We are in the middle of summer, and you might be near the end of checking things off of your bucket list. Or, like me, you don’t have a bucket list and are simply running out of new ideas. So, I am happy to report there is a brand new park in Shawnee called Wilder Bluff located just off K7 and Johnson Drive! The 40+ acre park opened on July 6 and truly has something for everyone.
If you’d like to check it out, mark your calendars for Saturday, July 10th for the Welcome to Wilder event. Head on out to 24200 W. 55th St. from 10 a.m. to noon to join in on duck races on the splash pad, a scavenger hunt and tons more fun!
A few highlights from Winder Bluff Park
Splash Pad:
This is a natural looking splash pad complete with boulders, a shallow river, waterfall, and low bridge. Parents can perch on the rocks, steps, or a nearby bench while watching their kids cool off in the water. We’ve seen kids having a blast with small water toys and boats that float through the shallow channel. The splash pad water is on daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Definitely recommend your kiddos wearing their swimsuits.
Treetop Canopy Climb:
Everyone can climb through the treetop canopy play area that ends with a fun tunnel slide or cargo net climb. Just a heads up that if you have littles, keep an extra eye on them to make sure their little feet don’t get caught in the net!
Play Areas:
There is an upper part to the playground that features a little house with ropes inside called “The Boo.” My kids think it is a spider web clubhouse, but only because of the ropes and not actual spider webs! It also has a pair of rope disc swings, a cone-shaped climber spinner (yes, that’s my technical term), and a slide built into the hillside.
Trail:
Bring your running shoes, bikes, scooters, hoverboards, roller skates, or skateboards to explore the paved 1+ mile trail that winds back through the south end of the park. There are parts that are shaded in the woods and other open areas. You’ll also find a gorgeous lookout area that is perfect for a snack stop.
Musical Instruments:
There are several music stations where kids can have a little jam band!
Shelter:
There is a beautiful shelter that provides shade, tables, crockpot ledge with electrical outlets, and a fireplace. You can reserve the shelter for birthday parties or any other gatherings for dates starting in August.
Restrooms:
There are restrooms (with changing tables coming soon!) on the south side of the shelter. There is also a water fountain with a water bottle filler so you can stay hydrated.
Accessibility:
There are wide, paved paths that wind around the play area to allow for easy access to the splash pad and other features.
Can’t wait for you to experience Wilder Bluff Park!
There are tons of parks and trails to explore in Shawnee, so for information on all of them, head to cityofshawnee.org/parks. Shawnee just opened up an expanded splash pad at Erfurt Park at 24135 W. 71st St., so there are plenty of places to cool off.
And don’t forget to check out our awesome Kansas City Mom Collective Park Guide for parks to visit throughout the metro!
