A ribbon cutting event on Saturday, May 26, will open the new beach house at Shawnee Mission Park and start the summer season with a free admission day, and more!
The event, which will include comments from public officials, a DJ, and giveaways, will begin at noon. In addition, a free lunch of hot dogs, chips, water, and cookies, will be provided.
“When arriving to the new
Shawnee Mission Beach House, the bright blue building with the wave form roof and fresh landscape is a very inviting place to come and spend some time in the sun, sand, and lake,” said Aquatics Manager Marshall McKinney. “The new facility has brand new bathrooms, concession area, shaded seating, and a new beach volleyball court. Whether you’re playing in the sand, soaking in the sun, splashing in the water, or playing a game of sand volleyball, this new facility has something for everyone.”
The Shawnee Mission Park Beach was closed for the 2017 season for construction of the new beach house. The structure features a design called “Tidal” because it features a large, upward sloping roof which provides shade over the building and the adjacent patio area. In November, that design was recognized with an award from the American Institute of Architects for Design Excellence.
The new facility also has: 1,344 square feet of space including restrooms, concessions, check-in area, and office space, a “rich blue” glazed block exterior, an outdoor shower with feet and body sprayers surrounded by a low retaining wall, stairs, and an ADA compliant walkway down to the beach.
Regular hours at the beach, which will be open daily through Aug. 12, are noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, and noon to 6 p.m. all other days of the weeks. Open water swim training opportunities are offered from 5:30 to 7:30 on Tuesdays. Beach admission is $4 for Johnson County residents, or $4.50 for nonresidents for ages 12 and under; $6 for residents or $6.50 for nonresidents for ages 13 to 59; and $4 for residents or $4.50 for nonresidents for ages 60 and older. Admission for the Tuesday open water sessions is $5 for residents or $5.50 for nonresidents.
Free admission to the beach will also be offered on the following Saturday, June 2, as part of JCPRD’s annual
A Day in the Park special event.
JCPRD’s other beach at
Kill Creek Park also opens for the summer season on May 26. Beach hours there are noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The KCP beach is closed on Monday, and open water swim training is offered there from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Admission rates are the same as at SMP, and the Kill Creek Park Beach will also offer free admission as part of the A Day in the Park event on June 2.
Shawnee Mission Park is located at 7900 Renner Road in Shawnee and Lenexa. Kill Creek Park is located at 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe. Both beaches will operate through Aug. 12.