We are proud to have our city entered in America In Bloom for 2008!

Columbia Parks & Recreation Department
Key Contact: Brett
1507 Business Loop West
Columbia, MO 65202

Telephone: (573)875-3159
Fax: (573)875-3159
Email: bjo@gocolumbia.com
Website: http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/

Parks and Rec Dept of Columbia is committed to improving the community.

Parks and Rec Dept of Columbia is committed to improving the community?s health, stability, beauty, and quality of life. by providing outstanding parks, trails, recreational facilities, and leisure opportunities for all Columbia citizens.

The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department oversees over 2,800 acres of park land and maintains 72 parks, green space locations, and recreation facilities. A wide array of sports, recreation activities, lessons and special events are available for citizens of all ages. Open space, parks, and trails provide opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of Columbia.

The largest of the parks is the 533-acre Cosmopolitan Recreation Area. The smallest is 1/4-acre Village Square Park. Columbia has three premiere trails, the MKT Nature/Fitness Trail, Bear Creek Trail, and Hinkson Creek Trail, along with many neighborhood park trails. The 8.9-mile MKT Nature/Fitness Trail connects downtown Columbia with the Katy Trail State Park and provides active recreation while preserving large areas of natural beauty.

The Department is divided into two divisions: Park Services and Recreation Services.

In the Park Services Division, the Parks Management and Operations Program is responsible for the management, maintenance, and operation of parks, playgrounds, indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, athletic fields, golf courses, grounds, trails and special events support. It is also responsible for the management, maintenance and capital replacement of the P & R Department's fleet. The Planning and Development Program in the Park Services Division is responsible for all park capital improvements. Staff identify, plan and develop recreation areas and facilities to meet the varied recreation and leisure needs of the citizens of Columbia. Also included in this division is the City's Natural Resource Program, which includes Forestry and Horticulture staff responsible for landscaped areas in all parks, public buildings, designated median strips and the downtown area. The Park Ranger Program works out of the division and provides assistance to visitors and enforces the park rules and regulations.

outstanding parks, trails, recreational facilities, and leisure opportunities for all Columbia citizens.