Woodridge Park

Table of Contents

About Woodridge Park

Woodridge Park features a premiere, inclusive playground especially designed for those with developmental and physical disabilities, while still serving able-bodied children. The concept for the design was inspired by the park’s proximity to the Ronald McDonald House, the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The inclusive playground features:

  • Fence enclosure around the playground, so children don’t wander off
  • Ground level roller slides to provide a unique sensory experience
  • Group swing so that several kids or a parent and child can swing together
  • Musical therapy play features
  • Poured in place rubber surface for the best accessible surface
  • Ramps to all levels of the playground to ensure access for everyone

Neighborhood parks are positioned to serve surrounding residents within walking distance to the park, so they typically do not provide parking. However, to enhance the accessibility of the park, Columbia Parks and Recreation partnered with the Ronald McDonald House (3501 Lansing Avenue) and built two ADA parking spotsopens IMAGE file on the neighboring property, with a sidewalk connection to the park. The concrete trail provides a path for easy wheeling, fitness, and nature viewing around the wooded park.

Acres: 6.1

Park Hours: 6 am to 11 pm

Multi-Use Trail Miles: 0.4 miles, hard-surface

Map of Woodridge Parkopens PDF file

3505 Lansing Ave. (South entrance)
3532 Berrywood Dr. (North entrance)

Park amenities

Activity areas

  • Basketball Court (half-court)
  • Playgrounds (Inclusive)
    • Group Swing

Council ring

Fields – practice

  • Baseball/Softball (1)
  • Soccer (1)

Parking

Picnic areas

  • Mini-Shelter/Picnic Area (Single Table Picnic Shelter, 1)

Trails

Park history

Year Land Acquired: 1977

Purchase Price: $43,250

Purchased From: Byron and Gail Keene

Funding Source: $20,000 LWCF Grant $33,250 Capital Project Fund

Re-Dedication Date: May 26, 2016

1977 Land purchase

Six acres were purchased from Bryon and Gail Keene for $43,250 in 1977. Funding sources for the property purchase included a federal $20,000 Land and Water Fund grant, which mandates that the land be kept in perpetuity for outdoor recreation purposes, and $33,250 from the City’s Capital Project Fund.

1979-1980 Park development

The initial park development was budgeted in Fiscal Year 1979 from the General Revenue Sharing in the amount of $20,000. The development included a basketball court, playground, and a playfield with a backstop. The basketball court and playfield were constructed in 1979. The playground was installed in 1980.

1997-1998 Playground renovation

In FY 2017, $78,000 ($50,000 in materials funded by the Public Improvement Fund and $28,000 FAL) was budgeted in FY 1997 Capital Improvement Program for playground replacements at Woodridge, Again St., and Worley St. Parks. The playground renovations were completed in 1998.

2014-2016 Park renovation

Cosmo Luncheon Club check presentation for Woodridge Park at 6/16/14 City Council meeting

In 2014, funding was secured to renovate the park. Renovations included a new inclusive playground, a 0.4 mile concrete walking trail, single table picnic shelter, and council ring.  Woodridge Park was selected as the site for an inclusive playground because of its proximity to the Ronald McDonald House, Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.  Columbia Parks and Recreation partnered with the Ronald McDonald House to construct two ADA parking spots on their property with a sidewalk connection to the park. The renovations were made possible by a $125,000 donation from the Columbia Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club, a $75,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant, and $13,000 in private donations. Two plaques were installed at the park to recognize the donations from the Columbia Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club and Dr. Smith family. Renovations were completed in 2016.

>
Woodridge Donation Plaque Milleropens IMAGE file

Dr. LeRoy J. “Doc” Miller Plaque

Woodridge Donation Plaque Smithopens IMAGE file

Smith Family Donation Plaque

 

Woodridge donors dedication giftPark Re-Dedication

Dedication: May 26, 2016

Dedication Programopens PDF file

After the park renovations were completed in 2016, the park was re-dedicated on May 26, 2016.  Columbia Parks and Recreation hosted an ice cream social for the park visitors. Donors were given a glass photo keepsake (see image to the right). The following speakers spoke at the park re-dedication.

  • Mike Griggs, Parks and Recreation Director
  • Dawn Frederickson, MO Dept. of Natural Resources
  • Angela Huntington, Ronald McDonald House
  • Miles Hinkel, Columbia parent
  • Phil Hanson, Columbia Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club
  • Dave Miller, on behalf of the Dr. LeRoy Miller family
  • Karl Skala, Ward 3 Council representative

Woodridge Dedication

Woodridge Ribbon Cutting

 

Capital improvement projects and council items

Year completed project description council items
2016 Playground and Trail Improvements View Council Item