The Fox stumbled upon this very useful website called Park Finder through the City of Kansas City, MO website.  You can type in your address and up pops a map complete with directions of parks that are near to you.  It also tells you the distance so you know when you are in for the long haul, verses a quick jaunt around the block.  You can also search for parks by activity, for instance swimming or tennis and the website will show little icons to inform you of what is available and where.  Check it out here.