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Out of the devastation of the floods of 1993 and 1995 has resurrected the North Jefferson City Recreation Area, formerly Cedar City has emerged.
Following the 1993 flood, the City, with funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Community Development Block Grants, pursued the buyout of business and residential holdings. 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 has begun maintaining the area and planning for its future use.
The first development in the new park was the construction of a picnic pavilion which has a capacity of 250 people and houses restrooms and a serving kitchen. The parking lot has room for 180 vehicles.
From the pavilion you can utilize the one mile section of the Katy Trail Spur, developed with a National Recreation Trail System grant, to access the Katy Trail State Park.
In 2000, boat ramp access was added to the Missouri River which includes a roadway, parking lot and a restroom. Additional improvements for the City's newest park includes practice athletic fields, trails, expansion of the garden plot program, and tree planting.
 The North Jefferson City Dog Park is now open. The dog park offers a fenced, off leash area for dogs to stretch their legs and exercise. The dog park is located in the North Jefferson City Recreational Area at 810 Sandstone Dr. adjacent to the multipurpose building. It is approximately 2 acres and includes a double gate entrance, water source, waste disposal stations, posted regulations and use guidelines, and park benches throughout the site. Usage permits are required to use the park. Please contact the Parks and Recreation office at 634-6482 for information about the Dog Park Regulations and Use Guidelines and how to register for a usage permit.
Dog Park Complaint Form
Expansion of the North Jefferson City Dog Park for small dogs is complete. This new
expansion is designed for smaller dogs 30 lbs. or less and is located behind the greenhouse
near the North Jefferson City Multipurpose Building, 810 Sandstone Drive. The fenced, off
leash area allows for smaller dogs to socialize and play together separate from bigger dogs. It
eliminates the alternating use days established at the original dog park giving all users more
time to enjoy both dog parks. The original dog park will remain for bigger dogs weighing
more than 30 lbs. Both parks will be open seven days a week during normal park hours from
5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Please contact the Parks and Recreation office at 634-6482 or information about the dog park regulations, use guidelines and
how to register for a usage permit.
 
"Rent-A-Garden" plots, located in North Jefferson City Recration Area, are 25' x 50' and rent for $30 per lot. Plots are available for use from March 1 through November 1 on a first-come-first-served basis. Call (573) 634-6482 to reserve your garden spot.
Whenever possible, the same plots will be issued to the same individuals from year to year. Previous registrants may sign up from February 1st to February 28th, during which time their plots will be held for them. Starting March 1st, all unreserved plots will be rented on a first-come-first-served basis. The gardener must maintain the plot in a neat, weed-free condition. Failure to control weeds may result in revocation of use of plot and clear cutting of the site by the Parks and Recreation Department. Weeds over 12" in height are subject to cutting in accordance with the City weed ordinance at the plot renter's expense.
Near the Missouri River Bridge entering Jefferson City, Missouri, lies a public garden where the entrance sign welcomes visitors to “Share the Joy of Gardening”. The self-guiding interpretive signs throughout the gardens complete the organization’s motto: “By helping others learn to grow.” These ever-changing gardens—filled with plants and trees for all seasons, butterflies and birds—were built on the site of former Cedar City, a town that was nearly washed away in the 1993 flood.
For about six years, the Master Gardeners maintained a demonstration garden across the road adjoining the community gardens. However, the enthusiastic gardeners were outgrowing their space, so when they received a Missouri Department of Conservation Grant in January of 2004 to construct a Lewis & Clark Garden, the joint venture with the Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Department for a larger, public-oriented educational garden was created.
 The Gardeners and the City Parks staff began construction on their Demonstration Gardens in March of 2004 and opened the gardens three months later on Saturday, June 5 in time for the celebration of the Lewis & Clark Expedition on the nearby Missouri River shore. Central Missouri Master Gardeners and community volunteers designed and built the five connected gardens—the Lewis & Clark Garden of native Missouri plants and the Missouri River-replica bog gardens; the Perennial Garden featuring Missouri Botanical Plants of Merit; the Kitchen Garden with heritage vegetable plants and herbs, and adjoining composting facility; and the Children’s Garden of aromatic and sensory plants. Garden additions in 2006 include a small memorial rose garden, a Native American Medicine Herb Wheel, and a River’s Edge overlook garden of prairie plants.
 Over 75 Central Missouri Master Gardeners contributed more than 3000 hours in garden design; constructed the rock formations and brick paths; built compost bins, arbors, fire pits, and plant tepees; planted, mulched, and weeded over 500 plant varieties, and continue to maintain the gardens on a twice-weekly basis.
Since the 2004 opening, the Gardens have been visited by hundreds of horticulture and wildlife enthusiasts, tourists driving off of Highway 54, bikers from the Katy Trail, and families taking breaks from the nearby ball practice fields. The gardens offer a quiet, meditative spot to just sit and view the best of our natural world. You may even catch several local Master Gardeners working in the gardens who will be glad to take a break to talk about the plants. The Master Gardeners offer tours through the Gardens for student and adult groups (for contact information, call UM Extension (573) 634-2824).
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