Jay Dix Station

A Bit of Background

Located on 30 acres of Columbia green space, Jay Dix Station honors the legacy of Dr. Jay Dix, a dedicated medical examiner who served Boone County for more than 20 years. This community space came to life through a partnership between Boone County and the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department.

The park's journey began in 2009 with an agreement between local government entities. After being formally brought into the city limits in 2013, construction wrapped up in 2015. A road realignment project in 2014 gave the park its current address - just one of many changes this evolving space has seen.

What You'll Find Here

The park embraces a charming train station theme, tipping its hat to the historical significance of the MKT Trail. Speaking of which, Jay Dix Station represents a gateway to the MKT Trail system. You can access the east side of Scott Boulevard through an underpass that doubles as an echo-filled tunnel that kids absolutely love to run through.

If you're looking to break a sweat, you'll appreciate the fitness stations with their sturdy equipment suitable for various exercise levels. For families, there's a delightful playground, while the open play fields offer space for spontaneous games or just lounging on a blanket with a good book.

Arriving by car? No problem - there are 65 parking spaces, including 3 accessible spots. Cyclists will appreciate the handy bike maintenance hub if your ride needs a quick adjustment.

Play Areas & Recreation

The train-themed playground is a hit with the younger crowd, featuring swings, slides, and climbing structures that keep kids entertained for hours. It's thoughtfully designed to appeal to various age groups, so siblings can play together even with age differences.

For the more adventurous visitors, check out the mountain bike pump track. Though compact, it offers wooden features and a nice flow that's meant for beginners looking to build confidence on two wheels. Think of it as a bike obstacle course where you can hone your skills in a safe environment.

The spacious open fields serve multiple purposes - you might even catch local rugby teams practicing here on weekend mornings.

Comfort & Convenience

Planning a gathering? The park's covered shelter houses eight large picnic tables and includes grills for those who want to cook up some burgers while enjoying the outdoors.

When nature calls, you'll discover restrooms in a brick building with separate facilities for men and women, each with the basics - toilet, sink, and hand dryer. You'll also find a drinking fountain attached to the building, which is a welcome relief during Missouri's warmer months.

Note that the restrooms and drinking fountain are on the opposite side of Scott Boulevard from the playground, but you can easily access them via the tunnel that runs under the road.