Landplan Engineering was retained by the City of Kansas City, Kansas to prepare a master plan for the City’s parks system. The planning effort sought to compile a baseline of information regarding the Parks and Recreation Division’s existing conditions, an analysis of its ability to provide the necessary levels of service, and recommendations for the future. Primary issues addressed by the study included the development of an accurate mapping system for City parks; the existing parks’ abilities to adequately serve the community; and the City’s ability to maintain the parks in the desired manner.

The master planning process began with the inventory and analysis of the existing park conditions in 41 parks. In addition, existing park improvements were identified and cataloged. The City’s park system was then evaluated with regard to park locations, City growth patterns, and comparisons to applicable park standards.

Following the park system analysis, Landplan developed four categories of recommendations which encompassed individual park improvements and system-wide enhancements. The recommendations addressed existing parks improvements, divestiture of park lands, new park land acquisition and development, and maintenance operations. The economic ramification of each recommendation was identified and a 10-year action plan developed to improve service and reduce maintenance requirements.