Friends of Riverside Park and Zoo (FORPAZ)

09/04/2026

Following this fun event, FORPAZ will be set-up in the open 4H Building starting at 11:00am. We will be serving FREE hotdogs, chips and ice cream cups while supplies last. We will also be doing a bicycle and scooter giveaway! 🚲🛴 The drawing for the bikes and scooters will be at 12:30pm.

This is in celebration of 50 years of FORPAZ! Stop by and help us celebrate! 🎉

Scoot on over to see the new bobcat, Scooter, on exhibit for the first time on Saturday, September 19, at 10:00! Refreshments from Scooter's Coffee will be provided!

07/23/2026

Two of our fabulous FORPAZ Board Members have been working hard to add something special to the zoo! You’ll find TWO Scavenger Hunts at the information area over by Miss Able’s Snack Shack - one for the zoo 🦚 and one for the Verdigris Vista Trail 🥾🌳

We’ve already had a friend out spotting all of the animals on the zoo scavenger hunt! 🐢✏️

06/25/2026

Reminder that due to the rain in the forecast we are postponing our rescheduled 50th Celebration Event that was scheduled for today, June 25th. Please keep an eye on our page for details on rescheduling this event!

06/24/2026

Due to the rain in the forecast we are postponing our rescheduled 50th Celebration Event that was scheduled for tomorrow, June 25th. Please keep an eye on our page for details on rescheduling this event!

06/24/2026

Due to the rain in the forecast we are postponing our rescheduled 50th Celebration Event that was scheduled for tomorrow June 25th. Please keep an eye on our page for details on rescheduling this event!

Due to the forecasted rain for tomorrow, the Miss Able Summer Blastoff and Friends of Riverside Park and Zoo (FORPAZ) hot dog dinner and giveaway event has been postponed. Follow us on Visit Independence KS to keep up on the rescheduled fun!

06/20/2026

We've RESCHEDULED our 50 Year Celebration Event!!

At 5:30pm on Thursday, June 25th, we'll be set-up at the Train Depot at Riverside Park with FREE hotdogs, chips, ice cream and water *WHILE SUPPLIES LAST* + giveaways!🌭

Come enjoy FREE food and kids can have their names entered into a drawing for a bicycle or scooter! 🚲🛴

We would like to thank Atmos Energy and Walmart for helping making this event even more special with their donations!

06/06/2026

Due to the rain, we are postponing our 50th Celebration activities today. Please keep an eye on our page as we will post details on rescheduling soon! 😊☔️

06/05/2026

Tomorrow, FORAPZ will have a table set-up near Miss Able's Snack Shack during Miss Able's Summer Blastoff 2026! We'll be giving away free hot dogs, chips and ice cream while supplies last and there will also be an opportunity to win a bike or scooter by completing a kid-friendly scavenger hunt! A completed scavenger hunt will enter you in a drawing for a bike or scooter!

A special thank you to Walmart for donating 2 of the bikes we're giving away, and Atmos Energy for the grill, hot dogs and chips!

Saturday, June 6th at Ralph Mitchell Zoo - Miss Able's Snack Shack from 11am to 1pm
Drawing for bikes and scooters will be at 1pm

06/01/2026

This Saturday, FORPAZ will have a table set-up by Miss Able's Snack Shack during Miss Able's Summer Blastoff 2026! We'll be giving away free hot dogs, chips & ice cream + we'll have a scavenger hunt for kiddos from 11am to 1pm! A completed scavenger hunt will get you entered to win a bike or a scooter! 🚲🛴🌭 We'll draw at 1pm!

A special thanks to Walmart for donating 2 of the bikes we'll be giving away, and Atmos Energy for the grill, hot dogs and chips!

We're looking forward to celebrating 50 Years of FORPAZ!

05/29/2026

FORPAZ held the first Zoo Brew in 2015. Zoo Brew is an opportunity to sip, socialize and support the park and zoo. We are so grateful for every individual that's attended a Zoo Brew and helped support the mission of FORPAZ!

Our next Zoo Brew will be Summer 2027!