Parade Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Parade Park is a public park located in Kansas City, Missouri.


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Summary

The park was established in 1945 and spans over 80 acres. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a wide variety of activities and attractions.

One of the main reasons to visit Parade Park is its beautiful scenery. The park features lush greenery, rolling hills, and picturesque paths that are perfect for walking or jogging. There are also several picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a great spot for families.

Parade Park is home to several notable attractions, including the Gem Theater and the American Jazz Museum. The Gem Theater is a historic venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz, while the American Jazz Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of jazz music in America.

Another interesting point of interest in Parade Park is the Buck O'Neil Education and Research Center. This center is dedicated to the legacy of Buck O'Neil, a legendary baseball player and coach who played a key role in breaking down racial barriers in the sport.

If you're looking for an interesting fact about Parade Park, you might be interested to know that it was once the site of the annual Juneteenth celebration, which commemorates the end of slavery in the United States.

The best time of year to visit Parade Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round and offers activities for visitors during all four seasons.

Overall, Parade Park is a must-visit destination in Missouri for anyone interested in history, music, or outdoor recreation. With its beautiful scenery, interesting attractions, and rich cultural heritage, it is a truly unique and memorable experience.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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