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George Owens Nature Park
Providing families with outdoor nature opportunities since 1977.
1601 S. Speck Rd.
(North of East 23rd Street and Speck Road intersection)
(816) 325-7115
May, 2021 Park and Gate Hours May, 2021 DeWitt Center Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Friday - Parking Lot gates close at 8pm. Please have your vehicle out by 8pm to avoid being locked in for the night.
COVID-19 Nature Park Operations – Please take extra precautions around our park equipment at this time, we cannot guarantee the pavilion, picnic tables, benches and other park assets have been sanitized between uses. While we fully understand your need for recreational opportunities right now please exercise caution.
NATURE NOTES (click to view)
George Owens Nature Park has given families the opportunity to reconnect with their natural environment since 1977. The park is open year round and provides 86 acres of beautiful forest, lakes, hiking trails and wildlife. Explore the DeWitt Center and experience rotating exhibits, a pond display and 4 large aquariums.
The current traveling exhibit shows Independence through the rock record - fossils, photographs and art will guide you along a comprehensive path of discovery.
The possibilities for adventure are endless.
Park Amenities
- Three miles of Hiking Trails (One Paved)
- Two Fishing Lakes
- Organized Group Campground
- ADA Accessible Dock
- Family Picnic Area
- DeWitt Center
- Rain Gardens
- Bio Swales
- Pavilion
- Butterfly Garden
- Outdoor and Nature Programs for the Entire Family
Click here to check out rental fees for our facility!
City of Independence Gathering Limit Revisions
INDEPENDENCE, MO (December 10, 2020): The City of Independence Health Department has filed Safer Independence Guidelines to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, December 11, 2020. These guidelines align both indoor and outdoor gatherings by stating all gatherings shall not exceed ten (10) people unless attendees wear an appropriate face covering, maintain six (6) feet of distance between individuals (not including individuals who reside together), and submit a Gathering Protocol to the City of Independence at least 7 days in advance of a planned event. Gatherings shall include, but are not limited to, non-essential business activities, weddings, funerals, and religious and faith-based activities. The Gathering Protocol must be approved by the City of Independence and be easily accessible to all attendees. If a gathering was previously approved under the Jackson County orders, a new gathering protocol does not need to be submitted.
Events and gatherings continue to be high risk activities that have the potential to become super spreader events. Anyone considering participation in a gathering with individuals outside their immediate household should take additional precautions to keep themselves and their family safe. This includes wearing a mask over your nose and mouth at all times when not eating or drinking, regularly washing your hands and maintaining a social distance of at least 6 feet at all times.
Gathering Protocol Form (When filling out this form, please include parks@indepmo.org as the "Email for Contact Person")
Upcoming Events
Family Outdoor Projects
Contact us now to begin an individual, family or group project for the spring of 2021!!!.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer And Make A Difference!
If you have a love for the outdoors and want to help George Owens Nature Park, please consider volunteering your time at the nature park. Contact us at (816) 325-7115 to learn more.
Individuals and family volunteers will learn about our natural world by assisting park staff. We have volunteer opportunities that will fit your interest - gardening, maintaining bird feeders, assisting with nature programs, etc.
