When you visit our parks, we want you to have an enjoyable experience. We are working hard to continue to make improvements and upgrades to our parks to make them a place you want to visit and enjoy. The following provides a brief overview of City Park and Railroad Park, activities, and projects.
City Park
City Park is located on Park Street, one block off Route C at Hatler Street. This beautiful 2 2/3-acre site is home to an enclosed Shelter House, an open pavilion, a playground area, and a basketball court. Through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Scrap Tire Material grant program, the city received six new tables for the open pavilion. The pavilion is available year-round at no charge (reservations not taken). Water and electricity are available upon request. New lighting has been installed in the pavilion and throughout the grounds of City Park to enhance safety.
Our beautiful City Park gazebo received a facelift through the construction of a stunning new metal roof, generously donated by Bob Scruggs and Scruggs Lumber Company. A fresh coat of stain was applied, and the memorial benches received a new coat of paint. The gazebo, beautifully decorated with lights and a large Christmas tree, was the site of the first Christmas “Caroling in the Park” event held in December 2021. We plan to make this an annual event.
The shelter house exterior and interior have also been painted, new curtains in the main room and kitchen, and additional chairs and tables have been added so larger groups can also use the facility. A special grant was awarded by the Mid-Missouri Solid Waste Management District for recycled paint for the interior of the Shelter House. Dana and his crew completed the project to update the facility.
The air-conditioned/heated Shelter House is available for rent throughout the year, on weekdays and weekends as available for your next special event or party. There are tables and chairs for 30+, a full kitchen, two ADA-accessible restrooms, and a screened-in patio. Bring your DVDs and watch movies on the monitor available for your use.
You can check the date availability on our calendar. Contact city hall to secure your reservation.
Deposit $75.00 (to hold reservation/returnable); Rent $75.00 per day, effective July 1, 2023
The Russellville Festival and Engine Show was held in City Park in June 2022 and were a huge success. We hope they will return next year. A Christmas Open House, complete with Santa, hot chocolate, and cookies, was held at the Shelter House in conjunction with “Caroling in the Park” and was enjoyed by all. Watch the calendar for dates for Christmas 2023.
If you see West Ward Alderman Dana Frisby while you are out and about, please tell him thank you for his hard work to improve our City Park and as the City’s Parks and Recreation Director. Let him know if there is a special event you would like to see held.
Railroad Park
Railroad Park brings beauty and tranquility to the center of the downtown district, providing a place to enjoy lunch on a sunny day, read, or meet with friends.
Railroad Park was created in 2013 after the completion of a Missouri Department of Natural Resources Brownfield project to remove contaminated soil. The new site was perfect for the development of green space.
The park is anchored by our MoPAC Caboose No. 13600, located at the rear of the Park. The caboose sits on railroad ties in the exact location of the Bagnell Branch that served Russellville until 1962. A brick paver patio at the caboose includes memorial bricks, representing those responsible for the development and completion of the Park. Benches and tables throughout provide areas for gathering and relaxation.
The Park is home to our special memorial markers designating the city as a Blue Star and Gold Star community. The Blue Star Memorial honors all who serve in the armed forces. The Capital City Garden Club established the Gold Star Memorial Markers in honor of those who have lost their lives while serving under the flag of the United States. The city is also a Purple Heart City, designated by special signage on Route C.
Railroad Park was the site of the exciting “Total Eclipse of the Park” viewing party held on August 21, 2017. Hundreds of people joined us in downtown Russellville, representing many states and even the country of Brazil. The event was a major success for our community.
December 2, 2021, was the dedication of the Bicentennial monument commemorating the 200th anniversary of the founding of Cole County. A special monument was provided to each of the Cole County communities by the Cole County Bicentennial Committee and the Cole County Commission. The monument sits in the center of the park, in front of the MoPAC caboose, further highlighting the importance of the railroad in the exciting history of Russellville.
A project is currently underway to make needed improvements to the park. Stormwater intrusion had comprised the brick paver patio, requiring the removal of the pavers, construction of a new base, and relaying of the pavers to meticulously replace the pavers in the position in the half-moon patio. Accent lighting will be installed to highlight the caboose, walkways, walls, and plaques and new plantings will complete the project.