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Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation mission To improve the quality of life by providing recreational, leisure, and aesthetic opportunities for all citizens, and by conserving and enhancing 2009 the environment.

We will accomplish this mission by providing quality programming, making yearyear inin reviewreview the best use of existing resources, developing a supportive and influential constituency, developing effective collaborations and partnerships, and Mark L. McHenry leads the Blazing Paddles Racing Team at the annual Dragon Boat Festival & Races. acquiring and preserving natural features. Dear Friends of Parks and Recreation: As we move into 2010, it’s appropriate to look back at last year’s accomplishments. 2009 was a busy and challenging year for Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation. We have all felt the impact of our country’s struggling economy and, as a result, have had to deal with significant change. At Parks and Recreation, we have experienced reduced staff, lowered levels of service in our parks, and revisions in operating hours at our facilities. In spite of these setbacks, we were able to continue servicing our community’s youth with enhanced recreational and educational programming specific to their needs. We also amplified Photo Credits: our marketing efforts through the use of social media. The KCMO Parks and Recreation Facebook page went live in October. I hope you have all had the opportunity to become a fan! KCMO Parks and Recreation Marketing & Special Events Paul McMillian; Shannon Dooley, Heidi Downer, Jesse Frazier and Melinda Minks, Another achievement we proudly attained was the reaccreditation of our department for the third time in ten years making us one of only 78 nationally accredited parks and recreation agencies in the country. As you read through this Year in Review booklet, you will find details regarding additional 2009 accomplishments. Although these are trying times, the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners and our staff will continue to provide quality programs, excellent parks, trails, recreational amenities and cultural activities for our community in 2010 and beyond. Sincerely, Mark L. McHenry, Director zootennialzootennial 2009 was a banner year for the n 1907 a dream began. City activists declared remodeled in 1970 to become the Education In January 2002, an historic partnership between Kansas City Zoo. It celebrated Ian idea to “create the largest zoological garden building. the Kansas City Zoo and Friends of the Zoo was its centennial; reopened the in the United States. There will be nothing better made to enhance the quality of exhibits and renovated original 1909 Zoo in the world. Swope Park is an admirable site for The Dairy Barn, funded by the Kansas City continually improve the Zoo experience for the building as the Tropics; this purpose…” division of Mid-American Dairymen, was built in visitor. Under the agreement, Friends of the Zoo, a experienced record attendance 1971. The Dairy Barn housed cows and milking non-profit, membership-based organization, of 544,316; and began The Parks Board set aside 60 acres in Swope Park equipment, and children were encouraged to manages all Zoo operations in agreement with the construction on a $10 million polar bear in 1908 for the Kansas City Zoological Gardens. participate in milking. Kansas City, Missouri Board of Parks and exhibit to be opened in 2010. Fundraisers, lectures and parades followed Recreation Commissioners. resulting in The Bird and Carnivore House, the In 1972, the Kansas City Southern Railroad first Zoo building. In December 1909, the Kansas donated a miniature railroad, and construction Today, a 202-acre nature sanctuary, the Kansas At 100 years old, the Kansas City Zoo has City Zoological Gardens officially opened with four began on a two-mile track . City Zoo is the most useful and accessible resource expanded to include more than 200 acres of lions, three monkeys, a wolf, fox, coyote, badger, in the region for bringing urban and suburban beautifully landscaped park and is home to lynx, eagle and other birds. Local philanthropist Delbert Dunmire financed families in touch with the diverse habitats, cultures 1,000 animals from around the world. Prairie Dog Town in 1987. It added to the small and animals of the natural world. A visit to the Zoo In 1948, a children’s zoo, Touchtown, was animal exhibits and offered another example of is a journey around the world, an interactive The Tropics, an indoor rainforest, provideslaunched a that featured a petting zoo with a species indigenous to North America. experience that utilizes all the senses to entertain, mild humid temperate haven for plants anddomestic animals and freestanding structures. educate and engage visitors of all ages. For many, animals from three continents. Primate antics In the early 1990s, the Zoo experienced a the Zoo serves as the only link to animals and of Asian Gibbons, South American SakiIn 1961 the Hallmark Company donated the massive reconstruction and development. The habitats that remain wild on our planet and opens Monkeys, Tamarins, African Mona and “BirthdayBlue Pavilion” for birthday parties. A puppet Zoo Railroad was also shortened to its current hearts and minds to the importance of preserving Monkeys are the highlight of the Tropicstheater opened in Touchtown in 1964; it was 1-mile route. the natural world for generations to come. entertainment. women’s leadership fountain Kansas City, ansas City’s oldest public fountain, the John Van Brunt as an entry feature to the then run for public office in Kansas City; Katherine Berry Missouri’s 47 iconic KWomen’s Leadership Fountain was newly created Paseo Boulevard. Richardson and Alice Berry Graham - dentist and fountains came very rededicated in early June of 2009. The doctor sisters who founded Children’s Mercy close to not flowing fountain along, with other historic landmarks After years of service, the fountain deteriorated. Hospital; Mary Harmon Weeks - educator, a in 2009 after the located in The Paseo’s median between Ninth A partial renovation in 1990, assisted by the founder of the Parent Teacher Association; Ellen fountain’s operating and Twelth Streets-- including the Meyer fundraising efforts of The Central Exchange, kept (Nell) Donnelly Reed - seamstress, progressive costs were cut from the City’s budget. Monument, The Terrace and the Fitzsimon’s the fountain running for several more years. At manufacturer, founder of Donnelly Garment Memorial--underwent a major restoration that that time, it was renamed the “Women’s Company; Bertha Manheimer Lieberman - first Fortunately, the City’s Water Services began in 2008. Susan Richards Johnson & Leadership Fountain” and dedicated to 13 notable president and honorary life president of the Greater Department stepped up to assist with Associates, Inc. (SRJA) was hired to do the Kansas City women who had made long-lasting Kansas City Section of the National Council of covering the costs for the 2009 season and, complete restoration. contributions to the City. All of these women Jewish Women; Nelle Elizabeth Nichols Peters - once again, the fountains flowed. triumphed over adversity and are forever architect of homes, office, apartment and hotel In August 2006, an overwhelming percentage remembered in the fabric of Kansas City history. buildings; Myrtle Page Fillmore - founder of Unity In order to proactively address this budget of citizens said “yes” when asked to support a Honorees include: School of Christianity; Ada Crogman Franklin - issue and insure the future operation of our Voter Referendum to allow the sale of a small educator, founder of Kansas City Call newspaper; fountains, the Friends of the Fountains fund tract of property at 22nd & Gillham Road. It is Madalyn Pinkston Brock - activist, and Guadalupe Bribiesca de Garcia - organizer of was created. these funds that were used to restore the businesswoman, established the Madalyn Brock the Guadalupe Center, Westside Fiesta and Fountains have long been part of KansasWomen’s Leadership Fountain and this section Foundation; Esther Swirk Brown - promoted community events City’s identity and are a visual display of of Paseo’s monuments to their original glory. social justice and equality in education; Carolyn community pride. Help showcase the beauty Benton Cockefair - English professor who A maintenance endowment is in the process of and craftsmanship of these celebrationsThe of fountain at Ninth Street and The Paseo promoted continuing education; Phoebe Jane Ess being created to preserve these amenities for water by donating to the Friends of thewas designed in 1898 by George Kessler and - supporter of women’s suffrage, first woman to future generations. Fountains at www.kcmo.org/fountains. roseroselaura conyers gardengardensmith municipal

The Kansas City Rose hanks to funds raised by the Rose Society The garden’s circular plan was the original Through the years, the Friendship and Memory Society is an all- Tfrom public and private donors, the Laura concept of the eminent landscape architect, S. Rose Program has provided funds for the upkeep volunteer organization Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden in Loose Herbert Hare. The garden’s pergolas, gifts from of the garden. Each year, about $5,000 is spent that began when a Park underwent an extensive renovation in individuals and organizations in early years, bear replacing roses. group of residents, 2009. commemorative plaques. under the leadership The Rose Garden is an accredited All-America Rose of Laura Conyers Smith, established the The project included: improved drainage and In 1944, the West Garden was dedicated to the Selections Public Rose Garden, one of only 130 Kansas City Rose Society and its public irrigation systems; installation of metal heroes of World War II. nationwide. Annual preview plantings of AARS garden in Loose Park. edging; improvements to the north shelter; Award Winners provide rose lovers the opportunity installation of an interior circular walking path; In 1965, the garden was rededicated and to view the performance of a wide selection of Since that time, the garden has been the planting of 1,200 new roses; and the officially named the Laura Conyers Smith roses grown under Kansas City conditions. maintained through a partnership wherein redefining of the flower beds back to the Municipal Rose Garden. Laura Conyers Smith the Rose Society furnishes all the roses andoriginal plans. The newly refurbished garden was one of Kansas City’s most enthusiastic and The original fountain was replaced with a new Parks and Recreation staff provide ongoingwas celebrated on Rose Day which took place capable horticulturists and founder of the Kansas Italian stone replica and surrounding walks were care. In addition, Rose Society members June 7. City Rose Society. She worked closely with the dedicated in 2002— the Year of the Rose. This sparkling centerpiece was made possible by volunteer hundreds of hours each year to Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners in generous contributions from private donors. assist staff with pruning the garden. Founded in 1931, Kansas City’s rose garden, establishing and planning the Municipal Rose was the realization of a dream of the Kansas Garden in Loose Park. City Rose Society. The first garden contained The Rose Garden is a very popular place for To celebrate the height of the rose season, 120 rose plants. Today, there are 4,000 roses In 1989, the garden was honored nationally with weddings with about 250 couples tying the knot the Rose Society annually hosts Rose Day on of nearly 150 varieties in the 1.5-acre garden. the All America Rose Selections (AARS) Bronze among the roses each year. the first Sunday in June. They also sponsor Achievement Award. events and seminars throughout the year. partyparty inin thethe parkpark Thomas Hunton ore than 5,000 area residents came out gear with Blues & Breakfast at Starlight The new Southeast Community Center was a hub Swope was born in Mto play all day and into the night at Party Theatre. The concert, presented by EPIC of activity with a photography exhibit by Paul Kentucky in 1827. in the Park on July 11 in Swope Park. The Entertainment, showcased the Starlight Stars McMillian, a dedication of the Master Gardener’s After living in several inaugural event--held in celebration of and local blues singers, the Wild Women of Demonstration Garden, and Culture Box Displays National Park and Recreation Month--featured by the Ethnic Enrichment Commission. states, he eventually Kansas City. made his way to free or low-cost, family-friendly activities at Swope Park’s attractions throughout the day. The Kansas City Zoo shared in the fun with a Kids Missouri when he moved to St. Louis where A multitude of events were available to Fun Fest and Kids Conservation Club. he began working in real estate. He came participants throughout the day and Swope Park is the crown jewel of the Kansas to live in Kansas City in 1857 after throughout the park including demonstrations City, Missouri park system and home to many Attendees were able to cool off at the KCWE Free purchasing some property here and later and rides on the ERTA Trail; herb walks in the of Kansas City’s finest attractions including the Swim Pool Party presented by Children’s Mercy became the largest individual land owner in Beanstalk Children’s Garden at Kansas City Kansas City Zoo, Lakeside Nature Center, Family Health Partners at Swope Pool. A capacity Kansas City. Mr. Swope was called “Colonel” Community Gardens; stories, crafts and a Swope Memorial and Heart of America Golf crowd enjoyed fun in the sun, swim contests and Swope, but the title was honorary and not nature hike at the Lakeside Nature Center; Courses, Kansas City Wizards training facility, healthy snacks. from military service. health screenings presented by MAST; Southeast Community Center and Starlight handcycling demonstrations by the National In 1896, Colonel Swope donated 1,334 Theatre. Each of these amenities played an The day concluded with a Concert in the Park by Sports Center for the Disabled; fishing with the acres to the City of Kansas City, Missouriimportant for role in the success of the Party in the newly renovated Bandstand. The show Sol Pro Bass Club at Lake of the Woods; tree the Park. featured a variety of local talent presented by Hot use as a public park. climbs with Tree Climbing of Kansas City; and 103 JAMZ! Kansas City Cricket games on Lewis Road With property acquisitions made over theThe day began with a two-mile health walk in fields. Additionally, the Battle of Westport years, the park now has 1,805 acres. Itthe is park led by the staff of the Southeast The second annual Party in the Park will take place Museum was open for tours. Kansas City’s largest park and one of Communitythe Center. The party kicked into high Saturday, July 24, 2010. largest urban parks in the United States. kansas city cup

Earth Riders Trails n order to showcase the new trail system in A-10 Thunderbolt’s, fast flowing single- The Kansas City Cup was managed and Association (ERTA) ISwope Park, the 6th Annual Kansas City Cup track, technical sections and over 400’ of promoted by Heartland Sports Promotions is a recreational Challenge cycling event weekend was held climbing per lap to keep riders pushing (HSP) in partnership with Earthriders Trails trails advocacy September 19-20 at Camp Lake of the Woods. themselves hard to the finish. Association (ERTA). Since 2000, HSP has

group created to promoted 40 cross country series races, 20 In addition to almost 300 racers, the Kansas increase the quantity and quality of More than 300 bicycle racers participated in ultra endurance races, and five festivals. The City Cup also attracted 300 plus spectators. sustainable singletrack trails throughout the Swope Park’s first mountain bike race and events have drawn more than 12,000 racers enjoyed a brand new, perfectly groomed, single- and spectators and are made possible by the Midwest. A fund raising event for the Swope Trails track course. work of more than 50 volunteers each year. network, the Kansas City Cup Challenge Since establishing a partnership with KC generated more than $1,000 towards the Kansas City Cup events included a cyclocross Special thanks are extended to the Swope Parks, ERTA has gone full force in the continued development of the trail system. race on Saturday with 165 participants. One- Trails Crew, Joe Folse and ERTA for providing development of hiking/biking trails in Swope hundred and twenty-five racers competed in concessions, Midwest Mountain Bike Patrol for Park’s Camp Lake of the Woods. Phase One, Within Camp Lake of the Woods the single Sunday’s Mountain Bike race which specifically recruiting volunteers, 360 Racing for 1.35 miles, opened in November 2008. track trail system is comprised of six highlighted the newly constructed Swope Park phases. The total anticipated mileage in sponsoring the cyclocross race, Harvest Phase Two, 2.1 miles, opened in August 2009. single track trail network. Kids’ Races were held this area should exceed 12 miles with an Graphics, and Alex Grigsby for photography. 1,610 total volunteer hours have been on both days. expected complete build out in 2012. An dedicated to design, construct and maintain additional 7 miles of trail around Swope As a result of its success, the Kansas City Cup the 3.45 miles of trail system to-date. The cyclocross course kept everyone’s speed in Memorial and Wildcat Hollow is to follow for Challenge will remain in Swope Park. The 2010 check with multiple turns and barriers. The a total of approximately 19 to 21 miles of event is scheduled for September 18-19 at Phase Three, an additional 3 miles, is inaugural mountain bike race on the new trail world class hiking and mountain bike trails Camp Lake of the Woods. currently under construction with an expectedsystem included a dramatic flyover from the within Kansas City’s largest park. opening date in April 2010. parkwaysparkwaysnorthland

Kansas City has 132 miles of xtending the parkway and boulevard landscape character overall is also more informal tree plantings throughout the length of the spacious boulevards and Esystem in areas of the city that lack than that of a boulevard. project. The one-half mile project was parkways that wind their connections to the existing system is part of completed in September of 2009. way through the city. Much the department’s Master Plan. As such, Briarcliff Parkway was extended approximately of the system, designed by several parkway extension projects, located Two lanes of Shoal Creek Parkway were Boulevards one-half mile from Briarcliff Road to North Oak George E. Kessler, was & Parkways north of the river, were completed in 2009-- Trafficway. The improvements consisted of constructed from North Woodland Avenue east constructed from 1893 to Briarcliff Parkway and Shoal Creek Parkway. reconstruction of the roadway to unique parkway to North Olive. The 700 feet of improvements 1915. The historic Parks and standards with all the amenities. To minimize the included grading, storm drainage, curb and Boulevard System is a defining feature of These Northland parkways were designed to negative effects to the adjacent property gutters, sidewalks, asphalt paving, and street Kansas City’s character. balance the need to move traffic with the owners, the right-of-way was reduced to lights. desire to maintain a “city within a park.” absolute minimum to allow construction of two Protecting our city’s historic integrity while lane facilities with curb, gutters, and sidewalks Additional improvements on Shoal Creek allowing the boulevard and parkway networkKansas City’s parkways tie the community on the north side. A new waterline was Parkway included construction of 4-lanes from th to respond positively to current and future together with ribbons of green, truly taking constructed and all other utilities were placed Clubhouse to Northeast 96 Street and round- demands is a challenge the Board of Parks parks to the people. Parkways generally run underground. a-bout construction at the intersection of th and Recreation Commissioners takes north and south with wide medians and side Northeast 96 Street and Shoal Creek Parkway. seriously. panels. Following the natural terrain and Additional amenities consisted of a landscaped This included construction of two Con Span retaining pastoral quality even as they wind island at Briarcliff and Grand Avenue, Gateway bridges, grading, storm drainage, curb, Unity is established by encouraging the through developed areas, parkways are Sculptured Neighborhood Markers at both ends gutters, sidewalks and trails, asphalt paving, development of new boulevards and intentionally less formal in alignment than of the project, a state-of-the-art modular block and street lights. The project length was 4,720 parkways which, as often as possible, mirrorboulevards. Though they are augmented retaining wall, special street lighting fixtures, and feet. the unique and distinct qualities of the with both formal and informal features, the system as a whole. april 14 may 14, 21, 28 may 20-october 1 june 7 june 28 july 15 special events National Sports Thimble Thursday Downtown Farmers Rose Day at Loose Children’s TLC Duck Moon Glow Madness Center for the Concerts in Market in Ilus Davis Park Garden Center Derby on Brush Creek Swim Party at the weekends march 21 Disabled (NSCD) Garment Park Springs Car Free Weekends KC North Community may 21 june 7 july 1-31 Wizards Soccer Camp on Cliff Drive Center 50th may 16 Hollywoof: Take Cancer Survivors Rally National Parks and july 16-august 29 Your Dog to the & Park Rededication Recreation Month march 6 Anniversary april 25-26 NSCD Basketball Mayor’s Night Kicks Movie Night in Penn Do Not Feed the march 21 Chalk Walk on Camp june 13 july 3, 10, 17 and 24 Tournament The Concourse Valley Geese Sign Planting Ethnic Enrichment may 16-october 17 Mayor’s Night Hoops Hyde Park Children’s july 17-19 may 23 Summer Tip Off Film Festival march 10-13 Commission april30 KC Organics and World Team Tennis Celebrate Urban MO Parks and Diplomatic Ball Zoo Tropics Ribbon Natural Market june 13 july 10-12 National Qualifier at Birds at Lakeside Recreation Assoc. march 26-29 Cutting and Opening Dragon Boat Festival US Tennis Assoc. Plaza Tennis Center may 16 Nature Center Conference hosted Flower, Lawn & on Brush Creek National Husband & may 2 Women on Wheels july 27-august 1 by KC Parks Garden/Home Show Arbor Day Planting in may 26 june 16-july 5 Wife Hard Court 2009 PDGA Disc Golf Bicycle Expo in Memorial Day at Tennis Tournament march 14 march 31 Loose Park Heart of America World Championships Swope Park Liberty Memorial Brookside St. Pat’s Master Gardeners Shakespeare Festival july 11 may 6 may 16-17 august 7 Warm-Up Parade Demonstration Garden KC Parks Employee june-september in Southmoreland Party in the Park Polar Bear Exhibit National Center for Movies in the Park march 17 Groundbreaking at Departmental Service june 16-17 july 11-september 11 Groundbreaking Indigenous St. Patrick’s Day Southeast Community Awards Breakfast june 2 NSCD Golf and Swope Park, A American Cultures august 13-14 Parade on Broadway Center Women’s Leadership Baseball Camps Photgraphic Essay by may 9 NSCD Family Fun april 4 Pow Wow at Line Fountain Dedication Paul McMillian Exhibit march 21 Earth Day Earth Fest june 22 Nights at Camp Lake Creek Community at Southeast Day of Play! at all Project Blue River in Theis Park june 6 Family Swim Party at of the Woods Center Community Center Community Centers Rescue in Swope Park National Trails Day The Springs august 21-23 september 14 october 2-4 october 24 december 4 december 11 30th Annual Ethnic Gates/Enshriner’s Golf US Tennis Assoc. Missouri WaterFire Kansas City on NOEL at Bruce R. Watkins Santa’s Wonderland at Enrichment Festival Tournament at Swope Valley Outdoor Tennis Brush Creek Cultural Heritage Center The Parade Memorial Golf Course Tournament at Plaza Tennis august 22 november 1 december 4 december 12 Center Westport Roanoke september 13 The Cliffhangar Run on Cliff Santa’s Wonderland in Kris Kringle 5K Run Communtiy Center Grand Tour of Missouri Stage 7 and october 3-4 Drive in Kessler Park Gillham Park december 12 Re-Opening Health Expo in Washington KC Indian Art Market & november 2 december 5 Santa’s Wonderland in august 25 Square Park Cultural Festival Be Bright at Night in the HOLIDAZZLE at Bruce R. Swope Park USA Swim Make A Splash september 16 october 6-november 17 Loose Park Rose Garden Watkins Cultural Heritage december 13 Breakfast at Gregg Klice Kansas City Beautiful Awards Dog Park Open Houses november 7 Center Paws Meet Claus at Penn august 29 at Liberty Memorial october 9-10 The Wilderness Run at Shoal december 5 Valley Off-Leash Dog Park Concert in Jarboe Park september 19 Magic Woods at Lakeside Creek Living History Santa’s Wonderland in december 13 Nature Center Museum Penguin Park september 4-6 Zoo Run Santa’s Wonderland at Longview Tract KC Irish Fest in Washington september 19-20 october 10 november 11 december 5 Square Park Kansas City Cup at Camp Harvest Festival at Shoal Veterans Day Observances A Visit from Saint Nicholas at december 16 Lake of the Woods Creek Living History Museum at Liberty Memorial and Shoal Creek Living History KC Parks Employee City september 6 Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Museum Service Awards Breakfast Concert in Troost Park september 24 october 17 november 21 december 6 NSCD Golf Classic Kansas City Marathon december 19 september 9 Turkey Bowl at Line Creek Santa’s Wonderland in Barry Skate with Santa at Line 810 Sports Radio Dippin’ october 1-11 october 17 Community Center Road Park Creek Ice Arena Dogs Swim Party at The KC Cancer Center Pink Fox Hollow Trail Run at december 4 december 5, 8, 11, 12, 19, 22 december 26-31 Springs Fountains Lakeside Nature Center Senior Holiday Luncheon Youth Holiday Parties Celebration of Kwanzaa Boulevard Curbs and Sidewalks Rockhill Road from 65th to Locust Meyer Boulevard from Main to Wornall Road Ward Parkway from 76th Street to 79th Street Linwood Boulevard from Paseo to Forest. Waterwork Park Entrance Road Swope Memorial Drive, near clubhouse Sidewalks leading to Northland Fountain Sidewalk and slope repair 5127 Swope Parkway Ward Parkway curb repair from 76th St. to 79th St.

Parking Lots 2007 Parking Lot Improvements Anita Gorman Park Parking Lot

Stone Wall & Stair Repairs 51st & Brookside Stone Wall Repair Garrison Community Center Stone & Stair Repair Southmoreland Stone Wall Repair completedcompleted projectsprojects Tennis Courts Plaza Tennis Court Repair

Construction Projects Sidewalk and slope repair, 5127 Swope Pkwy. San Rafael Park Master Plan Facility Maintenance and Repairs The Black Archives of Mid-America Kansas San Rafael Park Trail Ivanhoe Park Master Plan th Hodge Park Entrance Road Repair City at 17 Terrace & Woodland Ashland Park Walkway Improvements Grant Funded Projects Kansas City North Community Center Gym Roof Maplewoods Parkway Phase IIA Sycamore Park Trail Cliff Drive Interpretation Phase 2 – National Cliff Drive Restoration Phase II Loose Park Lake Renovations Replacement Scenic Byways Organization / MoDOT Longview Tract Excavation Loose Park Main Garden Renovations Meyer & Wornall Marker Repair Winner Park Shelter Indian Creek Greenway Trail from 99th Holmes Cliff Drive Restoration Phase 2 – Transportation Zoo Roof Package #6 2007 Pedestrian Lighting & Electrical to Lydia Avenue Enhancement / MoDOT Tiffany Springs Park Ballfield Package Tiffany Springs Baseball Complex, Infield Santa Fe Trail – National Park Service 2008 Water Access Plan 2009 Water Access Plan Improvements Amity Woods Nature Park – Platte County Gillham Park Trail Restoration Shelter Plan for Troost Lake & The Grove Outreach Grant/grant match Friends of Amity Jarboe Park Bath House, Pool & Fencing Searcy Creek Parkway Project Planning and Master Plans Woods Nature Park Restoration Shoal Creek Parkway Section A Longview Tract Master Plan Swope Park Pool Bath House Floor Shoal Creek Parkway, Club House to 96th Bruce R. Watkins Drive Bridges Repair Street Highland View Park Master Plan Monuments and Fountains Conservation Westport-Roanoke Window Replacement Briarcliff Parkway, Briarcliff Roard to North Hibbs Park Master Plan American Legion Memorial / Rogers Art Oak Longview Tract Excavation Package Conservation / (KC-GO) Murray Davis Park Improvments Longview Tract Site and Buildings Package Adam and Eve Fountains Conservation Analysis Acquisition Linwood Boulevard from Paseo to Forest Cliff Drive Maintenance Trail Venetian Wall Relief Conservation Analysis Easements and Properties along Indian Creek Waterwork Park Entrance Road Playground Replacement Council District 3 Major Murray Davis Monument Restoration and Blue River Greenway Swope Memorial Drive near Clubhouse Tiffany Springs Off Road Vehicle Plan Women’s Leadership Fountain, Meyer Memorial San Rafael Park Sidewalks leading to Northland Fountain Spring Valley Park Master Plan & Fitzsimons Memorial Restoration Sunset Park Friends of Amity Woods Nature Park Kansas City WildLands Park Hill School District parks partners Friends of Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Ctr. Kansas City Wizards/On Goal Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Kansas City Parks and Recreation has formal Friends of Lakeside Nature Center KC Ice Platte County Convention & Visitors Bureau partnerships established with neighborhood, Friends of Penn Valley Park KC North Community Center Advisory Board Platte County Parks and Recreation community, business and not-for-profit organizations. Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) KCPD Mounted Patrol Platte County Parks Partners These partnerships allow our department to leverage Friends of Riverfront Park KCWE Channel 29 Platte County Trails Coordination Committee resources and generate city-wide interest and support From Glory to Glory Inc. KPRS Hot 103 JAMZ Plaza Rotary Club for our system facilities, programs and events. Full Employment Council (FEC) Kessler Society of Kansas City Police Athletic League (PAL) Blue Valley Garden Center Association Liberty Memorial Association Port Authority of Kansas City, Missouri Black Archives of Mid-America Inc. Garrison Community Center Youth Advisory Board Lykins Neighborhood Association Riverfront Heritage Trail Blue River Watershed Association Gillham Road Advisory Committee Martin City CID Rockhill Homes Association Blue Valley Neighborhood Association City of Gladstone Parks and Recreation MAST Ambulance Ronald McDonald House Charities Boys & Girls Club Golden Oaks Neighborhood Association Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood Association Broadway/Westport Council Gracemor Randolph Neighborhood Association Mid-Continent Public Library Sheffield Neighborhood Association Brookside Business Association Guadalupe Center Inc. Mill Creek Association Shoal Creek Association Brooksiede Roller Hockey The Sierra Club Heart of America Council/Boy Scouts Missouri Department of Conservation Brookside Soccer Sister City Association Heart of America Shakespeare Festival Missouri Department of Natural Resources Brush Creek Community Partners Society for Friendship with China Hickman Mills School District of Greater Kansas City Missouri Department of Transportation Budd Park Committee South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Hills of Walden Home Owners Association Missouri Highway & Transportation Commission Carpenters Union of Kansas City Southeast Community Center Advisory Board Hispanic Football Soccer Association Missouri Parks & Recreation Association Center School District Southern Community Coalition Historical Society of New Santa Fe Trailside Center Monnett Battle of Westport Fund Inc. Center Planning Southtown Council Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City Mosaic Brain Chameleon Arts and Youth Development Theatre Mountaintop Inc. Starlight Theatre Association Jackson County Parks and Recreation Chaumiere Neighborhood Association National Center for Indigenous American StoneLion Puppet Theatre Jazz District Redevelopment Corporation Children’s Mercy Family Health Partners Cultures at Line Creek Inc. (NCIAC) St. Pius X High School Just Off-Broadway Theater Children’s Mercy Hospital National Recreation & Parks Association The Ali Kemp Educational (T.A.K.E.) Foundation Kansas City Art Institute City of Fountains Foundation National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) Tiffany Springs Parks Partners Kansas City Community Gardens Clay County Parks and Recreation Dept. Noble Homes Association 3 – Trails CID Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association Clay County Parks Partners Committee North Kansas City Area Baseball Association 3 & 2 Baseball Kansas City Cricket Club Clay County Veterans Memorial Committee North Kansas City School District Tony Aguirre Community Center Advisory Kansas City Flying Disc Club Clay-Platte Baseball League Inc. North Suburban Youth Football League Committee Kansas City, Missouri Police Department (KCPD) Cliff Drive Scenic Byway Corridor Management Northeast Inter Soccer League Boosters Tour of Missouri Local Organizing Committee Kansas City, Missouri School District Committee Northern Knights University of Missouri, Kansas City Kansas City Museum at Corinthian Hall Dogpark Improvement Group (DIG) Northland Community Alliance Union Cemetery Historical Society Kansas City Northern Railroad Inc. Downtown Council of Kansas City, MO Northland Girls Softball Union Station Kansas City Organics & Natural Market Earth Riders Trail Association (ERTA) Northland Neighborhoods Inc. Verona Hills Homes Association Kansas City Pop Warner Football Economic Development Corporation Northand Parks Committee Vietnam Veterans of America Kansas City Rose Society Vivion Road Gang, Chapter 317 Eitas Development Disability Services Northland Planning and Development Committee Kansas City Royals Waldo Area Business Association The Enshriners Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Kansas City Rugby Ward Family Foundation EPIC Entertainment Northland Rugby Football Club Kansas City United Tennis Ward Parkway Homes Association Ethnic Enrichment Commission Northland Sports Alliance dba SPCAA Kansas City Vietnam Veterans Memorial The Whole Person Federal Reserve Bank Optimist Athletic Association Kansas City Wellness Network Winnwood-Sunnybrook Neighborhood Association First Tee of Greater Kansas City Park Hill High School Tennis awards •All America Rose Selections Committee Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding 3,175,069 Volunteers Forestry Maintenance Total participation Number of volunteers: 7,900 Trees trimmed: 8,438 Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden Volunteer hours: 641,200 All programs, events & admissions Trees removed: 2,839 •Arbor Day Foundation: Tree City USA Estimated value: $12,984,300 City of Kansas City, Missouri-21 years Stumps removed: 1,797 •Economic Development Council 834,412 Cornerstone Award-Public Projects Admissions Southeast Community Center in Swope Park-Finalist Event Attendance Kansas City Zoo: 544,316 WWI Museum: 140,251 •Environmental Achievement Award 19,530 Birmingham Farms Bio-Solid Treatment Facility Tree Starlight Theatre: 232,001 Total acreage mowed Nursery 277 Bruce R. Watkins: 12,565 Number of Events •Historic Kansas City Foundation Loose Park Garden Center: 12,838 Preservation Award Women’s Leadership Fountain Dr. George Ehrlich Achievement in Preservation Parade Park Maintenance Building/Black Archives

•Ingram’s Magazine “Best of Business” KC Best Charitable Event: Jazzoo, #1 Best Theater: Starlight Theatre, #2 measurements Best Family Outing Venue: Kansas City Zoo, #1 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Best Museum or Gallery: National World War 1 Museum at Liberty Memorial, #3 623,721 4,516 s.h.a.p.e. (Safe, Healthy, Best Performing Arts Venue: Starlight Theatre, #1 Youth participation Citizens 3-1-1 Action Center Attractive, Public Environments) provides All facilities and programs Requests Resolved •Missouri Park & Recreation Association up-to-date information on the overall Not-for-Profit Citation Award conditions of our parks and facilities. Shoal Creek Association 2,327 Inspectors rate and report conditions Missouri Recreation and Parks Hall of Fame 475,899 immediately. In 2009: Frank Vaydik Sr., former Director Customer participation Graffiti incidents removed Fellow Award Community Centers 1409 park inspections conducted Mark L. McHenry, Director * •National Recreation and Park Association Maintenance 190 park sites involved Commission for Accreditation of Park and 122,144 Athletic field : 8,240 Recreation Agencies Customer participation park acceptability rating=87% Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Pools and Spraygrounds Landscape : 36,598 10 year reaccreditation renewal Park repairs: 18,071 171 facility inspections conducted •Visitors’ Choice Awards Special event preparation: 7,435 Favorite Performing Arts Venue 176,922 21 facilities involved Starlight Theatre Litter/trash removal: 65,949 Customer participation Favorite Kids Attraction *Hours worked facility acceptability rating=91% Kansas City Zoo Athletic Facilities and Programs history In the late 19th century, Kansas City had few paved streets and even fewer sidewalks, but the town was booming. As the population continued 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 park 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 within a park.”

officials Work on the boulevard system began in 1893 with the development of Independence and L-R: Aiken, Fierro, Stackhaus, Webster, Conger Gladstone Boulevards. Acquisition of properties began in earnest when, in 1895, the city BOARD OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONERS approved a charter amendment to give the Park Board power to condemn land, issue bonds John Fierro, President and receive special taxes. North Terrace Park (now Kessler Park), West Terrace Park and Tyrone Aiken; Meghan Badwey Conger; Aggie Stackhaus, Ajamu K. Webster later Penn Valley Park were among the first developments. A milestone was achieved with a gift of property from Col. Thomas H. Swope, a pessimistic “knocker” of the parks plan. In MAYOR 1896, Swope deeded to the city more than 1,300 acres, which became the park that bears Mark Funkhouser his name and the largest park in the system. Another important gift to the city was that of Loose Park in 1927, donated by Ella Loose in memory of her husband, Jacob. CITY COUNCIL Deb Hermann, First District-At-Large Beth Gottstein, Fourth District-At Large Since then, hundreds of additional parks and boulevards have been developed throughout Bill Skaggs, First District Jan Marcason, Fourth District the greater Kansas City area. In 1967, the Park Department and Recreational Division of Ed Ford, Second District-At-Large Cindy Circo, Fifth District-At-Large the city’s Welfare Department were combined into the present-day Kansas City Parks and Russ Johnson, Second District Terry Riley, Fifth District Recreation Department. Thanks to the foresight of city leaders and advocates, Kansas City Melba Curls, Third District-At-Large Cathy Jolly, Sixth District-At-Large is internationally known for its beautiful parks and boulevards system. Today’s Parks, Recreation and Boulevards Department honors the past while continuing to grow and make Sharon Sanders Brooks, Third District John A. Sharp, Sixth District improvements for the future. K A N S A S C I T Y MISSOURI Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation 4600 East 63rd Street Kansas City, Missouri 64130 816-513-7500

www.kcmo.org/parks