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Burke Premier Play Environments
Distributor: Riggs Recreation Equipment Inc.,
P. O. Box 6191 Leawood, Kansas City, MO 66206
800-332-4447
GameTime - A Playcore Company
Distributor: Modlin Recreation Equipment, Inc.,
P. O. Box 50048, Denton TX 76206-0048
800-433-5347; Fax: 940-381-0463
Landscape Structures, Inc.
Distributor: Gateway Recreational Products,
Inc., 4949 Caribee Drive, St. Louis, MO 63128
866-416-7529; Fax:314-416-7507
Little Tikes
Distributor: R&R Recreation, 205 W. Terra Ln.,
O'Fallon, MO
866-LTL-TIKE; Fax: 636/240-2011
Miracle Recreation Equipment Company
Distributor: Custom Play Systems, 320 Winnebago
Drive, Lake Winnebago, MO 64034
888-371-7529; Fax: 816-537-8713
Park Structures
Distributor: ABCreative, Inc., 32225 West 88th St.,
DeSoto, KS 66018
888-222-7529, 913-583-3332; Fax: 913-583-1436;
karen@abcreative.net
Playworld Systems
Distributor: Fry & Associates, Inc., 1501
Burlington, Suite 201, North Kansas City, MO 64116
800-444-9787; Fax: 816-221-4831; frysales@fryinc.com
Recreation Creations Inc.
Distributor: Bergfeld Recreation, Inc., 14100
Manchester Rd., Manchester, MO 63011
800-336-9697; Fax: 636-394-4472
Distributor: Reese Recreation Products, 3327
N. Ridge Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004
800-222-2268; Fax: 847-398-1433; www.reeserec.com
Q: Where
can I get a copy of Leisure Times program guide?
A: The publication of Columbia Parks and
Recreation comes out in March, July, and November. Issues
can be found at:
Subscribing to the Parks & Recreation listservs will provide current information about game status or cancellations by sending the subscriber an e-mail message containing specific information.
Three separate listservs are available.
1. On-line: You can now register on-line for most programs and activities. The Parks & Recreation On-line Program Registration System is a simple, secure, and convenient program which allows you to locate recreational activities and register anytime or anywhere a computer with Internet access is available.
2. Walk in: 1 S. Seventh St. - Gentry Building - Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
3. Mail in: Call first to be sure there is available space. This does not guarantee placement in the class activity. A receipt and class information will be sent. You may use your MasterCard or VISA. Include your account number, expiration date, and signature on the mail-in form. Make checks payable to "City of Columbia." Mail registration to: Columbia Parks and Recreation, P. O. Box 6015, Columbia, MO 65205.
4. Phone in: 573-874-7460, TTY 573-874-6395. Phone-in registration will be accepted with your MasterCard, VISA, or Discover charge cards Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
5. Fax in: Complete registration form and fax to 573-874-7640. MasterCard or VISA only.
Q: Should we feed the waterfowl at the parks?
A: No, please do NOT feed the waterfowl. Parks and Recreation is working with the USDA Wildlife Service to protect the health of our park birds and wildlife. Feeding these wild animals creates dependence, promotes the spread of disease, and upsets the natural cycles. Thank you for your cooperation.
Q: Are there any plans to add an aquatic facility on the south side of Columbia?
A: A "short answer" to your question is an easy yes in that the Parks & Recreation Department has planned for a public swimming facility on the south side of Columbia for many years. Several obstacles have prevented us from making this a reality including, but not limited to available funding, suitable site, opposition from private clubs, and lack of support for aquatic facilities in public opinion surveys. However, we continue to plan for it and are currently considering the following as indicated in our Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan that was adopted by City Council in 2002
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/Master_Plan/
1. Construct a new pool to replace the Twin Lakes swimming lake
2. Develop a Regional Park in Southeast Columbia
A simple preliminary design for a new pool at Twin Lakes was completed in 2004 and came with an estimated cost of just under $1 million to construct. This was presented to City Council as a possible project for the 2005 Park Sales Tax extension. Unfortunately, it was not included in the list of projects due to poor support in city wide public opinion survey. However, when it comes time to renew the Park Sales Tax in 2009 or 2010, we will update our plans and present it again as a possible project. This plan could be impacted depending on what happens at the new regional park.
The future regional park is now referred to as the Gans Creek Recreation Area and Philip Park located just west of Highway 63 near Nifong Park. A master plan is being created for these tracts of land. We anticipate that one of the proposed development options will include an aquatic facility. If an aquatic facility is proposed and developed for the regional park, what happens at Twin Lakes will certainly be reduced in scope or may not occur. For more information on the Regional Park check our web site at:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/Parks/Crane/reg_park_planning.php
If you would like to receive email updates on this process, you may sign up for "Regional Park Planning" web mail where we will notify you of all actions regarding the regional park planning process. This option is available at: http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/index.php
Q:When are restrooms closed and open for the season?
A: October marks the time when many parks and outdoor facilities find their use slowly decreasing with each drop of the thermometer. Outdoor swimming pools have already closed and park staff has already began winterizing these facilities.
What do we mean by winterizing? First, many of our park restrooms, pool bathhouses, and concession stands do not have heat. If it gets below freezing, we run the risk of water lines and valves breaking causing several thousand dollars worth of damage. Therefore, before the temperatures start to freeze, we begin to close these facilities by draining the water from all vulnerable lines.
When do facilities close? Generally speaking, our goal is to have all non-heated facilities closed by October 15. This date is a fairly standard closing date for many municipalities in Missouri. As the date approaches, we begin watching the long range weather forecasts and if it appears that we can extend the closing date, we may. All facilities are re-opened by April 15.
When it warms up, why don't you unlock them? There are times when Missouri temps will be unseasonably warm even in December and January so why don't we just unlock the restrooms during those warm days? It's not as simple as just turning the water back on and unlocking the door. In addition to draining the lines, we also disassemble all of the stainless steel valves and add RV antifreeze to the lines. This takes about 8 hours of labor per each restroom and a bit longer to reassemble and safely remove the antifreeze.
When do specific facilities close? It varies depending on the facility and use. For example, the concession/restroom facilities located at the Rainbow Softball Center, soccer and the Antimi complexes remain open until their respective seasons end, usually around the first of November. Park staff uses electric heaters to prolong the use of these facilities.
Most restrooms and drinking fountains close October 15. This includes the new restrooms at Kiwanis Park and Fairview Park.
The Stephens Lake Park Sprayground and the Flat Branch Park Sprayground is closed from October 1 to April 30. We have found that the cooler temperatures drastically reduce the use of these facilities.
Nifong Park restroom closes on November 1.
Through the voter approved 2005 Park Sales Tax, the department was able to construct three new restrooms, 2 in Cosmo Park and 1 in Cosmo-Bethel Park that are similar to the restrooms at Stephens Lake Park. These new restrooms will be heated. The Burford/Dexheimer and the Cosmo-Bethel restrooms will close on November 1. The Nickell/Lamb restroom will remain open year round.
In addition to the Cosmo Nickell/Lamb restroom, the following restrooms will remain open all winter:
Stephens Lake Park: Collins and Gordon restroom
MKT Trailhead Restrooms: Forum Blvd and Scott Blvd
So, as you plan your events, please be aware of these facility closing dates.
Q: May we use tiki torches, campfires, or candle luminaries in parks?
A: No open flames, candles or torches of any type are allowed. Department suggests that you use battery powered lights to achieve the candle luminaires effect. Sterno cans may be used only for heating food, is allowed.
Q: Is alcohol allowed in the park?
A. Yes. Alcohol is allowed in all city parks except for the following which can be allowed under a permit by the Parks & Recreation Director: Paquin Park, Flat Branch Park, and Village Square Park. Sales are not permitted and alcohol cannot be consumed by minors.
Q: Who do I contact on the weekend if I have an issue with my reservation?
A: Please contact a Park Ranger at one of the following numbers: 573-999-4583, 573-808-4870, or 573-999-7201. If you cannot reach a Park Ranger, please contact the Columbia Police Department non-emergency number at 573-442-6131.
Q: Are dogs allowed in the ballparks?
A: Yes. Persons responsible for the dog shall have the dog reined in to within four (4) feet of the responsible person whenever it approaches or is approached by another park user. Dogs are not allowed in dugouts or on athletic fields.
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