Page 88 - KCMO Parks Master Plan 2032

walk of a park, not all of those parks are equally
accessible or appealing. The first pillar is social
equity and it has the following goal statement:

To improve equitable access through parks
and recreation planning, programming, and
maintenance.

There are many measures that the department
can take as it continues to strive towards an
equitable park system. It will involve strategically
funding park improvements based on the true
need of its communities and neighborhoods. It
will involve the deeper discussions with citizens
in those neighborhoods, and tracking the parks
and programs they actually use. There are
stories here that can be told within our parks
and open spaces through signage, special
events, and public art. Additionally, there are new
partnerships that can be forged which will enrich
the department’s offerings and create more
connections with neighborhoods that have long
looked to have a seat at the table.

health and wellness

Kansas City residents made it clear during the
community engagement process that they want
to get outside, enjoy nature, and do so in their city
parks. Through the surveys and open houses,
we consistently how important walking and bike
infrastructure is. Also there is a desire for more
opportunities in outdoor recreation and stronger
connections to nature. This strong desire for
healthy activity and mental well-being speaks
to the department’s second pillar of health and
wellness:

To improve health and wellness through
parks and recreation planning, programming,
and maintenance.

The department must devote its energies
to making health and wellness a focus of
their recreation programming across the

82 KANSAS CITY PARKS MASTER PLAN