1. Northcentral University
Preparing for Community Based Organizing, Plan for KCMO Park Development
Forest S. Decker
Northcentral University
2011

2. Intro Summary of Kansas City Parks KCMO encompasses 318 square miles
220 Parks in the City, Managed by the Parks and Recreation Department
Mission Statement of KCMO Parks and Recreation
“To improve the quality of life by providing recreational, leisure and aesthetic opportunities for all residents, and by conserving and enhancing the environment. We will accomplish this mission by providing quality programming, making the best use of existing resources, developing a supportive and influential constituency, developing effective collaborations and partnerships, and acquiring and preserving natural features”
Executive Overview: Kansas City, Missouri encompasses 318 square miles in Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties (About kansas city, 2012). The Parks and Recreation Department manages 220 city parks (Parks and recreation, 2012). These parks are spread fairly evenly throughout the city, however, no parks currently exist in an isolated portion on the southeast side of Kansas City. This area of Kansas City is separated from the rest of the city limits by the city of Raytown, and is fairly isolated from many city services, including parks. In 2011, a desirable property in this area became available, and was subsequently purchased by the Parks and Recreation Department. This park, formerly a racetrack known as Kansas City International Raceway, totals 97 acres. The purchase included reclamation of the site by demolition of existing buildings and improvements, and restoration of turf throughout the site. In 2012 an Urban Parks Development Grant in the amount of $1,000,000 was received from the US Department of the Interior to develop this park. However, no specific plans for the development of the park are in place. Terms of the grant include a requirement for public participation in the planning process, as well as matching funds from public or private entities. The following presentation will summarize how Parks and Recreation officials will solicit and utilize public input in the planning process for the park.

3. Project Timeline Purchased new parkland in 2011 Park totals 97 acres
Site restored in 2011
Urban Park Development grant received, 2012
Initiate series of public meetings, 2012
Develop master plan based on public input,
Solicit proposals to implement master plan, 2013
Initiate construction, 2013
Complete construction, 2014
Implement any specialized programming, 2014
Project timelines are goals, and can be revised.

4. Project Goals
Fulfill mission statement of Parks and Recreation to provide opportunities for all residents of the City
Engage major stakeholders in the area
Coordinate with potential partners
Inform residents of the area

5. Project Location
Located in zip code 64139, along the east side of Noland Road. Bordered on south by Jackson County’s Trace Park; on the east by the Little Blue River; on the west by Noland Road; and on the north by a private driving range.
Larger area is surrounded by the cities of Raytown, Independence, and Lee’s Summit.

6. Project Budget Purchase price of $1,500,000
Urban Park Development grant of $1,000,000 (requires 50% match for development)
Combination of City and partner funds to total $1,000,000
As determined by public input and partner meetings
TOTAL = $3,500,000
The matching funds for the grant may come from many sources. The total is not a set amount, and may exceed this total if partner funding exceeds expectations.

7. General Project Ideas Athletic Fields Community Center
Baseball/Softball
Soccer
Lacrosse
Community Center
Satellite Police Station
Public-use Park Shelter
Boat Launch
Walking Trail Connector for Little Blue Trail (Jackson County)
Equestrian Trail
Natural Wildlife Area
Dog Park
Community Gardens
The park property has ample acreage for a combination of several of these ideas. Some, such as a boat launch, do not require much space and would only be built if partner dollars are realized. Ultimately, the public input process will determine the greatest needs and desires of the local residents, and give them voice in designing this park.

8. Stakeholder Categories
Internal stakeholders
Other City of Kansas City entities. Examples, Public Works Department, Police Department, Water Services Department, etc.
External stakeholders
Outside of City entities, such as City of Lee’s Summit, Jackson County, City of Raytown, City of Independence, Blue River Association, Little Blue Valley Neighborhood Association, Raytown Soccer Association, Raytown Softball Association, Lee’s Summit Baseball Association, Jackson County Parks and Recreation.
Partners
Potential financial investors in the park. Examples include Raytown Soccer Association, Raytown Softball Association, Kansas City Lacrosse Association, Lee’s Summit Baseball Association, Kansas City Dog Park Commission, Jackson County Parks and Recreation, Kansas City Police Department, Missouri Department of Conservation.
*Note: some entities are external stakeholders and may be potential partners

9. Internal Stakeholders
Internal stakeholders are City of Kansas City governmental departments.
Public Works: Planning Division will be responsible for incorporating any park improvements into area-wide plans for the future, including traffic and signalization considerations.
Water Services Department: will be responsible for constructing and maintaining any water and sewer improvements.
Police Department: responsible for public safety of park patrons. Possible partner for east-side satellite police station on park property.

10. External Stakeholders
External stakeholders are entities outside of City of Kansas City departments
Cities of Lee’s Summit, Raytown,and Independence: these cities are in close proximity to the park, and their residents would be potential park users of any amenities.
Jackson County: County owns and operates a park directly south of this property. County also owns and maintains Little Blue River.
Blue River Association: Not-for-profit group interested in preserving the Little Blue River. Activities on the park land would potentially affect usage of the Little Blue River, or water quality.
Little Blue Valley Neighborhood Association: neighborhood group that is comprised of residents of the surrounding area.
Athletic Associations (Raytown Soccer Association, Raytown Softball Association, Lee’s Summit Baseball Association, Jackson County Parks and Recreation): These organizations could be impacted by any athletic fields that are built on the park property.

11. Potential Partnerships
Potential financial investors in the park
Raytown Soccer Association: potential partner in constructing and managing soccer fields.
Raytown Softball Association: potential partner in constructing and managing softball fields.
Lee’s Summit Baseball Association: potential partner in constructing and managing baseball fields.
Kansas City Lacrosse Association: potential partner in constructing and managing lacrosse fields. Lacrosse is a rapidly growing sport in the Kansas City metro area, and most fields are either on local high school properties, or north of the Missouri River.
Kansas City Dog Park Commission: not-for-profit group formed to raise funds and promote the development of dog parks in Kansas City.
Jackson County Parks and Recreation: Jackson County has trail segments of the Little Blue Trail to the north and the south of this park. They are a potential partner in constructing a connecting trail to these segments.
Kansas City Police Department: If an east-side patrol location is warranted, KCPD is a potential partner in that they would be responsible for construction.
Missouri Department of Conservation: MDC is a regular partner of KC Parks and Recreation in the development of natural areas, prairies, and boat launches.

12. Collaborative Meetings
Series of Collaborative Public Meetings
Public open house in August 2012
Public open house in October 2012
Meetings with internal stakeholders in November 2012
Public presentation of master plan in January 2013
Meetings with potential financial partners beginning in February 2013
It is possible that more than two public open houses will be required. That will be determined by the project manager in charge of running the meetings.

13. Meeting Contacts
Directly invite all stakeholders to public meetings in August and October 2012, and to specific meetings in November and December 2012
KCMO Departments: Public Works, Water Services, Police
City of Lee’s Summit
City of Raytown
City of Independence
Blue River Association
Little Blue Valley Neighborhood Association
Raytown Soccer Association
Raytown Softball Association
Lee’s Summit Baseball Association
Jackson County Parks and Recreation
Kansas City Lacrosse Association
Kansas City Dog Park Commission
Missouri Department of Conservation
When these groups are contacted, they will be encouraged to bring any other interested groups that they may know of to the meeting. That way, all efforts are exhausted in getting everyone involved early in the process.

14. Public Contacts Invite public to open house meetings
Press Release to media: Kansas City Star, The Pitch, local TV stations
Parks and Recreation website,
Parks and Recreation facebook page,
*Parks and Recreation, Marketing Division is responsible for public releases
Press releases are not always picked up by the media. That is their call, depending on what other news items are on their agenda at the time. Parks and Recreation has a popular website, and over 5,000 facebook friends.

15. Open House Meeting Structure
Present history of property
Present background information on purchase of property
Present background information and requirements of grant
Discuss project timeline and budget
Display property information and maps of property and surrounding area
Discuss initial ideas and solicit feedback on ideas
Discuss potential partnerships
Summarize previous meeting (if applicable)
Open discussion on new ideas for property
The structure of the meeting is fluid, and can be changed if needed to accommodate specific groups or issues.

16. Summary Property purchased Grant awarded
Develop stakeholder and partner list
Set open house and meeting schedule
Invite stakeholders, partners, and public to open houses
Invite stakeholders and partners to focused meetings
Develop master plan
Solicit proposals for development
Initiate construction

17. References
About kansas city. (2012). City of Kansas City, Missouri. Retrieved January 19, 2012 from
Parks and recreation. (2012). City of Kansas City, Missouri. Retrieved January 21, 2012 from