Mulkey Square

This is a neat little park, with a great view of downtown Kansas City, tucked away at the top of the Westside neighborhood. It isn't large, but it does well with what it has. There's a small playground where the kids can blow off some energy. There's also a softball field where the bigger kids can get their exercise.There isn't a walking trail, but a pedestrian bridge connects you to the neighborhood and allows easy access across I-70.

I find it hard to believe that today was my first visit to Mulkey Square Park. I've heard of it, driven past it on I-35, driven under it on I-670 and even lived a few blocks away for several years and had never even seen it before. It is certainly located in a remote area of downtown with limited access and is largely hidden by the FBI complex. Although remote, two structures in the park are highly visible - the Hereford bull sculpture and the pedestrian bridge over I-670.Love him or hate him, the Hereford Bull sculpture that rests on top of a 60' pylon has become an iconic symbol of KC. It has called Mulkey Square home since 2002, after being relocated from it's original home across the interstate. The pedestrian bridge features a large sculpted metal fence, "Flock" by artist Jesse Small. It is 72 panels of bird carvings that grace the river-like walkway that connects Mulkey Square to Andrew Drips Park - KC's 1st park - established in 1882, 22 years before Mulkey Square. Besides featuring these 2 must see attractions, the park offers a baseball diamond, children's playground, lots of open space for games or relaxing, a picnic shelter and amazing views of downtown and the West Bottoms. Another jewel in a great Kansas City parks system!

So - great view. A little hard to find (Google maps puts you on the other side of the expressway). Weird location, atop the hill - by the FBI building. On the beautiful Sunday (9/18) of our visit, a lot of trash had blown from a kids birthday party (to the credit of the folks that had the party the day before - looks like it had blown from the over full trash can). Also a horse/ cow patty from what appeared to have been a livestock display by the aforementioned party! Suffice it to say, a lot of trash present on the playground. Oh, BTW - hobo was asleep under the pavillion. The only others we saw in the vicinity were two more groups of grifter-looking-types.Equipment was nice. As was the shockingly well-maintained junior baseball park with a view toward downtown. However the hard rubber slide surfaces was overly protected against kids sliding. Our kids skidded and skidded, rendering the slide nearly inoperable. Also could benefit from a couple shade trees. The So facing slides were HOT HOT HOT. Though I don't dispute that this is probably a hidden gem in the midst of the concrete jungle. But between the grifters and the trash, we won't be back on a subsequent trip!

So, have you ever been driving down 35 or I70 near the West Bottoms and seen that cow sculpture just hanging out up in the sky? Well, it's here in Mulkey Square! And btw, I have dubbed it the Cow Tower, so if it has another name just keep it to yourself. Hidden away in the Westside, this is a nice little park just west of the corner of 13th and Summit, right around the corner from the FBI building. It's got a nice ball field that seems to be heavily used by local little-league. The playground is nice and in good condition. There's a shelter and a bathroom and all those things you'd want a park to have.But what makes this park REALLY great? Two things. Cow Tower and the view! This park has a just fantastic view of downtown Kansas City, and if I were a portrait photographer this would be on my heavy rotation. There is ample room to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic while you admire Cow Tower and the skyline. For all of you urban parents who say there's no decent parks for your kids... found one!

I recently discovered this park while on a weekend stroll with the husband and puppy. For those of you who have seen the giant cow on a platform rising out of the trees on KC's west side, this is where he lives. I'm not honestly sure if this area falls into the West Side or Quality Hill, so I'll call it the FBI Cow neighborhood of KC. (If you go to this park, you will get the FBI reference immediately!) This park is beautiful! There is a nice ball diamond with pretty great looking bleachers and lights, a restroom area, a kids play park, and tons of big trees. Most of the park is just open green space which seems to be well maintained. I personally don't currently play any sports that involve a field, but I would certainly enjoy watching a game here. Whats more is that the views are stunning!! This park is above all of the highways running on three sides of it, so combined with all of the trees, it remains quite "urban" tranquil. All of down town rises out above the trees and if you are there at sunset the buildings light up in an amazing range of oranges and reds. If you are looking for a new place to picnic, which would be just delightful here, or a place to bring the kids for an energy burn, definitely make your way to Mulkey Square! Also, for the runners, there are drinking fountains here and the park is connected by the bike trail. So there you go everyone, enjoy!

I love this little known spot. If you need a parking spot down town but don't want to pay a million dollars. Park here! It's great.