The Branson Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for the oversight of 15 city parks totaling more than 285 acres, ranging from small neighborhood parks to large wilderness areas with hiking trails, as well as the delivery of recreational programs and services to our citizens.


The Department is headed by the Director of Parks & Recreation, Cindy Shook, and Assistant Director, Preston Peper and consists of the following divisions:


Recreation Services:
Coordinates recreation programs and sports leagues for all ages throughout the city at various locations and facilities.  For information regarding youth sports and leagues, contact Recreation Specialist, Kelli Tucker.  For information regarding adult sports, special events and the Branson Waves Swim team, contact Recreation Specialist, Alicia Bates. 


Park & Recreation Facilities:
Our department  oversee 15 parks in the City of Branson that offer a variety of recreation and leisure opportunities.  Each park has different features to offer, including picnic pavilions, playgrounds, a skate park, basketball and tennis courts, walking paths and trails.  In addition, we oversee facilities such as the Branson RecPlex, the Branson Community Center and the Don Gardner Par 3 Golf Course.  Contact Recreation Supervisor Ben Jacobi regarding these facilities as well as pavilion reservations.


Park Operation:
Roger Hunzeker serves as the Park Maintenance Supervisor in charge of maintenance for City Parks and the Branson RecPlex.

How to contact us:
Branson Parks & Recreation Department
1500 Branson Hills Parkway
Branson, MO 65616
Phone: (417).335.2368
Fax: (417) 335.2523

Parks & Recreation Policies:
Games Hotline  (335-6550)
At your convenience 24 hours a day information regarding games schedules, program updates, cancellations and weather decisions.  A decision regarding evening programs will be made by approximately 4:00pm

Program Fees
It is the policy of the Branson Parks & Recreation Department that program participants help defray the direct costs related to an activity/program through the assessment of fees and charges.  However, the department does not wish to exclude any child wishing to participate in any youth activity regardless of financial ability.  Persons who feel they are unable to afford the cost of a youth activity (i.e. unemployment, long term illness or other financial hardship) may receive a scholarship for a reduction or waiver of fee.

Resident Discount fee Policy
This new policy establishes a discount fee for Branson residents residing within the city limits for aquatics, recreation programs and facilities rentals.  Due to increased fiscal demands for new and expanded services, coupled with demands from non-residents, a non-resident fee is necessary to maintain existing quality levels of service.  Branson residents that show proof of residency will receive a discounted fee in some areas.  For more information and a list of frequently asked questions about the resident discount policy, click on the is available at the RecPlex and on the website about how to receive the resident discount fee. 

                                                        Resident Discount FAQ

Admission Charge
A gate admission is charged for certain programs.  The fee is necessary as registration fees do not support the costs of the program.  The $1.00 admission fee does not apply to players, coaches and youth 12 and under. 

Military Youth fee Waiver
Children of parents on active duty in military service may receive a fee waiver for select youth programs (youth baseball & softball, youth soccer, youth basketball, youth volleyball and daily pool admissions).  A parent or legal guardian must present proof of active duty service.  The dependent child must reside in Taney or Stone Counties.  

Photo Policy
On occasion, our staff may photograph participants in park programs or at special events.  Please be aware that these photos are for our use only and may be used in future brochures, flyers or on our web page.  By registering for any recreation programs, you agree to allow publication of any photos taken at any program,
event or facility.

Background Check Policy
Interested in volunteering with the Branson Parks and Recreation Department?  We strive to create a safe environment for our volunteers, citizens and staff. Contract & volunteer positions require successful completion of a criminal background check through the National Recreation and Parks Association.  A copy of the policy guideline is available at the Branson RecPlex.

Refund Policy
The Parks Department reserves the right to cancel, postpone or combine programs.  If insufficient enrollment causes an activity to be cancelled, participants will receive a full refund.  Refunds must be picked up during the calender year of the program or activity.  After the calender year, the refund will be forfeited and moved into a scholarship fund.  If a participant drops out prior to the start of a program, a refund will be given.  A refund will not be given after the start of a program.  Refunds will not be given to team entrants who drop out of a program after the schedule is made and handed out.

Waiver Required
All participants in Branson Parks & Recreation programs will be required to sign a waiver.  By registering to participate in these recreation programs, each resident realizes the inherent risks involved and understands the nature of these risks.  The applicant agrees to hold the City of Branson harmless for any injury caused by participation in these programs.

Insurance/Liability
The Branson Parks & Recreation Department does not provide hospital/medical insurance coverage for persons participating in sponsored activities.  Each participant is required to sign a waiver and agrees to assume the responsibility for risk of injury during participation in recreation programs.

Cancellations due Inclement Weather

If at any time the Parks Department determines that any athletic field is not safe for participant use and/or cannot be used without creating damage or the potential for damage to the field or facility, the fields/facilities may not be used. The decision of Parks & Recreation personnel is final. We ask your cooperation in caring for our fields and facilities in such a way as to safeguard your safety and preserve our facilities and fields for future and continued use. Parks and Recreation will make every effort to make such decisions in a timely manner but does reserve the right to make such decisions as needed even when advance notice is not possible.  

Please note:
*If you have a question concerning the status of a program due to inclement weather call the GAMES HOTLINE at 335-6550 

*If you have not been informed through the games hotline or contacted by the Parks & Recreation Department, assume your activity has not been canceled.

*If poor weather conditions develop within 1-2 hours of the event, report to the site if in doubt. 

*Once at the program site, decisions concerning the cancellation or discontinuation of the activity will be the judgment of the site supervisor or game official.

Lost and Found
If you have lost or misplaced an item in one of the parks or program facilities, please contact the Department office.  Articles that are found and turned into the office are kept for 30 days.  After that period of time, the items are donated to a local charitable organization or more valuable items are taken to the Police Department. The Parks & Recreation Department is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

Lockers
Locks may be checked out for daily use during open gym time from the front desk with a valid driver’s license to help secure valuables while using facility. License will be returned when the lock is returned back to the front desk. If lost, a $5.00 key replacement fee is assessed.

Swimming Pool Weather Policy
The pool will be cleared for lighting, rain or threatening weather conditions. After 20 minutes, the weather conditions will be checked. If any of the threatening conditions are present the pool will remain closed and will be assessed every 20 minutes after the pool is cleared.  Threatening weather conditions lasting longer than one (1) hour may warrant the closing of the pool for the day. Rain checks will only be issued if the pool is officially closed or the pool is in a weather delay for one (1) continuous hour and are good until the end of the current season. We reserve the right to close the pool due to lack of occupancy. Patrons will be given 30 minutes notice when this policy is administered. The policy is administered at the discretion of the pool manager.

Volunteer Coaches Needed
We are looking for enthusiastic adults who enjoy working with children.  Your assistance is needed to maintain quality programs.  All youth coaches and officials are required to have a background check to help ensure the safest environment possible for our youth participants.

Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are always needed at the Parks & Recreation Department.  Your assistance is needed with programs, special events and in parks.  Call to find out how you can help. 

Youth Participants
A list of patron rules and conduct of behavior while at the RecPlex is posted in the lobby.  Children age 9 years and older may participate at the RecPlex without an adult.  However, if  problems are encountered by staff, a parent will be contacted and the child must be picked up. Children 8 years and younger require adult supervision (18 years or older).

Employment
Persons interested in working for the Branson Parks & Recreation Department should contact the department office.  Positions are available for instructors, lifeguards, concessionaires, cashiers and game officials.

Code Of Ethics/Conduct
All participants in youth programs, including coaches, parents and youth, are required to read and sign a conduct agreement prior to the start of the program.  By signing, you are agreeing to exhibit good sportsmanship and positive behavior.

Pets in Parks
Unless posted, dogs, cats and other pets are permitted in City parks so long as they are kept on leashes or under similar restraints and owners are responsible for the immediate cleanup, removal and disposal in a lawful manner of pet waste.

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in any of the City’s parks or facilities.

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