Kansas City’s 3rd and 5th Districts are getting an exciting addition to the Brush Creek Greenway, the Brush Creek Cultural Heritage Trail. This project celebrates our community’s rich culture and history while creating a place for people to gather, relax, and reflect.

The project’s vision includes 14 new plazas, or “nodes”, along the existing trail. Each plaza will provide seating, signage, and eventually, a unique art piece that captures the spirit of our community. These plazas will allow the community to reflect, connect with others, and enjoy some of Kansas City’s beautiful outdoor landscapes.

One of the standout features of this project is the art. The City’s Municipal Arts Commission, with help from the Public Art Administrator, has selected Wesley Clark of Wesley Clark Art to create special flat artwork that will be the focal point in each plaza. Funded through the city’s 1% for Art Program, these pieces are being fabricated to help tell Kansas City’s story. The themes will range from social justice to healthcare, art, entertainment, and so much more. This way each plaza will capture a unique aspect of our shared heritage.

Currently, 11 of the 14 planned “nodes” are underway. The final three plazas, along with their art, will come to life once construction wraps up on the Connector Park, located east of Highway 71 for two nodes, and the upcoming MLK Park Pedestrian Bridge Project for one node.