Forest Park is affiliated with the United Methodist Church of the Kansas East Conference. Forest Park is used by many United Methodist Churches, other regional and local churches, Scouting programs, community organizations, and families for ministry, retreats, meetings, educational programs and family events.
The Forest Park began its ministry through the Kansas Conference of the Evangelical Association in 1922, with 22 acres of beautifully wooded land, completely undeveloped. Developments in the park during the early years included the building of a large auditorium, a smaller auditorium known as the departmental building, two dormitories, a dining hall, a caretaker’s house, a bathhouse, and several small cabins.
In 1946, the Evangelical Church and the United Brethren in Christ Church began a 10 year process to merge and become the Evangelical Untied Brethren Church. The Uniting Conference took place in May of 1956. The Annual Conference Sessions were held at Forest Park in 1961, 1962, 1964 and 1966 and Forest Park continued to be used for ministry and educational purposes.
In 1968, the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church merged to become the United Methodist Church. Forest Park Retreat Center is now affiliated with the Kansas East Conference of the United Methodist Church and is run by a Board of Trustees and Resident Managers as staff.
Forest Park continues to serve in the same spirit and intent as its original purpose. Although some changes have been made over time, the basic elements remain to minister to the spiritual and cultural needs of those gathering here
