North Jefferson Recreation Area

So Many Ways to Play

If you were looking for a park with diverse offerings, you found it! From batting at the ball fields to growing greens in the community garden, there’s no end to the fun you can have at North Jefferson Recreation Area. Visitors of all ages will find something to enjoy!
  • Boat Launch with Missouri River access
  • Playground
  • RC Racetrack
  • Hiking Trails
  • And much more!

Cedar City Room

Looking for a indoor space to rent? Check out the Cedar City Room! This 1,600 square foot space is equipped with enough tables and chairs for 100 people. With the addition of a kitchenette and restrooms, this room is a great option for next meeting or team-building retreat.

Quigg Commons

Take an afternoon to explore the beauty at Quigg Commons, home to a lush demonstration garden. Take your tot through the children’s garden or pose for a photo by the perennials. Not far off, you’ll also find the conifer garden and a collection of Missouri River bogs. And don’t forget to visit the area recognizing plants collected by Lewis and Clark during their 1804-1806 expedition in Missouri!

The demonstration garden is a cooperative effort between the Central Missouri Master Gardeners and JC Parks. The garden began in 1997 where the rent-a-garden program resides today.  In 2004 it was relocated to its current location on the southwest corner of Fourth Street and Cottonwood Drive.  September 2013 saw the sign dedication of the demonstration gardens and its surrounding area as Bill Quigg Commons, honoring Mr. Quigg’s contributions to the City of Jefferson.

Interested in renting the Quigg Commons Pavilion?

Rent-a-Garden

You don’t have to be a master gardener to snag a plot at North Jefferson Recreation Area! Our garden is home to the Rent-A-Garden program. Plant your own produce or fill your plot with pretty flowers. No matter what you want grow, our affordable plots make finding the space a little easier.

  • Full Lot (25′ x 50′): $55 per Season
  • Half Lot (25′ x 25′): $35 per Season

To learn more or request a reservation, contact us!

Carl R. Noren River Access

Get up close to the Missouri River at the Carl R. Noren Access!  Launch your kayak from the small sand beach, or rest your legs at Joe Wilson’s Serenity Point. This spot offers benches, picnic tables, and north-of-the-river views of the state Capitol and bridge.

Primitive camping at Noren Access in North Jefferson Recreation Area has been temporarily prohibited effective August 19, 2024. A date for reestablishing camping at the site is yet to be determined.  

Dog Park

Bring your furry friend to the dog park at North Jefferson Recreation Area! With a separate section for small dogs and accommodating hours, your pup is sure to love the off-leash retreat.

Please note: To keep the dog park clean and safe, permits are required for use. Learn more about the dog park and permits today!

Sports Fields

Whether you’re booking a tournament? Scheduling practice? Need some open space for conditioning? Find the field you seek, here! North Jefferson Recreation Area has 10 baseball/softball fields, two tee-ball/coach-pitch fields, and an open multi purpose field.

Park History

North Jefferson Recreation Area, formerly Cedar City, emerged out of the devastation of the floods of 1993 and 1995.

Following the 1993 flood, the City pursued the buyout of business and residential holdings with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Community Development Block Grants. A total of 198 parcels in North Jefferson City were purchased for future open space and park development. The City Council designated the 165 acres as park land and the Parks and Recreation Commission maintains the area and plans for land’s future use.