Family fun

The Owensville Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) proudly boasts five parks with more than 106 acres of ground. The Parks Commission consists of five (5) members appointed by the City Council. For more information about the park system, contact the department at (573) 437-8231, email parkrec@cityofowensville.com or visit www.cityofowensville.com. 

Buschmann Park, located at 402 South 4th Street, was originally named City Square Park but was re-named in 1980 after the generous and long-time residents George and Emma Buschmann. In the 1900’s, they donated the (now park) property for the future county courthouse. However, the courthouse was eventually built in Hermann when residents there donated the land and funds for the courthouse to be built. The generous couple also donated the land for Luster Park, the former library (now the EMA Facility) and former City Hall (now the Police Department). The 2.25-acre park is surrounded by a residential area with bathrooms, basketball court, playground equipment, two (2) pavilions and gazebo that is frequently used for weddings and musical performances. The gazebo was constructed through volunteer community efforts and Gasconade County R-2 School - Building Trades Class. The planning committee consisted of Richard and Donna Rousset, Dr. Paul and Louise Baker, Bud and Janet Taylor, Rev. Jim and Doris Dace and Don and Mary Jo Lenauer. The gazebo was dedicated in 1982 in memory of Richard Rousset, Chamber of Commerce President during the construction. 

Luster Park, located at 111 South 2nd Street, was originally named The Railroad Park when created in the early 1900’s when George and Emma Buschmann donated the land for the park. In 1988, the park was renamed in honor of the gentleman who “won the now famous horseshoe match” but decided to name the city after his friend and competitor, Owens. The community determined Luster needed some recognition and named this park after him. The two (2) acre park offers one (1) pavilion, playground equipment and basketball court. 

Memorial Park, located at 712 Parker Drive, is the largest park in the system at approximately 101 acres. The park was developed in the 1940’s. The park proudly boasts a water park, 9-hole public golf course, two (2) baseball and softball fields, basketball court, four (4) horseshoe pits, eight (8) pavilions, barbecue grills, playground equipment, restrooms, multi-use trail (1.75 miles), campground and numerous Gasconade County Fair buildings. The Gasconade County Fair Foundation hosts the fair within Memorial Park each year during the last weekend in July. For fair information, visit www.gasconadecountyfair.com.

Owensville Golf Course, located at 702 North Maple Street, is a 9-hole public course, built on approximately 40 acres within Memorial Park, that was established in 1952. Green fees, cart rentals and memberships are offered. Cash and checks are accepted year-round, with credit cards accepted seasonally (approximately March through October). Leagues and tournament rentals are available. For information on rates, rentals and leagues, contact the clubhouse at (573) 437-8877, email parkrec@cityofowensville.com or visit www.cityofowensville.com. 

Veterans Memorial Park, located at 305 West Jefferson Street, is the newest park within the system; groundbreaking was September 19, 2018, and dedication was May 18, 2019. The 1/4-acre park was designed by the late Harry Kellmann, a United States Navy Veteran and Owensville native, and was constructed under the guidance of E. Louise Baker. The park honors all military members that have served for the United States in the past, present and future. Engraved bricks to honor a Veteran can be purchased and installed inside the park where they will remain for generations to enjoy. Order forms can be picked up at the park and City Hall or printed at www.cityofowensville.com. 

Winter Park, located at 409 Red Oak Road, was developed and dedicated in the mid-1980’s after the late Milford and Velma (Gottenstroeter) Winter. The couple were lifetime residents of Owensville and generously supported activities and projects in the area. The park was developed through the cooperation of local individuals and groups. Instrumental individuals included Alfred (Dick) Dieckhaus, Peter Lehner, Jeff Schaeperkoetter, Jim Decker, Dr. Paul Baker, Tom Warden and Del Yamnitz. The one (1) acre park offers two (2) racquetball courts, playground equipment and one (1) pavilion.  

Winter Water Park, located at 705 Parker Drive, was established in 2014 for $1.6 million within Memorial Park. The facility features zero-depth entry, baby bungee, splash elements, castle with 3 slides, 14’ tall body flume, lazy river, rock climbing wall, diving board, basketball goal, shade structures and a covered concession pavilion. 

The facility is open to the public daily from 12-6pm from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, with reduced hours after Gasconade County R-2 School District resumes classes for the school year. Daily admission rates and season passes available. Special programs will be scheduled each season. The facility is available for private party rentals. For more information on rates, rentals and special programs, contact the facility upon opening day at (573) 437-7665, email parkrec@cityofowensville.com or visit www.cityofowensville.com.