Pick-up chess at Independence park gains popularity

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) - At George Owens Nature Park in Independence, you can enjoy the nature trails, wildlife, and on Thursdays, pick-up chess games.

“We started after COVID,” said Jeff Umbreit, a Parks and Rec Facility Supervisor. “It became a popular thing, and a lot of people had picked it up. We heard people were playing online, so we thought this was a good spot to get people to come together, build some community, and either learn to play chess or meet some new people playing chess in person.”

It’s become a hit and not just with one particular crowd.

“We get kindergarteners, homeschoolers, middle schoolers from across the street as they are getting out of school,” said Umbreit. “We see retired adults, people who don’t work on Thursdays. We see people anywhere from 3 or 4 years old to 70, 80.”

Richard Middleton has recently begun to show up, saying he spotted it on an electronic sign in Independence Square.

“I knew how to play chess really young,” said Middleton. “I didn’t get serious until some of the guys at work started playing. It’s nice to have an opportunity to play with people in person. It’s easy to play online, but you never get a chance to play people face to face and in today’s society that’s probably needed, especially post-COVID.”

Jackson Gonzelez has been coming to pick-up chess for years and has watched it grow after his grandma first taught him how to play seven years ago.

“It’s amazing,” said Gonzelez. “At first, it was just five people, me included, and now it’s 10, 20 people. It’s awesome seeing kids playing chess. Chess has been around for centuries, so it’s nice to see it passed down from generation to generation.”

READ MORE: Savannah Bananas announce game at Kauffman Stadium

Seventeen-year-old Josiah Richardson has been coming to pick-up chess for years as well after coming across it while at the park.

“I’d been playing with my dad, but he wouldn’t play with me anymore because I beat him too many times,” said Richardson. “It’s very encouraging to see all the kids, adults, and my peers come. I actually got to go to a competition about 4 months ago and I’ve learned a lot from here otherwise I would have lost completely. I ended up getting 11th place out of 53 people.”

The pick-up games have gotten so popular, Parks and Rec decided to add games a Saturday a month through January.

“It feels great,” said Umbreit. “It’s a great multi-generational program you can do. Kids are learning at a small age and can play for the next 60, 70 years. They can play with their grandparents, parents, any age.”

If you’re interested, pick-up chess games will be every Thursday from 2:30-4:30 except on holidays at George Owens Nature Park and on Saturday Oct. 12, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. - noon and on Dec. 14, and Jan. 4 from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

“It’s nice to meet new people,” said Gonzelez. “You don’t have to be great at playing chess. You can learn. You’re welcome here at any time.”

“Come out and play and just have fun,” said Richardson. “You’ll learn a lot and we’re all very encouraging, so hope you guys can come out and join us.”

To learn more about George Owens Nature Park and events held there, click here.