Independence Park Improvements

Thank you! The Parks and Recreation Sales Tax, which began in January, 2004, provides funding for a variety of program initiatives and park improvements throughout the community. The following information provides a brief update on some of the more prominent projects:

Visitors to our community's park system will notice new amenities at several park sites. All sites listed below feature various park improvements that will be ready for use as the weather warms up. In addition, park patrons will also enjoy several new walking trails and upgraded existing trails at several park sites throughout the system.

Glendale Park:
Thanks to a generous donation from the Glendale Park Neighborhood group, a new "tot-sized" modular playground has been installed on the north side of the park. In addition, a new restroom facility has been installed near the south parking lot and updated park area lighting. 

McCoy Park:
The Independence Horseshoe Club meets at the horseshoe courts.  Young and old alike, will enjoy the beauty of additional landscaped areas planted throughout the park.

Mill Creek Park:
Tennis enthusiasts will enjoy the completely renovated tennis courts, which feature new court surfaces, net standards, perimeter fencing and a state-of-the-art lighting system. In addition, new restroom facilities have been installed at the tennis courts and near the existing picnic shelters for our park patrons.

Santa Fe Trails Park:
The Santa Fe Tennis courts have been resurfaced with all the cracks sealed and fresh coat of play surface. The lines are repainted and ready for play.

Van Hook Park:
A "leash-free" area has . A new restroom facility has been installed between the soccer complex and softball field to serve our park patrons.

Walking Trails





Work has started on the Rock Creek Trail with the center line of the trail marked and storm water pipes under construction. The trail will connect Rotary Park to Country Club Park with nearly 2 miles of 10 foot wide trail. Construction is complete on 1.5 miles of trail from the Fairmount shopping district north to Arlington Avenue. The second phase of the Fairmount Trail is currently in design with plans to start construction soon.


The Little Blue Trace Trail and the Rock Creek Trail will soon provide pedestrian and bicycle connections to parks, schools, shopping and other amenities in Independence.
Trail expansions are currently underway along the Rock Creek Trail Corridor and the Little Blue Trace Trail. Eventutually, the Rock Creek System will link Fairmount, Davis, Phil Roberts, Rotary, Hill, Santa Fe, Glendale and Van Hook parks. Ultimately, the Rock Creek Trail will be a major component of a 29-mile community trail system. The Little Blue Trace Trail will also be expanded by three miles increasing its length to 16 miles. The City of Independence and Jackson County both applied for and were awarded grants to extend the trail from the current end at Interstate 70, just behind the Hilton Garden Inn, south to Lee’s Summit Road.

In addition, the City received a grant to construct a trail that will link Waterfall Park, located in the Falls of Crackerneck Creek shopping area to various residential areas, shops and restaurants by way of the Little Blue Trace Trail. The trail connection will provide a safe path for pedestrians and bicyclists to travel to Waterfall Park, Adair Park, The Falls of Crackerneck Creek, Eastland Shopping Center, Hartment Hertigage Center, Independence Center and Independence Commons. Construction is planned to start in spring 2010.  For additional trail information contact Tom Garland at 325-7362. 

Independence Athletic Complex


The Independence Athletic Complex lies on 165 acres of rolling land  17800 N. Salisbury Road one half miles east of 291 Highway.  The complex features the following amenities:

• Eight soccer fields (two lighted)
• Three lighted softball fields
• Two lighted baseball fields
• Six practice football areas (one lighted)
• Two restroom/concession buildings
• One shelter for about 100 people
• One playground
• One amphitheater with space for 1000 people
• More than 1.5 miles of trails
• Ample parking

Waterfall Park



Located across the 18-acre lake from the Bass Pro Shops, the new 80-acre Waterfall Park boasts playground equipment, a shelter, restrooms and a walking trail.Park Amenities include:

• 70-foot waterfall
• 18-acre lake
• 1/4 -mile loop trial
• Playground
• Restroom
• Picnic Grove in scenic natural habitat
• Fishing Pier
• Parking Lot