Van Hook Park Pavilion - Crackerneck Access
Reservation Information
Independence Resident Discounted Rate
| SIX-HOURS* | ALL DAY | |
| Monday-Friday | $70 | $140 |
| Weekends & Holidays | $85 | $170 |
Regular Rate
| SIX-HOURS* | ALL DAY | |
| Monday-Friday | $90 | $180 |
| Weekends & Holidays | $105 | $210 |
*Rental times are in 6-hour increments from 8 AM-2 PM or 3-9 PM, or all day from 8 AM-9 PM.
Pavilion Amenities
- 8 picnic tables
- 1 double picnic grill
- Restrooms
Park Amenities
- Playground features
- Picnic tables
- Picnic grills
- Parking
- The City of Independence, through its Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, has provided for the installation and continuing maintenance of picnic shelters and pavilions throughout the municipal park system.
- While these structures are generally available on a first come, first serve basis, the City annually coordinates a shelter/pavilion group picnic program. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for groups and organizations to have exclusive use of a municipal shelter or pavilion for basic group picnic activities, appropriate to the official seating capacity of the structure, as established by the City of Independence.
- Persons requesting to reserve a park shelter or pavilion must be at least 21 years old, agree to comply with all park policies and will be responsible for any damages that should occur.
- Inclement weather – During your reservation, please be alert to rapidly changing weather conditions. No refunds will be issued due to inclement weather on the picnic date.
- To maintain park cleanliness, place all trash in trash containers by the conclusion of the reservation. Groups will find trash containers adjacent to the parking areas. This location is to keep pests from the picnic space, provide ease of maintenance and help prevent vandalism.
- Due to frequent use and exposure to the elements, we encourage you to bring cleaning products to ensure the shelter/pavilion fits your needs.
If you are planning a group function with a format broader than a basic picnic activity, the City of Independence reserves the right to classify your function as a ‘special event’. When this designation is made, the sponsoring group will be required to complete a special event application to formally coordinate additional support services necessary to safeguard properties and ensure public safety – before municipality property use is authorized. This will include required health and vendor permits, personnel for traffic control, security and maintenance support. Additionally, equipment such as signage, barricades and first aid supplies may be required for effective event management.
- Fireworks, firearms, alcoholic beverages and amplified sound are prohibited.
- Vehicles are not allowed off designated roadways and parking lots.
- Fires must be confined to on-site picnic grills.
- Any decorations, signs, etc., must be removed at the end of the reservation period.
- Inflatables including bounce houses are NOT allowed in the parks.
Reservations may only be rescheduled up to 10 business days prior to the picnic date.
- Please call the Sermon Center at 816-325-7370, at least 10 business days prior to the picnic date to cancel the reservation.
- All refunds are subject to a $5 service fee.
- If payment was in the form of cash or a check, refund checks are mailed to the responsible person designated on the application and may take up to 30 business days to receive. Refunds will be processed within 5 business days.
- Refunds will not be given due to inclement weather on the day of the picnic.