Brashear Park in Kirksville: What to Expect

Brashear Park is a neighborhood park at 1415 E. Normal St. with enough different features to work for a family visit, a casual basketball game, a picnic or seasonal water play.

The useful distinction is that several of its amenities serve different age groups and seasons.

Playground options for younger and older children

The City currently lists two playground structures at Brashear Park: one intended for preschool-age children and another for children age 5 and older.

The park also has swing sets and a traditional merry-go-round.

That makes Brashear one of the Kirksville parks where parents can choose play equipment based partly on age instead of treating every playground as identical. For a broader comparison, see Which Kirksville Parks Have Playgrounds?.

Basketball and pickleball share the same court

Brashear has a basketball court with pickleball lines.

The lines do not by themselves establish that a permanent pickleball net is always installed. If pickleball is the reason for the trip, check current conditions and be prepared for the possibility that players need their own equipment.

The shelter is reservable

The covered shelter is listed by the City as 15 by 35 feet with six tables, electricity and a large barbecue grill.

Brashear also has accessible restrooms and a gazebo.

If the shelter matters for a birthday, reunion or other planned gathering, reserve it instead of assuming an empty shelter will remain available. See How to Reserve a Picnic Shelter in Kirksville for the City reservation process.

The wading pool is seasonal

Brashear has a seasonal wading pool, but its operating dates and hours are not permanent.

The City publishes the current schedule through its Aquatic Center and Parks information. Weather can also affect operation. Before making a special trip for the pool, check the live City schedule rather than relying on an old summer timetable.

What to verify before going

The core park features above are on the City's current Parks, Trails & Facilities page, but construction, maintenance and seasonal operations can change.

That matters especially for the wading pool and any future park improvements. Capital plans have discussed Brashear upgrades, but a planned project should not be treated as a finished amenity until the City lists it as complete.

For a broader look at the park system, see A Practical Guide to Kirksville’s City Parks.