CITY OF BURLINGTON, KANSAS

PARKS - RECREATION -

ATTRACTIONS - ENTERTAINMENT

Aquatic Center (Swimming)
Attractions/Entertainment Within Burlington City Limits
Attractions/Entertainment Outside Burlington City Limits
Entertainment / Activities / Events
Golf Course
Lakes / Dams / Water Sports / Environmental Areas
Parks and Recreation
Recreation Center
Museum
See also: Transportation, Industry/Economic Development

USD 244 Recreation Center

Scot Jeffers

Recreation Director

1110 Shea Street

Burlington, Kansas 66839

Phone: 620-364-8484; Fax: 620-364-8035

The USD 244 Recreation Commission is responsible for conducting a comprehensive year-around recreation and leisure program for all ages within the school district. In addition, the Commission is responsible for operating the Recreation Center and the Aquatic Center, two of the newest and finest facilities of their kind in the State of Kansas.

The $2.1 million Recreation Center was completed in May of 1989. It offers residents 48,000 square feet of space for indoor recreational activities. Main features include an elevated walking track; a 25-yard, six-lane swimming pool; a two-court gymnasium; a fully-equipped weight room; two racquetball courts; an aerobics room; a game room; an arts and crafts room; and a child care room. The Recreation Center features top-of-the-line fitness equipment such as Stairmaster, PreCor, NordicTrack, Quinton, Schwinn, York and Cybex.

In addition, the Recreation Commission offers a variety of classes, sports, fitness activities, trips and events for all ages. Brochures are produced three times per year: in January, May and September.

Call 620-364-8484 for current activity schedules, fees, membership to the Recreation Center or other information. [Admission fees vary for persons who live in Burlington and those who do not.]

USD 244 Aquatic Center

===outdoor pool===

1110 Shea, Burlington, Kansas  66839
620-364-8484

Opened to the public in 1992, the USD 244 $1.8 million Aquatic Center, located at 215 South 13th Street in Burlington, has something for everyone in the family. The Aquatic Center features a pool equipped for competitive swimming with an eight-lane, fifty-meter pool capable of hosting outdoor swim meets.  It also offers  120-foot waterslide; a zero depth entry wading pool with a frog slide and an infant area; a medium depth water area for recreational use; and one and three meter diving boards.  

In addition, the Aquatic Center has a modular playground unit, a grassy area within the fences, a concession stand, coin operated lockers, play equipment rentals, shade structures, and a large sun deck area with lounge chairs. Adjacent to the Aquatic Center are a sand volleyball court and a small baseball field.

Family Swims (with admission fee/donation) and special events are held throughout the summer months.  Call the Recreation Center (620-364-8484) for specifics on dates, times, entertainment and fees.

Pool and Recreational Activities offered by the Recreation Center, including membership, vary for persons who live in Burlington and those who do not.  Call 620-364-8484..

Golf Course

Rock Creek Country Club, a private club, is located in Burlington.

Parks and Recreation

Contact: 
CITY OF BURLINGTON: 
Tel: 620-364-5334; Fax: 620-364-2996; Email: sburlington@mchsi.com 
Mail: P.O. Box 207 Burlington, KS 66852; Location: 301 Neosho St., Burlington, KS or  
COFFEY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:  
Mail: 110 N. 4th St.; Burlington, Kansas 66839; Phone: 620-364-2002 or 
toll free: 877-364-2002 ; FAX:  620-364-3048;  Email: info@coffeycountychamber.com 

Burlington has four recreational parks and several other parks for people to enjoy. Conrad Park, Drake Park, Jones Youth Recreational Park, Katy Park, and Kelley Park. These parks offer a variety of activities. Two of the parks offer camping and hook-ups; three parks offer baseball and softball fields; one park offers three soccer fields. Other excellent facilities offered in the parks in Burlington include: tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, outdoor three-wall racquetball courts, outdoor basketball courts, well-equipped playgrounds, and several attractive picnic areas for use by the public for large or small gatherings. Several rodeo events are held each year at Kelley Park in an arena built by the Coffey County Saddle Club.

Burlington has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 13 consecutive years.

Burlington has several other parks for residents and visitors to enjoy, including Arbor Park, Caboose Park, Conrad Park, Floral Park, Oak Park, Veterans Park. The Oak Park Nature Walking Trail was completed in March, 2004.

Drake Park and Burlington City Dam are located on a scenic stretch of the Neosho River on the east edge of the City of Burlington. Drake Park provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy fishing, picnicking, sightseeing, and camping. Burlington City Dam is a favorite fishing spot of residents and visitors alike. Several species of fish are found in the waters flowing over the City Dam, including white bass, crappie, spoonbill, carp and drum.

Recent additions to Drake Park include the construction of eight concrete RV parking stalls. Each stall is equipped with water and electrical hookups and they are in close proximity to the City Dam. Newly constructed restrooms with showers are close by. Picnic tables have been set up at various locations throughout Drake Park and there are plans to install barbecue grills.

Katy Park is the location of the Coffey County Museum and the Aquatic Center (city outdoor pool), and a ball diamond.  The Coffey County Museum is at 1101 Neosho, while the Aquatic Center is located at 215 South 13th Street.

KELLEY PARK:

Kelley Park, located on 46 acres along the Neosho River, is only a few blocks south of the City Dam and is a popular park for Burlington and Coffey County activities of all kinds. Kelley Hall offers a quaint location to hold family reunions, birthday parties, receptions, and meetings. The new 4-H Building is also complete with kitchen facilities for dinners and banquets. Sporting events are held in the rustic covered Kelley Park Stadium. Rodeos are held in the Rodeo Arena. Kelley Park is the site for the oldest consecutively held annual fair in the State of Kansas. New restrooms were recently constructed in the playground area next to Kelley Hall. Several shelter houses are equipped with barbecue grills and picnic tables. RV parking is available at Kelley Park.  Kelley Park also has added more horseshoe courts for horseshoe enthusiasts.

BUILDING RESERVATIONS

KELLEY HALL, 4-H BUILDING, and STADIUM: Contact Burlington City Hall, 301 Neosho Street / P.O. Box 207; (620)364-5334).

SHELTER HOUSES: First come, first serve

RV PARKING: NO RESERVATIONS - Permits are available at Burlington City Hall, 301 Neosho Street or Burlington Police Department, 625 S. 3rd Street (in Kelley Park). See rates listed below.

RV PARKING FEES

Parks/Lakes within 35 miles of Burlington - Information on the many recreational lakes and parks close to Burlington can be found in the following pages.

LAKES
Dams, Water Sports, Environmental Areas

Outdoor Activities: camping, fishing , hunting, sightseeing, water sports, etc.

Coffey County Lake - The Coffey County Lake has been called the "Crown Jewel" of Kansas fisheries. The lake, which has a surface area of 5,090 acres and an average depth of 21.5 feet, opened for public fishing in 1996. The variety of species of fish include walleye, channel catfish, small mouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, and wipers.

To learn more about fishing on the Coffey County Lake contact:

Dwight D. Eisenhower Environmental Education Area - The Wolf Creek Dwight D. Eisenhower Environmental Education Area, which opened in September of 1994, offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the nature of eastern Kansas through its scenic nature trails. Five trails are available to enjoy scenic hikes 365 days a year.  Handicap accessible trails, Prairie Lake and South Pond, are a half mile long with asphalt surfaces.  The Kansas Nature Trail, has a grass surface. Marsh Island Trail is a wetland habitat.  The Marsh Island and Woodland Deer Trails are accessible by vehicle.  (Phone: 620-364-4141)

Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge
530 West Maple, P.O. Box 128; Hartford, Kansas (620)364-5553.

The refuge is managed as part of the National Migratory Waterfowl Program and is open to public hunting during the hunting season, with the exception of the area north of the Neosho River which is closed to public access during the migratory waterfowl season. Detailed hunting information may be obtained from the Refuge manager, Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge.

Gridley City Lake - Thirty-three acres, 1 mile N. of Gridley in Coffey County.
 (City license required.) 
Contact: CITY OF GRIDLEY: Tel: 620-836-3145; Fax: 620-836-2838; Mail: P.O. Box 182, Gridley, KS 66852 or contact Coffey County Chamber of Commerce Phone: 620-364-2002 or toll free: 877-364-2002 ; Email: info@coffeycountychamber.com  

John Redmond Reservoir and Lake - In the center of Coffey County, about two miles north and one mile west of Burlington, is John Redmond Reservoir which encompasses 9,400 acres. The dam is 20,740 feet long; the maximum height above the streambed is 86 feet, drainage area above the dam is 3,015 square miles, and the concrete spillway has 14 gates. Access roads lead into five park areas on the lake and below the dam. The park areas offer picnicking and camping sites, a swimming beach, boat launching ramps, water hydrants, electric hookups, sanitary facilities, group shelters and group camping. The lake offers all types of water related activities, and consists of 59 shoreline miles and 221 parkland acres. It provides excellent opportunities for fishing and hunting. Sport fish in the lake include white crappie, white bass, wipers, channel catfish and flathead catfish.

For further information contact: Resident Engineer; John Redmond Resident Office; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Route 2; P.O. Box 71; Burlington, KS 66839/Telephone: (620)364-8614.  [A step on guide is available upon request.]

     Boating - Boating on the lake is in accordance with the Kansas boating laws and Corps of Engineers’ regulations. Operate your boat in a controlled, safe manner at all times. All boats propelled by a motor of any kind or a sail boat must be numbered and registered with the State of Kansas or legally registered with another state. For more complete information, see the "Kansas Boating and Safety Guide."

     Camping and Picnicking - Access roads lead into five park areas on the lake and below the dam. The park areas offer picnicking and camping sites, a swimming beach, boat launching ramps, water hydrants, electric hookups, sanitary facilities, group shelters and group camping. Fees are collected on a seasonal basis at the various parks. More detailed information regarding the fee program may be obtained at the project office.

     Hunting and Fishing - The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is operating approximately 1,600 acres of project lands for wildlife management and public hunting. The area is known as Otter Creek Game Management Area.

Numerous gravel and dirt township and county roads provide access to the game management areas open to public hunting. People hunting are urged to respect all posted signs and not to trespass on private property. Hunting is prohibited in developed recreational areas on the lake and in the vicinity of the dam and other project structures.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has under cooperative agreement approximately 18,500 acres of project land and water areas for operation of the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is managed as part of the National Migratory Waterfowl Program and is open to public hunting during the hunting season, with the exception of the area north of the Neosho River which is closed to public access during the migratory waterfowl season. Detailed hunting information may be obtained from the Refuge manager, Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 128, Hartford, KS (620)364-5553.

Hunting and fishing activities are regulated by Federal and State laws. Areas open to public hunting in the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge and the Otter Creek Game Management Area are restricted to steel shot for all game species. Project hunting maps showing areas open for hunting and specific regulations and restrictions are available from the project office.

Principal game species include bobwhite quail, ducks, geese, mourning dove, cottontail rabbits, and numbers of squirrel, deer and turkey.

     Sightseeing - John Redmond Reservoir is located in the broad Neosho River Valley near the eastern edge of the Flint Hills. The natural beauty of the area is an open invitation to the visitor for picnicking, camping, hiking and sightseeing. Bring your horse along and enjoy a ride on the scenic trails. Acres of grassland with abundant wildflowers are interspersed with wooded bottomlands and stream valleys. For nature enthusiasts, there are many native grasses and trees including big walnut, hickory, ash, cottonwood and cedar. Also, for bird watchers, there are many species of birds in the area, including migratory waterfowl and bald eagles. A bird watching checklist is available at the project office.

Lebo City Lake, which will open in the Spring of 2000 and will cover 70 acres is located two miles west and 1/2 mile north of Lebo in Coffey County. (City license is required.)
Contact CITY OF LEBO: Tel: 620-256-6622; Mail: P.O. Box 14, Lebo, KS 66856 or contact Coffey County Chamber of Commerce Phone: 620-364-2002 or toll free: 877-364-2002 ; Email: info@coffeycountychamber.com

Melvern Lake - Located 20 miles north of Burlington on U.S. Highway 75, Melvern Lake consists of 6.930 surface acres of water and 17,244 acres of adjacent land. More than 500,000 visitors enjoy the recreational and natural resource activities of Melvern Lake’s six parks which include, but are not limited to, boating/water sports, picnicking, swimming, wildlife, nature trails, an equestrian trail, local historic sites, hunting areas, a full-service marina, and an interpretive information center. For more information, contact: Melvern Lake Project Office; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; RR 1; Melvern Kansas 66510; Phone: (913)549-3318.

New Strawn City Lake, covering three acres, is located in the center New Strawn, less than five miles north of Burlington. (City license required.) 
Contact CITY OF NEW STRAWN; Tel: 620-364-8283; Fax: 620-364-5110; Mail: P.O. Box 507, 407 N. Arrowhead Drive, New Strawn, KS 66839 or contact Coffey County Chamber of Commerce Phone: 620-364-2002 or toll free: 877-364-2002 ; Email: info@coffeycountychamber.com  

Pomona Lake - Located approximately 25 miles north Burlington Pomona Lake is a 4,000 acre lake with eight developed parks, including R.V. campsites. Marina concessions provide a full range of boating, fishing and camping supplies. Pomona Dam if 7,750 feet long and stands 111 feet above the streambed. Activities available include hunting, fishing, recreation, camping, picnicking, and enjoyment of nature. For more information, contact: Project Manager; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Pomona Lake; RR 1; Vassar, Kansas 66543/Phone: (913)453-2201.

Wolf Creek Environmental Education Area - The Wolf Creek Environmental Education Area, opened in September of 1994, offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the nature of eastern Kansas. The area consists of 160 acres on which there are three self-guided trails. The Prairie Lake Trail offers a prairie lake view, a bird viewing blind, a creek view, a water walk, and a predator’s view. The South Pond Trail offers a transmission line crossing, pasture grasses, view of the south pond, and pasture succession. The Kansas Nature Trail includes viewing the stock pond, the transmission line right-of-way, grassland ecology, the north lake shore, conservation and agriculture, grasses and trees, and the old Martindale School. The trails offer the opportunity to see thirty-eight species of snakes (only five are poisonous); native tall grasses; a variety of wild life including white-tailed deer, coyotes, wood mice, deer mice, fox, squirrels, meadowlarks, bobwhite quail, field sparrows, grasshopper sparrows, waterfowl, and king fishers. Also seen along the trails are a variety of plants, flowers and trees. The Wolf Creek Environmental Education Area provides the opportunity for an incredible sightseeing experience.

BURLINGTON AND COFFEY COUNTY

 ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

A community calendar of events can be viewed on the Coffey County Chamber website:  info@coffeycountychamber.com

BUSINESSES - SHOPPING AND BROWSING
More than 200 businesses, several of which are home-based, are located within Burlington's city limits.

THEATER - THE BURLINGTON OPRY    Burlington Opry officially closed October 2010

Burlington's MAY DAZE FESTIVAL
DISCONTINUED IN 2010

ATTRACTIONS
 WITHIN BURLINGTON CITY LIMITS

COFFEY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND VISITOR’S CENTER (CABOOSE) - is located in a bright red Sante Fe Caboose at the intersection of Highway 75 and Neosho Street in downtown Burlington. Come in and receive an introduction to this history-filled area. Public restrooms and tour bus accommodations are available. Mail: 110 N. 4th St.; Burlington, Kansas 66839; Email:  info@coffeycountychamber.com 

BUSINESSES - SHOPPING AND BROWSING
More than 200 businesses, several of which are home-based, are located within Burlington's city limits.

ARTS - (PERFORMING AND VISUAL) - The Coffey County Council for the Arts is an organization which sponsors performing and visual art exhibits. Working closely with the education departments, the Council has many plans for the future to expand art appreciation for children and adults. (Phone: 620-364-2440)

ARTS - COFFEY COUNTY THEATER BOARD - The Coffey County Theater Board endeavors to expand cultural experiences by attracting various performing and visual entertainment to Burlington. (620-364-8652)

BUILDINGS (HISTORICAL) - Burlington has several buildings which were built during the 1800s and early 1900s.

Burlington Carnegie Free Library was built in 1912 and dedicated on April 29, 1913. The library was placed on the National Register for its historical association with the Carnegie Corporation Library Program and for its architectural significance as a new building type.

Burlington United States Post Office - This building, located at 107 South Fourth Street, was placed on the National Historical Register on October 17, 1989 for its association with the Treasury Department’s Section Program and for the artistic significance of the sculpture it contains. The sculpture "Boy and Colt" was carved by Arizona artist Robert Kittredge in 1942. The National Register has identified post offices containing Section artwork as being exceptionally significant if they retain integrity from their period of significance. [Phone (620)364-2215]

HISTORICAL SOCIETY - (Coffey County Historical Society and Museum) -
Information on the Coffey County Historical Society and Museum can be found under the topic "MUSEUM" below. (Phone: (620)364-2653; Fax: (620)-364-8933.)

LIBRARY - COFFEY COUNTY LIBRARY
410 Juniatta St.; Burlington, KS 66839/Phone: (620)364-5333

The Coffey County Library, located in Burlington, was constructed in 1994 and has approximately 14,490 square feet. The library carries 18,000 books and 85 periodical titles. Other non-book materials available include audio tapes, CDs, videos, games, microfilm and a 16mm film. Special services are also provided. The library staff provides a Story Time Summer Reading Program (SRP) for children, delivery to shut-ins, and adult programs and speakers. The library staff is planning a more extensive outreach and literacy program throughout Burlington and Coffey County. The Coffey County Library of Burlington is a member of the Southeast Kansas Library System. Regional services provided include the Interlibrary Library Loan Program, talking books and a public meeting room. The Coffey County Library System includes branches located in Gridley, Lebo, LeRoy, New Strawn and Waverly.

LIBRARY - Genealogy Research Library - See the following information listed under "MUSEUM"

MUSEUM (Coffey County Historical Society and Museum)
Curator
1101 Neosho St.; Burlington, KS  66839 
Tel: (620)364-2653 or 1-888-877-2653 / Fax: (620)364-8933

Hours: Weekdays: 10:00 - 5:00 ----- Saturdays & Sundays (April-December): 1:00 - 4:00

A Catering Area is available for Tours, Family Gatherings, Weddings, Etc. 
---Donations accepted

Overview:  The Coffey County Museum, which features 12,000 square feet of displays, is located in Katy Park of the original Townsite of the City of Burlington, which was platted in 1857. Entry to the Museum features a walk through the original historical stone gateway and brick path of Katy Park. The pioneers of Coffey County walked this path as they traveled to the Katy Railroad Station Depot.

The museum’s greatest depth is its turn-of-the-century memorabilia which is now displayed in classified storage areas. These include, but are not limited to: a collection of 140 dolls; a large model train display; a complete 1950s dental office and earlier equipment; a 1940s medical office; a 1947 Mack Fire Truck; a buggy and surrey; early farm implements; remnants of the LeRoy Company-1904 through 1970; Indian artifacts; a blacksmith shop; a 1900s bedroom; a 1920s kitchen; a military display form the Civil War through the Persian Gulf; a 1900s parlor; a 1900s millinery shop; an in-depth genealogy library; a country store display; Coffey County Schools alumni room with pictures, trophies, books, maps, blackboard and teacher’s desk; a barn area complete with saddles, oxen yoke, bits, etc.; a walking spinning wheel from the Crandall Ranch; a buffet from Kelley Hall. Come and see a new attraction of the Coffey County Museum - the Cochran Addition of 600 dolls.

Viewing without a guide is welcome anytime.  Guided tours are conducted by reservation only. 

The museum routinely offers hands-on workshops, including demonstrations on butter churning, apple peeling, tatting, wreath-making, woodcarving, Indian artifacts, and taffy pulling. There are annual events such as Pioneer Days in May, a Quilt Show in June and July, Halloween Happenings in October and Getting to Know Santa in December.

Bethel Church, built in 1895, is a recent addition to the Coffey County Museum. Bethel Church has undergone restoration. This quaint church can be reserved for weddings and other events. Bethel Church, Dale School and the Museum are connected by an attractive boardwalk.

Genealogy Research Library - An abundance of information is available to help in genealogical research, including census records from territorial records of 1855 through to the last state census of 1925 of Coffey County. Micro film newspapers from 1857 through today are available for viewing.

School House (Historical) - The Rural Dale School which was located east of LeRoy, Kansas in Coffey County, was recently donated to the Coffey County Museum by Irene Woods. The 1896 school house has been moved next to the Museum and has been restored..

Wolf Creek Nuclear OPERATING Corporation (WCNOC), also known as Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) is located approximately four miles northeast of Burlington, the facility occupies about 10,500 acres including a 5,000 acre cooling reservoir. The reservoir is filled with record breaking game fish. Wolf Creek Lake (later renamed "Coffey County Lake") was opened to the public in the Fall of 1996. Wolf Creek Environment Education Area was opened in 1994. (For more information see topics above.)

The plant, which began commercial operation on September 3, 1985, serves some 700,000 retail customers in Kansas and Missouri, and set a U.S. record for its first, second and fifth years of power production. Group tours of WCGS, by reservation only, are welcome. For more information or to schedule a tour, contact:

WOLF CREEK NUCLEAR POWER PLANT, located only five miles north of Burlington offers free group tours (by reservation only). Contact: P.O. Box 411; Burlington, KS 66839; Phone:(620)364-8831, extension 4484.

ATTRACTIONS
 OUTSIDE BURLINGTON CITY LIMITS:

BODEN ICE COMPANY - Located at 125 North Ogden; Lebo, Kansas 66857 [Phone:(620)256-6655], Boden Ice Company is the third largest producer of packaged ice. Tours by appointment are welcome.

BUILDINGS - (HISTORICAL)

100-Year Old Jail - Come and see a bit of history in Lebo, Kansas.

Bank - The First National Bank of Waverly, chartered in 1902, can be seen in Waverly.

Bank - Visit the old Farmers State Bank in Aliceville.

Dunnel House - The first house built in Waverly was built by H P. Dunnel in Waverly, Kansas in 1878.

Foster Building - This building in Waverly was built in 1902.

Jail (Old One-Room Jail) - Visit this site in the LeRoy.

Jail (Old Stone Jail) - Visit this site in the Waverly area.

Miller House - This house, located in Lebo, Kansas, was built in 1899.

Park - Visit LeRoy to see its city park with its Band Stand.

Powel Home and Florence Miller Home - Located in Lebo 66856/ Phone:(620)256-6622, both of these old Victorian homes are registered historical sites. Tours are welcome.

Email: sburlington@mchsi.com

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January 17, 1998