A thorough overview of the many parks in Independence and their benefits!
Keep an eye out for our blog post next week with parks in Blue Springs!
As a mom of a high-energy toddler, I needed to find new ways to entertain him and to allow plenty of opportunities for exercise. We go on daily walks and I've quickly learned that he loves outside, as most toddlers do! Since he's in a climbing phase, I started to look for parks and playgrounds. I was shocked when I was unable to find a full list of parks in Independence, other than the Independence Parks & Recreation page.
I had been to quite a few of the parks in Independence having grown up here and now having a toddler to run around and play with. There were a ton of parks that I have not visited yet. There are 48 parks in total, to be exact! I went on a mission to visit all of the parks and .provide parents with a complete list of the great parks that Independence has to offer. This list is in progress, with currently only 10 parks and playgrounds, but it will be updated regularly, so check back often!
The first thing I'll note is that all of the parks that we have visited were well-maintained and clean! As a community, let's all enjoy these parks, making memories with our families. I'm grateful to the Indep. Parks & Rec and their efforts to provide a safe, clean, and FUN place for our children to play. Please help make their job easier and clean up after yourself when you visit. Visit their website for the complete list of parks and their rules https://www.ci.independence.mo.us/parksandrec/ParksFacilities.
Know of any other cool parks that we should try? Let us know with our contact form!
Without further ado, here is the list of Independence parks and playgrounds (in alphabetical order):
Click here to jump to a specific section of this blog:
Bundschu Park | Clothier Park | Country Club Park | Dickinson Park | Glendale Park | McCoy Park | Rotary Park | Sam & Lindsey's Playground | Santa Fe Park Picnic Pavilion | Waterfall Park |
1. Bundschu Park
Target age: All ages could take advantage of the large, open area, walking trail, and basketball courts, but 5-12 years old is the recommended age for the playground
This park was quiet and peaceful with a large shaded area and no one in sight. We couldn't believe that no one was taking advantage of this wonderful park! We felt like we found a hidden gem. The greatest feature of this park is the large basketball courts complete with 8 basketball goals and multiple benches. It's the perfect place to play a quick game of pick-up or have a team practice. The playground had infant/toddler swings for the little ones! We noticed there was a steep hill that would be perfect for rolling down or sledding in the winter.
There is a nicely paved walking trail (5 laps = 1 mile) and the park was dog-friendly, even offering free doggy bags! I would certainly take my dogs on walks here because they have poor leash manners and are far too excited by strangers to be in a public place. Additionally, this park has a small pavilion, complete with 2 grills! There was a water fountain but we noticed there was no bathroom at this park.
Check out the map below for location details!
In summary:
Pros: Quiet, shaded area, basketball courts, walking trail, benches, small pavilion, 2 grills, water fountain, large, open area to run or throw the ball around, dog-friendly, infant/toddler swings, and a steep hill to sled for winter
Cons: No bathroom and no toddler-specific equipment besides the swings
Bundschu Park Address:
2. Clothier Park
Target age: All ages could take advantage of the large, open area, walking trail, basketball goal, and exercise equipment, but 5-12 years old is the recommended age for the playground
I grew up playing on the equipment since I went to a daycare nearby. This park is named in honor of Dr. Robert Clothier, who happened to be my pediatrician. My mom raves about how great of a doctor he was.
This playground is well-kept and at a quiet, convenient location, directly off of 291 Highway. This was the only park that I visited that had exercise equipment, which makes this a great spot for a free workout. I am definitely going to start coming here with my partner and our toddler to get some exercise after running errands!
Check out the map below for location details!
In summary:
Pros: Quiet, exercise equipment, basketball hoop, walking trail, 4 picnic tables, benches, grill, water fountain, porta potties, infant/toddler swings
Cons: Only street parking at the playground, close to the highway (also a pro), no pavilion
Clothier Park Address:
3. Country Club Park
Target age: All ages could take advantage of the large, open area, walking trail, and basketball courts, but 5-12 years old is the recommended age for the playground
When I first pulled up to this park, I was confused because it was at the end of a residential street. There was no official parking lot, but rather a paved parking area close to the houses near by. Once I got into the park, it was beautiful! At the entrance, there is a bridge crossing over a small creek. This park had a two-part walking trail, with one being a circular lap around the playground (1/4 mile) and the other being a trail that leads almost directly to 23rd St (1/5 mile).
My favorite thing about Country Club Park was the large, open, shaded area! It was the perfect place to play catch and run around. There was a basketball goal that I was glad to see some kids were enjoying. Unfortunately, there was no bathroom or pavilion in this park but it seemed like a great option for families who live nearby.
Check out the map below for location details!
In summary:
Pros: Quiet, shaded area, basketball hoop, walking trail, benches, large, open area to run or throw the ball around
Cons: No pavilion, bathroom, picnic tables, grill, or water fountains
4. Dickinson Park
Target age: All ages could take advantage of the large, open area and walking trail, but 5-12 years old is the recommended age for the playground
Dickinson Park is a good, simple option for those living near the William Chrisman High School area. This park has a huge, open area to play, a small pavilion, bathrooms, and infant/toddler swings! While there was a small walking track, I could not find information on the track's length.
Check out the map below for location details!
In summary:
Pros: Quiet, small pavilion, bathrooms, infant/toddler swings, large, open area to run or throw the ball around
Cons: Very small park with only one playground
5. Glendale Park
Target age: All ages!
Glendale Park has a little bit of something for everyone. Thanks to a donation from the Glendale Park Neighborhood group, there are now two separate playgrounds, with one being specifically designed for toddlers! There was a tiny rock climbing wall that even the smaller kids could enjoy. The playground for the older kids was unique and had some equipment that I've never seen before. The blue slide pictured above was HUGE! It's the perfect slide for adventurous kids who love rollercoasters and aren't afraid of heights. There was a walking track (3 laps = 1 mile) and plenty of shaded area with picnic tables to cool down and have a snack.
Check out the map below for location details!
In summary:
Pros: Quiet, two separate playgrounds, walking trail, 2 picnic tables in the shade, benches, grill, water fountain, porta potties, infant/toddler swings including a toddler-&-me swing, large, open area to run or throw the ball around
Cons: There aren't really any cons with this park, but to be extremely picky: parking lot is a far walk from the toddler playground and the playgrounds are in direct sunlight
6. McCoy Park
Target age: All ages!
This park has been a favorite of my family and I since I was young. We use to have birthday parties here frequently (they still do this). The playground that I .use to play on has since been torn down with this beautiful, new playground taking it's place up north. There are four things that make this park unique from most of the parks in Independence:
Adaptive - ADA swings provide opportunities for people with disabilities and/or special needs. This was the only park that I have visited so far that had these swings available. Additionally, there were ramps throughout the playground for wheelchair accessibility and stainless steel slides for children with cochlear implants. Accessibility and inclusivity is important, so I give McCoy Park two thumbs up for this!
Water park/splash pad to keep the kids cool on a hot day! This is not the only park that has a splash pad in Independence, but it is rare and the kids love it!
A second playground that seemed to be specifically for toddlers.
Finally, horseshoes!! There was a whole area dedicated to playing horseshoes. This was the only park that I've seen have horseshoes.
I have to admit that this my favorite park of all of the parks we have visited so far. McCoy Park caters to a wide-range of people: even adults can get enjoyment here. The walking track (4 laps = 1 mile) is perfect for cardio. Inclusivity is the most important thing and I hope to see more parks with ADA swings and wheelchair accessibility as I continue my search! If you're looking for a great park, I give this my highest rating of approval!
Check out the map below for location details!
In summary:
Pros: Inclusivity (ADA swings), splash pad, walking trail, two separate playgrounds, tennis courts, small softball field, musical instruments, benches, both a large and small pavilion, picnic tables, grills, water fountains, large, open area to run or throw the ball around, infant/toddler swings, and a steep hill to sled for winter
Cons: Crowded and the playgrounds are in the direct sunlight
7. Rotary Park
Target age: All ages could take advantage of the large, open area, walking trail, and splash pad, but 5-12 years old is the recommended age for the playground
This park had a lot of great amenities that the community is taking full advantage of! There were multiple families enjoying the splash pad and playground. If you want your kids to socialize and meet new friends, this is the park to go to. We saw a few people walking their dogs on the track (4 laps = 1 mile), however, there were no doggy bags from what I could see. This was a park that I had never been to before and I was shocked by everything it had to offer!
Check out the map below for location details!
In summary:
Pros: Splash pad, walking trail, benches, small pavilion, picnic tables, grills, water fountains, bathrooms, large, open area to run or throw the ball around
Cons: Crowded
8. Sam & Lindsey's Playground
Target age: All ages!
Sam and Lindsey's Playground is located in Hartman Heritage Park off of Jackson Drive. It was recently renovated in late April of 2022. After Sam and Lindsey tragically passed away in 2004, their mother wanted to honor them and bring joy to the community so she decided to build a playground, mentioning that they had always wanted a playground at their school.
I love that Sam and Lindsey's Playground has a toddler area filled with fun climbing equipment. We've frequented this park many times due to its convenient location. It is the start of a 14.2 mile trail called the Little Blue Trace Trail.
Check out the map below for location details!
In summary:
Pros: Quiet, two separate playgrounds, biking/walking trail, picnic tables, benches, grill, large, open area to run or throw the ball around
Cons: No bathrooms or infant/toddler swings and playgrounds are in direct sunlight
9. Santa Fe Park Picnic Pavilion
Target age: All ages!
Santa Fe Trail Park was huge! There were two separate playgrounds, each with their own pavilions, which made this a great place for a large gathering. The coolest part about this park was all of the sporting amenities. There was a small, skateboarding park, tennis courts, and a softball field! It was dog-friendly as there was a dog park located within the park.
Check out the map below for location details!
In summary:
Pros: Quiet, small, skateboarding park, walking trail, two separate playgrounds, tennis courts, softball field, benches, both a large and small pavilion, picnic tables, grills, water fountains, bathroom, dog park, large, open area to run or throw the ball around, infant/toddler swings (including a toddler-&-me swing)
Cons: No bathroom at the smaller playground and far distance between playgrounds
10. Waterfall Park
Target age: All ages!
Calling all nature lovers! Waterfall Park has a little bit of everything for people of all ages! This park was a lot busier than some of the other parks, but I think that's telling to how great this park is! I saw geese, bees, and dragonflies while walking on the trail (1.25 miles each for paved and hiking trails). Even with a lot of people there, the park had a peaceful atmosphere.
Additionally, this park has a small dock for catch-and-release fishing, While we were visiting, a man was teaching his granddaughters how to fish! It was such a sweet moment and took me back to the days when my dad would attempt to teach me how to fish. This park is dog-friendly, even offering free doggy bags. The only negative about this park is that it's location is very inconvenient for a lot of residents. This was one of my favorite parks so far.
Check out the map below for location details!
In summary:
Pros: Catch-and-release fishing, water view, geese, walking trail, two separate playgrounds in shade, benches, large pavilion, picnic tables, grills, water fountains, bathroom, porta potties, large, open area to run or throw the ball around, dog-friendly, infant/toddler swings (including a toddler-&-me swing)
Cons: Crowded, no swings, and inconvenient location
Have you been to any of these parks? Which ones?
Bundschu Park
Clothier Park
Country Club Park
Dickinson Park
You can vote for more than one answer.
