July 2011

 

Rock Your Park

  

Parks 'n Play eNews
A monthly update from Kansas City, Missouri
Parks and Recreation

Mayor James Announces Appointments to the Board of Parks and Recreation  

 

Mayor Sly James has appointed the following residents of Kansas City, Missouri to the Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners. They will officially be sworn in on Tuesday, July 26 at 2:00pm.

President ChaurandPresident Jean Paul Chaurand is the Senior Vice President for the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation where he leads its grant making and nonprofit outreach teams and directs development efforts for both contract and contribution revenue. Prior to joining the Foundation, Mr. Chaurand served as Executive Director of the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation. Mr. Chaurand received a bachelor's degree in urban affairs from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and an MBA from UMKC's Bloch School Executive MBA Program.

Commissioner Bryant 
McClain Bryant is an attorney with Husch Blackwell, LLP in the areas of government compliance, investigation, litigation, governmental ethics and election law, and business litigation. Ms. Bryant received her law degree from The George Washington University Law School and her bachelor's degree and MBA from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. She is a Board Member of Freedom, Inc.

Commissioner DillinghamAllen Dillingham is the Director of Government Affairs for the Builders' Association and is the former District Director for Senator Kit Bond. Mr. Dillingham currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Greater Kansas City United Way and the Board of Advocates for Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics. He received a bachelor's degree in World Political Economy from The Colorado College and an MBA from UMKC's Bloch School Executive MBA Program.

Commissioner Gromowsky 
Aimee Gromowsky is a practicing attorney in municipal court law. Mrs. Gromowsky is a former Assistant Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney and is active in the Greater Kansas City Women's Political Caucus. Mrs. Gromowsky received a bachelor's degree in behavior modification from the University of North Texas and a law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.

Commissioner Mecklenburg
 
David Mecklenburg is an insurance agent with Calvin Eddy and Kappelman, Inc. Mr. Mecklenburg has served the Clay County Parks Board, the Northland Neighborhoods Board and Kansas City's Wet Weather Community Panel. He earned his bachelor's degree from Central Methodist College and is a veteran of the United States Army.
Vol 5, Issue 6
Green Ball

QUICK LINKS

  
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 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.

 Logos

Kansas City, Missouri 
  Parks and Recreation
Find Us On Facebook

 

 Friends of the Fountains Logo 
KC Parks Receives Grant for Summer Feeding Program

 

Backpack Program KC Parks, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), has been selected to benefit from a $2.1 million grant received by NRPA from the Walmart Foundation to support summer feeding programs in 30 park and recreation agencies across the U.S. KC Parks has received a $50,000 grant to support its food service program in Kansas City, Missouri.

 

"Helping children and families in our local community is a key objective of KC Parks," said Mark Bowland, Community Services manager. "We are thrilled to be a part of NRPA's national effort in combating hunger, particularly in these troubled economic times, and are pleased that Walmart has lent their support to Kansas City. Through Walmart's generosity, 100 area young people will have better summers."

 

KC Parks has five participating sites benefiting from the Back Pack Snack Program--Gregg Klice, Tony Aguirre, Garrison, Brush Creek and Marlborough Community Centers. Each center services 20 kids for a total of 100 participants.

 

The food program is part of Walmart's Summer Giving Campaign - a broad $25 million initiative aimed at filling the gaps created when schools close this summer. The initiative will help expand nutrition, learning and employment services to more than 110,000 U.S. middle and high school students throughout the summer months. Walmart awarded a $2.1 million grant to NRPA to address child hunger.

According to the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), the primary reason for the achievement gap between higher- and lower-income youth is unequal access to summer learning opportunities and critical needs like healthy meals.

"Kids should have every opportunity to grow into successful adults and we're doing our part to make sure that's the case this summer," said Walmart Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs Leslie Dach. "From helping thousands of kids stay active and learn, to supporting summer job programs and providing nutritious meals, we're committed to making a difference."

A report released in 2009 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that an estimated 49 million Americans struggle to get enough healthy food to eat. During the summer months, the number of children that receive free or reduced-price federally sponsored meals drops by roughly 80 percent compared to that of the school year, from more than 18 to fewer than 3 million children.

"Park and Recreation agencies are on the frontline in the fight to build and maintain healthy communities," said Barbara Tulipane, CEO of NRPA. "The generous gift from the Walmart Foundation will help our local champions provide nutritious meals for millions of children and support the development of a healthy, connected and active generation of Americans."

For the second year, NRPA has awarded grants to park and recreation agencies for feeding programs that will serve nearly 13 million meals to low-income children, an increase of 2.5 million meals over 2010 figures.

Groundbreaking Held for Longview Tract Aquatics Center

Longview Tract GroundbreakingNext year at this time, south Kansas City residents will have a brand new aquatics center in which to cool off.

Although work has already begun, local officials formally broke ground for the $7 million new facility on July 18. The aquatics center is located on the site of the former YMCA and current Longview Tract park/spraygrounds at 7101 Longview Road.

Among the groundbreaking participants were KC Parks Director Mark L. McHenry, Parks Board President John Fierro, Sixth District Councilman John Sharp and Bonnaye Mims, president of the Hickman Mills Board of Education.

Plans for the expanded aquatics facility, scheduled to open Memorial Day weekend of 2012, include a zero entry pool, lap pool, lazy river and water slides. Additional improvements have already been made to the park including a playground, football fields, shelter houses and a walking trail.

Help Save the the Historic Waldo Water Tower

Tower ParkThe Waldo Tower Historic Society announces a series of "Tower Power Happy Hours" to raise funds for renovations to the Waldo Water Tower. The first Happy Hour will take place from 5:00-7:00pm on July 20 at The Well, 7421 Broadway Road.  This and future Happy Hours are scheduled in conjunction with Waldo Wednesdays held the third Wednesday of each month.

The magnificent landmark structure located in Tower Park at 75th Street and Holmes Road, has stood as an inspiration to the Kansas City Metropolitan area for over nine decades and was listed in the World Book Encyclopedia. It is Kansas City's first American Water Works Association landmark. Built in 1920 it served the Kansas City area until its removal from service in 1957 and has continued to serve as a monument to American workers ingenuity ever since.

The Water Tower is badly in need of repair and maintenance. Therefore, the Waldo Tower Historic Society has embraced this landmark and is dedicated to restoring, maintaining and enhancing this beautiful structure for the appreciation of generations for Kansas City citizens to come. Support is needed if it is to survive and remain the powerful structure it once was when first conceived.

Necessary improvements include structural enhancements, landscaping, fencing, historical signage, and improved lighting.

Support the Water Tower fundraising efforts this and every Waldo Wednesday at The Well (where the Tower can be seen from the roof top) for the festivities and make a tax deductable donation to save this important part of Kansas City heritage.

Happy Hour festivities feature a special drink with partial proceeds from each drink going towards the Tower Restoration, words from Society board members, and an opportunity to purchase a local artist's limited edition painting of the Waldo Water Tower.

"This is an enormous project," stated Kurtis Marinez, president of the Waldo Tower Historic Society, "and one that will take at least $900,000 dollars and several years to complete. But with the help of the Kansas City business community, government funds, PIAC funds and personal donations this project can and will be completed." For more information or to make a donation, visit the website .

Cinderella Brings Its Magic to Starlight Theatre
Kara Lindsay as CinderellaKansas Citians will believe that dreams come true when the timeless fairy tale Cinderella brings its magic to Starlight Theatre on July 25-31. All seven shows start at 8:00pm on Starlight's Jeannette and Jerome Cohen Community Stage.

 

Families are encouraged to arrive early for a pre-show event featuring a variety of fun, free activities. "Cinderella's Royal Celebration" begins at 6:00pm nightly in Starlight's north pavilions and will feature activities including face painting, magic and puppet shows, inflatables, games and crafts.

 

It's interesting to note that Cinderella is the only musical the genius duo of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II wrote specifically for television. The allure of working with 21-year-old Julie Andrews, who at the time was making her name in My Fair Lady on Broadway, drew the pair into the project in 1956. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote the 90-minute production in six acts to fit the needs of TV's commercial breaks. Their beloved musical score features such favorites as "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible," "Ten Minutes Ago" and "Do I Love You Because You're Beautiful?"

When CBS aired the live broadcast of Cinderella on March 31, 1957, more than 24 million U.S. households--an estimated 100 million people--tuned in. It was later remade for TV in 1965 with Lesley Ann Warren making her debut and, again, in 1997 with Brandy in the title role.

"Starlight is thrilled to produce this show and to bring the magic and music of Cinderella to our stage. Not only will it be a special night for the little ones in our audience, but it will be a treasured trip down memory lane for their parents and grandparents who grew up watching the fairy tale come to life on their TV screens," said Denton Yockey, Starlight president and executive producer. "Starlight has long been a summer entertainment destination for families throughout metropolitan Kansas City and the Midwest region. This musical definitely continues that tradition in 2011."

Playing the title role of Cinderella in Starlight's stage production is Kara Lindsay. She returns to Starlight after performing here last season as Laura Ingalls in the national tour of Little House on the Prairie, The Musical. The versatile New York actress also starred as Sally Bowles earlier this year in the Kansas City Repertory Theatre's production of Cabaret. The show's handsome Prince is played by Claybourne Elder; the New York actor also has been seen at the Kansas City Rep playing the roles of Clifford Bradshaw in Cabaret and the Wolf/Cinderella's Prince in Into the Woods.

The cast for Cinderella also includes a number of Kansas City professional actors in ensemble roles. They are Kevin Dean Albert (Chef), Lauren Braton, Christina Burton, Stephanie Cain, Charles Fugate (Minister), Sarah LaBarr and Kip Niven (Steward).

Additionally, three dozen Kansas City youth have been cast in the children's chorus and teen Blue Star All-Star Chorus. They will appear in roles including children of the kingdom, palace attendants and ball guests.

Tickets for Cinderella at Starlight Theatre are on sale now for $10 to $85. Best seats and discount ticket prices are available for the special preview performance on Monday night, July 25. Tickets are available online at www.kcstarlight.com, by calling 816-363-STAR (7827) or at the Starlight box office at 4600 Starlight Road, Kansas City, MO 64132. All performances begin at 8:00pm.

Discount prices for groups of 15 or more are available. For information about group pricing, contact group sales manager Felicia Goodison at 816-997-1137 or [email protected].

 

KC Royals Seek Nominations for Military Veterans Tribute

Military Day at Royals The Kansas City Royals are inviting fans to nominate veterans for the honor of sitting in the club's Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat during the annual Armed Forces Day celebration presented by the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial. The military-themed tribute is set for Saturday, August 6 prior to the Detroit Tigers-Royals game at 6:10pm.

Since 2007, the club has paid tribute to the lasting impact O'Neil had on the game of baseball and the Kansas City area by filling "Buck's seat" with a member of the community who embodies his vibrant spirit. In conjunction with the Armed Forces Day celebration, the Royals are calling on fans to submit nominations for deserving veterans by visiting www.royals.com/buckseat. A panel from the National World War I Museum will then select one lucky veteran as the honoree for Armed Forces Day.

The honoree, along with four guests, will enjoy the game from "Buck's seat" behind home plate of Kauffman Stadium. In addition, the veteran will be recognized during the Royals pregame ceremony and FOX Sports Kansas City telecast that evening.

The Royals invite fans throughout the Midwest to participate in the nomination process. Nominations should include a description in 100 words or less of why the nominee should be honored as well as relevant contact information. All nominations are due by Friday, July 22 at noon. The winner will be selected the following week.

Nomination forms are available online at www.royals.com/buckseat. Completed nominations may be submitted online or mailed to: Kansas City Royals, Attn: Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat, One Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129. For more information, fans may call (816) 921-8000.

In addition to saluting a worthy veteran in the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat, Armed Forces Day will also include a special video presentation, first pitch, speaker and more to honor our armed forces.

Beat the Heat at KC Parks Facilities and Amenities 

Residents seeking relief from the heat can visit KC Parks community centers, swimming pools and Cooling center spraygrounds. Addresses, schedules, and web links are listed below.

Brush Creek Community Center - 3801 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., Sunday and Monday: closed, Tuesday and Wednesday: Noon to 9 p.m., Thursday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Garrison Community Center - 1124 E. 5th St.., Sunday and Monday: closed, Tuesday-Friday: 1 to 9 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gregg/Klice Community Center - 1600 John "Buck" O'Neil Way, Sunday: closed, Monday-Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hillcrest Community Center - 10401 Hillcrest Road, Sunday: closed, Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kansas City North Community Center - 3930 N.E. Antioch Road, Sunday: closed, Monday-Thursday: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Line Creek Community Center - 5940 N.W. Waukomis Drive, Sunday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Marlborough Community Center - 8200 Paseo Blvd., Sunday and Monday: closed, Tuesday and Thursday: Noon to 9 p.m., Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Southeast Community Center - 4201 E. 63rd St., Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Thursday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tony Aguirre Community Center - 2050 W. Pennway Terrace, Sunday: closed, Monday-Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Westport-Roanoke Community Center - 3601 Roanoke Road, Sunday: closed, Monday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday-Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In addition to the City's cooling centers, residents are invited to swim at the following parks and facilities through Labor Day weekend. Visit the webpage for admission charges and hours.

Brush Creek Community Center Pool, 3801 Brush Creek Blvd. (Free swim: Mondays, 1-7 p.m.)
Budd Pool, at Esplanade Street and Denver Avenue (Free swim: Tuesdays, 1-7 p.m.)
Grove Park Pool, at Truman Road and Benton Boulevard (Free swim: Thursdays, 1-7 p.m.)
Swope Pool, Swope Park, at 67th Street and Lewis Road, (Free swim: Sundays, 1-5 p.m.)
The Springs Aquatics Center, 9400 N. Congress Ave.

Spraygroundsare free and open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday. For more information on swimming pools and spraygrounds visit the Aquatics webpage .

Neighborhood Pools are free and open through August 7 from 1-6 p.m. Tuesday-Fridayand1-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. They are closed on Mondays.

Arbor Villa Park, 66th Terrace and Main Street
Ashland Park, 23rd and Elmwood streets
Gillham Pool, 41st and Gillham streets
West Terrace Park, 16th and Jarboe streets

Please note: it is against City ordinance for residents to swim in any of the City's fountains. 

Parks Spotlight: Ermine Case Jr., Park

Jim Pendergast MemorialCase Park is located between Ninth and Tenth Streets, from Jefferson west to approximately Hereford Drive. West Terrace Park is located north and west of it.

In 1945, attorney George Case donated property for a city park to be named in honor of his father, Ermine Case, Jr. Additional property for the park was acquired in 1947, 1949 and 1950.

Ermine Case, Jr. was originally from Columbus, Ohio and settled in Kansas City around 1870. He practiced law for several years. When his health weakened, he went into the real estate business. His home was located at 706 W. Tenth Street, which was part of the property that his son donated for the park. Mr. Case died in 1886. 

 

LOCATION

West 10th Street & Jefferson Street, 1.67 acres

 

Pass it On!
We encourage you to forward this e-calendar to friends, family, coworkers, members of your organization, and more. You can also easily use this publication or articles in your organization's communication and to post on social networking sites.  Become a fan of Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation on Facebook.  Help spread the good news about Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation.
Disability Icon The Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department facilities and programs are available to people of all abilities.  If accommodations or individual supports are needed to participate, please contact Carrie Randle, Inclusion Facilitator, at (816) 513-0730.