Parker Field House, a sprawling 100,000-square-foot sports and recreation facility, isn’t just any ordinary gym. It’s a place where dreams are made, skills are honed, and communities come together. But did you know that this impressive complex also has a surprising connection to baseball legend Dave Parker? Let’s dive into the world of this multi-purpose marvel and explore how it relates to the life of one of Cincinnati’s favorite sons.
Who is Dave Parker?
Dave Parker, nicknamed “The Cobra” for his quick, powerful batting style, was a force to be reckoned with on the baseball diamond. He played in the major leagues for 19 seasons, most notably with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds. Parker’s career was filled with impressive achievements, including two batting titles, seven All-Star selections, and three Gold Glove Awards.
But Parker’s story isn’t just about baseball. It’s about overcoming challenges and giving back to the community. Growing up in Cincinnati, he worked at Crosley Field, hustling cab doors and selling peanuts. Little did he know that one day, he’d be stepping onto that very field as a professional player.
Dave Parker’s Known Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Gene Parker |
| Nickname | The Cobra |
| Born | June 9, 1951 |
| Birthplace | Calhoun, Mississippi |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| MLB Debut | July 12, 1973, for the Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Last MLB Appearance | October 3, 1991, for the Toronto Blue Jays |
| MLB Statistics | Batting average: .290, Home runs: 339, Runs batted in: 1,493 |
| Teams | Pittsburgh Pirates (1973–1983), Cincinnati Reds (1984–1987), Oakland Athletics (1988–1989), Milwaukee Brewers (1990), California Angels (1991), Toronto Blue Jays (1991) |
| Career Highlights | 7× All-Star (1977, 1979–1981, 1985–1987), 2× World Series champion (1979, 1989), NL MVP (1978), 3× Gold Glove Award (1977–1979), 3× Silver Slugger Award (1985–1986, 1990), 2× NL batting champion (1977, 1978) |
Where Does Dave Parker Live Now?
While Dave Parker’s playing days are behind him, his legacy lives on in Cincinnati. Though he doesn’t reside in Parker, Colorado, his connection to the city and its sports facilities remains strong. Parker’s roots in Cincinnati, where he grew up and later played for the Reds, have kept him close to the heart of the city’s sports scene.
Parker Field House
Now, let’s shift our focus to the Parker Field House. This massive complex isn’t just a gym; it’s a community hub that embodies the spirit of athleticism and teamwork that Dave Parker exemplified throughout his career.
The Parker Field House is a state-of-the-art facility located in Parker, Colorado. It’s a place where people of all ages can come to play, train, and stay active. With its wide range of amenities and activities, it’s like a playground for sports enthusiasts of every stripe.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the buzz of activity. The air is filled with the squeak of sneakers on hardwood, the thwack of bats hitting balls, and the excited chatter of people enjoying their favorite sports. It’s a place that would make any athlete, including Dave Parker, feel right at home.
1. Luxury Amenities of Parker Field House
- Synthetic turf field
- Multi-activity wood floor gymnasium
- Elevated running track
- Rock climbing spire and bouldering wall
- Batting cages
- Inline hockey rink
- Fitness loft with cardio equipment and free weights
- Activity rooms for community events
- Indoor playground
- Food service area
2. Inside Parker Field House
As you walk through the Parker Field House, you can’t help but be impressed by the sheer scale of the place. The synthetic turf field is massive, perfect for indoor soccer or other field sports. It’s easy to imagine Dave Parker, known for his powerful arm, letting loose a throw across this expansive space.
The gymnasium is a sight to behold, with its gleaming wood floors and high ceilings. It’s versatile enough to host basketball, volleyball, or even pickleball games. Above the gym, runners circle the elevated track, getting their cardio in while enjoying a bird’s eye view of the action below.
For those who like a vertical challenge, the rock climbing spire and bouldering wall offer a test of strength and agility. It’s a far cry from sliding into home plate, but it’s the kind of full-body workout that would appeal to a well-rounded athlete like Parker.
Baseball fans will appreciate the batting cages, where they can work on their swing just like “The Cobra” himself. And for those who prefer their action on wheels, the inline hockey rink provides a smooth surface for fast-paced games.
The fitness loft is a dream come true for gym enthusiasts. With its array of cardio machines and free weights, it’s the perfect place to build the kind of strength and endurance that made Dave Parker a formidable presence on the field.
3. Parker Field House Then and Now
| Then | Now |
|---|---|
| Limited indoor sports facilities in Parker | 100,000 square feet of multi-sport space |
| Separate locations for different activities | All-in-one facility for various sports and fitness activities |
| Basic gym equipment | State-of-the-art fitness loft and specialized training areas |
| Seasonal limitations on sports | Year-round access to indoor fields and courts |
| Limited community gathering spaces | Multiple activity rooms for events and classes |
| Focus on traditional sports | Diverse offerings including rock climbing and inline hockey |
4. How did the Parker Field House design reflect community needs?
While Dave Parker didn’t design the Parker Field House, the facility’s layout and amenities reflect the needs and interests of the community it serves. Just as Parker adapted his playing style to excel in different positions and teams, the Field House is designed to be flexible and accommodating to a wide range of sports and activities.
The multi-purpose spaces allow for quick transitions between different sports, much like Parker’s versatility on the field. The inclusion of both traditional sports areas and more modern attractions like the rock climbing wall shows a commitment to serving diverse interests, appealing to both seasoned athletes and those just discovering their passion for fitness.
The community rooms and food service area create spaces for people to gather and socialize, fostering the kind of team spirit that Parker was known for throughout his career. It’s a place that brings people together, just as Parker’s charisma and leadership united his teammates.
How Much is Parker Field House Worth?
While we can’t put an exact price tag on the Parker Field House, we can break down some key details about this valuable community asset:
- Build year: 2007
- Purchase year: N/A (publicly owned facility)
- Purchase value: $12.4 million (construction cost)
- Recent estimated value: Not publicly available, but likely significantly higher due to improvements and community value
- Area: 100,000 square feet
- House style: Modern recreational facility
- Architectural design: Multi-purpose sports complex
- Facility condition: Well-maintained and regularly updated
- Full address: 18700 East Plaza Drive, Parker, CO 80134
The Parker Field House, like Dave Parker’s career, is invaluable to the community it serves. Its worth goes beyond mere dollars and cents, measured instead by the opportunities it provides and the lives it enriches.
Breakdown of Dave Parker’s Real Estate
While Dave Parker isn’t directly associated with the Parker Field House, his real estate journey is worth noting:
- Childhood home: Cincinnati, Ohio (specific address not publicly available)
- Previous homes: Various locations during his playing career, including Pittsburgh, PA and Oakland, CA
- Current residence: Loveland, Ohio (specific address not publicly available)
- Neighborhood: Known for its scenic beauty and proximity to Cincinnati
Parker’s real estate choices reflect his journey from a young boy in Cincinnati to a successful MLB player and back to his Ohio roots. While he may not live in a grand mansion or a sprawling estate, his home in Loveland allows him to stay connected to the community that shaped him.
Conclusion
The Parker Field House stands as a testament to the power of sports and community, much like Dave Parker’s career. While Parker may not have a direct connection to this Colorado facility, the spirit of athleticism, teamwork, and personal growth that it embodies aligns perfectly with the values he demonstrated throughout his baseball career.
From its state-of-the-art amenities to its role as a community hub, the Parker Field House continues to inspire and serve, just as Parker did on the baseball diamond. It’s a place where future Dave Parkers might be honing their skills right now, dreaming of their chances to make sports history.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking to stay active, the Parker Field House has something for everyone. It’s more than just a building; it’s a vibrant part of the Parker community, fostering health, friendship, and the joy of sports. And that’s something we think Dave “The Cobra” Parker would approve of.