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Parks + Rec General FAQs

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1. Where do I buy a boat and motor permit?

You can buy a boat or motor permit at:
The Jackson County Parks + Rec Registration Office
22807 Woods Chapel Road

You may also obtain a permit at any Jackson County Parks + Rec Marina.

2. What information do I need to obtain a boat or motor permit?

Missouri-registered BOAT OWNERS must provide the following documentation: 

- Current water craft registration

- Proof of ownership on the motor (title or registration)

- Personal property tax receipt for previous year is required if you are a Jackson County resident

Missouri-registered boat MOTOR OWNERS must provide:

- Proof of ownership on the motor (title or registration)

What if I live out of state?

- Current water craft registration is required

3. How much will it cost to put my boat on the lakes?

- Boat permit (all County lakes ): $30 - Non-residents Boat permit (Lake Jacomo): $60 - Non-residents Boat Permit (Longview/Blue Springs only): $30 - Residents/non-residents Combo permit (personal watercraft only): $95 - Residents/non-residents Motor permits (all County lakes): $.90 per horsepower - 1-day ramp permit fees for all watercraft types and horse powers: $30 per day

4. What if I have a kayak or canoe?

If it is not motorized, no paperwork is required, however, a County-issued permit is still required to be purchased at the Administration Office or at one of the Marinas.

-Must be at least 8’ long

If it does have a motor, even a trolling motor, it must be registered with the state.  We will need:

- Current water craft registration

- Property tax receipt for previous tax year

- If anything except trolling motor we need proof of ownership on the motor

  Cost: County Residents $30, Non-County $60

Kayak/Canoe Rules: 

- Must launch from authorized areas. Do not wade in from the shoreline

- A light is required to be used when operating kayak/canoe between sunset and sunrise

- A personal flotation device is required, in serviceable condition and readily accessible, for each person on board, and recommended to be worn at all times.

- It is recommended to have a horn or whistle on board.

5. Do you have to be a Jackson County resident to obtain a dock space?

Missouri-registered boat owners can obtain a dock space with the following documentation: 

- Current water craft registration

- Proof of ownership on the motor (title or registration)

- Personal property tax receipt for previous year is required if you are a Jackson County resident

What if I live out of state?

- Current water craft registration is required

6. Which lake is the largest?

Lake Jacomo is the largest with 970 acres of water. Longview Lake is the 2nd largest with 930 acres of water. Blue Springs Lake is the 3rd largest with 720 acres of water. View more information about the lakes.

7. What is the temperature of the lake?

The temperature varies. During the summer months, it ranges between 64-90 degrees. Call the marinas for the most accurate temperature reading:
- Lake Jacomo Marina: 816-795-8888
- Longview Lake Marina: 816-966-0131
- Blue Springs Lake Marina: 816-795-1112

8. Can we swim anywhere in Jackson County lakes?

Swimming is only allowed at Blue Springs Lake Beach and Longview Lake Beach or off your boat, if anchored, while wearing a life jacket.

Read more about the lakes.

9. Who needs a fishing permit?

Missouri residents under the age of 65 and over the age of 15 need a fishing permit. Out of state seniors must have a permit. There is no additional permit required by Jackson County Parks + Rec for fishing in our lakes.

10. When are the lakes stocked?

Frequency to which the lakes are stocked is based on the carrying capacity and the fishing pressure of the lake. This is determined by and stocking is done by the Missouri Department of Conservation. For more information, call the Department of Conservation at 816-655-6250.

11. Where is Bow Fishing allowed on Jackson County lakes?

Longbow or crossbow fishing is permitted on Lake Jacomo north of Colbern Road during statewide season. Jackson County Parks + Rec archery permit is required.

Learn more about Lake Jacomo.

12. Is hunting allowed in any of Jackson County parks?

Jackson County Parks + Rec does have managed hunts in Fleming Park. The Missouri Department of Conservation has all dates and rules. Please contact them at 816-655-6250 for more information.

13. Where are the campgrounds and can we reserve sites?

Advance reservations are accepted at Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs Lake and Longview Lake campgrounds. Contact the Permit and Reservation Office at 816-503-4805 for further information regarding fees and current space availability for each location.

Learn more about the Campgrounds online.

14. Do we have to reserve a shelter to use it?

It is highly recommended to reserve shelters. If another party has already reserved the shelter, they have exclusive use of the shelter. Make your reservation by calling 816-503-4805. Reservations made 10 days prior to usage date ensure shelter cleanliness and readiness. Online reservations can be made at least four days in advance.  Please see instructions for making online shelter reservations.

15. What if I want a bounce house?

There is a $50 non-refundable permit fee that can be paid at the time of the reservation or later but not later than 3 days before the day of your event.  You will need to obtain a permit application from the Administration Office (816-503-4805).  This can be done in person or by phone if you have email.  This needs to be completed by you and your vendor and returned to the Administration Office no later than 3 business days before the day of your event and accompanied by the permit fee.  Your vendor must meet the liability insurance requirements.  If you are providing the bounce house personally and not using a vendor, the permit requirements are the same and you will need to meet the liability requirements through your own insurance.  Please call the Administration Office for more information.

Bounce houses and other inflatables are not allowed at the campgrounds.

16. What if I use an outside vendor to cater my event?

If you use an outside vendor to cater your event, there is a $50 non-refundable permit fee that can be paid at the time of the reservation or later but not later than 3 days before the day of your event.  This permit is only required if an outside vendor delivers the food.  If you pick up the food yourself you do not need a catering permit.

17. What if I need additional tables and chairs?

There is a $50 non-refundable permit fee that can be paid at the time of the reservations or later but not later than 3 days before the day of your event.  You will need to obtain a permit application from the Administration Office (816-503-4805).  This can be done in person or by phone if you have email.  This needs to be completed by you and your vendor and returned to the Administration Office no later than 3 business days before the day of your event and accompanied by the permit fee.  Your vendor must meet the liability insurance requirements.  You personally may provide an open 10X10 canopy for shade with no permit required and no additional insurance requirements.   No stakes are allowed on tents or canopies regardless of who provides them.  They must be weighted down.  Please call the Administration Office with any questions. 

18. Which parks have playground equipment?

- Fleming Park at Lake Jacomo shelters 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11: full playgrounds; shelters 8 and 12: swing sets only. - Longview Lake Park shelters 4, 11 and 13: full playgrounds; shelter 5 & 6: swing sets only. Learn more about the

parks.

19. Where are the mountain biking trails?

Landahl Park (8.5 miles), Blue Springs Multi-purpose trail (3 miles), Sports Complex Park (3.5 miles) and Blue Parkway (4.5 miles). Learn more about these on the Trails page.

20. Where are the regular paved biking trails?

Longview Lake Park (6 miles, one-way) and Little Blue Trace (10 miles, one-way). Learn more about these on the Trails page.

21. Where are the horse trails?

Longview Lake (2 miles), Blue and Gray Park (15.5 miles), Monkey Mountain Park (3 miles), Landahl Park (4.6 miles) and Blue River Parkway (4.5 miles). Please note, there is no horse trailer parking at Blue River Parkway/Kenneth Road.

View more information about the trails.

22. Where is the Sheriff's Department located?

The Sheriff's Department is located at:
4001 NE Lakewood Court
Lee's Summit, MO 64064

You can contact the Sheriff's Department at 816-524-4302, or via their website.