What was supposed to be a simple transfer of a park from a
developer to Parker turned into a lengthy negotiation that upset at
least two council members.
Ascent Pointe Development, developers of Stroh Ranch, dedicated
a 16-acre park with two professional-size soccer fields to Parker
as part of the developer’s original annexation agreement in
1984.
The Sept. 3 transfer of the property has been in negotiations
for several years.
“This deal has been in negotiations ever since I can remember,”
said Parker Town Councilman Mike May.
Before ownership of the park could be transferred to Parker,
Ascent Pointe had to bring the land up to town standards, which was
completed two years ago. The site also had to be platted, which was
completed in April, and a long-term water supply had to be secured
to irrigate the land.
“The final issue had to do with water,” May said. “There was
great confusion about a water tap and the use of a well to water
the fields.”
During negotiations, Ascent Pointe officials considered not
renewing a lease with the Douglas County Soccer Association, which
would have left many young soccer players without a place to
practice or play.
The council felt that the developers were holding the kids
hostage during the negotiation process, said councilman Lance
Wright.
“The park should have been dedicated to Parker when it was
platted in April, and not here in September,” Wright said at the
Sept. 3 council meeting.
Ascent Pointe President Gary Hunter did not know why the park
was not turned over to the town sooner, but did say that despite
some confusion about the water tap fee, the negotiations went
smoothly.
The issue was resolved in late August when Ascent Pointe paid
Parker more than $115,000 to cover the costs of a water tap, water
metro fees and the construction of a new irrigation water supply
line.
“We paid for the tap, we always wanted to pay for it, we were
just waiting for development to occur in the area,” said Pam
English, vice president of Ascent Pointe. “Now kids are out there
playing soccer and seem really happy.”
After the lengthy negotiation Parker officials are happy with
the outcome.
“We got the issue resolved, we just did not like their
negotiation tactics,” May said. “The soccer players were put in the
middle, and they should not have been.”