Town of Parachute

09/01/2026

🐻

Colorado’s bears are hungry. That does not mean you should feed them.

Right now bears are looking to pack on the calories ahead of winter –– and those calories need to come from their natural, wild food sources. The historic drought is having an impact on their naturally available food sources, but wild bears need wild food. Not people food. Or even “wild” food courtesy of people.

They need wild food they get on their own.

Bears, people and food do not mix well. We understand concern for our state’s wildlife and this is a unique year, but supplemental feeding of bears is illegal, dangerous and does much more harm than good in both the short and long term.

Feeding bears teaches them to become less wary of humans, which can be dangerous. It also ruins their natural instincts of how to forage and prepare for winter on their own, which can hurt them this year, and well into the future.

This also doesn’t just apply to your backyard. This goes for the backcountry as well. Bears are incredibly adept at noticing an increase in human activity in the woods. If that activity is associated with an easy meal, those bears will seek out more human activity (like going to the nearest town) rather than staying in the backcountry.

The list of reasons to not feed bears goes on. Don’t be the reason a bear loses the “wild” part of being wildlife. Their instincts have been sharpened over thousands of years. Do not be the one who ruins them –– choose to be part of the solution and preserve those instincts.

To learn more please visit our website: https://cpw.state.co.us/news/08282026/editorial-want-help-starving-bears-dont-feed-them

08/31/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Town of Parachute Community Survey Shows Strong Gains in Quality of Life, Safety,
Community Pride, and Trust in Local Government
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Town of Parachute Community Survey Shows Strong Gains in Quality of Life, Safety, Community Pride, and Trust in Local Government

PARACHUTE, Colo. – The Town of Parachute has released the results of its 2026 Community Survey, revealing significant improvements in residents’ perceptions of quality of life, public safety, community engagement, and confidence in local government. The survey gathered 418 responses from residents across Parachute, Battlement Mesa, and the surrounding area, providing a statistically representative snapshot of community priorities and perceptions. It was the second such survey conducted by the Town of Parachute, with the last one completed in 2023.

This year's survey, conducted from July 1 through July 26, 2026, achieved a confidence level above 95% with a margin of error of 4.65%, making the results a reliable guide for future planning and the Town’s 2027 budget process.

Quality of Life Continues to Improve

Residents reported higher satisfaction with overall quality of life, neighborhoods, and Parachute as a place to live compared to the Town’s inaugural 2023 survey. Positive ratings for overall quality of life increased from 84% to 93%, while neighborhood satisfaction rose from 86% to 95%. Positive ratings of Parachute as a place to live climbed to 94%.

Residents also expressed strong confidence in the community’s future, with 73% indicating they are likely to remain in the area over the next five years and 65% saying they would recommend Parachute to others as a place to live.

Safety Ratings Reach Record Highs

One of the survey’s strongest findings was the dramatic increase in perceptions of safety throughout the community. The overall feeling of safety in Parachute rose from 58% positive in 2023 to 90% positive in 2026. Residents also reported notable improvements in safety from property crime, violent crime, and within the downtown commercial district.

Public safety services continued to receive high marks, particularly fire and emergency medical services. Fire services received a 99% positive rating, while ambulance and emergency medical services earned a 98% positive rating. Police and sheriff services also improved, rising to a 93% positive rating.

Community Pride and Engagement on the Rise

Survey results show residents increasingly feel connected to and engaged with their community. Positive ratings for civic and community pride increased by 23%, while opportunities for cultural, arts, and music activities improved by 12%. Community support for the arts rose by 14%.

Community engagement indicators also increased significantly. Compared to 2023, more residents reported attending public meetings, volunteering, advocating for local causes, and voting in local elections.

Trust in Local Government Strengthens

Respondents indicated growing trust in the Town of Parachute government. Positive ratings for government integrity increased by 6%, with strong improvements in perceptions of honesty, transparency, respect for residents, and acting in the community’s best interests.

The survey found that 84% of respondents rated the performance of the Town of Parachute government positively, a substantially higher rating than those given to state or federal government.

Economic and Affordability Concerns Remain

While residents reported improvements in affordable housing, healthcare access, childcare availability, and internet service, economic concerns continue to be among the community’s highest priorities. Respondents cited challenges related to shopping opportunities, employment opportunities, cost of living, and the overall economic health of the community.

Affordable housing showed one of the most significant improvements, with positive ratings increasing by 15% over 2023. However, the economy remained one of the lowest-rated categories overall.

Community Priorities for the Future

When asked what issues should receive the greatest focus over the next two years, residents identified four key priorities:

Safety (87%)

Infrastructure (86%)

Economics (85%)

Health and Wellness Opportunities (80%)

These findings will help guide Town Council, staff, and community partners as they set priorities for future projects, programs, and investments.

A Commitment to Listening

Town leaders emphasized that the survey reflects the community’s ongoing commitment to collaboration and civic engagement.

"We are grateful to every resident who participated in the survey," said Mayor Tom Rugaard. "The feedback provides valuable insight into community priorities and helps ensure future decisions reflect the needs and expectations of the people we serve."

The full survey report is available on the Town of Parachute website.

Media Contact

Town Manager: Travis Elliott

Town of Parachute
222 Grand Valley Way
Parachute, CO 81635
www.parachute.gov

https://parachuteco.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/community/community-survey-2026/29277322

08/30/2026

Update: Thanks to Colorado Department of Transportation, the highway had been cleared except a small amount of standing water. Pay extra attention when traveling that area. Thank you. Goodnight.
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Highway 6 near the CDOT Barn in town has mud covering the roadway. The road is currently still open, but motorists should approach with caution. Thank you.

08/29/2026

Make Art in the Park part of your weekend plans! 🌿

Come support talented local artists, discover something one-of-a-kind, enjoy food and drinks from the on-site food truck, and explore a special piece of Grand Valley history.

Join us Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Wasson-McKay Place. Admission is free!

08/27/2026

More 🐻 News:

While some people seem to assume that black bears are less likely to attack humans than brown bears, that’s not necessarily the case – especially amid a ye

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

🎨 Art in the Park returns this weekend!

Spend Saturday or Sunday browsing locally made art, jewelry, pottery, photography, woodworking, plants, and much more—all on the beautiful grounds of the Wasson-McKay Place.

📅 August 29 & 30 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
📍 259 Cardinal Way, Parachute
✨ Free admission

08/26/2026

🧷💙 NEW! SBFRC Diaper & Pull-Ups Assistance Program 💙🧷

The School-Based Family Resource Center (SBFRC) is excited to offer diaper and pull-up assistance to families in the Garfield 16 School District!

Eligible families may request up to 37 diapers or pull-ups per child, per month, based on availability and size.

📅 Sign-ups will be available during the 1st week of each month through our page, while donated supplies last.

🔗 The sign-up request form will launch next week! Stay tuned to our page for the link and additional information.

This program is made possible through the generosity of our amazing community donors. 💙 Thank you for helping us support local families!

🧷💙 ¡NUEVO! Programa de Asistencia de Pañales y Pull-Ups de SBFRC 💙🧷

El Centro de Recursos Familiares Basado en las Escuelas (SBFRC) se complace en ofrecer asistencia con pañales y pull-ups a las familias del Distrito Escolar Garfield 16.

Las familias elegibles pueden solicitar hasta 37 pañales o pull-ups por niño, por mes, según la disponibilidad y la talla.

📅 Las inscripciones estarán disponibles durante la primera semana de cada mes a través de nuestra página de Facebook, mientras haya suministros disponibles.

🔗 ¡El formulario de solicitud estará disponible la próxima semana! Estén atentos a nuestra página de Facebook para obtener el enlace y más información.

Este programa es posible gracias a la generosidad de nuestra maravillosa comunidad y de quienes donan para apoyar a las familias locales. 💙 ¡Gracias por ayudarnos a apoyar a nuestras familias!

08/24/2026

Last one! Going on NOW!🥬🌽🍅🧅🍑

08/24/2026

One more Monday Market to go! 🎉 Join us tomorrow for the season finale. A special thank you to Alpine Bank for generously purchasing the produce, with all proceeds going directly to the Family Resource Center. Fresh food, local support, and community spirit all in one place! ❤️