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City/Town Snapshot: Town of Parker
Parker is located in the southwestern portion of Arizona just off Highway 95. It is located on the Colorado River, and it is the home of the newest county in
Arizona; LaPaz. Parker's economy is based primarily on tourism, retail trade, and services. The 15-mile strip of the river provides many water-based recreational
activities, and Parker's year-round climate makes it a destination point for tourists and winter visitors. Cultural attractions are abundant and give visitors a
sense of the area's history. Parker offers the Swansea Ghost Town, the Parker Area Historical Museum, and the Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum and Library. The
Poston Monument is one top tourist attraction, which is where more than 17,000 Japanese-Americans were interned during World War II. Parker also serves as the
trade and business center for the Colorado River Indian Reservation and area small towns. The 40 miles of the Parker Valley are primarily agriculture, which is
historically one of the major economic bases of Parker.
Parker was founded in 1908, and its population is 3,073 with a surrounding county population of 21,544. Yearly events and attractions start in January with the "250
Duel in the Desert" Motorcycle Races, and in February we host Arts and Crafts Fairs and the Women's Club Potpourri. Along with the "Best in the Desert 425" Car and
Truck Off-Road Races, the LaPaz County Fair will also be in March. Our summer months are full of river sports such as boating, skiing, and great fishing. Softball
and baseball users enjoy the Arizona Diamondback Aaron Hill Ball field, and summer parks and recreation programs. As the months turn cooler our winter visitors return
to the various river parks, campsites, and resorts; whether it is for a quiet walk along the backwater of the Colorado River at the Ahakhav Tribal Preserve or to go
for a picnic though the woodlands for bird watching, paddle boarding and canoeing. Our surrounding desert mountains and off-road trails provide ATV and four-wheelers
a multitude of thrills. Golfers enjoy the Emerald Canyon 18-hole par 72 championship golf course because it has a full service pro shop overlooking the river. September
dove hunters get a big bang out of our area, and October brings parades to the downtown streets. Parker holds a Veterans Day Parade in November, and December holds a
Christmas Day Parade.
There are many river resorts, rentals, and motels in Parker. Parker also has the Blue Water Resort and Casino with its state-of-the-art gaming. This resort holds more
than 200 hotel rooms with a view of the Colorado River.
Parker is located 45 miles south of Lake Havasu City and 45 miles north of Blythe, California. The regional Arizona & California Railroad acquired 240 track miles of
railroad from Santa Fe Railroad, and it has elected to make Parker their headquarters. Major employers in Parker come from the school districts, hospitals, wholesale
agriculture, manufacturing plant, the casino, and governmental agencies. Competent law enforcement and fire services enhance our little area. Parker also has three
major banking firms, two independent banks, and a credit union.
Visit us for more info at www.townofparkerarizona.com.
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League of Arizona Cities and Towns
1820 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602-258-5786
Fax: 602-253-3874
http://www.azleague.org
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