Kansas City Parks

About Shawnee Mission Park

This multi-use, 1,250-acre park was purchased through the District's initial bond issue in 1956 and officially dedicated in 1964. It is the largest park in the county and the most-visited park in the entire state of Kansas.

Developed facilities include a 120-acre lake popular for boating, fishing, and sailboarding; twelve shelters; numerous picnic areas; horseback and nature trails; play areas; an archery range; a swimming beach with bathhouse concession; and marina.

Shawnee Mission Park is home to The Theatre in the Park, renowned for its summer theatre productions, and the John Barkley Visitor Center, which has an exhibit of the history of parks in Johnson County.

About Loose Park

Loose Park is one of Kansas City's most beautiful parks. The park is home to a lake, a shelter house, Civil War markers, tennis courts, a wading pool, picnic areas and the famous Rose Garden.

The Rose Garden is popular for all types of outdoor special events including theatrical performances and wedding ceremonies.

About Fleming Park

At more than 7,800 acres, Fleming Park is Jackson County's largest park, attracting more than 1.3 million visitors a year.

The park features 2 major lakes (Jacomo is 970 acres and Blue Springs is 720 acres), marinas, public swimming beaches, camping, hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing, boating, sailing and boat rentals. It also contains Missouri Town 1855, a reconstructed historic village with 30 structures, Kemper Outdoor Education Center, Burroughs Audubon Library and a 100-acre Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure with safari tours of bison and elk.

About Swope Park

Donated by Colonel Thomas Swope in 1896, Swope Park is one of Kansas City's first and largest parks.

Today Swope Park is home to the Kansas City Zoo, Starlight Theatre, Swope Memorial Golf Course, Blue River Golf Course, Lakeside Nature Center, 10 shelter houses and numerous picnic areas and athletic fields.