Frequently Asked Questions

For an ice rink to be developed in Columbia, a location would need to be selected, capital funds would need to be identified for the construction of the facility and an operating pro forma would need to be prepared that demonstrates the facility is financially sustainable; and if not, City funds would need to be available to subsidize the annual operating costs. All past research conducted indicated that an annual subsidy would be required. A location is reserved in the A. Perry Philips Park Master Planopens PDF file (revised master plan approved at the March 4, 2019 Council Meeting) potentially for the development of a future ice rink (identified as “Future Recreation Facility”) should circumstances arise that would enable  the City of Columbia to move forward on the development of an ice rink in Columbia, MO.

Q:  Where can I go fishing?

A:  See Hunting & Fishing Regulations for Columbia Parks. Also, see Winter Trout Fishing at Cosmo-Bethel Park.

Q:  How do I reserve a shelter?

A:  Several shelters in various parks are reservable.  If they are not reserved, shelters are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Reservations will be taken up to 364 days in advance.  The fee is required on the date the reservation is made.  Shelter reservations may be made over the phone if paid by credit or debit card.  For more information or to reserve a shelter, call 573-874-7460 during normal business hours.  See Picnic Shelter Reservations for more information.

Q:  How do I reserve a ball field?

A:  Anyone will be permitted to reserve fields for practice where fields are available.  Teams must pay for and reserve the fields in advance.  Fees are required on the date the reservation is made and are not refundable.  If the fields are unplayable due to weather related conditions only, the field reservation can either be rescheduled or a letter of credit will be issued.  FIELDS MUST BE RESCHEDULED WITHIN ONE WORKING DAY OF RAINED OUT DATE.   You can reserve up to 2 hours maximum, but not 1 1/2 hours. Please call 874-7460 for rate information. (See also Softball/Baseball Facilities and Soccer Facilities for rental rates)

Q:  How do I find out about cancellations?

A:  In case of program or game cancellations, the information will be placed on our hotline at 573-874-7663.  Game cancellation decisions will be made at 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and between 6:00-6:30 a.m. for all other sports on the weekend and announced on KOOL, KCMQ, KFRU, KTGR, KFMZ, and KCLR radio stations.

Subscribing to the Parks & Recreation listservs will provide current information about game status or cancellations by sending the subscriber an e-mail message containing specific information.

These listservs are available for cancellation updates:

• Soccer – Status of games on all Parks and Recreation fields.
• Youth Baseball/Softball – Status of all Diamond Council games.
• Adult Softball – Status of adult league games at Rainbow Softball Center.
• Indoor Sports – Status of adult basketball, adult volleyball, and adult noon club basketball and volleyball.
• Youth Basketball – Status of Columbia Youth Basketball Association (CYBA) games.
• Youth Football – Status of Columbia Youth Football League (CYFL) games.
• Youth Lacrosse – Status of Mid-Missouri Lacrosse League (MMLL) games.

You may sign up by visiting the WebMail registration page.

Q:  How do I register for a program or activity?

A:  There are five easy ways to register.  Check Leisure Times for program information.

1. On-line: You can now register on-line for most programs and activities. The Parks & Recreation On-line Program Registration System is a simple, secure, and convenient program which allows you to locate recreational activities and register anytime or anywhere a computer with Internet access is available.
2. Walk in:  1 S. Seventh St. – Gentry Building – Monday through Friday – 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
3. Mail in:  Call first to be sure there is available space.  This does not guarantee placement in the class activity.  A receipt and class information will be sent.  You may use your MasterCard, VISA or Discover charge cards.  Include your account number, expiration date, and signature on the mail-in form.  Make checks payable to “City of Columbia.”  Mail registration to:  Columbia Parks and Recreation, P. O. Box 6015, Columbia, MO  65205.
4. Phone in:  573-874-7460, TTY 573-874-6395.  Phone-in registration will be accepted with your MasterCard, VISA, or Discover charge cards Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
5. Fax in:  Complete registration form and fax to 573-874-7640.  MasterCard, VISA or Discover cards only.

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Q: Do the golf course hours vary in the winter months?

A: Yes, inclement weather affects whether the golf courses are open and their hours. Please call each golf course for daily hours of operation information. Lake of the Woods Golf Course – (573)474-7011 and L.A. Nickell Golf Course – (573)445-4213.

Q: Should we feed the waterfowl at the parks?

A: No, please do NOT feed the waterfowl. Parks and Recreation is working with the USDA Wildlife Service to protect the health of our park birds and wildlife. Feeding these wild animals creates dependence, promotes the spread of disease, and upsets the natural cycles. Thank you for your cooperation.

Q: Are there any plans to add an aquatic facility on the south side of Columbia?

A: The “short answer” to your question is an easy yes in that the Parks & Recreation Department has planned for a public swimming facility on the south side of Columbia for many years, although it remains unfunded. The 2013 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan identifies two existing parks as sites for aquatic improvements: Twin Lakes Recreation Area and Philips Park. The Master Plan lists recommended capital improvements projects at both locations, however, as of 2014, both are unfunded. These projects may be considered each time the Park Sales Tax comes up for renewal.

Plans tentatively may include a new small 25 meter pool, hillside slide and sprayground at Twin Lakes, to complement recent improvements at Little Mates Cove. (See revised master plan for Twin Lakesopens PDF file )

Philips Park, which along with Gans Creek Recreation Area comprises the southeast regional park, would possibly one day feature an outdoor water park. (See Southeast Regional Park Master Planopens PDF file )

Q: When are restrooms and water fountains closed and open for the season?

A: Most non-heated park restrooms and drinking fountains are closed beginning October 15 and re-opened by April 15. 

We have the following ten heated restrooms that are open year-round:

• Stephens Lake Park – 1 (Southside near Gordon Shelter)
• Cosmo-Bethel Park – 1
• Cosmo Park – 2 (Nickell/Lamb restroom and restroom just north of the roundabout)
• Albert-Oakland Park – 1 (by Shelter 2)
• MKT Trail at Scott Blvd. – 1
• MKT Trail at Forum Blvd. – 1
• Garth Nature Area – 1
• Grindstone Nature Area – 1

The following water fountains are open year round:

October marks the time when many parks and outdoor facilities find their use decreasing with each drop of the thermometer. Park staff closes and winterizes the restrooms.

What does “winterizing” mean ? First, many park restrooms, pool bathhouses, and concession stands do not have heat. If it gets below freezing, they run the risk of water lines and valves breaking causing several thousand dollars worth of damage. Therefore, before the temperatures start to freeze, these facilities are closed and winterized by draining the water from all vulnerable lines.

When do facilities close? Generally speaking, the goal is to have all non-heated facilities closed beginning October 15. This date is a fairly standard closing date for many municipalities in Missouri. All facilities are re-opened by April 15. Some exceptions apply to special-use facilities.

When do special-use facilities close? It varies depending on the facility and use. For example, the concession/restroom facilities located at the Rainbow Softball Center, soccer and the Antimi complexes remain open until their respective seasons end, usually around the first of November. Park staff uses electric heaters to prolong the use of these facilities.

When it warms up, why don’t you unlock the restrooms? There are times when Missouri temps will be unseasonably warm even in December and January, so why aren’t the restrooms unlocked during those warm days? It’s not as simple as just turning the water back on and unlocking the door. In addition to draining the lines, all of the stainless steel valves have to be disassembled and RV antifreeze added to the lines. This takes about 8 hours of labor per each restroom and a bit longer to reassemble and safely remove the antifreeze. It is not cost efficient to close and re-open restrooms multiple times throughout the winter along with the added risk of lines freezing and breaking if staff is unable to get them re-winterized in time.

So, as you plan your events, please be aware of facility closing dates.

Q: May we use tiki torches, campfires, or candle luminaries in parks?

A: No open flames, candles or torches of any type are allowed. The Parks & Rec Department suggests that you use battery powered lights to achieve the candle luminaries effect. Sterno cans for heating food only is allowed.

Q: Is alcohol allowed in the park?

A: Alcohol is generally allowed in all city parks, except for the following which can be allowed under a permit by the Parks & Recreation Director: Paquin Park, Flat Branch Park, and Village Square Park. Sales are not permitted and alcohol cannot be consumed by minors. Alcohol is not allowed to be brought in to restricted-use areas, such as ballfield complexes and swimming pools, or other defined areas that sell concessions or require a fee for entry.

Q: Who do I contact on the weekend if I have an issue with my reservation?

A: Please contact a Park Ranger at one of the following numbers: 573-999-4583, 573-808-4870, or 573-999-7201. If you cannot reach a Park Ranger, please contact the Columbia Police Department non-emergency number at 573-442-6131.

Q: Are dogs allowed in the ballparks?

A: No, with the exception of service dogs (to assist people with disabilities).

Q: Can I use a metal detector in a park?

A: Yes, with some restrictions. Metal detectors may be used in park open space areas to find items that are lying on the surface of the ground. Digging, removal, or any damage to the ground surface to find items is NOT allowed and is prohibited by City Code.

Any items found that are not owned by the finder should be turned in to the Parks and Recreation Department’s lost and found, with the purpose of notifying and returning the item to the original owner. (See Section 17-133.) If after 30 days the item is not claimed by the owner, the finder may claim the item.

In restricted-use facilities, such as pools and athletic complexes, metal detectors are not allowed except to find a specific lost item. The manager of the facility should be notified when the item is lost. Permission to use a metal detector at these restricted-use facilities will be granted by the manager and will be at a time when the facility is open to the public and will not interfere with scheduled activities.

Q: Describe Parks and Recreation’s use of Roundup? (Answer posted 1/24/20)

The following list includes steps the Parks and Recreation (P&R) Department has taken to promote responsible trail behavior in order to minimize trail-user conflicts:

• The  opens in a new windowColumbia Trail Guideopens PDF file  includes a trail system map, rules/regulations, and safety etiquette guidelines. Trail Guides are available on our website at all major trailheads, bike shops and Parks and Recreation facilities. Guides are also distributed during outreach events at community/campus special events and all bike education classes.
• The P&R Department recently installed 24 trailside information signs designed to educate trail users on rules/regulations and safety/etiquette . (See photo to the right of the trailside sign at Scott Blvd.)
• Social media messages regarding responsible trail behavior are regularly posted on Columbia Parks and Recreation Facebook and Twitter accounts.
• City staff members routinely communicate with Park Patrol Volunteers and Park Rangers regarding reported trail user conflicts. 
• Educational flyers with trail user safety messages (i.e. “limit use of earbuds to one ear to remain alert while walking”) are posted at all trailhead kiosks.
• Department staff members participate in outreach efforts with recreational and competitive cycling groups asking for their cooperation in promoting responsible trail behavior.  

Recent trail design improvements aimed at enhancing trail safety include the following:

• The addition of a yellow center line to paved surfaces of all trails.
• Where the surface allows, the word “SLOW” has been stenciled onto the trail at blind corners and high traffic areas.
• The P&R Department is in the process of installing trail speed limit signs at major access locations on the MKT Trail. Speed limit signs educate cyclists about the City Ordinance regulating trail speed to 15 MPH. The signs will be installed in spring 2020. (One of the main issues with implementing a trail speed limit ordinance is difficulty with enforcement.  Most cyclists do not use a speedometer, so they have no idea how fast they’re going.  The P&R Department is working with the Columbia Police Department to develop a plan for selected enforcement. ) 

Q: What if I encounter a snake in a park or park lake?