My quick rating: This new hot-air-balloon themed park has great climbing structures for big kids and fun play sets for toddlers. It’s mostly a good stop for the little climbers, but also has in-ground trampolines and a carousel, as well as many other unique features. A great spot to spend the afternoon!
The newly renovated Gum Springs Park boasts a 30-foot high hot air balloon climbing structure that is completely unique. Big kids can climb around inside of the giant balloon shape, and smaller kids can still enjoy the view from the “basket.” Much of the equipment centers around climbing ladders and rope webs, so it’s really great for those who love climbing. Even the slides and toddler structure are very unique. This park also has every kind of swing you could want, and is big enough to keep kids entertained for hours. On one end there is a fun hill to run/roll down (probably great for sledding too!). On the other end is a huge beautiful grassy field that kids can run wild in. Although it’s not fenced in, the way the playground is situated makes it easy to keep kids from running off.
Basics
- Address: 11524 W 67th St, Shawnee, KS 66203
- Hours: 6am-10pm
- Bathrooms: yes, open now! (March 2024)
- Water fountain: yes
- Fenced in: no
- Walking trails: yes, 0.6 miles
- Dogs: allowed on-leash (waste bags located near bathrooms)
- Crowd: busy
Playground
- Ground: bonded rubber mulch
- Accessibility: stroller & wheelchair accessible
- Swings: regular, baby, spiderweb, & inclusive.
- Good for toddlers: yes
- Good for big kids: yes!
- Shade/Sun: mix
- Water feature: no
- Special features: hot air balloon, trampolines, in-ground carousel
Amenities
- Seating: in pavilions and by bathrooms only
- Pavillion: 2 shelters available (one in play area)
- Picnic tables: shaded under Pavillion, also some uncovered by bathrooms.
- Grill: no
- Sports: unmarked soccer field, 4 baseball/softball fields
- Parking: 2 lots, one right by playground
PHOTOS OF GUM SPRINGS PARK
My opinion & notes
- Overall Opinion: We have only visited once since it just re-opened, but we definitely enjoyed ourselves. We spent the entire afternoon here and Sammy did not want to leave. Overall we really enjoyed it – the weather was perfect, there were a ton of great spots for a snack or picnic, lots of kiddos running around having fun, and some unique equipment that was fun to try out. Sammy’s favorite were probably the trampolines and the carousel, but he really enjoyed climbing various things too. I was very glad we met friends there though – most of the climbs were a challenge for Sammy and he wanted help, which was pretty tough to do while holding a baby. Next time I’d definitely plan to come with friends again or my husband, because having that extra pair of hands was very helpful.
- Seasonal Notes: This park was absolutely perfect on a sunny 65-70 degree day with a breeze. I was worried it would be chilly but the hills and trees blocked most of the wind so we were able to play in t-shirts. It looks like there will be a decent amount of shade in the summer too when the trees have leaves again, so I think it will stay nice most of the year.
- Parking: There are two parking lots, one is located right next to the bathrooms and playground, the other is a short walk. The playground and closer parking lot are on the south side of the park.
- Recommendations/Tips: Plenty of great spots for a picnic. Had I known there was such a nice field attached, I would have brought a soccer ball to play with too! (would also be good for frisbees, catch, etc)
- Stops nearby: The Shawnee Farmers Market is held from 7am-noon on Saturdays (May-October) and is only 1.5 miles (about a 6 minute drive) from Gum Springs Park. More info here.
- Events: For shelter & field reservations, and more information about this park, visit the City of Shawnee website.
LOCATION
Other Parks Nearby
1.3 miles (4 min drive)
Listowel Park
in
1.7 miles (7 min drive)
West Flanders Park
in
2.2 miles (7 min drive)
Antioch Park
in