KC Parks News

  • David Mecklenburg Trailhead Sign Unveiling

    Northland Trailhead named after long-time KC Parks Commissioner On May 5, current and former KC Parks leadership and Northland residents gathered to unveil a new trailhead sign on Happy Rock Trail within Maplewoods Greenway, 2001 NE Barry Road, named in honor of Commissioner David Mecklenburg. The 3-mile trail is one of most popular in Kansas […]

  • In Memory of Carl DiCapo

    Carl DiCapo served as a Park Commissioner from 1986-1992. He passed away on April 26, 2023, but his legacy lives on. Carl DiCapo was born in 1927 in Kansas City, MO. He married his wife, Anita, in 1954.  They raised three children (Jack, John David, Carl Michael) and doted on three granddaughters (Lauren, Alexandra, Ava) […]

  • Kansas City Inventories Tree Canopy in Urban Forestry Master Plan

    Thousands of trees recorded as part of the City’s forest landscape  Kansas City is proactively working to improve its tree canopy by creating a comprehensive inventory across four counties. 13,000 trees across the city’s landscape were recorded in the process. The Parks & Recreation Forestry Division contracted with the International Society of Arboriculture (IBA) to review […]

  • Make Music Kansas City is Back for Its Third Year

    The free outdoor event celebrates all forms of music! Kansas City Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the return of Make Music Day on June 21st. Registration opens April 21st for the third annual city-wide musical celebration, a wild and wonderful mix of free outdoor events. Make Music KC is part of Make Music […]

  • Garment District Grooves Series is Back for its Fifth Year

    Enjoy free lunchtime concerts in downtown Kansas City  Kansas City Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the return of the Garment District Grooves for its fifth year. Every third Wednesday of the month from April until October live bands will play at Garment District Place, a quaint downtown park. Food trucks will also be […]

  • KC Parks Ambassadors Recognized by City Council

    At the April 6th City Council meeting, KC Parks Ambassadors were recognized for their service to the city and for National Volunteer Appreciation Month with a courtesy resolution sponsored by Councilwoman Kathryn Shields: Declaring April 2023 as National Volunteer Month and recognizing the outstanding individual contributions and collective impact of KC Parks Ambassadors in the […]

  • Arbor Day Tree Planting in Loose Park on April 8

    Tree Dedicated to Longtime Kansas City Environmental Leader  Kansas City’s Parks & Recreation Department invites you to celebrate Arbor Day and the passage of Kansas City’s first tree preservation ordinance with a tree planting event. A Bur Oak tree will be planted to honor Patricia A. Noll served as the City Planner for 35 years. Passionate […]

  • Honoring Commissioner Mary Williams-Neal

    Mary Williams-Neal was appointed to the Board of Parks & Recreation Commission in 2019. Kansas City is celebrating the life of Commissioner Mary Williams-Neal. She was not only known for her great leadership within the City but her deep dedication to its residents. Commissioner Williams-Neal was born in Pace, Mississippi and traveled to Kansas City, […]

  • Blue Fountain

    City of Fountains Foundation Celebrates 50 Years with Kansas City Royals Partnership

    Kansas City Parks & Recreation Crews will Dye Fountains Blue Throughout the Season  The City of Fountains Foundations is celebrating 50 years in 2023 and is partnering with the Royals Bring Out The Blue initiative to celebrate. Beginning on Fountain Day, April 14, one fountain will be dyed blue each month at the start of […]

  • KC Parks Aquatics Master Plan Update

    A final report and recommendations for aquatics in Kansas City is expected to be completed in late spring 2023. Aquatics SystemKansas City Parks and Recreation currently has 27 aquatic facilities that offer various water-recreational activities. These facilities make up the aquatics system, which includes:  11 outdoor pools 13 spraygrounds 3 indoor pools Several of these aquatic […]

  • KC Parks accepting submissions for the Brush Creek Cultural Heritage Corridor Trail

    Nominations are accepted until March 31, 2023 Be part of honoring history! What American Civil Rights Movement – tied to the Black experience in Kansas City – events, elements, or people should be illustrated along the Brush Creek Cultural Heritage Corridor Trail? Community members are invited to participate in the process to help the Kansas […]

  • Go Ape in Swope Park Opens for the Season on March 11

    Are you ready for an adventure? It’s time to get back outside and into nature! Go Ape Kansas City opens for the season on Saturday, March 11. Located at Camp Lake of the Woods in beautiful Swope Park, Go Ape is an unparalleled experience for participants of all ages. Guests can choose from a variety […]