Shawnee, Oklahoma, June 13, 2023 – KidSpace Park, the $3.6+M state-of-the-art, fun-filled park opens on June 23^rd in Shawnee, which is located just a half hour east of Oklahoma City.

Park-goers of all ages have been eager to enjoy this 7.6-acre park surrounded by an ADA accessible 4/10-mile trail. No need to worry about the equipment getting too hot to the touch because it’s made from aggregate materials. And be sure to take off your shoes to see how the turf not only looks but also feels like real grass.

With two playgrounds, there’s a multitude of play equipment for all age groups, including areas specific to 2–5-year-old as well as 5-12-year-old children. There is a Ninja challenge course and a 40-yard dash, with timers, for older children and adults. Rounding out the park are areas for passive and active recreation, which include picnic areas, shaded seating, four pavilions, a basketball court, two Pickleball courts, Ping Pong, and other outdoor games. There is no end to the fun at this park. Also included is a new, completely ADA accessible restroom and additional parking on the south side.

“Planning for park upgrades have been underway since 2017. Shawnee voters supported the plan and passed a 0.5% sales tax in June 2018 to fund public safety, roadway, and parks and public facilities improvements,” said Ed Bolt, Mayor of Shawnee. “KidSpace Park has far surpassed what we had envisioned. It will bring smiles to all ages for many, many years to come.”

“The citizens requested and voted for improved parks and public facilities. The design firm and construction contractors, along with City of Shawnee Engineering and Public Works staff, delivered a first-class park that cities many times larger than Shawnee would be proud to have in their community,” said Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer, Shawnee City Manager.

“It has been a privilege for PDG to be a part of the KidSpace Park Improvements Project.  This project took the existing park that was in a state of needing major repairs and upgrades, to a park that will be one of the top five largest playgrounds in the State of Oklahoma,” said Geoffery Evans, PDG, Principal/Project Manager for the KidSpace Park design.

Join the fun at the KidSpace Park Grand Opening starting at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 23. Games and prizes will be offered throughout the park from 4 - 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Food trucks and a snow cone truck will also be on hand from 3 - 8 p.m. on those days.

Pre-opening tours for the media are available June 20 - 22. If interested in a tour, please contact Marcy Jarrett, Public Information Officer, City of Shawnee, 405-273-1950, or Marcy.Jarrett@ShawneeOK.org.

Looking for directions to KidSpace Park? Take I-40 exit 186. Head South on Highway 18/Harrison Street and go approximately 2.5 miles to Independence. Turn left on Independence and go to Center Street (4-way stop). Turn right on Center. KidSpace Park will be on the left, just past the Fairview Cemetery. 

If you have questions about the park, or need more information, please contact Andrea Weckmueller-Behringer, City Manager, City of Shawnee at (405) 878-1601 or Andrea.Weckmueller-Behringer@ShawneeOK.org.