Missouri Parks Association

10/06/2026

A new connection for Rock Island Trail State Park!

The new Ted & Pat Jones Bridge in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, officially opened on October 3, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating a major milestone for trail users and the community.

The bridge eliminates a road detour, creating a direct connection between the Pleasant Hill Trailhead and Rock Island Trail State Park.

This important project was made possible by a final generous gift from the trust created by lifelong conservationists Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones. Their vision and generosity have left an incredible legacy across Missouri, including Katy Trail State Park.

To learn more about Ted and Pat Jones and their lasting conservation legacy, visit https://historicmissourians.shsmo.org/edward-ted-hilda-pat-jones/

10/02/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Susan Flader on being named a recipient of the 2026 Cornelius Amory Pugsley Medal, presented by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration, in partnership with the National Park Foundation.

This prestigious honor recognizes her lifelong dedication to conservation, parks, and public lands—and her outstanding support of Missouri State Parks.

As a co-founder and longtime leader of the Missouri Parks Association, established in 1982, Dr. Flader has spent decades advocating for the protection, funding, and enhancement of Missouri’s state parks, historic sites, and natural areas.

Her leadership has also been instrumental in efforts to secure and reauthorize Missouri’s Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax, a vital source of funding for parks, historic sites, and conservation across the state.

We are proud to celebrate Dr. Flader’s remarkable legacy and her enduring commitment to Missouri’s treasured natural and cultural resources.

08/18/2026

The 2026–27 Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program is officially open!

The grant helps cover transportation costs for pre-K through 12th-grade field trips, making it easier for students to explore Missouri’s state parks and historic sites.

Info on how to apply is in the post 🚌

08/06/2026

Thank you for supporting Amendment 1!

Now that the election is over, you may have questions about what comes next.

Do you have questions about the Missouri State Parks budget, funding, or how the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax supports our state parks?

The Missouri Parks Association is here to help provide information and keep you informed about the future of Missouri’s state parks. And if you want to continue supporting Missouri State Parks, consider becoming a member of the Missouri Parks Association.

Your membership helps support advocacy, education, outreach, and the long-term protection of Missouri’s parks and historic sites.
Pay what you can at, https://tinyurl.com/339jv5ma

Have a question? Ask us! [email protected]

08/05/2026

Thank you, Missouri voters! The passage of Amendment 1 renews the parks, soils, and water sales tax, ensuring continued investment in our state parks and natural resources. Thank you for your commitment and continued support of hiking, camping, preserving, and protecting these special places for future generations.

And a BIG thank you to Missouri State Park employees, who are on the front lines every day caring for our natural resources and serving the public. Your hard work, dedication, and stewardship make Missouri's parks a place we can all enjoy and cherish.

The renewal of this amendment is a reflection of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to preserving Missouri's parks and natural resources for generations to come!

08/04/2026

Go vote! 🗳️

That's right, folks, the time is now!

Vote today to preserve Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites, and Missouri's Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Unsure of where your voting location is? Visit https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/govotemissouri to find out!

Polls are open today until 7 PM! If you are in line at the closing time of 7 PM, you have the right to cast your vote.

08/04/2026

VOTE 🗳️

08/02/2026

Missouri State Parks are more than beautiful places to explore—they're an economic engine. For more information, see the post 👇