Mark L. McHenry Park

Park History

Named after Mark L. McHenry, the passionate former director of Kansas City Parks and Recreation, this sprawling green space sits north of Kansas City International Airport. It offers a blend of trails, natural areas, and recreational spots for everyone from serious athletes to casual nature lovers.

Wildlife and Natural Features

The park has good opportunities for wildlife spotting. The park is home to majestic bald eagles, gentle deer, strutting wild turkeys, busy beavers, and other woodland creatures like raccoons and opossums.

Listen carefully and you might hear the chorus of frogs or spot various birds flitting between trees. The trail system features a 3.4-mile loop as its backbone, with up to 15 miles of interconnected paths throughout the park.

These trails meander through former quarry sites and farmland, suitable for both leisurely strolls and more serious workouts. A picturesque stream cuts through the landscape, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

The Brush Creek and Matt Quarry trails are well-marked and generally uncrowded compared to many city parks.

Recreational Amenities

Baseball fans will appreciate the numerous baseball and softball diamonds maintained by the Northland Sports Alliance. These fields buzz with activity during practices, regular games, and special events like the annual Island games.

Not into baseball? No problem. The park also features multiple soccer fields in two different areas, catering to various age groups and skill levels.

For those working on their swing, there are dedicated hitting and pitching cages available. Younger visitors will gravitate toward the playground, making this a great destination for family outings.

If you happen to visit during baseball games, the concession stand in the center of the fields often opens up - well-suited for grabbing a snack when hunger strikes.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

Beyond the main recreation areas, the park is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. While the hiking trails are fantastic, mountain bikers can enjoy dedicated singletrack trails that, though currently limited in length, are growing.

If horseback riding is your thing, you'll love the well-marked horse trails that wind through the quieter parts of the park. The park's size allows for a sense of escape, with the occasional airplane from the nearby airport being the only reminder of city life.

If you're planning to hike the full trail system, waterproof shoes are a good idea as you'll encounter several creek crossings along the way. Just keep in mind that there aren't any restrooms at the trailhead.

Community Impact

Mark L. McHenry Park combines natural areas, sports facilities, and wildlife habitat in one of Kansas City's northern green spaces.

The park's expansive layout accommodates everything from organized tournaments to peaceful solo hikes. While some facilities could use a little TLC, this park offers a good option for connecting with nature within the city limits.