KC Parks News

  • Note from KC Parks Director Chris Cotten

    It is an honor to return to Kansas City to the department where my full time career began.  I am excited about the opportunities that our team has to make a difference in the community and it is my hope to maximize those opportunities over time.  As we begin the process of implementing an update […]

  • Local Artists Featured at Union Station Quick Paint Competitions

    Many of Kansas City’s talented artists will be featured this First Friday evening during a Quick Paint competition at Union Station. The inaugural event is presented in partnership with Kansas City Parks and Recreation. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec 3, visitors will witness 20 artists in action as they capture the magic of Union […]

  • Visit the KC Parks Poinsettia Tree at Union Station’s Holiday Reflections

    For the second year, Kansas City Parks and Recreation is participating in Union Station’s Holiday Reflections exhibit with the installation of a live Poinsettia Tree. The almost 10-foot tall tree is comprised of 90 living pink, red and white Poinsettia plants. While it took KC Parks employees almost two hours to erect the tree, you […]

  • New Segment of Briarcliff Greenway Trail Opens

    On November 16, KC Parks and City officials joined with Briarcliff neighbors to officially open a new 1/2 mile segment of Briarcliff Greenway Trail. The new section incorporates boardwalks to preserve the natural habitat and beauty of the linear Northland park. PROJECT DETAILSBriarcliff Greenway is a 41-acre Park, acquired in 1957, which extends between NW […]

  • City Breaks Ground on Independence Plaza Park Upgrades

    City leaders broke ground today for a transformative project that will soon bring new life to a park in the city’s Historic Northeast neighborhood. Upgrades to Independence Plaza Park are part of a $30 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and include: A new, attractive universally accessible playground for children regardless […]

  • KC Parks Ambassadors Honored by GKCAA

    Resident Engagement Officer, Kelly Jander, honored for her work developing the KC Parks Ambassadors Program Six Heart of Kansas City awards were presented November 3rd at the Greater Kansas City Attractions Association (GKCAA) Heart of Kansas City Awards reception including Ambassador of the Year which was awarded to KC Parks Resident Engagement Officer Kelly Jander. […]

  • Variety KC Installs Communication and Sign Language Boards at KC Parks Playgrounds

    Signs were donated by Randi Mahomes for KCMO Inclusive Playgrounds to help KC kids communicate Above and beyond what is considered an inclusive playground (physically allowing all kids to engage and play together), Variety KC has installed inclusive Communication Boards to aid engagements between kids and parents or caregivers, kids and other kids,  for kids that […]

  • New Big Shoal Creek Trail Opens

    On a brisk Friday afternoon, KC Parks and City officials joined together with Northland residents to officially open the Big Shoal Creek Trail. The new 2- mile trail connects N Chouteau Trafficway on the west to N Brighton and NE 55th St on the east. It joins neighborhoods in both KCMO and Gladstone to the […]

  • Lights Winter Magic

    Winter Magic is Back!

    Better, Bigger, & Brighter than Ever in Swope Park! KC Parks is excited to announce Winter Magic is back in Swope Park and is better, bigger and brighter than ever!  Winter Magic, Kansas City’s Premier Christmas Drive Through Lights Experience on Oakwood Drive in Swope Park, is open nightly from November 2nd, 2021 through January […]

  • KCZoo Aquarium Coming 2023

    The Kansas City Zoo is set to “Make Waves KC,” as we kicked off our $75 million Aquarium project on October 25. Work has already begun, and we’re excited to be kicking off the public fundraising campaign and to share the details of the coming addition. Opening in mid-2023, this is the single largest project […]

  • Fountains and Monuments Get Ready for Winter!

    Renowned Expert in Town to Clean and Wax Bronze Sculptures The City of Fountains Foundation is excited to have renowned expert conservator, Jonathan Taggart, in Kansas City to help clean and wax important bronze sculptures in Kansas City.  The Mill Creek Fountain is first on his list. Taggart and his assistant will begin conservation work (cleaning […]

  • KC Parks gets new director!

    KC Parks Board President Jack Holland is pleased to announce the hiring of Chris Cotten as the new KC Parks director. The Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners met on October 11 and voted unanimously to hire Mr. Cotten, following a national search process carried out by the Board of Commissioners. “We believe Chris Cotten […]