Growing Up In Parker County
By Maureen Griffin, Tara Stark Real Estate Group - Keller Williams Realty
I
f you’re a Parker County parent, you know there’s
something special about raising your children here.
Families from as far away as California, to as close as Ft.
Worth, are moving here, to experience the piece of Amer-
icana, that residents describe as “Everything you need,
but with a small-town feel.” Centrally located near Inter-
state 20, Parker County is home to more than 133-thou-
sand people, with nearly 25% being under the age of 18.
Tara Stark, owner of Tara Stark Real Estate Group, has
helped families discover the joy of living here for more
than fifteen years.
“The cities and towns of Parker County are a fantas-
tic place to raise children! Our schools are wonderful,
there’s unlimited opportunity with athletics, dance, music
and the arts programs and of course, for our equestrian
families, there’s no better place to ride with your best
friend.” Stark says there’s a perfect place for every family,
“We have planned communities, like The Walsh, that
provide child-friendly amenities and proximity to Aledo
ISD schools. With so many students active in FFA and
4-H, our land and ranch properties provide the space
needed to raise show-quality animals.”
Quality Education
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There are eight independent school districts in Parker
County; Aledo, Brock, Garner, Millsap, Peaster, Poolville,
Springtown and Weatherford. In addition, six private
schools offer classrooms for K-12 th grade. Childcare and
pre-school is offered by numerous private entities and
churches. If your child wants to stay closer to home after
high school, they can continue their education at Weath-
erford College. Celebrating 150 years of serving Parker
County this year, Weatherford College’s mission is to
enrich the lives of the students and communities it serves
through innovative, affordable, and accessible learning
and cultural opportunities. Parents appreciate the high-
quality education at a fraction of the cost of most colleges
and universities!
The Great Outdoors
Remember back to the dog-days of Summer, what was
your favorite pastime? Families in Parker County enjoy a
plethora of Instagram and Pinterest worthy outdoor
adventure spots! Water enthusiasts have several lakes,
rivers and tributaries to choose from. Whether you’re
into wakeboarding, swimming, fishing or floating with a
beverage in hand, the Brazos River, Lakes Weatherford
and Mineral Wells, are just a few of the perfect spots.
Springtime events, like the “Wildflower Walk” at Lake
Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway, offer families a fun,
friendly and healthy opportunity to enjoy our beautiful
scenery and wildlife.
Healthcare
Even healthy kids need the care of a great family physi-
cian. School athletics require physicals and childhood
fun can sometimes result in sprains & strains. Parker
County healthcare is world-class quality. Medical City
Weatherford and Texas Health Neighborhood Care &
Wellness Willow Park are two of the larger facilities
providing general, specialized and emergency healthcare.
In addition, numerous private practices, imaging centers
and public clinics serve thousands yearly. The Healthy
Children Coalition for Parker County (HCPC) has a vision
for our residents – Parker County, where families choose
healthy and active lives. The organization is one of many
dedicated to healthier kids and healthier families, in our
community.
Commitment of Caring
If we compiled a list of every philanthropic organization
that serves the residents of Parker County, there’d be
no space to share all the other quality of life highlights.
Boasting is not becoming of a humble spirit, but when
it comes to recognizing a community so full of givers,
we’re not going to hold back. Children and families of all
ages, backgrounds, cultures and socio-economic statuses
are diligently served by generous souls.
Areas of service include healthcare, education, safety,
women and children services, housing, the arts, public
service, animal welfare, environmental preservation and
more. In fact, as of November 3, 2018, there were 773
registered not-for-profit organizations in Parker County,
according to taxexemptworld.com. If you’re interested
in serving, we’re sure there’s an area of interest for your
family to join.