Page 3 - KC Parks 2017 Year in Review

Dear Friends of Parks and Recreation,

In 2017, Kansas City Parks and Recreation celebrated a milestone—our 125th anniversary!

In 1892, our department started with a handful of parks connected by a few boulevards. It has
since grown into a 12,000-acre system that encompasses 221 parks and 135 miles of parkways and
boulevards punctuated with 48 fountains and 122 monuments. Through the years, recreational
opportunities—playgrounds, swimming pools, ball fi elds, golf courses, community centers and active
programming—were added, along with a zoo, amphitheaters, museums and a national memorial. We
are proud of this growth and of our accomplishments during our 125 year history.
Fittingly, this past year was an exciting blend of old and new, traditional and topical. KC Parks
continued doing what we do best while adding new initiatives, projects and events—all of which you
can read about in detail in this publication.
I am thankful that 125 years ago the Board of Parks Commissioners
was established. Our volunteer Commissioners have always provided
strong leadership, advocacy and stewardship. I applaud our fi ve
current Commissioners and the 100 public-spirited citizens before
them for their devotion to preserving the integrity of our system
while continuing to make advancements.

Thank you also to the faithful employees and supportive citizens that
have allowed KC Parks to succeed for more than 125 years. We look
forward to many more!

Sincerely,

Mark L. McHenry, Director
Kansas City, Mo. Parks and Recreation

FROM THE DIRECTOR

2017 Year in Review • kcparks.org 3