English Landing Park facts for kids

English Landing Park is located along the Missouri River in Parkville, Missouri, United States. It's a fun place with lots to do! You'll find a jogging and biking trail, picnic shelters, a soccer field, a baseball diamond, volleyball courts, two playgrounds, and even a nine-hole Frisbee golf course. A set of train tracks runs right next to the park.

The land for English Landing Park was first bought in 1838. A building near the park entrance, now known as the Power Plant Restaurant, was built in the mid-1800s. It used to be a power plant that provided electricity to the whole city! Later, during the American Civil War, this area was an important port on the river. After the war, the port was no longer used, and the area slowly became the Parkville we know today. The park also has a historic bridge, built in 1898, that crosses Linn Branch Creek.

History of English Landing Park

English Landing Park has a long and interesting history. It was once a busy port on the Missouri River, especially during the 1800s.

What Was the Power Plant?

The building now called the Power Plant Restaurant was once a real power plant! It was built in the mid-1800s and used coal to create power for the entire city of Parkville. Imagine a time when this building was buzzing with energy, helping to light up homes and businesses.

The Park's Role in the Civil War

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), English Landing Park was an important river port. The Missouri River was a border between states where people had different ideas about freedom. Many people tried to cross the river into Kansas, which was a free state. The park's history is connected to these challenging times and the journey many people made seeking freedom.

Flooding and Weather Events

Because English Landing Park is right next to the Missouri River, it has experienced several floods over the years.

Major Floods and Storms

In 1993, during a very big flood known as the Great Flood of 1993, the park and much of downtown Parkville were covered by more than 15 feet of water. That's taller than a house!

On May 4, 2003, a strong wind storm, called an EF1 tornado, passed very close to the park. It crossed the river and caused damage near the railroad tracks.

In May 2007, the Missouri River flooded the entire park again, though with less water, about 3 feet deep. The water went down about a week later. Also in 2007, the old smokestack from the Power Plant building had to be taken down because it was no longer safe.

On March 17, 2019, the river flooded English Landing Park once more, reaching all the way to the train tracks before the water went down a few days later. No buildings were damaged, but some playground equipment and parts of the dog park were harmed. The historic bridge over Linn Branch Creek also collapsed during this flood.

Images for kids

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  Canada goose on the Missouri River, English Landing Park, June 2018.