A. Perry Philips Park

A. Perry Philips Park, located in Columbia, Missouri, spans 140 acres and provides visitors with a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Situated near the Discovery Parkway exit and close to Father Tolton Catholic High School, the park is conveniently accessible to the local community. It features a scenic 40-acre fishing lake, which is managed under the Missouri Department of Conservation's Community Assistance Program, ensuring it remains well-stocked with species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. Non-motorized boats and electric trolling motor-equipped vessels are permitted on the lake, with safety measures like mandatory life jackets in place for users.

A 1.4-mile gravel trail circles the lake, offering opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature, with benches and picnic shelters placed strategically for rest or picnicking. The park also includes a rain garden, enhancing its ecological value. For sports enthusiasts, the Columbia Sports Fieldhouse is a highlight, hosting four hardwood courts adaptable for basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and even archery. Additionally, two newly constructed tennis courts, completed in 2024, serve as a youth-focused facility while accommodating summer programming.

The park provides amenities like an ADA-accessible fishing dock, boat dock, and boat ramp, along with seasonal restrooms and portable toilets during colder months. Picnic shelters and an ADA drinking fountain cater to family outings. The park's thoughtful design reflects its ongoing development plan and partnership efforts, including grants from the Missouri Department of Conservation to fund facilities like parking areas, sidewalks, and lighting. Since its opening in 2008, A. Perry Philips Park has established itself as a tranquil yet active space for outdoor recreation and community engagement.