Penn Valley Park — Attraction in Kansas City

Our favorite dog park aside from Bar K. It's a huge space and the people are usually very nice. Pros: I see children here very rarely which is nice as that rule is ignored in a lot of places. Plenty of shade and places to sit. If there is ever an issue it is handled very well by the people at the park.

Cons: There is no supervision or regular maintenance (but with this big a space it is usually not much of an issue) People smoke here occasionally and I have to keep an eye on my dogs so they don't pick up cigarette butts, they're everywhere especially under the picnic tables.

My biggest complaint is that people often take their bigger dogs into the small dog section because they are fearful or reactive to other dogs. I have actually had someone tell me they bring their dog (30 to 40 lbs) to the small dog side because sometimes when a dog wants to play they will attack the other dog and so they didn't want their dog to be the smaller one in the fight. I obviously took my dog and left. This is of no fault of the park, just something to be aware of. My dogs are 70 and 6 lbs and I usually take them both to the big side, we have much fewer issues than when we were taking the little one to...

Penn valley park is not the kind of park you're probably used to. It's very small. It has a pond (I've fished there years ago). It's located between two main streets so there's lots of traffic but at times it's not easy to find parking. It does have it's peaceful moments if you go there in the evening or early morning. I haven't been in many years because like most people I prefer larger parks. People who live here know about this park so there's not much to tell. It's well kept but you won't find it filled with lots of folks. It's just not that kind of park. But look it up online and check it out for yourself. It might fit you. I need to make an additional comment. The area of the park I referred to was the section I'd frequented (the section with the pond). There are other parts of the park which include scenic views and festivals are held in other areas of the park especially at the Liberty Memorial. So to amend my above statement there are other areas of the park you can enjoy other than the above small area which...

Needs a restroom, more trash bins, benches and some cracks filled. Fun ride, though. I never understand why parks will have a quarter that has grass behind it, but whatever. So it goes. I love the lights here and transitions. Not everyone is a fan of them. This park gives a nice view of the city, especially at night. The grafitti in the bowl adds a nice flavor. However, it is a little frustrating if some kid is just in it masterpiecing away and people want to skate it. Also, gotta love the spectators that don't skate at all and will just sit on the edge of the bowl. 🙄 People go there for dates? And don't skate(?). There is a whole space behind the skate park that is open for a blanket and picnic if people want to actually have that date and not be in the way or making skaters uncomfortable. Then, there are occasional dudes just stating their case or the homeless man washing his front and backside in the water fountain....