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Parker, Arizona : The Recreation Boating Capital of the Southwest
By Mark Bishop
Jun 26, 2005 - 10:11:00 PM

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Area Map of Parker Arizona and Colorado River
Parker is situated on the east bank of the Colorado River, 163 miles west of Phoenix and 250 miles east of LA. The Parker area includes numerous separate, but unified, districts. There is the town of Parker, Parker South, the Arizona region of the Colorado River area, and the neighborhood on the California region like Earp and Big River California.

Parker is a settlement that developed because of its site, right along the beautiful Colorado River. The town rests at an altitude of 450 feet. The temperature is very hot in the summer, yet gentle in the winter that often provides perfect weather conditions lasting up to 9 months. The winter low is about 38 degrees and the summer high is 108 degrees. Parker does obtain a sprinkled quantity of rainfall around 3 inches annually.

Parker Arizona bears the name from that of General Eli Parker, an American Indian and esteemed official. General Parker was a member of the staff for General Ulysses S. Grant. He was there during the capitulation of Robert E. Lee, at some point in the Civil War at Appomattox. Parker Arizona has a rich Native American history known as the Colorado River Indian Tribes, or C.R.I.T.

Subsequently, General Grant turned out to be United States Superintendent of Indian Affairs. While he carried this rank in 1865, the Colorado River Indian Reservation was formed, in conjunction with the town of Parker. The previous town was four miles south of the modern day Parker.

The rationale of the northward movement of the town’s boundary was due to the railroad. In 1905, both Arizona and California jointly built a bridge crossing the Colorado River. The spot selected was north of Parker and in consequence, the town location shifted.
Parker - Arizona and California Railroads


Parker was discovered in 1908 and was officially incorporated as a town in 1948. In May 1982, by planned appeal, voters established La Paz County from the northern portion of Yuma County. On January 1, 1983, Parker turned into the capital for La Paz County, Arizona.

Agriculture, a part of the main economic support of Parker along with tourism, carries on contributing to the local financial system. The fruitful fields of the Colorado River produce melons, lettuce, cotton, wheat, barley and alfalfa. The 270,000-acre Colorado River Indian Reservation is a vital faction of the neighborhood.

Today, the Colorado River is the premier tourism attraction of the West and attracts thousands from Los Angeles and Orange Counties and other surrounding cities. It is where the Parker's economy is based primarily. The 16-mile strip of the river, flanked by Parker Dam and Headgate Rock Dam, outlines one of the most excellent bodies of water in the country. This makes Parker a major destination spot for travelers and winter guests who take advantage of local motels, campgrounds, an 18-hole golf course, mobile homes, RV Parks, restaurants, gasoline stations and convenience markets.

Parker is the recreation boating capital of the Southwest. Boaters' warmly recognize it as the "Parker Strip," absolutely the most premium 16-mile stretch of water for recreational boating on the face of the earth. Because of its perfect sunbelt weather, Parker boating and outdoor amusement start at the first sign of spring, habitually as early as mid-March, reaching all the way to November's Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

There's a lot more other attractions one can visit in Parker. One of which is the Parker Dam. This dam is recognized as one of the deepest in the world. The Bluewater Casino is another tourist spot which is located near downtown Parker. The casino includes entertainment, gaming plus a four-plex movie theater. The Colorado River Indian Tribes Museum and Library is a magnificent place to discover more about the Native Americans that settle in the area in its ancient times.
Parker Dam, the second deepest dam in the world


Parker also has two state parks and one county park. Buckskin Mountain State Park, 11 miles north of Parker, has acres of green grass and shade trees. River Island State Park has 26 campsites, day-use areas and boat launches. La Paz County Park, eight miles north of Parker, has campgrounds, showers, a launching ramp, baseball diamond, tennis courts and 1,000 feet of waterfront, hookups and dump station. There are over 600 Hotel and Motel beds available and 13 River Front resorts with all of the facilities considered necessary to make any visit a pleasurable experience.

Parker Arizona is a rapidly growing desert town nestled along the peaceful Colorado River and only a stone's throw to the California side of the river. A great place to live and raise your family. Filled with Native American history and culture, agriculture and lots of fun both on and off the water!


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