English Landing Park — Attraction in Parkville

This park is a great spot for an autumn date. It has well-kept paths which are perfect for a romantic stroll, and it has several spots that would be suitable for a picnic. It is right by the river, so it can get a little breezy and cool. I recently brought a date here, and it was a delightful experience overall. Although heavily influenced by my particular experience, here are some recommendations that I hope may be helpful to anyone considering visiting English Landing Park for a romantic outing. First, make sure your date is the most clever, intriguing, funny, and magnetic person you can ever recall meeting. This is key. This will imbue the date with the kind of excitement that will make a memorable experience and distract you from any intemperate weather you may encounter. Also, although you forget to breathe sometimes when she smiles at you, it turns out that continuing to breathe is important when the date involves walking the plentiful paths and trails in the Park. It’s only the third date, and resuscitation is more of a fifth or sixth date thing. The surroundings you will find in the park are beautiful, but don’t let them distract you from some of the important signs that may manifest, heeding which will make your visit to English Landing Park much more rewarding. If, as she walks, she doesn’t swing the hand nearest you, but instead keeps it relatively stationary by her side, consider the possibility that she wants you to hold her hand. Consider how you haven’t held hands with someone in a heartfelt, exhilarating way in decades and how you suddenly find yourself – an accomplished, successful middle-aged man – incredibly nervous about reaching for her hand but strongly desiring to do so. Go ahead and do it. The Park wills it. As you pass by one of the many shelters along the path, allow that to remind you of when she said that you make her feel safe. You may experience some mild panic when you realize how good that made you feel, and ever since she said it, how important it is to you to protect her from every imaginable harm. Permit the panic to bloom and then wilt. Let yourself enjoy feeling needed by someone whom you think you might need as well. If you need a break from the stroll, the Park is equipped with numerous benches that are good for a brief rest. Chilled by the breeze from the river, take this opportunity to snuggle and enjoy having her head on your shoulder and being close enough to take some deep, slow breaths haunted by her perfume. When she lifts her head and looks at you, consider whether this is the time to kiss her and then conclude that it most definitely is. Ask for her permission, and allow sincere joy and excitement take root when she says yes. Don’t be alarmed if this is the best kiss you can remember, and don’t be put off by the presence of any nearby Park patrons – they totally get it. In fact, if one offers you a high-five inspired by your skillful and passionate smooching, don’t leave them hanging. That would be rude, and English Landing Park is no place for rudeness. If your stroll continues past sundown, worry not. The paths are largely well-lit, and the Park stays open much later than others, so you can feel free to take your time. Be sure to ask big questions and give big answers, making sure to strike the right balance between (1) sober, rational concern for your feelings and hers, and (2) your inchoate imaginings of being together a decade from now, somehow no less enraptured by each other because of the continual discoveries of the many things that are great within her and within you. Parking is plentiful and convenient, and there are several...

A nice little park with some walking paths along the water. Several pavilions with picnic tables which can be reserved. (A train does go through about twice an hour, which might force a very loud conversation pause every so often.)

I have gone to a few events here and hosted a couple even.

There are some pretty shaded areas, a nice small kids playground area - to which they recently added another section for little kids, and a dedicated parking lot plus several smaller parking areas. There is also nearby street parking if the lot fills up. There is a sunny open central area where you could play frisbee or possibly fly a small kite - there are a lot of trees around, so not a ton of room for kites without some risk, but some good spots to hang a hammock. The park is overall long and narrow.

The main walking loop through the park is largely shaded. There is also an extension that goes out along the river in the opposite direction.

Occasionally the main inlet street is blocked off for events and traffic can be bad having to detour slowly through the towns main drag, but that might add ten minutes. There are a few clunky intersections that don't handle much traffic well with very poor visibility.

A spot we enjoy visiting occasionally and have some sentimental attachment to.

Great place to bring some kids to burn off a...

This is one of my favorite parks in the Kansas City area. The views are spectacular! It hugs the river, and has a beautiful array of old growth trees that are picturesque in the spring, and especially in the Autumn months. The bridge has an interesting story and interesting design. This park has a great 9 hole disc golf course, that offers creative throws and distance options- great for recreational players or those wanting a quick round. The walking trails are very popular, with joggers at all times of day. Its an easy layout that meanders around the park in a loop. Great for fitness, kids, or strollers. The park offers several playgrounds that are safe and clean for kids; sand volleyball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, and a basketball court, all thoughtfully arranged among the park's layout. You can reserve the picnic tables, and shelters for a nominal fee. Weekends offer a farmers market near the entrance during the summer months. The park is adjacent to Park college across the street. You can enjoy the bells tolling every hour from the college which is peaceful and reminiscent of a small European village. The only real drawback of this park is the railroad tracks along the nearby road and occasional train passing by. It's great to watch, but noisy if you're near the...