Project Plans

About the Project

Krug Park is a popular attraction in the St. Joseph, Missouri community. Featuring trails, fishing, shelters, an amphitheater, and a playground, it is a favorite spot for many gatherings. One of the most famous events held in the park is the annual Holiday Park, sponsored by the East Side Optimist Club. Held since 1981,
it is a favorite holiday attraction for thousands of visitors
each year.

In August of 2021, city voters approved a half-cent sales tax to help restore and improve the park and to provide safe, ADA-compliant, and desirable quality-of-life amenities, for the city’s residents to enjoy. The Krug park renovation project is budgeted at $12,795,000.

The public involvement process revealed the following shared community values that will shape the design vision and frame future decision-making for the renovation project:

  • Preservation and maintenance

  • Festivities and celebrations

  • Events and performances

  • History and heritage

  • Play and adventure

  • Nature and outdoor experience

The renovation project will primarily focus on the following areas:

  • Castle and Children’s Circus

  • Amphitheater and Bowl

  • Picnic Pavilions

  • Buffalo Bowl

Amphitheatre

To echo George Burnap’s original design of Krug Park, a flat stage will replace the current accommodations to reestablish the view of the lagoon.

The new stage design allows for maximum usage for a variety of events from movies in the park to graduation ceremonies and battle of the bands.

Beyond the amphitheater, the beloved rose garden will receive a facelift to highlight the gazebo.

Buffalo Bowl

A natural playground will pay homage to the beloved buffalos.  Hillside slides will meander down the slopes with natural plantings.   

Castle and Children’s Circus

Renovations will honor the original intent of the castle and children’s circus by creating an accessible anchor within the park to serve a magnitude of local events and daily use.

The castle restrooms will be restored and expanded, and the façade of natural stone walls and surfaces will be addressed.

The children’s circus will be restored to serve as an intimate event space accessible to all.

Picnic Pavillions

As one of the most utilized areas of Krug Park, the pavilions serve the community as a space for reunions, birthday parties, and summer picnics.  Both shelters will be renovated, and a new restroom facility will be constructed.