Friends of Riverside Park and Zoo (FORPAZ)

Friends of Riverside Park and Zoo (FORPAZ) Zoo Hours:
April 1st to Sept. 30th 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Oct. 1st to March 31st 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Winter Hours)

Zoo Admission is Free!

Please see Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo page for more information regarding ride hours. Summer Zoo Hours are: 9am - 7pm
Ride hours are:
Thurs/Fri 11am - 1pm & 6pm - 9pm
Sat./Sun. 1pm-5pm& 6pm - 9pm
Closed Mon/Tues/Wed; Closed in inclement weather

Mailing address: PO Box 9, Independence, KS 67301

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

Tomorrow, FORAPZ will have a table set-up near Miss Able's Snack Shack during Miss Able's Summer Blastoff 2026! We'll be...
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

This Saturday, FORPAZ will have a table set-up by Miss Able's Snack Shack during Miss Able's Summer Blastoff 2026! We'll...
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!

FORPAZ held the first Zoo Brew in 2015. Zoo Brew is an opportunity to sip, socialize and support the park and zoo. We ar...
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!

FORPAZ will be joining in on the fun on June 6th with GET INDEPENDENCE and will be set up during Miss Able's Summer Blas...
05/28/2026

FORPAZ will be joining in on the fun on June 6th with GET INDEPENDENCE and will be set up during Miss Able's Summer Blastoff from 11am-1pm by Miss Able's Snack Shack for freebies and giveaways! Stop by and help us celebrate 50 years! 🌭🚲🛴

We’re enjoying a trip down Memory Lane! The Riverside Park Gazebo was built in 1979. In an article by Willard Sainer, he...
05/27/2026

We’re enjoying a trip down Memory Lane! The Riverside Park Gazebo was built in 1979. In an article by Willard Sainer, he wrote, “This structure will make a lovely addition to the Rose Garden for all to enjoy. It may be used for weddings, Rose Queen contests, as well as a place for an overall view of the Rose Garden that is so badly needed for photographers and rose admirers.”

FORPAZ was proud to be one of the financial contributors to this beautiful structure, along with many others.

According to a FORPAZ Newsletter from 1977, a committee was established to select "a sturdy piece of recreational equipm...
05/25/2026

According to a FORPAZ Newsletter from 1977, a committee was established to select "a sturdy piece of recreational equipment that will provide young adventurers endless hours of imaginative play." The Big Toy became one of FORPAZ's first projects. This structure was funded by generous donations.

Do you remember the Big Toy?

This year, as FORPAZ celebrates its 50th Anniversary, we recognize and honor charter member Linda Henning. Linda has bee...
05/23/2026

This year, as FORPAZ celebrates its 50th Anniversary, we recognize and honor charter member Linda Henning. Linda has been part of FORPAZ since its beginning and continues to serve our organization with the same passion and dedication that inspired her involvement nearly 50 years ago. Her leadership and love for Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo have made a lasting impact on our community, and we are grateful for all she continues to do!

FORPAZ MEMBER PERK!When FORPAZ Members present their Membership Card at Miss Able's Snack Shack, they will receive one F...
05/22/2026

FORPAZ MEMBER PERK!

When FORPAZ Members present their Membership Card at Miss Able's Snack Shack, they will receive one FREE cup of food for the Petting Zoo happening TOMORROW Saturday, May 23rd 1:00-2:00pm.

Want to become a member and be part of the amazing things happening at Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo? Click the link to join! https://forpaz.com/join/

Address

1736 N 5th Street, PO Box 9 (mailing Address)
Independence, KS
67301

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+16203322512

Website

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