Naismith Valley Park

HISTORY
This 25-acre greenbelt stretching from 24th to 29th Streets is currently accessible by foot from 24th St., 25th St. and 27 St. It was one of the first greenbelt parks in Lawrence.

Nineteen acres were initially purchased with an Land and Water Conservation Fund matching grant in 1972 and an additional 6 acres were added in 1975 through a tax sale. Incidently, the same sale allowed the City to acquire Chaparral Park.

The park is almost a mile long and is a natural area of a flood plane leading to the Wakarusa River. In the late 90s, the Parks and Recreation Department further developed the park by adding a nature trail following the stream in the park.

DESCRIPTION OF PARK
Naismith Valley Park consists of a 25-acre area that is home to various prairie grasses and flowers. The park was acquired with a land grant and water conservation funds.

On many days, various birds can be observed at Naismith Valley Park. These include purple martins, cardinals, red winged blackbirds, orange-crowned warblers, tree swallow, killdeer, and American goldfinches.

Ten-feet-wide hard surface trails are accessible from 24th Street, south across 27th Street and ends at 29th Street Terrace and Missouri Street.

The amenities of the park include:

• Trails
• Natural Areas

Reservations for outdoor shelters and indoor facilities are taken at any of the community recreation centers including the Community Building, 115 West 11th St.; East Lawrence Recreation Center, 1245 East 15th St.; Holcom Park Recreation Center, 2700 West 27th St.; Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center, 4706 Overland Drive and South Park Recreation Center, 1141 Massachusetts St.

See our shelter rentals page for more information on renting these facilities or call (785) 832-7920.