Page 18 - KCMO Parks Master Plan 2032

development and use. The Blue River Action Plan Sustainability Plan called for the implementation
and the Brush Creek Corridor Plan from 1998 also of more pollinator species and more native
called for trails in these respective corridors to grasses and the reduction of turf. These moves
tell the cultural history of these regions of the city. would reduce maintenance burden and reliance
Multiple plans recognized the power of trails to on fossil fuels while also increasing habitat and
improve the mental and physical health of citizens biodiversity within the system. The 2020 Blue
and spoke of them as public health infrastructure. River Action Plan also called for battling against
The 2008 Trails KC Plan and the more recent invasive exotic species that run rampant through
2015 Parks and Rec Master Plan Update spoke to many parklands. The 2015 Master Plan Update
specific benchmark mileage goals for the system. called for the establishment of a tree canopy goal.
The Trails KC Plan advocated for creating a The 2020 Strategic Business Plan established
230-mile network of interconnected trails out of “Conservation” as one of the four pillars of the
a system that at that time had only 30 miles. The department and advocated for the department to
2015 Master Plan Update, sought to add over 120 improve the air and water quality for the citizens
additional miles of trail which would have pushed of Kansas City, promote environmentally sound
the network closer to 270 total miles. practices, and serve as exceptional stewards of
the natural resources being entrusted to it.
SUSTAINABILITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Numerous plans focused on the ways in which
this department can leverage partnerships, refine Many of these planning efforts spoke to the power
its management practices, and acquire land to of parks and open space to improve the local
promote sustainability in Kansas City. Both the economy of their communities. The 2008 Trails
Kansas City Walkability Plan and the KC Physical KC Plan highlighted the success of other Missouri
Activity Plan urged the city to work with local cities who have invested in trail infrastructure.
not-for-profit agencies to engage the community Rocheport, Missouri along the Katy Trail at the
in sustainable practices on parkland. Groups like time claimed trail related tourism had brought
the Heartland Conservation Alliance, Bridging 350,000 visitors and injected $1M annually into
the Gap, and Urban Ranger Corps would have the local economy. The 2019 Bike KC Master
the ability to involve youth from the community Plan also encouraged the development of trails to
in park restoration work. Plans advocated for promote bike tourism in the region. Trail and park
department staff, as well, to engage in more development also help the economy by raising
restoration work such as along the Brush Creek adjacent property values by as much as 7%,
and Blue River corridors. Plans like the 2019 according to the 2019 Sustainability Master Plan.

12 KANSAS CITY PARKS MASTER PLAN