Kill Creek Park

Despite the ominous name, Kill Creek is one secluded, relaxing little spot in between KC and Lawrence. On one of those early fall days that justify why you live in these parts, the crystal clear sky and 70 degree temperatures gave way to a perfect fishing day at this park.
It’s a well manicured park, complete with a little beach, paved trail halfway around it, and a series of small docks to fish off of. There were people there with dogs, kayakers, fishermen, and joggers, although despite the beautiful Saturday weather, it wasn’t busy or crowded at all.
I’m glad it wasn’t crowded because I was getting my first taste in fly fishing and didn’t know what to expect, or who I’d hook standing behind me. It was a blast and didn’t take long to start to get a feel for it. We pulled in several bluegill, a couple crappie and a couple largemouth bass (that came in on the small end!). Supposedly there are also walleye and trout in this lake? I’d love to snag a couple of those next time around.
Actually, I’d imagine my next trip up there would be to explore the hiking trails around this park.
The only reason I’m not leaning five stars is self-​admittedly persnickety; the other people I encountered out here? NOT friendly! There was a greyhound convention (I know, right?) at one of the shelters and they wouldn’t let me use their restroom. «Sort of got a thing here, ya know? All booked up.»
Then there were a couple guys setting up for a BBQ at one of the shelters, with about 15 empty tables. I asked if we could snag one for 10 – 15 minutes or until their guests arrived so we didn’t have to sit in the wet grass. To my shock, he wouldn’t let us because he already had it reserved. I didn’t push it, but c’mon man.
Excited to come back and see this place in more of it’s fall glory, and if you come check it out, enjoy the relaxing drive up there. That’s one of the fun parts about stealing away to a spot like this.

Kill Creek Park is just west of Olathe, south of Highway 10 and one of the nicest parks around!
It seems to be a young park with a lot of the trees not fully mature and will only get better as they continue growing. This doesn’t mean they are new trees or small, but this park will mature nicely.
The park is very well maintained. There are tons of trails to enjoy, a nice lake and a smaller pond. There is a boat ramp and swimming beach that has a lifeguard on duty. There are a bunch of planted flowers in the summer and fields of wild grass. They have modern facilities in a couple of areas. There is even soda machines by the boat dock. They have a few shelters to enjoy events at. There is a playground for the children.
I go out there often to take pictures of sunsets, thunder storms, wildlife, flowers, just everything. It is usually pretty quiet and seems to be a hidden treasure. I actually hesitated writing a review because I like that it isn’t packed with people.

I have ridden to KCP, in KCP, hiked KCP, run KCP, and orienteered KCP. So there you have it. KCP is a destination to relax and to be active. On the road or in the woods. It is a wonderful place, with shelters for your friends or family gathering should you choose to reserve one. Multi-​use trails traverse woodlands and fields east of the creek and woods along a limestone shelf to the west of the creek. There is a lake and beach. Wildlife is abundant… I saw a six-​point buck bounding toward the creek today. Pretty cool.