The Parade

A Walk Through History

Located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, The Parade is a green urban haven with stories dating back to the late 19th century. When city planners drew up their 1893 master plan, they included this space as a central recreation area - and over a century later, it remains an active public space, though in ways those original planners might never have imagined.

After the city acquired the land in 1900, The Parade quickly became part of daily life for Kansas Citians. One of its first additions was a public bathhouse built in 1901 - quite the luxury at a time when indoor plumbing was still considered a modern convenience for many households.

From Ice Skating to Army Camps

If you had visited The Parade during winter months in the early 1900s, you might have found yourself gliding across an ice skating rink created by flooding the ball fields - a creative use of space that delighted generations of winter revelers.

The park has worn many hats throughout its lifetime. It's housed community centers and swimming pools, adapting to whatever residents needed most. During World War II (1942-1943), it even transformed into an army camp, trading leisurely picnics for military drills. And tucked in the southeastern corner once stood the General Operating Plant, Machine and Repair shop - the mechanical heart of the entire park and boulevard system since 1912.

What You'll Find Today

Today's version of The Parade offers something for everyone. Fitness enthusiasts appreciate the well-maintained running track that loops for about half a mile - ideal for tracking your distance whether you're training for a marathon or just enjoying a casual evening stroll.

Families gravitate toward the playground area, where kids can burn off energy before cooling down at the splash pad during Kansas City's warmer months. And yes, there are clean restroom facilities available - sometimes it's the simple amenities that make all the difference.

Community at Its Core

What really brings The Parade to life are the community gatherings that happen year-round. The park transforms for concerts by the KC Symphony, becomes a center for cultural heritage during Juneteenth celebrations, and hosts various community festivals that bring neighbors together.

One of the unexpected bonuses? The park offers some pretty impressive views of the Kansas City skyline, making it a nice spot to catch your breath and appreciate the blend of nature and urban landscape. The space has witnessed Kansas City's evolution over more than a century.

Beyond the Park Boundaries

Right next to The Parade stands the Urban Youth Academy, a baseball facility that's become a valuable resource for local kids. This modern addition complements the park's historic character while expanding recreational opportunities for the next generation of Kansas Citians.