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Kansas is home to some of the Midwest’s most inviting green spaces, from bustling urban playgrounds to hidden natural retreats. In this guide, we’re proud to present our Top 20 Community Parks in Kansas—ranked by a balanced system that combines objective data with hands‑on expert evaluations of playgrounds, trails, amenities, inclusivity and historical significance. Scroll to the end to see our full methodology and learn exactly how each park earned its spot. Did we capture your favorite? Let us know if we missed a must‑visit park, then get outside and explore the best community parks Kansas has to offer!
20. Frisco Lake Park in Olathe, KS
Frisco Lake Park encompasses 38 acres, with a 24-acre lake at its center. Visitors can enjoy a 0.75-mile walking trail loop equipped with fitness stations, fishing opportunities, a playground, sand volleyball courts, and a basketball goal. The park also offers a shelter and gazebo, available for reservations, making it a favored spot for family outings and community events.
19. South Lake Park in Overland Park, KS
Photo by Benjamin White, via 500px, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Covering 14 acres, South Lake Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing in its central lake, a playground, a loop trail, and open areas for relaxation. The park features fitness equipment along the trail and provides shaded spots for picnics. Recent environmental initiatives include the installation of floating wetlands to improve water quality and support local wildlife.
18. Thompson Park in Overland Park, KS
Thompson Park is a revitalized community space in downtown Overland Park, offering modern amenities such as a performance stage, interactive water feature, playground, and picnic areas. The park's design emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, making it a popular venue for local events and gatherings. Its central location and contemporary features provide a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages.
17. Pawnee Prairie Park in Wichita, KS
Spanning over 400 acres, Pawnee Prairie Park is Wichita's largest natural park, offering a network of trails for hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. The park features diverse ecosystems, including woodlands and prairies, and is home to various wildlife species. Amenities include dedicated equestrian paths, a butterfly garden, picnic areas, and a playground, providing a serene setting for nature enthusiasts.
16. Olivia's Playground in Salina, KS
Olivia's Playground is a modern, inclusive play area designed to accommodate children of all abilities. Located within Salina's Jerry Ivey Park, the playground features accessible equipment, sensory-rich activities, and safe surfaces, ensuring an engaging experience for all children. The surrounding park offers additional amenities such as walking trails, picnic areas, and a splash pad, making it a popular destination for families.
15. Rivers Banks Orchard Park in Hutchinson, KS
Rivers Banks Orchard Park provides a range of recreational opportunities for visitors. The park features an outdoor playground, walking trails, and open green spaces suitable for various activities. Its well-maintained facilities and natural beauty make it a favored spot for both residents and visitors seeking outdoor enjoyment.
14. Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park in Overland Park, KS
Spanning 80 acres, Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park offers a picturesque setting with a variety of amenities. The park features a walking trail, picnic shelter, playground, and a small pond stocked with fish. A notable highlight is the seven-acre off-leash dog area, including a 1/3-acre section designated for small dogs. Additionally, the park includes seven athletic playing fields, accommodating various sports activities.
13. Strang Park in Overland Park, KS
Strang Park is a community park in Overland Park that features an inclusive playground designed to accommodate children of all abilities. The park offers open green spaces, walking paths, and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for families seeking outdoor recreation. Its well-maintained facilities and welcoming environment contribute to its appeal among local residents.
12. Goddard Linear Park in Goddard, KS
Goddard Linear Park offers a variety of amenities for visitors. The park includes a playground, picnic shelters, and a splash pad, providing recreational opportunities for families. Walking and biking trails traverse the park, connecting different areas and offering a scenic route for exercise and leisure. The park also hosts community events, enhancing its role as a gathering place for residents.
11. Madison Avenue Central Park in Derby, KS
Madison Avenue Central Park serves as a vibrant community hub in Derby. The park features an all-access playground designed for children of all abilities, a splash pad for summertime fun, and an amphitheater for community events. Visitors can enjoy picnic shelters, walking paths, and the Venue and Pavilion, which are available for rentals, making it a popular spot for gatherings and celebrations.
10. Heritage Park in Olathe, KS
Heritage Park spans approximately 1,238 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities. Amenities include a 40-acre lake for fishing and boating, an 18-hole golf course, soccer and softball complexes, and an off-leash dog area. The park also features numerous trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, catering to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Roe Park in Overland Park, KS
Roe Park is a well-maintained community park offering a variety of amenities, including playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic shelters. The park features walking trails that connect to the Indian Creek Greenway, providing opportunities for hiking and biking. Its open green spaces and recreational facilities make it a favored spot for local residents.
8. Gage Park in Topeka, KS
Photo by Marion Doss, via Flickr, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Established in 1899, Gage Park is one of Topeka's largest parks, encompassing 160 acres. It houses several attractions, including the Topeka Zoo, the Kansas Children's Discovery Center, a miniature train, the Helen Hocker Theater, and the Reinisch Rose Garden. The park's diverse amenities make it a popular destination for families and visitors seeking both recreational and educational experiences.
7. Sedgwick County Park in Wichita, KS
Sedgwick County Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, biking, and picnicking. The park features multiple playgrounds, four lakes, and an extensive network of trails suitable for walking, running, and cycling. Throughout the year, the park hosts various community events and is a popular spot for family gatherings and outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Andover Central Park in Andover, KS
Spanning 80 acres, Andover Central Park serves as a community hub featuring a playground, gazebo, conference cabin, and picnic areas. The park is home to Lake George, a stocked fishing lake with six handicap-accessible fishing docks. Visitors can enjoy walking paths that meander through the scenic landscape, and the park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including Greater Andover Days and Hometown Christmas.
5. Peter Pan Park in Emporia, KS
Photo by C A. Miller Photography
Peter Pan Park spans 51.7 acres and includes a beautiful 4-acre lake, a splash pad, and extensive trails. The park boasts a large playground and several historically significant elements, such as a memorial to William Allen White's daughter, Mary. Amenities also include picnic areas, an amphitheater, and a disc golf course.
4. Island Park in Winfield, KS
Island Park serves as a community hub, hosting events like farmers markets and Christmas light displays throughout the year. It features a unique castle-themed playground and a farm-themed playground for younger children. A scenic "river" encircles the park, adding to its charm.
3. Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa, KS
Covering over 50 acres, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is centered around the serene Rose's Pond. Amenities include tennis courts, a skate park, an aquatic center, and multiple playgrounds, including a natural playground. The park also houses the Legler Barn Museum, offering a glimpse into local history.
2. Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village, KS
Meadowbrook Park offers 80 acres of beautifully landscaped green space. It features the striking "Gateway" sunflower sculpture, two well-designed playgrounds—including the Treeline Adventure destination playground and an inclusive playground—and eight pickleball courts. With over three miles of paved trails and three lakes, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
1. Shawnee Mission Park in Shawnee, KS
Photo by Graham Green
Spanning 1,655 acres, Shawnee Mission Park is the most visited park in Kansas. At its heart lies a picturesque 120-acre lake, ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. The park boasts a modern inclusive playground, a vast trail system for hiking and biking, and a 44-acre off-leash dog area near the lake. Additionally, visitors can enjoy performances at the top-notch amphitheater, Theatre in the Park.
Ranking Methodology
Our rankings are based on Google community engagement data, the quality of natural features, on-site amenities (such as courts, splash pads, and amphitheaters), as well as the park’s inclusivity and historical significance.
