City of Independence enters Expanded Phase 1 of Reopening Plan

The City of Independence entered “Preliminary Phase 1” of a four-phase Reopening Plan on June 1, 2020.

As a result, some Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism facilities have reopened. Others will remain closed until the City transitions to a new phase. NOTE: The City expects to enter an “Expanded Phase 1” on July 1, 2020. Subsequent phase transitions are subject to the number of COVID-19 cases in our area. Please see below for more details.

During Preliminary Phase 1

The following PRT facilities are now OPEN to the public, with some restrictions to protect public health:

The following PRT facilities are now OPEN to the public, with some restrictions to protect public health:

• Tennis and pickleball courts: Open for singles play only.
• Community Ice Rink: Social distancing required.
• Park shelters & restrooms: Social distancing required.
• Skate park: Social distancing required.
• Independence Farmers’ Market: Drive-thru format.
• George Owens Nature Park: Trails and fishing ponds only. Buildings closed.

The following PRT facilities are CLOSED to the public, until later phases of the Reopening Plan:

• Ballfields and Sports Complex
• Roger T. Sermon Community Center
• Truman Memorial Building
• Palmer Senior Center
• City of Independence Historic Sites
• National Frontier Trails Museum
• George Owens Nature Park buildings
• Playgrounds
• Splashpads

During Expanded Phase 1 (expected July 1, 2020)

The following PRT facilities will be open to the public:

• Ballfields and Sports Complex: Social distancing required.
• Community Centers: 50% capacity in each area. Social distancing required.
• Farmers’ Market: Curbside service online. Foot traffic only.
• Community Ice Rink: Social distancing required.
• George Owens Nature Park: 50% capacity in each area. Social distancing required.
• Park shelters & restrooms: Social distancing required.
• Skate park: Social distancing required.
• Tennis and pickleball courts: Open for singles play only.

The following PRT facilities will be closed to the public:

• City of Independence historic sites
• National Frontier Trails Museum
• Playgrounds
• Palmer Senior Center
• Splashpads
• Basketball courts
• Adventure Oasis Water Park

Events at City of Independence Parks, Recreation and Tourism facilities will be cancelled through Phase 2. Programs (such as exercise classes and educational programs) will be offered on a modified or virtual basis. Please contact the facility that would typically host the program of interest for details.

See a summary of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department's full reopening plans here

As buildings are reopened, the City of Independence may establish certain measures to help protect the public health. These may include required temperature screenings, social distancing requirements, the use of a cloth face covering, capacity restrictions and/or other modifications.

As the City enters new phases of the Reopening Plan, these restrictions will be lessened.

Please be aware that the Adventure Oasis Water Park has been closed for the 2020 season. This decision was strictly related to budgetary restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, City of Independence Historic Sites are likely to remain closed through 2020

For more related to COVID-19 from the City of Independence, please visit indep.us/coronavirus.

We look forward to reopening our facilities to the community and appreciate your understanding.