Columbia Parks and Recreation provides many options for hosting your private party, reunion, company meeting, wedding, or wedding reception. Many outdoor picnic shelters, indoor facilities, and outdoor venues are available for reservation by the public. Minimum age to make a facility reservation is 21. Neighborhood picnic shelters are not reservable, but are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Contact information
Parks & Recreation Department
1 S 7th Street
Columbia, MO 65201
Fax #: 573.874.7640opens phone dialer
Phone: 573.874.7460opens phone dialer
Quick links
- Reservation Information
- Picnic Shelter Reservation Choices and Prices
- Indoor Facility Reservation Choices and Prices
- Picnic Areas
- Outdoor Facilities Available for Special Events
- Non-reservable Park Shelter Information
- Parks and Facilities Guideopens PDF file (with map)
- Recreation Equipment Rentalsopens PDF file
Reservation information
Several of the City’s picnic shelters and facilities are available for reservation. Choose a date, time, and facility, then call the administrative office at 573.874.7460opens phone dialer or come downtown to the Gentry Building, 1 S 7th Street, to make a reservation. Payment is due when reservation is made. The following policies apply to reservations:
- View facility availability online! Call 573.874.7460opens phone dialer to make your reservation with a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover.
- Shelters and facilities may be reserved up to 364 days in advance of the desired date.
- Shelter and indoor facility reservation fees are due at the time of reservation. Phone reservations may be paid with a Visa, Mastercard or Discover credit or debit card.
- A permit will be issued and must be with you during the use of the shelter or facility, as proof of your reservation.
- Reservation fees are not refundable. Shelter reservations can be transferred to another available date or shelter up to 14 days prior to the original reservation date. Reservations are not refundable due to weather.
- Some events require a Park or Shelter Special Use Permit in addition to a shelter reservation. Refer to Special Use Permits to see if your event meets the criteria.
- Park restrooms are closed between October 15 and April 15, except for selected restrooms that are open year round at Stephens Lake Park, Cosmo Park (near Nickell Shelter & Football Field #4), Cosmo-Bethel Park, Albert-Oakland Park (near shelters 2 & 3)and MKT Trail.
- Reservation times may be in the following time range: 9 a.m. – park closing hours. Shelters only have one reservation per day with the exception of Cosmo Park and Stephens Lake Park – which reservations can begin at 8 a.m. and can be reserved in full or half day rentals. Please see fee chart below.
- Trash is emptied and shelters are cleaned in the early morning hours. Therefore, it is possible other park users may use the shelter before rental party arrives. Shelter reservations guarantee use of the shelter only – no other conditions implied.
- Recreation equipment is available for rental from the downtown Parks and Recreation Department.
- All Park Rules and Regulations apply.
Click on shelter name to view shelter and additional information.
Click on park name to go to that park’s web page.
Reservable Park Shelters | |||
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Park Name | Shelter Name | Reservation Cost (Beginning 10/1/19) | Size | Square Feet | # of Picnic Tables | Seating Capacity | Parking Spaces | Recommended Group Size (Limit) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Albert-Oakland Park | Shelter #1(access Edris Drive) | $45 | 25’x42′ | 1,050 | 8 | 64 | 55 | 80 |
Albert-Oakland Park | Shelter #2(access Blueridge Rd.) | $45 | 55’x33′ | 1,815 | 11 | 88 | 135 | 100 |
Albert-Oakland Park | Shelter #3 (access Blueridge Rd.) | $45 | 30’x58′ | 1,740 | 9 | 72 | 135 | 100 |
Bonnie View Nature Sanctuary | Bonnie View Shelter | $45 | 26’x46′ | 1,196 | 9 | 72 | 29 + bus parking | 100 |
Cosmo Park (CCRA) | Half Day: | Half Day $45 Full Day $60 | 40’x54′ | 2,160 | 8 | 64 | 218+ | 100 |
Cosmo Park (CCRA) | Half Day: | Half Day $55 Full Day $70 | 46’x80′ | 3,680 | 20 | 160 | 62+ | 200 |
Cosmo Park (CCRA) | Half Day: | Half Day $55 Full Day $70 | 78’x42′ | 3,276 | 18 | 144 | 82+ | 200 |
Cosmo Park (CCRA) | Full Day: | Full Day $30 | 19’x25′ | 475 | 5 | 40 | 18+ | 40 |
Cosmo Park (CCRA) | Half Day: | Half Day $45 Full Day $60 | 26’x46′ | 1,196 | 8 | 64 | 80 | 100 |
Cosmo Park (CCRA) | Half Day: | Half Day $55 Full Day $70 | 45’x80′ | 3,600 | 20 | 160 | 62+ | 200 |
Cosmo Park (CCRA) | Half Day: | Half Day $55 Full Day $70 | 32’x50 | 1,600 | 12 | 96 | 100+ | 200 |
Cosmo Park (CCRA) | Thomas H. Rapp Shelter | Reserved only w/tennis court rental | 26’x19′ | 494 | 2 | 16 | 16 | 20 |
Cosmo-Bethel Park | Ficklin Shelter | $45 | 26’x46′ | 1,196 | 8 | 64 | 80 | 100 |
Cosmo-Bethel Park | Leech Shelter | $55 | 78’x42′ | 3,276 | 18 | 144 | 110 | 200 |
Fairview Park | Fairview Shelter | $45 | 45’x23′ | 1,035 | 7 | 56 | 0 | 80 |
Indian Hills Park | Indian Hills Shelter | $45 | 28’x28′ | 784 | 3 | 24 | 15 | 40 |
Jay Dix Station | Jay Dix Shelter | $45 | 30′ x 18′ | 540 | 4 | 32 | 65 | 40 |
Kiwanis Park | CK Odor Shelter (College Park Drive) | $45 | 60’x40′ | 2,400 | 13 | 104 | 22 | 60 |
Kiwanis Park | Talbert Thurston Shelter(Maplewood Drive) | $45 | 60’x40′ | 2,400 | 12 | 96 | 22 | 60 |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at Battle Garden | MLK Shelter | $45 | 28’x28′ | 784 | 4 | 32 | 86 | 40 |
Nifong Park | $45 | 48’x28′ | 1,344 | 8 | 64 | 98 | 80 | |
Rock Quarry Park | Rock Quarry Shelter | $45 | 26’x46′ | 1,196 | 7 | 56 | 51 | 60 |
Shepard Blvd. Park | Shepard Shelter | $45 | 26’x50′ | 1,300 | 10 | 80 | 0 | 80 |
Smith Park | $55 | 78’x42′ | 3,276 | 18 | 144 | 70 | 200 | |
Stephens Lake Park | Collins Shelter (with fire pit) Half Day: | Half Day $45 Full Day $60 | 26’x26′ | 676 | 4 | 32 | 18 | 40 |
Stephens Lake Park | Half Day: | Half Day $45 Full Day $60 | 26’x46′ | 1,196 | 9 | 72 | 35 | 80 |
Stephens Lake Park | Half Day: | Half Day $45 Full Day $60 | 26’x46′ | 1,196 | 8 | 64 | 35 | 80 |
Twin Lakes Rec Area | Twin Lakes Shelter | $55 | 87’x66′ | 5,742 | 24 | 192 | 213 | 200 |
Waters-Moss Memorial Wildlife Area | Waters-Moss Shelter | $45 | 24’x48′ | 1,152 | 9 | 72 | 19 | 80 |
- opens PDF file
- Click for printable Parks and Facilities Guide (11×17. 2 pages)
Indoor facility reservation choices and prices
The indoor facilities below are available for rental when not in use for recreation programs or classes. These indoor rental options can make a great wedding venue or an ideal location for reunions, receptions, company meetings, and private parties.
Click on facility name to view facility and additional information.
Click on park name to go to that park’s web page.
Indoor Facilities | ||
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Facility | Park | Reservation Cost (Effective Oct 1, 2019) |
---|---|---|
Rock Quarry House | Rock Quarry Park | $24/hour, 2 hour minimum + deposit |
Waters House | Waters Moss Memorial Wildlife Area | $24/hour, 2 hour minimum + deposit |
Riechmann Pavilion | Stephens Lake Park | $230 – $1,550 + deposit |
Maplewood Barn | Nifong Park | $27/hour, 2 hour minimum + deposit |
MKT Trailside Building | MLK Memorial at Battle Garden | $45/day + deposit |
Moss Building | Waters Moss Memorial Wildlife Area | $38/hour, 2 hour minimum + deposit |
Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) (rental webpage) | ARC (index page) | Varies, depending on what area is reserved. See ARC Rentals webpage. |
Picnic area
Picnic areas are available for daily reservations. Reservations ensure that picnic areas are mowed prior to use, however, areas may be used on a first come first serve when not reserved. Trash and recycling receptacles are not available at picnic areas, all items and refuse must be packed in and packed out after each use.
Click on park name to go to that park’s web page and view the park map to see picnic area location.
PICNIC AREA # | Park | GROUP SIZE | Reservation Cost per day |
---|---|---|---|
Picnic Area #1 | Cosmo-Bethel Park | 12 | $25 + $15 deposit |
Picnic Area #1 | Stephens Lake Park | 12 | $25 + $15 deposit |
Picnic Area #1 | Nifong Park | 12 | $25 + $15 deposit |
Outdoor facilities available for special events
The following outdoor areas may be used as a wedding venue or for special events, but require a Park Special Use Permit. Facilities remain open to the general public. Other park locations may be requested for special events by filling out a Park Special Use Application.
Click on facility name to view facility and additional information.
Click on park name to go to that park’s web page.
Outdoor Special Event Facilities | |||
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Facility | Park | Requirement |
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Gazebo | Flat Branch Park | Park Special Use Permit |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at Battle Garden | Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial at Battle Garden | Park Special Use Permit |
Amphitheater | Stephens Lake Park | Amphitheater Rental Agreementopens PDF file Park Special Use Permit (if applicable) |
Island Shelter | Stephens Lake Park | Park Special Use Permit |
Maplewood Home Grounds (outside) | Nifong Park | Park Special Use Permit |
Non-reservable park shelter information
If a reservable shelter is not available on your event date, you may use the non-reservable shelters in one of the neighborhood parks, Douglass Park, Grindstone Nature Area, or Indian Hills Park. These shelters can be used by the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that there are no parking lots or restrooms provided in neighborhood parks.
Click on shelter name to view shelter and additional information.
Click on park name to go to that park’s web page.
Non-Reservable Park Shelters | |
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