Parks and Recreation to Dedicate Philips Park with Fishing Derby

Columbia Parks and Recreation is planning a dedication ceremony and fishing derby for the public at A. Perry Philips Park on May 21. Registration for the fishing derby will start at 9 a.m.; the dedication will be held at 9:30 a.m. The derby will start at the conclusion of the dedication.

Philips Park is located at 5050 Bristol Lake Parkway. The first phase of construction of the park was recently completed. Features include a fishing dock and boat ramp at the 40-acre lake, restrooms, parking lot, single table picnic shelters, and lake perimeter trail.

Parks and Recreation is collaborating with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on the fishing derby, free for all ages. Categories will be divided by age: 10 and under, and 11 to adult. Those between the ages of 16 and 64 must present a valid Missouri fishing license. Registration forms with details are available online at www.GoColumbiaMo.com. The derby is catch and release only. MDC will provide some poles and bait for those who do not have one.

Funding for the first phase of development of Philips Park came from the Park Sales Tax and a grant from MDC. The park will be developed as part of the southeast regional park, along with Gans Creek Recreation Area. Future development will be done over many years as funding becomes available.

For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 874-7460.