About

In August 2021, the NKC City Council and Parks Board agreed to work jointly on a Park Feasibility Study to examine possible improvements to River Forest Park. The study will explored conceptual design of park improvements and trails, facilitated dialogue with the community and other stakeholders, reviewed technical considerations, and provided cost estimates and phasing plans for identified improvements. 

To facilitate this effort, the City of North Kansas City engaged a local consultant in developing a master plan and feasibility study for River Forest Park. To view the final River Forest Park Feasibility Study, click here. 

We Want to Hear From You!
River Forest Park belongs to the community and your feedback is essential to the process of developing ideas for the park. Please take a few minutes and take this online survey to give your input. 

You can also print the survey and deliver it to City Hall.

FAQs

What and where is River Forest Park?
River Forest Park is approximately 7.5 acres, located north of the Hillside Levee and east of Interstate 35 in North Kansas City’s Ward 4. The park is undeveloped and is the only park space in NKC on the east side of the interstate. There is significant interest in enhancing this park with amenities such as a playground or defined walking trails, to this space to serve neighborhood residents.

River Forest Park is composed of generally wooded  areas with some areas of steep slopes. There is a generally flat area of almost one acre at the east end of the park. There are two possible entrances to River Forest Park: from 24th Avenue, at the intersection with Vernon Street, or from the west end of 26th Avenue.

Why River Forest Park?
River Forest Park is an undeveloped, City-owned park in Ward 4. Currently, River Forest Park is the only park space in NKC in Ward 4. Investment in green spaces promotes community health and wellbeing through opportunities to exercise, relax, and socialize. Developing  River Forest Park will enhance the benefits it provides to both the community and natural environment. Because each community is unique, to achieve these benefits it is critical to go through a planning process to ensure the park is designed to fulfill the vision and needs of the community it serves.

Who is responsible for the park?                                                                     The North Kansas City City Council is responsible for any capital improvements made to the park; the Parks Board and the Parks and Recreation Department would be responsible for future operations and maintenance of the park. 

How can I provide input? What input are you seeking? How will my input be used?
We want to hear your hopes, concerns, and priorities for the project. We will ask for your participation in project open houses.  Participants in the open house will be asked to react to imagery that suggests certain activities or character of park spaces to help define an overall vision for the park. This will guide the study toward concepts for the park that address the community’s needs and desires. You will be able to chat with the design team or City staff, indicate preferences through interactive activities, and/or write down your own thoughts/comments for the team’s reference. 

What elements have been decided on for the park?
No binding decisions have been made at this time. This feasibility study will utilize community feedback to help steer the vision for future improvements to the park.

When will we see changes to the park?
This project is subject to feasibility and funding opportunities—there is currently no firm schedule. 

How much will this park cost? 
Other than for this feasibility study, no funding has been designated for the project at this time. Preliminary cost estimates will be provided as an outcome of this study, and any future funding will be reviewed prior to designation. The City may use information produced during this study in the pursuit of grants specifically for the implementation of the park improvements.

How will people access the park? 
This will be further evaluated throughout this feasibility study. Current thinking is for vehicles to access the site at the existing curb apron opposite Clay Edwards Drive. 26th Avenue is not large enough to accommodate additional parking and traffic.

What are the next steps? 
The planning process, which encompasses community engagement, environmental review, and conceptual design, is scheduled to conclude this summer. The community will be invited to provide input throughout this process. The team will synthesize the community’s feedback and review it with the City. Together with technical information and community input, concept alternatives and ultimately a feasible recommendation of improvements will be created.  An open house scheduled for April 13th will gather initial thoughts and concerns from the community which will directly influence the creation of concept alternatives.  These alternatives will be shared with the community at a second public open house this summer. There, the community will have another opportunity to comment on the concept alternatives.

Project Contacts:
Lance Klein, Project Manager – lancek@swtdesign.com
Amie Clarke, Ward 4 Council Member— aclarke@nkc.org