| Wednesday, April 30, 2014 |
 World's tallest waterslide to open in May |
 ENews SourceUnified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas
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KC Waterslide Officially World's Tallest
Mayor Mark Holland and Kansas Governor Sam Brownback celebrated one of the state's newest claims to international fame. Officials at the Kansas City Schlitterbahn Waterpark unveiled the height of Verrückt; its latest waterslide during a special measuring event last week. The measured at 168 feet 7 inches. This set a new world record for the tallest  waterslide in the world, a claim verified by Guinness World Record judge on site.
"From economic development to job opportunities Schlitterbahn brings to the community, and the tourist draw it represents, Schlitterbhan and this Verruckt are a huge win for Kansas City, Kansas and for our entire state," said Mayor Holland.
The new attraction has received coverage from media outlets throughout the country and world. The last time Kansas City, Kansas received coverage of this magnitude was during the Google Fiber's selection announcement in 2010.
"Within a two mile radius from where we are, there are some of the greatest attractions in the world. This is one more world class attraction our state has to offer, says Governor Brownback. You've got so many activities and fun things and more to come in this area of excitement, entertainment and innovation."
The build of Verrückt is featured in Travel Channel's one-hour season premiere of its popular original series "Xtreme Waterparks," which airs on Sunday, June 29 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. This special features never-before-seen footage of what went into the creation of the slide - including behind-the-scenes fabrication, the testing of the ride and the very first time any human being took the plunge down!
Ride innovator and Verrückt builder Jeff Henry was joined  by Schlitterbahn Waterpark fellow founding family members, Gary Henry, and Jana Faber at the height unveiling.
"All of our parks in Texas wanted this ride and we wanted it to come here in Kansas because we really needed people to know this park is here," said Henry, designer and operator of Schlitterbahn's waterparks, aquatic rides and attractions.
The Schlitterbahn explains that the Verrückt is not a body slide - it's a raft slide and features a nearly 17-story drop and a five story uphill section. The combined drops are over 200 feet. Fittingly, Verrückt is the German word for "insane."
"This park is starting to mature and we're bringing our money to Kansas. We love Wyandotte County and we love the opportunity," says Henry.
The Verrückt tops the previous record holder held by Kilimanjaro in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil at a height of 164 feet tall.
 | | SNEAK PEEK: The Making Of The World's Tallest Water Slide -- Verruckt in Kansas City, KS |
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Mayor Plants Tree during Arbor Day Observance
Mayor/CEO Mark Holland celebrated Arbor Day by planting a New Cleveland Pear tree with KCK Tree Board members Pill Musser and Burt Cavin at the Fleet Center.
Mayor Holland presented a proclamation as part of the annual observance of Arbor Day. KCK celebrates Arbor Day as a local "Tree City USA" member; since 2008. To qualify for this designation of the Arbor Day Foundation, local communities must have a tree care ordinance, a tree board or department, annual expenditures on tree planting and care, and an annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
"Trees are part of nature's infrastructure. They help with air quality, save energy, reduce stormwater runoff and make our community more liveable," says Kirk Suther, Program Coordinator with the UG.
Through the natural process of photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutant particulates, then store the carbon and emit pure oxygen. When you plant trees in your yard and around your home they'll provide shade to cool your home in summer and windbreaks to reduce cold winds in winter-reducing your energy needs.
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Mayor's Food Summit Sets Goal
Wyandotte County Mayor Mark Holland will host the 2014 Wyandotte County Mayor's Food Summit on Thursday, May 1, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Kansas City, Kansas Community College Technical Education Center, at 6565 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66102.  The Summit is sponsored by the Wyandotte Health Foundation.
Citing statistics released this month that rated Wyandotte as having some of the worst health outcomes in the state, Holland said, "Our community needs to continue to rally around the cause of health improvement. Increased access to healthy food should be one of our rallying cries. We conducted a recent survey of Wyandotte County residents that confirmed this is a major felt need. The Summit will give cross-sector leaders the tools to meet this need."
A joint effort of the Mayor and the Healthy Communities Wyandotte Coalition, the Food Summit seeks to bring together elected officials, education, business and community leaders and give them the information and resources they need to take action in their communities to increase accessibility to good food. "Healthy Communities Wyandotte has been working on this issue for over 4 years: now we want to expand the circle of concern. Leaders everywhere can and should take an interest in healthy eating."
The Food Summit arose from a transparent community planning process held from 2009-2011 that involved hundreds of residents, area experts and public officials, the results of which were compiled in a document titled "Recommendations for a Better Future." The recommendations included strategies for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and in fact, the Food Summit is the kick-off for a three-year plan to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among Wyandotte County residents. Holland and others hosting the Food Summit acknowledge that changing individual behavior is an important component of improving diet, and in order for change to stick, the healthy choice needs to be the easy choice.
Following welcoming remarks by Holland, the Food Summit will feature a keynote address from Dr. Oran Hesterman, a national leader in sustainable agriculture and food systems, and author of Fair Food: Growing a Healthy, Sustainable Food System for All. The Food Summit will also feature Dr. Judd Allen, President of the Human Resources Institute and a national expert on creating supportive cultures for healthy living.
The Summit will include the following four breakout sessions featuring speakers, facilitators and panelists from community organizations:
- Nutritious Food in Schools
- Ensuring Healthy Food Access for Low-Income Households
- Transforming Organizational Culture for Health
- Increasing Physical Access to Healthy Food in Wyandotte County
Lunch will be provided by the Kansas City, KS Community College's Culinary Arts Program, led by Chef Cheryl Runnebaum.
Video services are being provided by NODAK Films. To register for the event, please visit 2014foodsummit.eventbrite.com. Please contact Wesley McKain with questions.
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Upcoming Parks and Recreation Activities
The Kansas City Irish Road Bowling Tournament will take place at Wyandotte County Park on Sunday, May 4th. Road bowling is an Irish sport in which competitors attempt to take the fewest throws to propel a metal ball along a predetermined course of road typically a mile in distance. The first competition will begin at 11:00 a.m.
There will be another Health for All Soccer Day this Saturday, May 3rd at St. Margaret's Park. This free event will be from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For additional questions contact Monica Mendez at 913-439-9349.
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KDOT Holds Open House for Lewis & Clark Project
KDOT officials held an open house recently to showcase the latest design concept for the Lewis & Clark Viaduct. People filled the Eisenhower room at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown KCK to get a glimpse of the architectural renderings.
"Everyone says they appreciate us listening, incorporating their concerns and making them feel like they have ownership in the project," said Jim Pickett, Metro Engineer for KDOT, in regards to the feedback he received during the open house.
Pickett says it's a unique project that's going to be very costly and will take years to complete.
"It's going to be a long process. All these pieces are very, very experience. Hopefully we can get phase one done in this highway program and then move on to phase two, which will be in the next ten more years from the completion of the first phase. So we're talking multiple years out," Pickett says.
The Lewis & Clark Viaduct is an important part of the area's economic engine and serves as a vital link between both states and Kansas Cities. Therefore, the planning of the project and coordination with MoDOT is also vitally important to minimize disruption to businesses and motorists as much as possible.
 "We're planning on approaching the planning commission and get their approval on the designs plans sometime in mid-summer of 2014," said Pickett. "Design and field check in early 2015 - with design being completed in early 2016. Hopefully we'll have funds available to proceed with project in 2017."
People were encouraged to provide suggestions and feedback as KDOT staff answered questions and discussed the designs and process. If you have any questions or about the open house or future public meetings, please contact Joab Ortiz at 816-349-6766.
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Going Green with Lawn Care
Spring time is here and many of us are excited to see all the colors of early flowers, green leaves on trees, and our green lawns. While we enjoy the colors of Spring, often times we overlook how the environment is impacted by the way we care and maintain our lawns.
For example, over application of lawn chemicals can result in stormwater runoff that carries toxic levels of chemicals or excessive nutrients in our streams, lakes and groundwater. Many fertilizers can threaten our ecosystem and pose health risks for humans, pets, wildlife and aquatic organisms. It is possible to minimize lawn chemical runoff with actions such as:
- Go Natural: Consider compost or natural lawn chemical alternatives.
- Landscape with Native Plants: They require less watering, fertilizers, pesticides, & care.
- Conduct a Soil Test: To determine type and amount of fertilizer if you use them.
- Follow Label Instructions: Read labels on lawn chemicals carefully.
- Fertilizer Location: Use caution on slopes & lawn edges so it doesn't wash away.
- Let fertilizer dry properly: Allow time for liquid chemicals to dry and don't use lawn chemicals before a heavy rainfall.
- More information
Lawn care options involved with mowing your grass may also have environmental impacts. An alternative to bagging your grass clippings is to leave them on your lawn. Some residents may be worried that grass clippings cause thatch in your lawn but research by K-State has shown that grass clippings do not cause thatch. In fact grass clippings can serve as a natural lawn fertilizer.
Some tips to consider when leaving grass clippings on your lawn include:
- Mow only when your lawn is dry.
- Cut grass regularly. Don't remove more than 1/3 total leaf length on one mowing.
- Maintain a sharp blade on your mower.
- More information
Another suggestion for lawn care is to never blow and leave your grass clippings on the street or on your driveway. Grass clippings can then be carried away by rain water into storm drains which will enter and pollute local streams, rivers, and lakes.
For more information
Your lawn care can also impact air quality. Lawn mower exhaust is a major air pollutant. You can reduce air pollution by scheduling regular maintenance and oil changes for your mower. In addition, mowing your lawn in the evening is recommended over mowing in the heat of the day. For more information
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Road Closures
Based on information provided by both the UG's Public Works Department and the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), we are able to provide motorist living in Wyandotte County an update on road and highway projects.
This information can be useful to prepare individuals, commuting to and from work, with early warnings on minor delays. This also encourages motorists to use alternate routes due to land and ramp closures.
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No UG Road Closures to Report
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I-70 from 134th Street to K-7
TRAFFIC SHIFT: Eastbound I-70/Kansas Turnpike from 134th Street to just west of K-7will be shifted to the north and restricted to two 12-foot wide lanes reducing both inside and outside shoulders to 4-foot each beginning on Monday, April 23 through October 1, 2014 weather permitting. This traffic shift is needed for adjacent ramp construction work for Phase One of the K-7 & I-70 Interchange Project in Wyandotte County.
Traffic will be directed through the project work zone via signage and concrete barrier. Drivers should expect minor delays during their daily commutes.
Updated daily traffic information for this project and for the entire Kansas City Metro Area can be viewed online.
The K-7 & I-70 Interchange Project construction handout for Phases 1 and 2A-2B, including phasing schedule and traffic impacts, is available online.
The Kansas Department of Transportation urges all motorists to be alert, obey the warning signs, and "Give 'Em a Brake!" when approaching and driving through the project work zone.
Clarkson Construction is the project contractor on this $18 million construction Phase One project. This portion of the project work is scheduled to be completed in late Fall 2014. (KDOT Project #70-105 KA-1003-05)
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Gibbs Road Over I-635
On Monday, May 5, a replacement project will begin on the Gibbs Road Bridge over I-635 in Wyandotte County. Project work includes the replacement of the existing 40-foot steel girder structure (built in 1971) with a new 40-foot steel girder structure complete with sidewalk. Work will take place during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, with some occasional overnight and weekend work.
Beginning on Monday, May 5, after morning rush hour, eastbound and westbound Gibbs Road from 42nd Street to 47th Street will be CLOSED to all through traffic, 24/7 round the clock, throughout the project duration. A marked detour will be provided. Traffic will detour via 42nd and 47th Streets to Shawnee Drive. See map below.
Demolition of the existing Gibbs Road Bridge will begin on Monday, May 5 as well. The exact demolition plans have not been finalized as of yet. When the bridge is demolished there may be full roadway closures on I-635. A marked detour route will be provided. Traffic will detour via K-32 to 18th Street Expressway to I-35. Advance separate notification will be issued when the full schedule for bridge demotion work is completed.
Northbound shoulder and southbound I-635 left lane will be CLOSED for eight consecutive weeks for bridge pier construction work. Northbound I-635 will be restricted at this time to three (3) 11-foot wide lanes. The posted speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph through the project work zone during this eight-week closure. Advance separate notification will be issued when the start date has been scheduled for this portion of work.
Advance message boards will alert traffic to roadway closures on both Gibbs Road and I-635. Traffic will be directed via signs and cones through the project work zone. Drivers should expect delays and allow extra time during peak commute times on I-635.
Updated daily traffic information for this project and for the entire Kansas City Metro Area can be viewed online any time at: www.ksdot.org/kcmetro/laneclose.asp.
The Kansas Department of Transportation urges all motorists to be alert, obey the warning signs, and "Give 'Em a Brake!" when approaching and driving through the project work zone.
Phillips Hardy (Columbia, MO) is the primary contractor on bridge replacement project with a total contract cost of $2.38 million. The scheduled completion date for the entire project is early September 2014, weather permitting.
This project is funded by T-WORKS, the transportation program passed by the Kansas Legislature in May 2010. Find out more about this and other T-WORKS projects at: http://kdotapp.ksdot.org/TWorks/.
For more information on this project, please contact Kimberly Qualls, Northeast Kansas Public Affairs Manager at (785) 640-9340, or Amy Pope, Construction Engineer, Bonner Springs at (913) 721-2754. (KDOT Project # 635-105 KA-2093-0).
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Daily Lane Closure 
Remember, you can always go to the KDOT website for up to the minute road closures and traffic information. |
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