About Us

The city park system was born in 1938 with the dedication of .95 acres of land by John and Camilla Barnitz to be used as a neighborhood park. Over the next 73 years, the park system has expanded to include 233 acres of land that is divided into 30 parks and includes 8.5 miles of trails and the 40-acre Rolla Cemetery, which was incorporated into the city in 1861. The Parks Department manages small, neighborhood parks that only include playground equipment, to Ber Juan Park, which includes a softball/baseball complex, tennis courts, lake, and the City's Recreation Centre and outdoor pool facilities in its 85 acres.