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:

Park Enhancements
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.

Bundschu Park:
A new picnic shelter has been installed on the north side of the park and are available for reservation.

Fairmount Park:
A new restroom facility has been installed between the picnic shelter and playground area and a new "leashfree" area for dogs has been constructed on the north side of the park.

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. 

George Owens Nature Park:
A mile loop of the Butterfly Trail was paved to provide a hard surface for all-weather use. This portion of the trail is also used for the Enchanted Forest event.

Hill Park:
A new restroom facility and a new large-group picnic shelter have been installed on the southern portion of the park and will be available for reservation during the upcoming season.

McCoy Park:
A new tennis court lighting system has been installed and a new shade shelter has been added near the water playground. New safety fencing has been installed at the horseshoe courts and the Independence Horseshoe Club will host the Missouri State Horseshoe Competition over Labor Day weekend. 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.

Rotary Park:
A new picnic shelter and restroom facility have been installed on the south side of the park and will be available for reservation during the upcoming season.

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 new "leash-free" area has been installed west of the softball field and a new walking trail connection to the existing parking lot will be installed during the construction season. A new restroom facility has been installed between the soccer complex and softball field to serve our park patrons. For additional Park information contact Jim Fisher, Parks and Grounds Manager, at 325-7208 or via email to jfisher@indepmo.org.

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 in the Fall of 2008 through the Spring of 2009. For additional trail information contact Tom Garland, Park Contract Manager, at 325- 7362 or via email to tgarland@indepmo.org

Independence Athletic Complex
Construction is complete. 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 (Spring 2008)
• One amphitheater with space for 1000 people
• More than 1.5 miles of trails
• Ample parking

For additional information contact Tom Garland, Park Contract Manager, at 325-7362 or via email tgarland@indepmo.