniences, a livery stable, a telephone company for the town, and a telegraph office. Over the years, it has been used for multiple purposes. It is now contained within the 20 Mile Center on Mainstreet. The outline of the old hotel can be seen from the rear of the building.[18]

James donated three acres for Parker Cemetery around 1884, at which time it held the graves of his two sons. It holds the graves of early settlers, the earliest known death was in 1870. Parker (died 1910) and his wife Mattie (died 1887) are also buried there.[8] In the mid-1880s, gold was found at Newlin Gulch (site of the current Rueter–Hess Reservoir.) More businesses were added, including a dry goods store, two more general mercantile stores, another blacksmith shop, a livery stable, barber shop, creamery, stockyard, hotel, church, and a brickworks. Many of these were added by 1900.[8][10] Victorian architectural style houses were built along Pikes Peak Drive in the 1910s.[19] The Parker station of the Colorado and Southern Railway, which was renamed as it expanded its route, closed in 1931.[17]

Pikes Peak Grange (1908), north of Franktown, near the entrance to Hidden Mesa Open Space

At least through the 1930s, there were dances the first Saturday of each month at Pikes Peak Grange, located north of Franktown. The dances were attended by teenagers from Parker and Elizabeth.[20]

The Parker City Land Company began development of a "modern western town" in the 1960s, but they did not complete the housing projects due to financial short-falls. In the 1970s, first african-american astronaut candidate Ed Dwight was involved in the project as a real estate developer.[21] The developer skipped town in 1971. About 1980 or 1981, the development was completed by another builder. Dean Salibury advocated for Parker's incorporation to protect its landowners.[20] The town was incorporated in 1981,[22] and Salisbury was Parker's first mayor.[20] Parker grew exponentially in the mid-1990s and mid-2000s, during the growth of Denver's southern suburbs.[22] In 1981 there were 285 people in Parker and by 2014 48,000 people resided in the town.[19]

Historic places

[edit]
Ruth Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, listed on the National Register of Historic Places

The Twenty Mile post office, originally the Pine Grove post office building, was restored by the Parker Area Historical Society. It is located on Mainstreet, just west of Parker Road.[23] Ruth Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[24] The town of Parker was given a grant by the History Colorado State Historical Fund a restoration project for the Parker Consolidated School at the Mainstreet Center.[25] The Hood House, one of two houses that did not sustain any damage during the flood of Tallman Gulch in 1912, is located in Preservation Park.[26] Some of the other historic sites include Tallman–Newlin Cabin and Parker Cemetery.[19]

Geography

[edit]

Parker is located in northeastern Douglas County.[27] Its northernmost border follows the Arapahoe County line, and the city of Aurora touches the town's northeast border. The center of Parker is 23 miles (37 km) southeast of downtown Denver.[28] Castle Rock, the Douglas County seat, is 15 miles (24 km) to the southwest. Unincorporated communities that border Parker are Dove Valley to the northwest, Stonegate to the west, and The Pinery to the south.[29] Parker sits at an elevation of 5,900 feet above sea level.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 22.455 square miles (58.158 km2), of which 0.00 square miles (0.008 km2), or 0.02%, is water.[1] Cherry Creek flows through Parker on its way north toward Denver.[30]

Climate

[edit]

This climate type is usually found in the outskirts of true deserts in low-latitude, semi-arid regions. It has cooler, wetter weather resulting from the higher latitude and mid-latitude frontal cyclone activity. Annual precipitation totals are greater than in tropical and subtropical desert climates. Yearly variations in amount are not as extreme as in the true deserts but are nevertheless large. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "BSk". (mid latitude Steppe Climate).

Climate data for Parker, Colorado
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 43
(6)
46
(8)
51
(11)
60
(16)
69
(21)
80
(27)
86
(30)
84
(29)
77
(25)
66
(19)
52
(11)
45
(7)
63
(18)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 15
(−9)
18
(−8)
23
(−5)
31
(−1)
40
(4)
49
(9)
55
(13)
54
(12)
46
(8)
35
(2)
23
(−5)
17
(−8)
34
(1)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.3
(7.6)
0.3
(7.6)
0.9
(23)
1.3
(33)
2.5
(64)
1.9
(48)
2.2
(56)
1.9
(48)
1.1
(28)
0.8
(20)
0.7
(18)
0.3
(7.6)
14.1
(360)
Source: Weatherbase[31]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
Census Pop. Note
1980 290  
1990 5,450   1,779.3%
2000 23,558   332.3%
2010 45,297   92.3%
2020 58,512   29.2%
2024 (est.) 65,473 [4] 11.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[32]
2020 Census[3]

2022 estimate

[edit]

As of the American Community Survey of 2022, there were 61,222 people, 20,083 households, and 6,525 families residing in the town. The population density was 2,619.7 inhabitants per square mile (1,011.5/km2). There were housing units at an average density of 897.8 per square mile (346.6/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 84.4% White, 4.9% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.88% from other races, 1.01% Black, and 6.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.1% of the population.

There were 20,083 households, out of which 45.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.1% were married couples living together, 18.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.7% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of people living alone, and 4.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.28.

In the town, the age of the population is trending older, with 28.3% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 25.1% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $120,075, and the median income for a family was $136,520. Males had a median income of $93,090 versus $63,008 for females. The per capita income for the town was $48,857. About 1.8% of families and 3.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 1.3% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 census, there were 45297 people, _ households, and _ families residing in the town.

2000 census

[edit]

As of the 2000 census, there were 23,558 people, 7,929 households, and 6,525 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,615.2 people per square mile (623.4/km²). There were 8,352 housing units at an average density of 572.6 per square mile (221.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 92.60% White, 1.71% Asian, 1.01% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.88% from other races, and 2.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.80% of the population.

There were 7,929 households out of which 52.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.8% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.7% were non-families. 13.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 1.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the town the population was spread out with 34.0% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 43.4% from 25 to 44, 15.0% from 45 to 64, and 2.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 98.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $74,116, and the median income for a family was $77,384. Males had a median income of $52,070 versus $35,700 for females. The per capita income for the town was $27,479. About 1.7% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 2.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education

[edit]

Parker is served by Douglas County School District. Douglas County School District has among the highest level of students in Colorado. Students have scored, on average, 12 to 19 percent above the state average.[33] The district was rated 9th in the state in 2009.[34] The Pine Lane Elementary School had the largest student enrollment in Parker until Mammoth Heights Elementary opened in January 2007 and took the overload.

Two of the three principal high schools in the area, Ponderosa and Chaparral High School, have a cross-town rivalry and compete annually for The Pride of Parker trophy. Legend High School opened in 2008, as Douglas County's ninth high school.

Private schools in Parker include:

  • Ave Maria Catholic School (PK-8)
  • Southeast Christian School (PK-8)
  • Lutheran High School Parker (9–12)
  • Parker Montessori Educational Institute (PK-K)
  • Montessori Academy (PK-K)

For other Parker and Douglas County school information:

  • Pine Lane Primary
  • Frontier Valley Elementary School
  • Pine Lane Intermediate
  • Pine Grove Elementary School
  • Mammoth Heights Elementary School
  • Cherokee Trail Elementary
  • Iron Horse Elementary
  • Prairie Crossing Elementary
  • Legacy Point Elementary
  • Gold Rush Elementary
  • Pioneer Elementary School
  • Global Village Academy

Parker Secondary Schools:

Parker also has six public charter schools:

  • American Academy (annual lottery)
  • Challenge to Excellence Charter School (annual lottery)
  • North Star Academy (annual lottery)
  • Parker Core Knowledge Charter School (students selected through a wait list; application at birth strongly recommended in order to gain entry for kindergarten)
  • Leman Academy of Excellence (K-8)
  • Parker Performing Arts School (K-8)

College classes:

  • The University Center at Chaparral
  • Arapahoe Community College (Parker campus)
  • University of Colorado South Denver Campus (Located at the old Wildlife Experience on Lincoln Ave.)

Post-Secondary Education:

  • Rocky Vista University - College of Osteopathic Medicine

Healthcare

[edit]

AdventHealth Parker is the only hospital.[35]

Recreation

[edit]

The Town maintains 10 trails with over 27 miles of concrete paved, multi-use trails, over 6 miles of natural surface equestrian trails and a 1.8-mile natural surface, multi-use loop trail. The Cherry Creek Trail runs along Cherry Creek, north and south through Parker. Bicycling, hiking, nature walks, and cross-country skiing are all popular uses.

The Rueter–Hess Reservoir is located west of town and is not yet open for recreational use of the water as of 2021, although trails around the reservoir are open. Planned activities there include fishing, hiking, and non-motorized boating.[36] No natural streams flow into the reservoir, instead, water rights owned by the Parker Water and Sanitation District provide water delivered via Cherry Creek and local canals. If filled to capacity, the surface size would be 1,140 acres.

The Parker Recreation Center is located alongside Lincoln Avenue and has several amenities such as gyms, swimming pools, fitness and cycling studios, sports and fitness classes, and more.

The Parker Field House offers 100,000 square feet (9,300 m2) of space, including sports turf, batting cages, gymnasiums, inline rink with Sport Court flooring, and climbing.

The Parker Racquet Club opened in 2019 and offers six indoor courts to tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. Phase 2, opening in 2023, adds one of the first paddle courts in Colorado, and additional outdoor tennis courts and pickleball courts.

Attractions

[edit]

The town currently maintains about 250 acres of developed parkland and more than 900 acres of open space.[37]

Parker is home to the Parker Arts, Culture, & Events Center (PACE). It is a venue that hosts art exhibits, art classes, theater productions, and concerts. It is the official home of the Parker Symphony Orchestra, a community orchestra established in 1994, that offers a full season of orchestra concerts annually. The Parker Symphony was formerly the South Suburban Community Orchestra.

Parker is also home to Colorado School of Dance, which partners with PACE each December to produce the "Nutcracker of Parker." The annual ballet has been a Parker tradition since 2003.

Local media

[edit]

Parker currently has one local magazine and one local paper. Search Parker Magazine is the local magazine and the Parker Chronicle is the local paper. Parker also receives the county-wide channel, Douglas County 8, which broadcasts school sports events and assorted programs run by residents.[38]

Notable people

[edit]

Notable individuals who were born in or have lived in Parker include:

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "2023 U.S. Gazetteer Files". Census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  2. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Parker, Colorado
  3. ^ a b c "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "US Census Bureau City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  5. ^ "ZIP Code Lookup" (JavaScript/HTML). USPS.com. United States Postal Service. Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  6. ^ "Parker (CO) sales tax rate". Retrieved February 9, 2024.
  7. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "A Brief History of Parker, Colorado". Parker Area Historical Society, Parker Colorado. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  9. ^ Gilmore, Kevin P. (April 24, 2012). "National Register Nomination Form: Franktown Cave. Site 5DA272". University of Denver. pp. 1–2, 4. Archived from the original on April 24, 2012.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g Michlewicz, Chris (December 11, 2014). "Echoes of Parker's Past - The Early Years: 1864-1910". Parker Chronicle. Archived from the original on June 26, 2018. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  11. ^ a b "Tales Told with Markers" (PDF). Colorado Magazine. Summer 1970. p. 223. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 12, 2018. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
  12. ^ "17 Mile Farm Park Master Plan". Arapahoe County Government. October 2007. p. 16. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  13. ^ Bishop, Will C. (1911). The Trail: A Magazine "for Colorado.". W.C. Bishop. p. 27.
  14. ^ a b Bright, William (2004). Colorado Place Names. Big Earth Publishing. p. 135. ISBN 978-1-55566-333-9.
  15. ^ Donald R. Elliott (1999). Doris L. Elliott (ed.). "Colorado Place Names" (PDF). Denver Public Library. p. 464. Retrieved June 25, 2018.
  16. ^ Bulletin of the United States Geological Survey. United States Geological Survey. 1910. p. 339.
  17. ^ a b Sandra Jane Whelchel (2015). Parker. Arcadia Publishing. pp. 7–8. ISBN 978-1-4671-3315-9.
  18. ^ Smith, Larry T. "Rhode Island Hotel". Parker Area Historical Society - Parker Colorado. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  19. ^ a b c Michlewicz, Chris (December 11, 2014). "Echoes of Parker's Past - The Changes: 1995-2014". Parker Chronicle. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  20. ^ a b c Michlewicz, Chris (December 11, 2014). "Echoes of Parker's Past - The Simple Life: 1911-1994". Parker Chronicle. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  21. ^ Dwight, Ed (2009). Soaring on the wings of a dream. Denver, Colorado: Ed Dwight Studios, Inc. pp. 354–358. ISBN 978-0-9841495-0-6.
  22. ^ a b Michlewicz, Chris (December 11, 2014). "Echoes of Parker's Past - Looking Back". Parker Chronicle. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  23. ^ "Twenty Mile House". Parker Area Historical Society - Parker Colorado. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  24. ^ "National Register of Historical Places - Colorado, Douglas County". www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  25. ^ "Parker Consolidated School at the Mainstreet Center". History Colorado. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  26. ^ Smith, Larry T. (January 2009). "The Hood House". Parker Area Historical Society - Parker Colorado. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  27. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  28. ^ Google Maps, accessed October 16, 2014
  29. ^ "About Parker | Town of Parker - Official Website". www.parkerco.gov. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  30. ^ U.S. Geological Survey topographic map series, retrieved October 16, 2015
  31. ^ "Weatherbase.com". Weatherbase. 2013. Retrieved on May 5, 2013.
  32. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  33. ^ "2009-2010 Quick Facts" (PDF). www.dcsdk12.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 16, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  34. ^ "Colorado District Rankings". www.schooldigger.com. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  35. ^ Lena, Haley (December 7, 2023). "AdventHealth Parker teams up with Newday Adventist Church to help 200 families buy gifts". Parker Chronicle. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  36. ^ "Rueter-Hess RESERVOIR is NOT Open to the Public Yet..." Rueter-Hess Recreation Authority. July 31, 2019. Archived from the original on September 27, 2021. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
  37. ^ "Parker Parks & Trails".
  38. ^ "The Network Douglas County Television, Colorado". www.douglas.co.us. Archived from the original on January 11, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
  39. ^ "Josh Adams". University of Wyoming. Archived from the original on April 23, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  40. ^ Helling, Steve (August 25, 2015). "Aurora Shooting Prosecutor George Brauchler: The James Holmes Trial 'Will Always Stay with Me'". people.com. Retrieved June 26, 2018.
  41. ^ "Legend shortstop Bobby Dalbec commits to Arizona baseball". The Denver Post. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  42. ^ Meachum, Brandon (July 12, 2006). "Parker player shines in Wimbledon spotlight". The Denver Post. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  43. ^ "Scott Elrod Biography". IMDb. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  44. ^ Lynskey, Dorian (March 2, 2013). "John Grant: 'I wanted to let some of the anger out'". The Guardian. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  45. ^ Michlewicz, Chris (February 26, 2012). "Parker seeks to boost daytime economy". Parker Chronicle. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  46. ^ Strode, Dale (July 15, 2012). "He's no 'pacer'". The Durango Herald. Archived from the original on June 2, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  47. ^ "#486 John Malone". Forbes. 2006. Archived from the original on June 4, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  48. ^ "Chris Martinez". Major League Soccer. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  49. ^ "Chad Muma Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
  50. ^ Sanchez, Robert (January 2010). "Dana Inc". 5280. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  51. ^ Baines, Gary (July 21, 2011). "Soule leading at Colorado Open". Daily Camera. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  52. ^ Bunch, Joey (October 29, 2015). "Coloradans analyze Wednesday's Republican debate in Boulder". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on October 30, 2015. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  53. ^ Roberts, Michael (July 8, 2014). "Photos: Tour ex-Dollar Store CEO's astonishing Parker home -- yours for about $18 million". Westword. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  54. ^ "Derrick White". ESPN. Retrieved August 28, 2018.

Further reading

[edit]
  • McLaughlin, Frank B. (1998). A Guidebook to Historic Sites in the Parker Area: What They Look Like, what They Looked Like, how to Find Them, Their History. Parker Area Historical Society.
  • Miller, Ruth L. (2005). Parker, Colorado: An Historical Narrative. Parker Area Historical Society.
  • Whelchel, Sandy (1996). A Folk History of Parker and Hilltop. Parker Distributing/Paintbrush Press. ISBN 978-1-878406-08-8.
  • Whiteley, Lee (1999). The Cherokee Trail: Bent's Old Fort to Fort Bridger. Johnson Printing. ISBN 978-0-9671351-1-3.
[edit]

 

Brighton is located in Colorado
Brighton
Brighton
Brighton (Colorado)
Brighton, Colorado
Brighton City Hall
Brighton City Hall
Flag of Brighton, Colorado
Motto: 
"What we value today is what we become tomorrow"
Location within Adams and Weld counties, Colorado
Location within Adams and Weld counties, Colorado
Brighton is located in the United States
Brighton
Brighton
Location of the City of Brighton, Colorado.

Coordinates: 39°59′07″N 104°49′14″W / 39.9853°N 104.8205°W / 39.9853; -104.8205 (Brighton, Colorado)[3]CountryUnited StatesStateColoradoCountiesAdams County seat and
Weld County[2]IncorporatedSeptember 1, 1887[4]Named afterBrighton Beach, New YorkGovernment

 

 • Typehome rule city[1] • MayorGreg Mills[citation needed]Area

 • Total

21.536 sq mi (55.777 km2) • Land21.247 sq mi (55.030 km2) • Water0.288 sq mi (0.747 km2)Elevation

4,987 ft (1,520 m)Population

 • Total

40,083 • Density1,887/sq mi (729/km2) • CSA

 

3,623,560 (17th) • Front Range

 

5,055,344Time zoneUTC−07:00 (MST) • Summer (DST)UTC−06:00 (MDT)ZIP code[6]

80601-80603

Area codes303/720/983GNIS pop ID204736GNIS town ID2409911FIPS code08-08675WebsiteCity of Brighton

Brighton is a home rule city located in Adams and Weld counties, Colorado, United States.[1] Brighton is the county seat of Adams County and is a part of the Denver-Aurora, CO Combined Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor.[7] The city population was 40,083 at the 2020 United States census with 39,718 residing in Adams County and 365 residing in Weld County.[5]

History

[edit]

Brighton was founded as a stage/railroad depot and farming community named Hughes. The Hughes, Colorado Territory, post office opened on April 13, 1871,[8] Colorado became a state on August 1, 1876,[9] and the Hughes post office was renamed Brighton on August 4, 1879.[8] The town was named for Brighton Beach, New York.[10]

The Town of Brighton was incorporated on September 1, 1887.[4][11] Adams County was created on April 15, 1901, with Brighton as its seat.

Geography

[edit]

Brighton is a suburb of Denver located at coordinates

39°59′07″N 104°49′14″W / 39.9853°N 104.8205°W / 39.9853; -104.8205 (Brighton, Colorado) at an elevation of 4,987 feet (1,520 m).[3]

At the 2020 United States census, the city had a total area of 13,783 acres (55.777 km2), including 185 acres (0.747 km2) of water.[5]

Climate

[edit]

According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Brighton has a cold semi-arid climate, abbreviated BSk on climate maps.

Climate data for Brighton, Colorado, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1973–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 74
(23)
80
(27)
82
(28)
91
(33)
99
(37)
104
(40)
105
(41)
103
(39)
100
(38)
90
(32)
82
(28)
75
(24)
105
(41)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 65.3
(18.5)
67.7
(19.8)
76.3
(24.6)
82.4
(28.0)
90.5
(32.5)
97.8
(36.6)
100.5
(38.1)
97.8
(36.6)
93.8
(34.3)
85.1
(29.5)
74.2
(23.4)
65.5
(18.6)
101.0
(38.3)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 44.4
(6.9)
45.9
(7.7)
55.9
(13.3)
62.9
(17.2)
71.9
(22.2)
84.1
(28.9)
90.0
(32.2)
87.6
(30.9)
79.8
(26.6)
65.9
(18.8)
53.3
(11.8)
44.0
(6.7)
65.5
(18.6)
Daily mean °F (°C) 30.2
(−1.0)
32.2
(0.1)
41.3
(5.2)
48.4
(9.1)
57.5
(14.2)
68.3
(20.2)
74.1
(23.4)
72.0
(22.2)
63.6
(17.6)
50.4
(10.2)
39.1
(3.9)
30.2
(−1.0)
50.6
(10.3)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 16.1
(−8.8)
18.5
(−7.5)
26.7
(−2.9)
33.9
(1.1)
43.2
(6.2)
52.4
(11.3)
58.2
(14.6)
56.4
(13.6)
47.4
(8.6)
35.0
(1.7)
25.0
(−3.9)
16.3
(−8.7)
35.8
(2.1)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −5.7
(−20.9)
−2.6
(−19.2)
9.4
(−12.6)
20.4
(−6.4)
29.8
(−1.2)
42.7
(5.9)
50.9
(10.5)
48.5
(9.2)
35.1
(1.7)
18.9
(−7.3)
5.4
(−14.8)
−4.7
(−20.4)
−13.5
(−25.3)
Record low °F (°C) −23
(−31)
−24
(−31)
−13
(−25)
−8
(−22)
19
(−7)
34
(1)
44
(7)
41
(5)
19
(−7)
0
(−18)
−14
(−26)
−26
(−32)
−26
(−32)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 0.42
(11)
0.43
(11)
0.98
(25)
1.77
(45)
2.35
(60)
1.41
(36)
1.72
(44)
1.77
(45)
1.18
(30)
1.02
(26)
0.69
(18)
0.37
(9.4)
14.11
(360.4)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 5.2
(13)
5.3
(13)
6.0
(15)
3.1
(7.9)
0.5
(1.3)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.2
(0.51)
3.2
(8.1)
5.8
(15)
5.2
(13)
34.5
(86.81)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 3.9 4.4 5.6 6.9 8.3 6.6 6.9 6.1 5.4 4.9 4.4 3.7 67.1
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 3.8 3.9 3.3 2.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.1 3.1 3.9 21.7
Source 1: NOAA[12]
Source 2: National Weather Service[13]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
Census Pop. Note
1890 306  
1900 366   19.6%
1910 850   132.2%
1920 2,715   219.4%
1930 3,394   25.0%
1940 4,029   18.7%
1950 4,336   7.6%
1960 7,055   62.7%
1970 8,309   17.8%
1980 12,773   53.7%
1990 14,203   11.2%
2000 20,905   47.2%
2010 33,352   59.5%
2020 40,083   20.2%
2024 (est.) 43,473 [14] 8.5%
U.S. Decennial Census

As of the census[15] of 2000, there were 20,905 people, 6,718 households, and 5,058 families living in the city. The population density was 1,224.1 inhabitants per square mile (472.6/km2). There were 6,990 housing units at an average density of 409.3 per square mile (158.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 76.91% White, 0.99% African American, 1.47% Native American, 1.10% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 16.29% from other races, and 3.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 38.22% of the population.

There were 6,718 households, out of which 40.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.7% were non-families. 19.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 3.34.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 28.6% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,779, and the median income for a family was $53,286. Males had a median income of $35,686 versus $27,103 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,927. About 6.1% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.0% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

[edit]

Brighton is the home of two Vestas manufacturing plants, a wind turbine blade factory and a nacelle manufacturing plant. The factories are valued at $290 million and will provide 1,350 employment opportunities: 650 in the blade factory and another 700 in the nacelle manufacturing plant. Groundbreaking for the factories took place on March 25, 2009.[16]

The Prairie Center is a 396-acre (1.60 km2) shopping center with a pedestrian-oriented retail village.

The Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau began helping small businesses in the Brighton community in 1955, paving the way for the expansion of Brighton retail, and manufacturing. The Brighton Chamber helped to secure Brighton as an Agritourism destination within the Denver Metro area for Farm Fresh Produce and opening the Brighton Visitors Center in May 2020. The Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce is ranked the 14th Best Chamber in the Denver area per the Denver Business Journal.[17][18]

Education

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School District 27J serves the community.

Notable people

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Notable individuals who were born in or have lived in Brighton include:

Sister city

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Brighton has a sister city, as designated by Sister Cities International:

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Active Colorado Municipalities". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
  2. ^ "Colorado Counties". Colorado Department of Local Affairs. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  3. ^ a b c "Brighton, Colorado". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Colorado Municipal Incorporations". State of Colorado, Department of Personnel & Administration, Colorado State Archives. December 1, 2004. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved September 2, 2007.
  5. ^ a b c d "Decennial Census P.L. 94-171 Redistricting Data". United States Census Bureau, United States Department of Commerce. August 12, 2021. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  6. ^ "ZIP Code Lookup". United States Postal Service. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
  7. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  8. ^ a b Bauer, William H.; Ozment, James L.; Willard, John H. (1990). Colorado Post Offices 1859–1989. Golden, Colorado: Colorado Railroad Historical Foundation. ISBN 0-918654-42-4.
  9. ^ Ulysses S. Grant (August 1, 1876). "Proclamation 230—Admission of Colorado into the Union". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  10. ^ "Profile for Brighton, Colorado, CO". ePodunk. Archived from the original on May 15, 2019. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  11. ^ "City of Brighton celebrates 125th Anniversary". City of Brighton Colorado. Archived from the original on December 13, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  12. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  13. ^ "NOAA Online Weather Data". National Weather Service. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  14. ^ "US Census Bureau City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2024". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  15. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  16. ^ "Vestas breaks ground on Colorado wind-turbine plants". March 25, 2009.
  17. ^ Nelson, Ethan (June 19, 2020). "2020 Denver-area chambers of commerce and economic development organizations". BizJournals.com. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  18. ^ "About Us - Brighton Chamber of Commerce, CO".
  19. ^ Saunders, Patrick (August 17, 2014). "Former Rockies great Todd Helton content in first year away from game". The Denver Post. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  20. ^ "Kane, John L. Jr". Biographical Directory of Federal Judges. Federal Judicial Center. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  21. ^ "Dillon Serna". Major League Soccer. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
  22. ^ Asmar, Melanie (May 28, 2009). "Who was Angie Zapata? Her murderer's trial didn't tell the whole story". Westword. Retrieved May 2, 2016.
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