Kansas City, Parks and Recreation kcmo.org/parks Year2008 In Review

Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation 4600 East 63rd Street Kansas City, Missouri 64130 816-513-7500 From the Director

Dear Friends of Parks and Recreation:

I am proud of our accomplishments in 2008. The year was not without its challenges, but our department persevered, and as you will read in this report, produced some great Mission results. The Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners has To improve the quality of life by providing recreational, developed five Strategic Priorities that serve as our guide in everything we do. They include youth development and leisure, and aesthetic opportunities for all citizens, and by our role in “building better kids”; green solutions as a part of planning and development process for all projects; financial conserving and enhancing the environment. sustainability to ensure equal resources for the entire community; developing plans, strategies and work procedures to increase economic We will accomplish this mission by providing quality achievement for MBE/WBE companies; and marketing our programs and services. In 2008, these priorities led to two major developments—the new KC Parks brand and the programming, making the best use of existing resources, formation of the Youth Development Task Force.

developing a supportive and influential constituency, In July, we launched a new image campaign and introduced a new KC Parks branding developing effective collaborations and partnerships, and logo. The green ball design was created in partnership with the Kansas City Area Development Council and modeled after their red ball, “One KC” campaign and concept. acquiring and preserving natural features. The marketing division implemented a campaign to internally and externally re-brand, increase visibility and awareness, and enhance the image of Kansas City Parks. The new brand and co-branding tools were introduced to our Parks Partners in October.

The Youth Development Task Force, a joint initiative between the Office of the Mayor and Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, convened early in the year to focus on enhancing internal collaboration and resource sharing. Anticipated outcomes from the group include repositioning youth and family services as a basic and essential city function; better coordination, external communication and marketing of services and programs; and developing a volunteer component to support the efforts of current and future programs.

Additional highlights of the year include the appointment of Meghan Badwey Conger as a Commissioner to the Parks Board, continuing to strengthen our green initiatives, the closing of Cliff Drive for Car Free Weekends and the opening of the new Southeast Community Center in Swope Park.

I appreciate the service of the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners. I applaud the hundreds of volunteers that assist us and the many Parks Partners that allow us to succeed. Together with our staff, we achieve our vision of healthier citizens, a desirable community and a sustainable environment.

Mark L. McHenry, Director

Relax • Laugh • Picnic • Learn • Explore • Golf • Discover • Unwind • Enjoy • Play • Swim • Fish

january 18 february 23 Commissioners’ The Black West in Awards Dinner Song and Story

Special Events, Groundbreakings and Dedications march 1 february 8 Ethnic Enrichment USTA Recreational Commission Ball Coaches Workshop february 29 january 31 february 16 Black History Month march 15 Zoo Tropics Building Mayor’s Night Hoops Program & Heritage Snake Saturday and 2008 Groundbreaking Winter Tip Off Stamp Unveiling Warm-Up Parades Car Free Weekends on Cliff Drive Playground Construction Package

n May 16, the gates of Cliff Drive officially closed to vehicular traffic une 10 marked the ribbon cutting and dedication for the single largest Ofor the first time as part of the new Car Free Weekends program. The Jplayground construction project in the 116-year history of Kansas City, gates continued to close every Friday at 2:00pm and were reopened at Missouri Parks and Recreation. Mayor Mark Funkhouser joined the Board 8:00am each Monday through October. for the “completion of construction celebration” at Spring Valley Park playground, one of 17 new playgrounds erected throughout the city. The Car Free Weekends program was implemented to provide safe opportunities for pedestrian and bicycle-oriented activities that promote In August of 2007, Parks and Recreation joined forces with the City’s healthy lifestyles for all to enjoy. In addition, the reduction of vehicular Procurement Services to begin the proposal process for a Playground traffic helps preserve the natural environment that is unique to Kessler Park Replacement Program. After careful review of those proposals, and Cliff Drive. Cliff Drive is located in George E. Kessler Park in historic Cunningham Associates Incorporated was selected and the $1.2 million Northeast Kansas City and is part of the Kansas City, Missouri Park and playground construction project began. Money from general obligation Boulevard System. Cliff Drive is officially designated a State Scenic Byway, bonds, approved by voters in 2004, funded the program. one of only five in the state of Missouri. The byway extends approximately 4.27 miles from The Paseo and Independence Avenue Additional new playgrounds include: Northeast Athletic Fields, Essex Park, through Indian Mound on Gladstone Boulevard and Belmont Boulevard. Waterwell Athletic Complex, North Congress Greenway, Prospect Plaza Park, Lykins Park, Spring Valley Park, Indiana Park, Blues Park, Cypress Park, Several organizations worked in partnership with Parks and Recreation to The Grove Park, Gage Park, Arletta Park, Swope Park, Skiles Park, Iser Park, develop the Car Free Weekends program including the Cliff Drive Corridor and Dunn Park. Management Committee, Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood Association, Kansas City Museum, Westside Housing, City of Kansas City, Missouri, and All of these new playgrounds offer fitness, socialization and recreational the KCMO Police Department. opportunities and are designed and appropriate for children ages 2-12. march 17 april 5, 18, 23, 25, april 19 april 27 may 3 St. Patrick’s Day 26, 30 Earth Day Budd Park Bike Tennis Block Party at Parade Arbor Day Events Celebration Rodeo Barry Park

may 2 may 6 Theis Park Rain NSCD Football april 1 Garden Dedication Fountain Day AbilityCAMP april 14 april 26-27 may 3 march 27-30 april 5 Grand Boulevard of april 30 may 3-october 11 may 9-11 Chalk Walk on the Zoo Front Entry Flower, Lawn & Project Blue River the Americas NSCD Soccer KC Organics and Fiesta Kansas City in Concourse Plaza Grand Opening Garden/Home Show Rescue Dedication AbilityCAMP Natural Market Open the Heartland Northland Fountain 25th Anniversary Tree Camp at Loose Park

edicated in 1983, the first fountain to be built north of the Missouri ore than 100 local youth were “explorers for a day” as participants DRiver was the result of an enormous grassroots campaign. Donations Min the second annual Tree Camp held in June at Loose Park. The Tree to raise the $250,000 needed to build the fountain varied wildly—from Camp is a joint program of the Garden Center Association and Kansas City schoolchildren’s pennies to tens of thousands of dollars from area Parks and Recreation and was created for children attending summer camps businesses. The combined fundraising effort led to the fountain being at four of the department’s community centers. Campers experienced a day called the “Spirit of Cooperation.” of exploration in the Stanley R. McLane Arboretum in Loose Park, enhancing their understanding of nature, particularly trees. The youth, ages On June 21, many of the original supporters came together in celebration 5-14, had fun using skills of leadership and team building in an atmosphere of the 25th Anniversary of the fountain for a “Taste of the Northland”. that encouraged exploration, creativity and individuality. Restaurants and caterers showcased their fares as attendees mixed and Campers utilized Explorers Field Guides, developed by Garden Center mingled around the Northland icon. Association members, that included two courses of discovery created to open up the wonderful and extensive collection of native trees in the The fountain is made up of a large reflecting pool 80 feet in diameter. arboretum. The “Lake Course” leads on a path of discovery around the Multiple jets make up the water feature of the fountain. The central water park’s lagoon to 12 different species of trees with activities to do with jet shoots water approximately 30 feet into the air, where it disperses in a each. The “Champion Tree Compass Course” leads explorers all over the fine mist. A ring of jets surround the central jet and shoot water outwards. park using an orienteering compass. Compass bearings lead to eight of the Other jets along the exterior shoot water inwards. eleven Champion Trees located in the park. A Champion Tree is the largest of its species in a particular area, in this case, Kansas City, Missouri. The fountain was the first in the city designed and built to run year-round, creating breathtaking ice sculptures during the winter months, making it Funding is currently being sought to expand Tree Camp to summer camp one of the most popular fountains in the city. attendees at all of the department’s community centers in 2009. may 9-11 may 24-26 USTA Central Jiggle Jam Festival Regional Doubles Tennis Tournament

june 1 june 7 may 13 may 17-18 may 31 Cancer Survivors Stand of Colors at Mayor’s Night Hoops Bea Davis Mall & NSCD Baseball Rally & Park Pergola Dedication may 16 Jerry Smith Farm AbilityCAMP Summer Tip Off Bubble Klice Bust Rededication may 24 may 16 Dedication june 10 Elizabeth Duncan may 26 june 1 june 7 may 10 Cliff Drive Car Free Playground may 17 Porter Marker Memorial Day at Rose Day at Loose National Trails Day Main Street Mile Weekends Kick Off The Klice Classic Dedication Liberty Memorial Park Garden Center Dedications Mayor’s Night Kicks Southeast Community Center in Swope Park

ansas City Parks and Recreation together with the Mayor’s Office, the he highly anticipated new Southeast Community Center in Swope Park KKansas City Wizards and ownership group OnGoal, LLC, officially Tofficially opened its doors for business on December 13. The grand kicked-off the inaugural Mayor’s Night Kicks Tournament on July 8. With opening celebration culminated with a ribbon cutting led by the Mayor, Hispanic, Somalian and American players, the Kansas City Cup Tournament City Council, City Manager and Board of Parks and Recreation truly celebrated the international flavor of Kansas City. Commissioners. Equipment and class demonstrations, family activities and tours took place throughout the day. KCWE Channel 29 hosted a Free Swim The six-week evening soccer tournament for adult males ages 18-25 took Pool Party in the afternoon and the day concluded with a Santa’s place on Field 3 of the Wizards Training Center in Swope Park. Games Wonderland. were played on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights at 8:00pm and 10:00pm and consisted of two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute The new center, located a few blocks east of the former center in the north halftime. Similar to the World Cup format, the 16 teams were divided into part of Swope Park, includes a full-sized basketball court, meeting rooms, a four groups of four teams. The first round allowed for each team to play tot drop-off room, craft room, therapy pool, recreation pool with play the other three teams in their group. Week four found the top two teams in features and fitness area with weights and cardiovascular equipment. A each group advancing to play in the quarter-finals where they played in a variety of aerobics, fitness and craft classes are offered, and a 1/15-mile single elimination bracket. Week five hosted the two semi-final games; the suspended track is installed above the gym so members can walk or run in third place and championship games were played on August 22 and year-round comfort. broadcast on MetroSports. The Southeast Community Center in Swope Park is 46,755 square feet with The top three teams including the Kansas City Cup winners, CD Honduras, a capacity of 1,566 people. The environmentally-friendly facility includes were awarded medals and introduced at halftime during the Kansas City a rain garden to capture stormwater runoff and features a 1% for Art Wizards home game on August 23 at Community American Ballpark. Installation, Inheritance, by local artists Julia Cole and Leigh Rosser. june 13-14 june 14 june 17-22 july 1-31 Rhythm & Ribs Little Joe Concert at The Drowsy National Recreation Tony Aguirre CC Chaperone at and Parks Month Starlight Theatre enuj

june 20-23 june 27 USTA Missouri june 24 Alvin Ailey clean up Valley Sweet 16 KCWE Free Swim in Penn Valley Park june 14 Pool Party june 23-28 Urban American june 23 june 29 Garden Center june 27 Outdoors Kids june 17-july 6 june 21 NSCD Golf Association Tree SkillsUSA trail Children’s TLC Duck july 1-2 Heart of America Taste of the Fishing Derby AbilityCAMP Camp, Tree Planting building in Hidden Derby on Brush Plaza Junior Open Shakespeare Festival Northland and Fundraiser Valley Park Creek Tennis Tournament Completed Projects Completed Projects

Amity Woods Nature Park Trail-Phase 1 Park Forest Park Lighting

Arleta Park Playground Platte Purchase Park Solar Lighting in Shelter and Park Road Paving Barry Road Park Shelter, Parking Lot and Rain Garden Pleasant Valley Park Parking Lot Expansion and Drainage Improvements Blues Park Playground Prospect Park Playground Brookside Court Park Improvements

Brookside Court Lighting Shoal Creek Living History Museum-Stone Repair to Water Well and Lighting Chelsea Park Improvements Skiles Park Playground Chouteau Greenway Park Improvements South Oak Park Lighting Cliff Drive Restoration-Phase 2 Spring Valley Park Playground Cypress Park Playground Spring Valley Park Solar Lighting Dunn Park Playground Swope Park Bathhouse Renovation Essex Park Playground Swope Park Playground Gage Park Playground The Grove Playground Garrison Community Center Stone Stair Replacement Tiffany Springs Park Parking Lot Improvements

Gillham Park Stairs Tony Aguirre Community Center Pool Hyde Park Stairs Dehumidification Replacement

Indiana Park Playground Vineyard Park Lighting

Iser Park Playground Waterwell Athletic Complex Parking Lot, Landscape and Maintenance Building Longview Tract - Playground and Shade Structures Waterwell Park Playground Lykins Park Playground Waterworks Park Lighting and Curb Improvements New Southeast Community Center in Swope Park and 1% for Art Installation Winner Park Shelter

North Congress Park Playground Woodsmoke Park Lighting Northeast Athletic Field Playground

july 3 july 11, 18, 24 and july 15-20 july 25-27 Gillham Park pre-4th august 1 High School Musical Missouri Valley of July Celebration Hyde Park Children’s at Starlight Theatre Film Festival Swimming Division II july 8, 22 Championships KCWE Free Swim Pool Party

july 28-august 3 The Music Man at july 10 july 11-13 Starlight Theatre Welcome to july 22 august 1 USTA National july 30 july 8 Commissioner Rose Garden in july 8 Hollywoof: Take Husband Wife Hard july 26 Women’s Leadership Mayor’s Night Kicks Conger Swearing-In Loose Park closes 18th & Vine Terrace Your Dog to the Court Tennis Dragon Boat Festival Fountain Kick Off Ceremony for renovations Groundbreaking Movie Night Tournament Groundbreaking KC Parks Partners KC Parks Partners

Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation has formal partnerships established with over Gillham Road Advisory Committee Kansas City Art Institute 100 neighborhood, community, for- and not-for-profit organizations. These partnerships Golden Oaks Neighborhood Assoc. Kansas City Cancer Center allow our department to leverage resources and generate city-wide interest and support for Guadalupe Center Kansas City Community Gardens our system facilities, programs and events. We appreciate your support! Gumdrop Books Kansas City Cricket Club 3 & 2 Baseball Downtown Council (DTC) Hallmark Cards Inc. Kansas City Flying Disc Club 3-Trails CID Earth Riders Trail Association (ERTA) Heart of America Council Heart of Kansas City, Missouri School District Ambiance on the Water 810 Sports Radio America Boy Scouts Kansas City Northern Railroad Inc Bimbo Bakeries Economic Development Corporation Health Care Foundation of Greater KC Kansas City Organics & Natural Market Black Archives of Mid-America Ethnic Enrichment Commission Heart of America Shakespeare Festival Kansas City, Missouri Police Department Blue River Watershed Association Federal Reserve Bank Heartland Tree Alliance Kansas City Pop Warner Football Blue Valley Neighborhood Association Friends of Amity Woods Nature Park Hickman Mills School District Kansas City Rose Society Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City Friends of Bruce R.Watkins Cultural Highwoods Properties Kansas City Royals Heritage Center Briarcliff Community Alliance Hills of Walden Home Owners Assoc. Kansas City Tennis Alliance Friends of Gillham Park Broadway/Westport Council Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Kansas City Wild Lands-Bridging the Gap Friends of Lakeside Nature Center Brookside Business Association Hispanic Football Soccer Assoc. Kansas City Wizards/OnGoal LLC Friends of Penn Valley Park Brookside Soccer Club Historic NE Cultural Arts Commission Friends of Riverfront Park Brush Creek Community Partners Home Builders Association of Greater Kauffman Scholars Friends of The Zoo Kansas City Budd Park Committee KC Irish Festival Frontyard Features Hyde Park Children’s Film Festival Carpenters Union of Kansas City KC Korean War Memorial Inc. Full Employment Council Jiggle Jam Family Festival Center Planning KC Storm Swim Team Garden Center Association Just Off Broadway Theatre Center School District Kansas City Area Development Council Garrison Community Center Youth Chameleon Arts & Youth Development Kansas City CVA Advisory Board Chaumiere Neighborhood Association KCWE Channel 29 Children’s Mercy Family Health Partners KLM Marketing Solutions Children’s Mercy Hospital Liberty Memorial Association City Market Local Initiatives Support Corporation City of Fountains Foundation (LISC) Early in their term, the Board of Parks and Recreation declared City of Gladstone Parks and Recreation MainCor “marketing” as a top priority for the department. As a result, a new image Clay County Parks and Recreation campaign and branding logo were introduced in July. The green ball Major Infiniti Tencap Clay County Veterans Memorial Comm. design was created in partnership with the Kansas City Area Martin City CID Clay Platte Baseball League, Inc. Development Council and modeled after their red ball, “One KC” campaign Mattie Rhodes Center Clayview Country Club and concept. The new brand was extended for use by our Parks Mid America Regional Council (MARC) PARTNERS at a reception held October 9 in the Helzberg Diamonds VIP Cliff Drive Corridor Management Mid Continent Public Library Room at Starlight Theater. Representatives from more than 50 Partner Committee oganizations attended to learn about the new green ball branding and Midwest Pool Management Consulado De Mexico receive the tools to co-brand with KC Parks. It is anticpated that through Mill Creek Park Association Crestview Homes Assoc. co-branding, we will expand our image and showcase the vastness and Missouri Department of Conservation Dogpark Improvement Group (DIG) impact parks has on the metro area as united Missouri Department of Natural Kansas City Parks PARTNERS. Resources august 9,16,23 & 30 september 4 Budd Park Movies in Kansas City Beautiful the Park Nights Awards

august 22 august 5, 12 Mayor’s Night Kicks september 6 september 8 august 29-31 KCWE Free Swim Championship Game Walking Community Tour of Missouri KC Irish Fest on the Move Kick Off Stage One and august 11-17 august 23-24 Health Expo august 15-17 september 2 september 4 Fiddler on the Roof august 21 Carnival a la Grand september 8 september 10-16 29th Annual Ethnic Ballet Among the 810 Sports Radio at Starlight Theatre Brookside Court in Penn Valley Park Dippin’ Dogs Swim Gates/Enshriner’s Les Miserables at Enrichment Festival Roses (cancelled) Park Dedication Party at Line Creek Golf Tournament Starlight Theatre KC Parks Partners S.H.A.P.E. Report

Missouri Department of Transportation Southern Community Coalition S.H.A.P.E. 2008 How it Works Monnett Fund, Inc. Southtown Council By the Numbers S.H.A.P.E. (Safe, Healthy, Attractive, Mosaic Brain Special Olympics Missouri Public, Environments) provides up-to- National Center for Indigenous Stand of Colors, Rotary Club 13 2004 park inspections date information on overall conditions American Cultures at Line Creek,Inc. Starlight Theatre Association conducted of Kansas City’s park system. The focus National Sports Center for the Stephanie Waterman Foundation Disabled (NSCD) of the program is to work effectively on Tennisset.com 190 parks involved Northland Animal Welfare Society, NAWS a citywide level to ensure all parks Thomas Hart Benton Sierra Club Noble Homes Association owned properties are equally park acceptability The Enshriners 88% North Kansas City Area Baseball Assoc. maintained. Inspectors rate up to twenty rating The Historical Society of New Santa Fe North Kansas City School District amenities, grade each property with an Trailside Center Northland Sports Alliance “acceptable” or “unacceptable” rating, The Kessler Society 9,799 acres of Kansas North Suburban Youth Football League and then immediately report conditions. Tiffany Springs Park Partners City parkland Northeast News Each quarter results are presented to Northern Knights Tony Aguirre Community Center Advisory Committee department staff, Parks Board 86% facility acceptability Northland Chamber of Commerce Touched by Cancer Foundation Commissioners, Mayor, City Manager and rating Northland Neighborhoods, Inc. other elected officials in order to Optimist Athletic Association University of Missouri Kansas City encourage input. All results can be 240 facility inspections Park Hill School District Union Broadcasting viewed on Parks and Recreation’s conducted Platte County Parks and Recreation Union Cemetery Historical Society webpage, www.kcmo.org/parks. Union Station Platte County Parks Partners 28 facilities involved Platte County Trails Coordination United States Tennis Association (USTA) Committee United Way of Great Kansas City Young Why we do it Plaza Rotary Club Leaders Society When George Kessler designed the Kansas City park system, he created a Police Athletic League (PAL) Urban American Outdoors unique gem for many generations to adore. The elaborate system has Port Authority of Kansas City, Missouri Vernon Hills Homes Association flourished to include 9,799 acres of park owned land that must be Prince Sports Vietnam Veteran’s of America Chapter monitored frequently to stay on top of routine maintenance while the Rhythm & Ribs Jazz Fest 317 Partnership objective remains on improving cleanliness efforts. In recent years, Rockhill Homes Association Vivion Road Gang staffing levels have diminished while work improvement needs have Rockhill Tennis Club Ward Family Foundation increased. Because of this, inspector visits help the department identify Rockhurst University Tennis Ward Parkway Homes Association operational strengths and weaknesses. Ronald McDonald House Charities Westside CAN Center Shoal Creek Association Winwood-Sunnybrooke Neighborhood Promoting and protecting our City’s park system is essential for future Sister City Association KC Association generations. Our department staff shares ownership and takes pride in the Society for Friendship with China WaterFire Kansas City parks and facility areas they maintain every day. With S.H.A.P.E. we have South KC Chamber of Commerce Woodside Tennis & Health Club created a standardized labor plan that helps us work smarter, more Southeast Community Center World Team Tennis Advisory Board YMCA of Greater Kansas City efficiently, and most importantly, as a team.

october 1 “Pinking” of the Fountains Ceremony

october 1 september 26 Meyer Circle Sea september 26-27 september 27 september 18 City Market Cinema Horse Fountain Korean War Memorial Wonders of Wildlife American Royal september 20 in Swope Park Repairs Begin Groundbreaking Prairie Days september 26-28 Parade september 20 october 3-5 september 19-20 The “Doubler” september 26-28 september 20 Born Learning Trail september 27 USTA Missouri Valley Union Cemetery Touched by Cancer Oktoberfest in Run for the Frogs Installation & Foundation Tennis National Public Lands october 1-8 Outdoor Tennis Historical Epitaphs Washington Square Zoo Run Dedication Tournament Park Day at Swope Park Pink Fountains Week Tournament Measurements Accolades

MISSOURI PARK & USTA/HEART OF AMERICA 2008 Keystone Recogni- RECREATION ASSOCIATION, DISTRICT AWARDS tion Awards, Community 2,532,766 Admissions ETHNIC MINORITY SOCIETY Tournament of the Year Clay County Economic Develop- 2,532,766 AWARDS USTA Missouri Valley Section ment Council Admissions NTRP Outdoor Searcy Creek Parkway Total participation Young Professional Award Kansas City Zoo: 482,949 Championships at the Plaza All facilities and programs Anthony Parks Shoal Creek Parkway Tennis Center Liberty Memorial: 156,604 Park Services Achievement Cathleen Jones Event of the Year Merit Award, Starlight Theatre: 250,063 USTA Recreational Tennis Communications Outstanding Hero Award 542,807 Coaches Workshop at Tony American Society of Landscape Helston Singleton 542,807 Aguirre Community Center Architects Central States Awards Youth participation Committee KC PARENT MAGAZINE’S Outstanding Contributor to All facilities and programs Youth Tennis Boulevard & Parkway FAMILY FAVORITES Forestry Scott Hanover Standards Manual Operations Grand Prize, Favorite Playground Penguin Park Trees planted: 3,178 AMERICA’S BEST ZOOS Institute Honor Award for 549,191 Grand Prize, Favorite Picnic Spot 2008 Architecture 549,191 Trees trimmed: 16,468 Loose Park American Institute of Architects THE INTREPID TRAVELER Customer participation World War I Museum at Trees removed: 2,043 Finalist, Favorite Outdoor African Animals and Exhibit Liberty Memorial Community Centers Amusement Center Kansas City Zoo (#1) The Springs Aquatic Center Australian Animals and Exhibits Top 40 Public Artworks Kansas City Zoo (Top 10) Americans for the Arts PITCH MAGAZINE’S World War I Museum at BEST OF KANSAS CITY Pachyderms: Elephants, Rhinos, 126,869 Park* Hippos Tapirs Liberty Memorial 126,869 MaintenanceBest Park: Editorial Staff Choice Customer participation Kansas City Zoo (#3) Athletic field maintenance: 2,821 Cliff Drive Pools and Spraygrounds Interactive Design Landscape maintenance: 11,604 Best Park: Readers Choice SOUTHTOWN COUNCIL Outstanding Award Loose Park BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS HOW Magazine Park repairs: 11,869 Bea Davis Mall & Pergola World War I Museum at INGRAM’S MAGAZINE Liberty Memorial Kansas City Zoo Front 244,908 Special event preparation: 2,344 BEST OF BUSINESS KC 244,908 EntryPlaza Customer participation Litter/trash removal: 34,949 Best Theatre (Bronze) Cornerstone Award Starlight Theatre New Playgrounds Project Economic Development Council Athletic Facilities and Programs *Hours worked World War I Museum at Best Performing Arts Venue (Gold) Best Outdoor Playspace Liberty Memorial Starlight Theatre for Little Kids Best Museum or Art Gallery (Bronze) Nickelodeon 2008 Parents Picks National World War I @ Parentsconnect.com 69,178 EMPLOYEE RETIREMENTS 69,178 Volunteers Museum at Liberty Memorial Penguin Park Total acreage mowed Volunteers Clarence Alberty, 24 years Best Family Outing Venue (Gold) Number of volunteers: 6,558 Kansas City Zoo TOMA Award: Creative Projects Austin Campbell, 31 years Volunteer hours: 44,594 Southwest Park and Recreation KANSAS CITY CVA Richard Enfield, 30 years Estimated value: $718,847.38 VISITORS’ CHOICE AWARDS Training Institute 6,970 The Extreme Makeover 6,970 Favorite Museum or Historical Site Marci Jones, 29 years Citizen 3-1-1 Action Center World War I Museum at Playground in Chouteau Greenway Park Requests resolved Liberty Memorial Robert Josephine, 30 years Favorite Performing Arts Venue Excellence in Construction Dennis McMan, 23 years Events or Organization Awards, Heavy/Site Work/ Events Starlight Theatre 1,389 Demolition Gary Norman, 28 years 1,389 Number of events: 282 Associated Builders and Graffiti incidents removed Event attendance: 551,856 Contractors, Inc. Ernest Wallace, 18 years Searcy Creek Parkway

october 18 Kansas City Marathon

october 9 KC Parks PARTNER october 11 november 15 december 1-5, 8-12 Harvest Festival at Earth Riders Trail Reception october 25 november 8-9 Holiday Concert Shoal Creek WaterFire Kansas 7th Missouri Infantry Association Swope Series at Union Park Trail Opening october 10-11 City on Brush Creek and KC Expedition Station october 18 october 18 october 4-5 Magic Woods at november 15 Monnett Society Barack Obama Rally november 11 december 2 KC Indian Art Market Lakeside Nature Visitor Center Grand november 1 Veterans Day Turkey Bowl at Line 18th & Vine Terrace at Liberty Memorial & Cultural Festival Center Opening The Wilderness Run Observances Creek Ice Arena Ribbon Cutting City of Kansas City, Missouri Officials History

n the late 19th century, Kansas City had few paved streets and even fewer sidewalks, but the town was booming. As the population Icontinued to grow and the city land size increased, the main focus remained on commerce and building places for people to live and work. There was, however, a group of citizens who saw the need for creating a better quality of life and improving the city’s appearance through the development of municipal parks, and later, a boulevard system. The fledgling park movement continued to gather momentum until one of its firmest supporters, William Rockhill Nelson, moved to town and took up the cause. As the editor of the evening newspaper, The Star, Mr. Nelson used his position to campaign for paved roads and streets. He also advocated for improved sidewalks and sewers, decent public buildings, better streetlights, and more fire and police protection. His most enduring legacy, however, was the city’s parks and boulevard system which he promoted with August Meyer, local businessman and president of the 1892 Park Board, predecessor to the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners. The Park Board hired landscape architect George E. Kessler to design a boulevard and park system master plan that would provide for a “city with a park.” Work on the boulevard system began in 1893 with the development of Independence and Gladstone Boulevards. Acquisition of properties began BOARD OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONERS in earnest when, in 1895, the city approved a charter amendment to give John Fierro, President the Parks Board power to condemn land, issue bonds and receive special Tyrone Aiken taxes. North Terrace Park (now Kessler Park), West Terrace Park and later Penn Valley Park were among the first developments. A milestone was Meghan Badwey Conger achieved with a gift of property from Col. Thomas H. Swope, a pessimistic Aggie Stackhaus “knocker” of the parks plan. In 1896, Swope deeded to the city 1,200 Ajamu K. Webster acres, which became the park that bears his name and the largest park in the system. Another important gift to the city was that of Loose Park in MAYOR 1927, donated by Ella Loose in memory of her husband, Jacob. Mark Funkhouser, Mayor Since then, hundreds of additional parks and boulevards have been developed throughout the greater Kansas City area. In 1967, the Park CITY COUNCIL Department and Recreational Division of the city’s Welfare Department Deb Hermann, First District-At-Large Beth Gottstein, Fourth District-At Large were combined into the present-day Kansas City Parks and Recreation Bill Skaggs, First District Jan Marcason, Fourth District Department. Thanks to the foresight of city leaders and advocates, Kansas City is internationally known for its beautiful parks and boulevards system. Ed Ford, Second District-At-Large Cindy Circo, Fifth District-At-Large Today’s Parks, Recreation and Boulevards Department honors the past Russ Johnson, Second District Terry Riley, Fifth District while continuing to grow and make improvements for the future. Melba Curls, Third District-At-Large Cathy Jolly, Sixth District-At-Large Sharon Sanders Brooks, Third District John A. Sharp, Sixth District Photo Credits: Wheat Photography; Ryan Casey; Elaina Gonerally; Shannon Dooley, Heidi Downer, Jesse Frazier and Melinda Minks, KCMO Parks and Recreation Marketing & Special Events december 6, 12,13, december 17 17, 18 and 20 Employee City Youth Holiday Parties Service Awards

december 11-14 december 13 Cyclocross Nationals Kris Kringle 5K Run december 5 Santa’s Wonderland december 13 december 13 december 14 in Gillham Park Bruce R. Watkins Paws Meet Claus at Grand Opening of december 20 december 5 december 6 Cultural Heritage Penn Valley Off- december 19 december 6 the new Southeast Center 20th Skate with Santa at Senior Holiday Santa’s Wonderland A Visit from Saint Leash Dog Park Briarcliff Parkway Community Center Anniversary Kick-Off Line Creek Ice Arena Luncheon in Penguin Park Nicholas in Swope Park Celebration Groundbreaking