Mission Statement
To improve the quality of life by providing recreational, leisure and aesthetic opportunities for all residents, and by conserving and enhancing the environment. We will accomplish this mission by providing quality programming, making the best use of existing resources, developing a supportive and influential constituency, developing effective collaborations and partnerships, and acquiring and preserving natural features.
About Us
Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation provides facilities, programs and recreational opportunities for the community that contributes to an aesthetically pleasing environment and enhanced quality of life. The department operates and maintains close to 12,000 acres of parkland including 219 parks, 132 miles of boulevards and parkways, 47 fountains, 87 ornamental structures, 10 community centers, 27 lakes, 38 miles of trails and bikeways, 105 tennis courts, five golf courses and four museums.
Reference Guide
Governance
The Parks and Recreation department is governed by a volunteer five-member Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor. The Board of Parks and Recreation holds public meetings every other Tuesday at the Parks and Recreation Department headquarters, 4600 E. 63rd St. All meetings start at 2 p.m. and are open to the public.
The Parks Department staff leadership consists of a Director and Deputy Director who oversee the day-to-day administrative operations of the department divisions. Division Managers include Natural Resources, Community Services, Financial & Procurement Services, Marketing & Special Events, and Planning & Design Services.
To contact the Board please call the Board Secretary Karmen Bradley at 816-513-7503.
Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners
Board of Parks and Recreation Commission Meetings: Video on Demand
A Nationally Accredited Agency
Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation received re-accreditation on March 20, 2009, one of only 81 agencies in the country to have received national recognition from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). This distinguished accomplishment was announced in Washington, DC at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) 2009 Legislative Forum.
The department received its first accreditation in 1995 and has continuously maintained its status as an accredited agency.
S.H.A.P.E. Program
Parks and Recreation is committed to providing Safe, Healthy, Attractive, Public Environments. The S.H.A.P.E. program is designed to measure the effectiveness of the the Parks and Recreation Department in the areas of park and facility maintenance through consistent monitoring and evaluation. Since its implementation, our parks and facilities have shown dramatic improvement in their cleanliness, maintenance and safety. More information and latest report.
Tree City USA
Kansas City, Missouri has held the designation Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation since 1988. To become a Tree City USA community, a city must meet four standards: have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Tree City USA is a program of the Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit, environmental educational organization of nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. A city must meet four standards to become a Tree City USA community: have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
