Kiwanis Park

Kiwanis Park, located in Columbia, Missouri, is a serene, heavily wooded community park encompassing 20 acres. Nestled south of Russell Boulevard Elementary School, the park provides a peaceful natural retreat for visitors while still being centrally located. Notable for its hilly terrain and dense forested areas, the park features 0.9 miles of dirt and gravel trails, which offer opportunities for hiking and enjoying the local flora and fauna. Recently, the park has undergone significant restoration efforts, including the removal of invasive honeysuckle and the planting of native trees and shrubs, aiming to restore the park’s ecosystem and attract bird populations.

The park contains two large reservable shelters with nearby parking, making it a convenient spot for gatherings or picnics. Restrooms are located on the park's west side and are typically open from April to mid-October. Additional amenities include outdoor activity areas such as a basketball court, playground, and an outdoor classroom, all located within the nearby Russell Boulevard Elementary School grounds. Access to the park is available from two main entrances: one off College Park Drive and another off Maplewood Drive, ensuring multiple points of convenience for visitors.

Kiwanis Park exemplifies a tranquil balance of recreational facilities and preserved natural spaces, providing both solitude in its wooded trails and community engagement in its shared amenities. The ongoing initiatives to nurture native plant species highlight its commitment to sustainability and ecological responsibility.