Parfet Park sits along Clear Creek in downtown Golden, the city's oldest park dating to the early 1900s. Large shade trees cover the lawn, and brass markers scattered through the grounds note historic points of interest. On a warm day you can walk down to the creek, spread out under a tree, or watch the water move past from the bank.

The park doubles as Golden's festival grounds, hosting civic events and community gatherings throughout the year. It's free to visit, walkable from the center of town, and open year-round, which makes it an easy stop whether you're reading the historic markers or just passing time by the creek with family.

Clear Creek runs through drought stress in dry summers, so the park asks visitors to help protect it: skip fishing during the voluntary closure, keep chairs out of the water and off streamside vegetation, and check posted parking and rules before you settle in.