About Parsons, KS
Located in Labette County, Parsons, Kansas has a population of 10,500 and is the second-most-populous in the Southeast Kansas Region. Originating in 1903 as the Kansas State Hospital for Epileptics, Parsons is now home to what is known as Parsons State Hospital & Training Center. The hospital spans 163 acres and includes notable institutions such as the University Center on Developmental Disabilities and the Parsons Research Center for the University of Kansas, the Special Purpose School of the Southeast Regional Education Service Center, The Southeast Kansas Agricultural Research Center of Kansas State University, and the Alzheimer's Association.
Recreation is abundunt in Parsons, Kansas with surrounding lakes including Neosho State Fishing Lake, Lake Parsons, and Big Hill lake that provide family fun full of fishing, camping, boating, swimming, and more. When it comes to family-fun Forest Park is a kid's favorite featuring summer concerts, three playground areas, a caboose, trails, horseshoe pits, and frisbee golf. Continue your outdoor tour by stopping by the Parsons Arboretum to take in the beautiful flora, gardens, wetlands, and gazebo.
When it comes to annual events Parsons knows how to bring the community together. With an annual event almost every month you'll always have an excuse to get the family together and get out on the town. Katy Days kicks off the summer celebrating Parsons' railroad heritage with food, entertainment, and railroad-related activities. In the heat of August enjoy Dawg Daze Festival: a car, truck, and motorcycle show. When the leaves start turning in October the Balloons, Blues & Barbeque festival takes flight filling the skies with colorful hot air balloons and filling your bellies with delicious BBQ. Check out the Parsons Chamber of Commerce for a full list of events, parades, and shows.
Parsons Public Schools USD #503
-
Garfield Elementary, 2-3
-
Guthridge Elementary, 4-5
-
Lincoln Elementary, PreK-1
-
Parsons Middle School, 6-8
-
Labette Community College