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Parks & Recreation

The vision of the Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department is to be the place and time where memorable and fulfilling moments happen in the lives of the citizens we serve.

The mission of the Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department is to improve the lives of all Kirksville citizens, maintain high-quality parks and facilities, offer exceptional programming, and enrich the identity of this community through special events.


The Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for managing the Kirksville Aquatic Center, all City parks, and trails. We strive to enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors by providing a variety of amenities and services. Our parks cater to all age groups, offering opportunities for fun and enjoyment. 

In 2022, the comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan was developed. This modern planning document serves as a roadmap for capital improvement projects, funding strategies, maintenance standards, and guides future park expansion, programs, and recreational needs for the next 15 years. Explore the Master Plan and its Appendix to learn more about our vision for the future of parks and recreation in Kirksville.

The City of Kirksville offers the Tribute Tree and Memorial Bench Program, allowing citizens to commemorate a loved one by planting a tree or installing a bench in a city facility. Discover how you can take part in our Tribute Tree and Memorial Bench Program.

Owners of residential property that abuts a public right of way owned by the City may be eligible for the Residential Street Tree Program. Due to the impacts of the Emerald Ash Borer, this program gives preference to the replacement of affected trees.

You can register for any program or event, purchase boat permits and reserve facilities using the Program Registration Portal.

The City of Kirksville offers a variety of activities designed for everyone in your family, from children to adults. Sign up today for alerts from the Parks and Recreation Department so you know when programs and events are happening. You can also follow us on Facebook for frequent reminders of what's happening. Be sure to mark your calendar for upcoming activities! 

The Kirksville Aquatic Center is open all year round and offers many fitness classes and swim lessons.


Indoor Pool Birthday Parties 

The indoor pool party cove can be reserved for $25 per hour during our regular winter hours of operation.  In addition to the rental fee, admission must be paid for everyone who attends the party. Admission is discounted to $6 per swimmer and $4 for each non-swimmer. Guests may use pool passes for their admission. Email Cody Bryant at c.bryant@kirksvillecity.com to schedule a birthday party. 

Cake, ice cream, drinks and other treats may be brought in for the party. No glass containers are allowed. Reminder, children 8 and under must be accompanied in the water by an adult.

Water Park Birthday Parties 

An outdoor shade cabaña can be reserved for $25 per hour during our regular summer hours of operation.  In addition to the rental fee, admission must be paid for everyone who attends the party. Admission is discounted to $6 per swimmer and $4 for each non-swimmer. Guests may use pool passes for their admission. Email Cody Bryant at c.bryant@kirksvillecity.com to schedule a birthday party. 

Cake, ice cream, drinks and other treats may be brought in for the party. Pizza may be pre-ordered from the concession stand for $13 a pizza.  No glass containers are allowed. Reminder, children 8 and under must be accompanied in the water by an adult.

The Kirksville Parks and Recreation Department now offers a Scholarship Program to provide financial assistance to qualifying program participants.   

Consider utilizing these Sponsorship Opportunities to promote your business or organization while supporting recreational opportunities for thousands each year. 

It is the policy of the City of Kirksville to make City parks, lakes, streets, and other facilities available to its citizens within the rules and regulations governing such facilities. 

Learn more about applying for a Special Event.

The City of Kirksville’s Parks and Recreation Department is proud to offer a wide variety of programs and special events for the citizens of Kirksville. To keep registration fees low, the Department relies on partnerships with local businesses and community organizations. Consider utilizing one of the following sponsorship offerings to promote your business or organization while supporting recreational opportunities for thousands of individuals each year. Ten percent of all program sponsorships will go directly to the Kirksville Parks and Recreation scholarship fund to help reduce financial barriers in our community.

For more information on how you can participate, please contact Luke Callaghan at lcallaghan@kirksville.gov, or by calling 660.627.1485.

2025 Sponsorship Package

Lifeguards

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age.
Lifeguard training provided at no cost.

Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of patrons in the aquatic facility and wading pools by preventing and responding to emergencies. 

Apply Now


Swimming Lessons Instructors

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age.
Previous teaching experience preferred.

Swim Instructors are responsible for conducting group and private swimming lessons following provided lesson plans.

Apply Now


Admissions Desk Workers

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age,
and possess excellent customer service skills.

Admissions Workers are responsible for greeting patrons as they enter the Aquatic Center, and recording transactions.

Apply Now


Concessions Stand Workers

Applicants must be at least 15 years of age.
Food handler training provided at no cost.

Concessions Workers are responsible for greeting patrons while taking orders, recording transactions, preparing and handling concessions food.

Apply Now


Seasonal Park Maintenance Worker

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
Previous mowing experience preferred.

Park Maintenance Workers are responsible for upkeep of all city park lands including the daily markings of ballfields.

Apply Now


Umpires

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
Preseason training provided at no cost.

Umpires are responsible for officiating youth baseball and softball games during the KBSL season.

Apply Now 


Seasonal Water Plant Maintenance Worker

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Apply Now


Seasonal Waste Water Maintenance Worker

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Previous mowing experience preferred.

Apply Now


Seasonal Utility Maintenance Worker

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Apply Now


Seasonal Streets Maintenance Worker

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Apply Now

Phone:  660.627.1485

Fax: 660.627.1419

Address: 801 E. Mill Street


Parks and Recreation Director
Robin Harden
rlharden@kirksville.gov

Assistant Parks and Recreation Director
Luke Callaghan
lcallaghan@kirksville.gov

Recreation Coordinator
Keegan Whisler
kwhisler@kirksville.gov

Aquatics Specialist
Cody Bryant
c.bryant@kirksville.gov