John Barkley Plaza

John Barkley Plaza is a distinct mapped destination within Shawnee Mission Park; navigate to this point instead of the general park pin and check posted conditions on arrival.

Free parking is distributed around the lake, beach, marina, dog area, theatre and trailheads. Choose a destination before entering from Renner Road or Ogg Road.

Summer hours March 1-October 31 are 5:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.; winter hours November 1-February 28 are 6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. The 2026 beach season runs May 23-August 9 with daily hours varying by weekday.

Restrooms serve the beach, marina, shelters and developed recreation areas; most park restrooms are winterized between roughly November 1 and April 15.

General park entry is free. Beach admission, marina rentals, permits, programs, camping and reservations may charge.

Developed facilities and several shelters have accessible parking and routes; natural shoreline and single-track trails vary substantially.

The 44-acre off-leash area includes woods, trails and pet-friendly lake access. It closes Tuesday and Thursday 5:00-9:00 a.m. for maintenance; pets are not allowed at the staffed swimming beach.

The staffed beach is open noon-4:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; noon-5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and noon-6:00 p.m. weekends during its 2026 season, with listed date modifications.

John Barkley Plaza is a distinct mapped destination within Shawnee Mission Park; navigate to this point instead of the general park pin and check posted conditions on arrival. North-shore construction and trail conditions can affect circulation. The beach opens at 1:00 p.m. August 2, closes August 5, and opens at 1:00 p.m. August 8-9 in 2026; always confirm water and staffing status.

Public transit is limited; driving or cycling via connected trails is most practical.