City of Parkville
Parkville continues to be recognized for its strong quality of life and as one of the top places to live in Missouri. The voter-approved one-half percent park sales tax increase has funded several new park projects that will also further enhance the city’s trails, parks, and recreational facilities.
Developments, both residential and commercial, are popping up around Parkville, with the biggest boom in the Creekside area, located in western Parkville at I-435 and Hwy 45. In 2022, new residential projects were approved for Platte 38 and Village on the Green near The National and Nature Sanctuary at Riss Lake. Commercial projects, like Dairy Queen, Wells Bank, What-a-Burger, and Taco Bell, were also approved.
The City of Parkville provides many municipal services including parks, community development, police, public works, and municipal court. Parkville offers residents the comfort of a small town with the amenities of a much larger city.
PARKVILLE PARKS DEPARTMENT
Parkville is home to five parks, two nature sanctuaries, and miles of trails. English Landing Park and Platte Landing Park are central community hubs for jogging, biking, community performances, entertainment, dog parks, and a boat ramp for easy access to the Missouri River.
• English Landing Park
English Landing Park is a 68-acre facility with several amenities, including three miles of walking trails, a certified 5k/10k course, a large playground area, picnic shelters, two stages, sand volleyball courts, ball fields, pickleball courts, and a disc golf course. The park, with its scenic walking trails that parallel the winding Missouri River, is like none other in the metro area. English Landing Park attracts a wide variety of users from bicyclists to walking or running enthusiasts – there is a recreation outlet for all to enjoy.
• Platte Landing Park
Platte Landing Park is a 140-acre park located adjacent to English Landing Park on the Missouri River and includes two miles of trails, off-leash areas for dogs (one area for large dogs and one area for smaller dogs), and a boat ramp into the main channel of the Missouri River. The park is owned by the city and is open 5 am-midnight. Shade structures at the dog parks provide refuge during hot summer days and inclement weather.
• Pocket Park
Located in the downtown historic district, Pocket Park is a central gathering location. The unique downtown ambiance has a magnetic draw to all those who may happen to pass by. The park includes a tiered garden, a small stage area, benches, a terrace, and an engraved brick garden.
In 2022, the city made improvements to the frontage of the park including bollards for safety and planters for aesthetics. The Grigsby statue is relocated to a new location in the upper terrace. Additional improvements will be completed as funding becomes available.
• Watkins Park
Watkins Park is one of the city’s two neighborhood parks, located just a few blocks from Main Street at the intersection of West and 10th Street. The first phase of the Watkins Park Master Plan was completed in 2022 that includes upgrades to the parking lot, fencing, stream bank, loop trail. A new shelter and playground equipment were also added to the park. The second and final phase will be completed as funding becomes available.
• Adams Park
Adams Park is a small neighborhood park located just off Main Street at the intersection of 13th and Walnut Street. Adams Park will receive improvements in the future which will include a loop trail, fencing, playground, new parking area, and shelter work
• Parkville Nature Sanctuary
ParkvilleMo.gov/departments/nature-sanctuary
The Parkville Nature Sanctuary is a wildlife preserve and educational site developed and maintained by the City of Parkville with the help of a group of extraordinary volunteers. The Parkville Nature Sanctuary is a 115-acre natural outdoor area made accessible by nearly three miles of hiking trails. A shelter known as the Girl Scout Cabin can be reserved in three-hour increments in the Nature Sanctuary. The main entrance of the Parkville Nature Sanctuary is located below the Platte County Health Department at 12th Street and Highway 9 and is open from dawn to dusk. There is no vehicle access or utilities available at the shelter.
Several events are held at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary every year. The most popular event is Ghost Stories – an event held around Halloween where visitors can listen to spooky stories and music in front of a fireplace, walk a haunted trail or a pumpkin-lined trail and make s’mores. The pumpkins that line the trail are carved by volunteers at a pumpkin carving event held the Thursday before Ghost Stories. In the summer, kids between the ages of 6 and 13 are invited to hike the trails and along the creeks, make bird feeders and enjoy archery. In December, Winter Wonderland is free outdoor, hands-on learning event for families of all ages where participants make wildlife-themed crafts, sip hot cocoa and take a holiday-themed hike through the sanctuary to see Santa!
Daily operations of the Parkville Nature Sanctuary are overseen by Director, Kristen Bontrager, and part-time Assistant Director, Wayne Frazier. If you have questions about the Parkville Nature Sanctuary, email Director Kristen Bontrager at kbontrager@parkvillemo.gov
• Sullivan Nature Sanctuary
parkvillemo.gov/nature-sanctuary/sullivan-nature-sanctuary
The Sullivan Nature Sanctuary is 7.63 acres and is located on the north side of Platte Landing Park along Rush Creek, west of the bridge entry. Because of its proximity to the riverfront parks, dogs are allowed in the Sullivan Nature Sanctuary. The land, donated by members of the Sullivan family, includes acreage that is reserved for future parkland.
• Parkville Farmers’ Market
parkvillefarmersmarket.com/
The Parkville Farmers’ Market, operated by the Parkville Farmers Market Association, is a friendly grower-verified market located downtown outside English Landing Park. It has a wide selection of locally grown and produced assorted fruits and vegetables, meats, farm fresh eggs, local honey and honey by-products, jams and jellies, homemade baked breads and sweet treats, plants and cut flowers, herbs, mushrooms and more. The Farmers’ Market is open from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays (April-October) and from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays (June-September). The season begins in late April and ends in late October.
PARKVILLE EVENTS
parkvillemo.gov/guidelines-events-parkville
Parkville has numerous partnerships with organizations who take advantage of our city parks, nature Sanctuary, and associated shelters and grounds. Your organization can also enjoy your next professional or personal event by contacting the City of Parkville Parks and Recreation Director, Brittanie Propes, at bpropes@parkvillemo.gov. To find out more about planning your event in Parkville, visit the city’s website.
• Parkville Days
One of downtown Parkville’s largest festivals, Parkville Days, features a variety of family-friendly entertainment beginning with a parade which is hosted by the Main Street Parkville Association. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy live music along the Missouri River and on Main Street. The Evans Midland Empire Carnival is open all weekend, starting Friday at 6 pm. Browse and enjoy arts & crafts, retail, food, and specialty booths. Participating downtown shops will host their “end of summer” sales and specials... and much more!
• Christmas on the River
Another event hosted by the Main Street Parkville Association is Parkville’s annual celebration of the holiday season with Christmas on the River that is held the 1st Friday in December. Enjoy holiday entertainment, take photos with Santa Claus and holiday characters, kid’s activities, hayrides through English Landing Park and a holiday firework show.
• 4th of July Celebration
Parkville’s traditional salute to Independence Day is hosted by the Main Street Parkville Association. The event includes a pancake breakfast, community parade, food, fun, shopping, kid’s activities, a skydiving exhibition, and a fireworks finale.
• Cruise Nights
Parkville Cruise Nights, hosted by the Main Street Parkville Association, are held in historic downtown Parkville. Hang out with friends at the classic car show, listen to music and check out all the cars, while also exploring downtown Parkville. Come early to enjoy shopping at Parkville’s unique stores and dine atyour favorite local restaurant – all within walking distance.
CITY-WIDE WASTE DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES
parkvillemo.gov/residents/recycling-waste-disposal
Parkville residents have several options to recycle and get rid of unwanted materials, yard waste, household hazardous waste and other materials at events throughout the year. More information about all the events is available on the city’s website at.
• Electronics Recycling
On the first Saturday of every even month, starting in February and going until October, any Parkville resident can recycle electronics, which essentially includes everything that has a cord or battery (working or not). Most items are free, but there are charges to recycle certain electronics so be sure to check the city’s website for specifics.
• Paper Shredding
In conjunction with the electronics recycling events, Parkville residents can drop off paper that will be securely shredded on-site.
• Cleanup Events
The city holds two cleanup events annually, one in the spring and one in the fall, for Parkville residents only. Items collected include small limbs, leaves, and grass, used batteries, scrap metal, water heaters, auto parts, metal products, air conditioners without compressor, washers and dryers without motor, tires, furniture, and other household debris.
• Curbside Events
Every year in October, the city will pick up, at curbside, such items as yard waste and household debris for residents in Parkville. Only items that can be carried by one person are accepted.
• Household Hazardous Waste Collection
www.recyclespot.org/HHW.aspx
Parkville is a member of the Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program (HHW). Residents have year-round access* to the safe disposal of unwanted products such as paint, lawn and garden chemicals, automotive fluids, batteries, florescent bulbs, and house cleaners. Business waste is not accepted.
*This is year-round access due to the ability of Parkville residents to utilize locations that participate in the annual HHW program. This listing can be found on the Mid-America Regional Council’s website.
• Yard Waste Drop Off
For 4-6 weeks in the spring and fall, Parkville residents may drop off yard waste at no charge at 6305 NW River Park Drive, Riverside. Yard waste does not have to be bagged and proof of residency is required.
• Route 9 Improvements
Route 9 is a state highway that cuts through Parkville and provides access to Highway 45 on the north side and Interstate 635 to the east. In 2022, the city substantially completed the first two phases of improvements from Highway 45 to Lakeview Drive. Improvements included curb and gutter, stormwater improvements, a ten-foot shared-use path for non-motorized users, sidewalks, a traffic signal at 63rd Street, marked crosswalks and pedestrian lighting.
In addition to the segments completed in 2022, previous improvements were made along the corridor that included the entryway sign at the eastern edge of Park University, two stone pillars on the east side of White Alloe Creek when entering downtown Parkville, new streetlights with banner brackets in front of Park University, and the train depot, as well as improvements to the intersection at 6th Street.
PARKVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
parkvillemo.gov/departments/police-dept/police-services/community-assistance-fund
The Parkville Police Department personifies servant leadership in the Parkville community. The quality of community relationships between citizens and individuals of the Police Department represents a high degree of positive engagement, communications, and involvement within Parkville. They continually strive to build relationships within our city, region, and state. Under Chief Kevin L. Chrisman’s leadership, his team promotes a sense of group connection where members are encouraged to interact with citizens – maintaining focus on the importance of collaboration and visibility in the community. This natural approach to personal interactions between police officers and community members builds mutual trust – essential to addressing any existing or future problems.
There are numerous programs within the city where the Police Department makes great effort to reach citizens of all ages. For example, in 2010, Chief Chrisman and his team started the Parkville Police Community Assistance Fund (PPCAF) to assist children and families in need during the holiday season. Over the years, several programs have been implemented and many people in need have benefited from the fund. Some of the regular programs include Back to School, in which children are provided backpacks, school supplies, clothing and food, as needed; Park Village Apartments senior holiday luncheon; and the largest program is Shop with a Cop always held in December.
These programs are possible due to the many generous donors that support these worthwhile efforts, year-in and year-out. To learn more about the PPCAF please visit the city’s website.
PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works Department oversees public wastewater and storm water services for most of the city. This department includes two divisions: Operations (Streets) and Wastewater. For the remaining services, including fire protection, ambulance, water, gas and electric, the city partners with the Southern Platte Fire Protection District, Missouri American Water, Spire, and Evergy.
The Streets division of Public Works is responsible for maintaining a growing network of approximately 100 lane miles of pavement, rights-of-way, sidewalks, and storm drains. Potholes, pavement cracks, mowing, storm sewer repairs, and snow removal are only some of their responsibilities.
Sewer operations, under a contract with Alliance Water Resources, is responsible for maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant, six pump stations and sewer collection system. The Sewer Fund is an enterprise fund used to operate and maintain the city’s sewer service system. It is funded by the revenue collected from charges on customers using the service.
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Code enforcement is one of the responsibilities of the Community Development Department. It is a shared responsibility of all residents, property owners, and city Government. They enforce the Property Maintenance Code to ensure that the city preserves its safety, welfare, and appearance
The goal of code enforcement is to obtain compliance and improve the quality of our neighborhoods. Complaints can be submitted anonymously to the city via its online Code Complaint System found on their website and should include the specific location (address, parcel numbers and/or other descriptive details). Other methods of submitting a complaint are by phone at (816) 741-7676 or in person at Parkville City Hall, 8880 Clark Avenue.
