summary of existing greenway system

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Summary of ExistingGreenway System

Description of theSeven CountyRegion

Most cities and towns of the Midwest and the Great Plains were foundedalongside rivers or near the great overland transport routes. In this sense,the setting that gave rise to Kansas City and its surrounding towns is notunusual. What makes this area extraordinary, however, is its geographicalposition in relation to the rest of the United States. Its central locationnear the confluence of two important rivers that drain the vast and openplains has made the Kansas City area a strategic and pivotal gatewayfrom its very beginning.

The place that today we call the Kansas City metropolitan area occupiesa large region that encircles the confluence of the Missouri River and itssmaller tributary, the Kansas (or Kaw) River. Those who have lived herelong enough think of the confluence area as split into three sections bythese two rivers. The Missouri sweeps down from the Northwest andbends to the East leaving a vast piece of the region north of its course.The Kansas River flows in from the West-southwest and joins the Mis-souri at its eastward turn. This confluence creates the other two pieces - asmaller area to the West that falls between both rivers and remainsentirely in Kansas, and a wide stretch of land that lies south of the Kansasand the Missouri Rivers and runs from Kansas into Missouri.

Dozens of tributary rivers, creeks and streams flow into these two muddywaterways and each of their channels cuts back into the woodland bluffsthat edge the broad river flood plains. Many of these tributaries extendfarther back from the rivers and drain the open, rolling prairie and tree-covered and eroded hills that are scattered across the upland land-scapes. Throughout this region of open upland and wooded streamcourses, rich soils support a fairly thick and low vegetation cover that inturn serves as habitat for a broad range of wildlife.

The ecological relationships that bind the area’s natural environmentchanged little until the last 200 years. Before that the confluence regionserved as territorial base to the Kansa, Osage and other peoples whohunted, foraged, and cultivated subsistence crops in the rich bottomlands.Intrusions by trappers and traders brought the market/resource demandsof a global commercial economy and, at the same time, made the Kan-

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sas-Missouri confluence a strategic break point in the North Americannetwork of rivers and trails.

Anglo movements into the area increased in the first half of the nineteenthcentury and slowly, as trading posts were planted and way stations werebuilt, the district surrounding the junction of the rivers became a generalswitch point for the east-west traffic, a gateway through which passedpeople and manufactured goods headed to the far West and NorthernNew Spain and in return passed the furs, gold, and harvested resourcesof the Louisiana Territory.

As the dominant transportation technology switched from steamship andoverland wagon to railroad, the gateway status of the towns in theconfluence region grew. Settlers poured into the Kansas City area, itscommercial economy expanded and the hinterland that surrounded andsupported the city evolved into one of the most productive farming re-gions in the world.

Today, more than 1.7 million people live in the cities and towns, suburbsand villages that fill the confluence area. Split by a state line and groupedinto seven counties, five of which are well urbanized, the residents of themetropolitan area have all of the problems and pleasures of others wholive in or near the great cities of North America. Many people commutedaily to work in an older urban core. Others have remained in the centerof the metropolitan area and are busy restoring and revitalizing the beau-tiful neighborhoods that are flourishing once again. Still others havesettled the exurban fringes and have brought new life to many of the oldercountry towns that declined as railroad traffic dwindled.

The Kansas City region bears a landscape transformed by 200 years oftraffic and trade, of civilization and settlement. It still supports a richvariety of plants and animals that live off its streams and soils but theenvironment that once sustained the Kansa, Osage, and other nativepeoples must now serve the needs of a significantly larger and moredemanding population. To make things work in the confluence area, wemust carefully plan how we will inhabit, use, and sustain the region’sresources in the years to come.

The 1,144 mile, seven-county MetroGreen system is an ambitious planfor our community. Yet, recent efforts suggest growing interest in realizingthis vision. There is growing interest in greenways and trails by citizens,political leaders, and parks and public works officials. Many communitieshave completed extensive plans for greenway systems. Some communi-ties have asked voters to approve dedicated taxes. Many cities andcounties are seeking available federal and state grants to support trailconstruction. Currently, segments of 13 MetroGreen trails with over 85 miles exist in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Trail systems are increasingly popular in private development. Developershave already begun designing new office park and neighborhood projectswith greenways and trails as focal points.

ExistingMetroGreen

Segments

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HEATHERWOODPARK

GARLANO MEMORIALPARK

HURONINDIAN CEMETERY

KEMPERARENAAMERICANROYAL

WESTTERRACEPARK

BERKLEY RIVERFRONTPARK

PROSPECTPLAZA PARK

NORTHTERRACEPARK

RIVERMARKET

Berkley Park Esplanade

Greenway Description:

Terminal points: Currently, the trail iscontained within R.L.Berkley Park, but itwill be expanded soon.

Length: 0.5 mileSurface type: ConcreteHandicap accessible: YesPets permitted: YesDedicated parking: YesHours of operation: Sunrise to sunsetFor more information: Kansas City Parks &

Recreation Dept.4600 E. 63rd StreetKansas City, MO 64130816-513-7500

The Berkley Park Esplanade is thenortheastern-most point of the soon-to-be-constructed Kansas CityRiverfront Heritage Trail. Soon,direct connections will be made tothe Kemper Arena and across theKansas River to Wyandotte County.This urban trail is convenientlylocated near the vibrant and excitingKansas City River Market Area.From Berkley Park, visitors enjoycommanding views of the KansasCity skyline and the Missouri River.

Existing TrailPhase 1 TrailTrailheadStream

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The Brush Creek Corridor is a premier cultural and recreational amenity. The corridor wasdesigned to hold stormwater and reduce flooding damage while simultaneously providing aneast-west pedestrian connection. The greenway passes through the Country Club Plaza(Kansas City’s premier shopping district) as well as providing access to the Nelson-AtkinsMuseum of Art, Volker Park, Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center and Brush Creek Park. Thegreenway has spurred considerable reinvestment in the corridor east of Troost. Plans areunderway to extend the greenway west to State Line Road and east to the Blue River.


West terminus: Belleview StreetEast terminus: Blue RiverLength: 5.5 milesSurface type: ConcreteHandicap accessible: YesPets permitted: YesDedicated parking: NoHours of operation: Sunrise to sunsetFor more information: Kansas City Parks &

Recreation Dept.4600 E. 63rd StreetKansas City, MO 64130816-513-7500

Brush Creek CorridorK

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COUNTRYCLUBPLAZA

KANSAS CITY ART INSTITUTE,KEMPER MUSEUMOF MODERTN ART,NELSON ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART

LOOSEPARK

UMKC

BRUCE R. WATKINSCULTURAL HERITAGECENTER

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English Landing Park Trail


Terminal points: Currently, the trail iscontained within EnglishLanding Park, but thereare opportunities toexpand the trail alongthe Missouri River.

Length: 3 milesSurface type: Limestone screeningsHandicap accessible: YesPets permitted: YesDedicated parking: YesHours of operation: Sunrise to sunsetFor more information: City of Parkville

1201 East StreetParkville, MO816-741-7676

29 HWY

45 HWY

PARKVILLE

ENGLISH LANDING PARK

RIVER RD

RIVERPARK DR

MISSOURI RIVER

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RIVERSIDEPARK

RISSLAKE

PARKCOLLEGE

Existing TrailTrailheadStream

English Landing Park islocated in Parkville alongthe banks of the MissouriRiver. It features one of thefew trails along the MissouriRiver in the Kansas Cityregion, and offers severalrecreational opportunities,which include playgrounds,a volleyball court, picnicshelters, a boat ramp,softball and soccer fields.The historic WaddellA-frame Bridge is locatedwithin the park. TheParkville City Market islocated at the entrance tothe park.

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West terminus: 151st Street, west ofMur-Len Road

East terminus: Locust Street in KCMOLength: 24 milesSurface type: Asphalt/ConcreteHandicap accessible: YesPets permitted: YesDedicated parking: YesHours of operation: Sunrise to sunset

Indian Creek Trail


The Indian Creek Trail Greenway passes through four metro cities: Leawood,Overland Park, Olathe, and Kansas City, Missouri. It connects with TomahawkCreek Trail, Pinehurst Park, Foxhill South Park, the Corporate Woods BusinessPark, Stoll Park, the Overland Park Golf Course and Water Works Park inOlathe. It includes several amenities such as ball fields, shelters, playgroundsand tennis courts. It is close to several retail and commercial centers.

City of Overland ParkParks and Recreation6300 West 87thOverland Park, KS 66212913-327-6630

City of OlatheParks Department200 West Sante FeOlathe, KS 66061913-393-6038

City of Kansas City, MissouriParks and Recreation Dept.4600 East 63rd StreetKansas City, MO 64130816-513-7500

City of LeawoodParks and Greenways4800 Town Center DriveLeawood, KS 66211913-339-6700

For more information:

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Jersey Creek Trail


West terminus: 18th StreetEast terminus: 5th StreetLength: 1.8 milesSurface type: AsphaltHandicap accessible: NoPets permitted: YesDedicated parking: NoHours of operation: Sunrise to sunsetFor more information: Unified Government of

Wyandotte County /Kansas City, KansasParks and RecreationKansas City, KS 66109913-596-7077

JERSEYCREEK PARK

HEATHWOOD PARK

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KLAMMPARK

GARLANDMEMORIALPARK

PARKWOODPARK

BIG LAKEPARK

WEST HEIGHTPARK

HURON INDIANCEMETERY


Jersey Creek Trail inKansas City, Kansas,connects neighborhoodsfrom 4th Street to 18thStreet. This trail is mostlypaved with one gravelsection along anabandoned rail line.Benches and lookouts onthe trail provide restingpoints along the creek.Heathwood Park locatedon the west end adds aplayground and ball fieldsto the recreational aspectsof the trail.

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Leavenworth Landing Trail


West terminus: North end of the parkEast terminus: Three Mile CreekLength: 1/2 mileSurface type: ConcreteHandicap accessible: YesPets permitted: YesDedicated parking: YesHours of operation: Sunrise to sunsetFor more information: Leavenworth Parks

and Recreation123 South EsplanadeLeavenworth, KS 66048913-651-2203

JEFFERSON PARK

DOUGHERTY PARK

LEAVENWORTHLANDING PARK

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Existing TrailPhase 1 TrailPhase 2 or 3 TrailTrailheadStream

Leavenworth Landing Trail islocated along the MissouriRiver next to the HistoricRailroad Station, now theLeavenworth CommunityCenter. The trail includesinterpretive signs, sculptures,benches, a small dock, atrellis and picnic tables. Thetrail offers many outstandingviews of the Missouri Riverand Three Mile Creek.

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Little Blue Trace


North terminus: Blue Mills RoadSouth terminus: I-70Length: 11 milesSurface type: Limestone screeningsHandicap accessible: YesPets permitted: YesDedicated parking: YesHours of operation: Sunrise to sunsetFor more information: Jackson County Parks

and Recreation22807 Woods Chapel RoadBlue Springs, MO 64105816-795-8200

The existing trail is located in thecenter of Jackson County along theLittle Blue River. The trail ismultipurpose. There are currentlyfive access points: Blue Mills Rd.,Ripley Junction, Bunshu Rd, M-78Hwy, and R.D. Mize Rd. There is apicnic shelter at each accessexcept R.D. Mize. A future accesspoint is planned in the HartmanHeritage Center west of Little BlueParkway. The city of Independencebicycle trail system connects atLittle Blue Pkwy. There is ahistorical connection at RipleyJunction - the site of a Civil Warskirmish.

INDEPENDENCE AVE

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BUNSHU RD

GEORGEOWENSPARK

BRIDGERPARK

LITTLEBLUEPARK

LAKE CITYAMMUNITIONPLANT


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Longview Lake Trail


North terminus: Longview Lake DamSouth terminus: South end of lakeLength: 6 milesSurface type: AsphaltHandicap accessible: YesPets permitted: YesDedicated parking: YesHours of operation: Sunrise to sunsetFor more information: Jackson County Parks

and Recreation22807 Woods Chapel RoadBlue Springs, MO 64105816-795-8200

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MAPLEVIEWPARK

ANDERSONPARK

RIVER OAKSGOLF COURSE

MEADOWMEREPARK


The Longview Lake Trail runs along thewestern edge of Longview Lake fromO’Donnell Park to Longview Shelter. Theasphalt trail meanders through wooded areasand open prairie and connects the marina,swimming beach and several shelters.

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The Mill Creek Biking and Hiking Trail is one of thelongest greenways in the Kansas City metropolitanarea. Trail users enjoy the streamside solitude, wildlifewatching, and the gallery forest that features oaks,sycamores, and cottonwoods. A public phone isavailable at the Nelson Island terminus.

Contact the Johnson County Park & RecreationDistrict for a more detailed map of the trail.

Mill Creek Trail


North terminus: Nelson Island / Kansas RiverSouth terminus: Mill Creek Park / OlatheLength: 17 milesSurface type: AsphaltHandicap accessible: YesPets permitted: YesDedicated parking: NoHours of operation: Sunrise to sunsetFor more information: Johnson County Parks &

Recreation District7900 Renner RoadShawnee Mission KS, 66219913-438-7275

HWY K-10

COLLEGE BLVD

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JOHNSON DR

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47TH ST

87TH ST

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MID AMERICASPORTSCOMPLEX

ERNIE MILLERNATURE PARK

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Tomahawk Creek Trail


North terminus: Mission Road & I-435South terminus: 127th Street west of

Nall RoadLength: 6 milesSurface type: AsphaltHandicap accessible: YesPets permitted: YesDedicated parking: YesHours of operation: Sunrise to sunsetFor more information: City of Leawood

Parks and Greenways4800 Town Center DriveLeawood, KS 66211913-339-6700

City of Overland ParkParks and Recreation6300 West 87thOverland Park, KS 66212913-327-6630

Existing TrailPhase 1 TrailPhase 2 or 3 TrailTrailheadStream

Tomahawk Creek Trail Greenway runs through bothLeawood and Overland Park, Kansas. It connects IndianCreek Trail, Leawood Park, Tomahawk Park, Deer CreekGolf Course, Overland Park Community Park and St.Andrews Golf Course. Future plans provide connections toBlack Bob Park and Heritage Park Golf Course. Sheltersand picnicking facilities are located along the trail. A bridlepath is also located along some portions of the trail.

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BLACKBOBPARK

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DEER CREEKGOLF COURSE

JOHNSONCOUNTY AIRPORT

OVERLAND PARKCOMMUNITY PARK

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Trolley Track Trail


North terminus: Volker BoulevardSouth terminus: 85th StreetLength: 6 milesSurface type: Limestone screeningsHandicap accessible: YesPets permitted: YesDedicated parking: NoHours of operation: Sunrise to sunsetFor more information: Kansas City Area

Transportation Authority1200 E. 18th StreetKansas City, MO 64108816-346-0200

The Trolley Track Trail is, as the name implies, routed along aformer trolley rail line. The trail was constructed in 1997 and isvery popular with the residents in this urban/suburban corridor.Soon the trail will be extended east to Prospect Avenue. TheTrolley Track Trail provides access to: Brookside, Waldo, theCountry Club Plaza, Brookside Park and UMKC.

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VOLKER BLVD

SUNNYSIDEPARK

SOUTHOAKPARK

TOWERPARK

HOLMESPARK

WORNALLHOUSEMUSEUM

BROOKSIDEPARK

TOY ANDMINIATUREMUSEUM


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MetroGreen provides a regional framework for green corridors connecting communities throughout the metro area. MetroGreenidentifies those segments of local plans that support longer-range re-gional trips and link users to important regional destinations. Currently,numerous local municipalities have bike and pedestrian trails (with plansfor more!). Some of these facilities, however, were not designed to con-nect to neighboring plans, because their primary focus is to support short-range trips - not regional trips.

The strength of a regional system is its ability to support short-range tripsas well as long-distance use, and connect local greenway systems, othermodes of transportation and regional destinations. The success of aregional system will be evident by the cooperation and coordination oftransportation officials, planners, and developers throughout the KansasCity region.

By serving as a regional bicycle and pedestrian system, MetroGreen will:• Be publicly accessible;• Provide links between communities;• Develop the identity of a connected Kansas City region;• Provide connections to regional destinations such as parks, lakes,

rivers, cultural, historic, and economic centers;• Support existing, planned, or proposed local bicycle and pedestrian

systems;• Identify major travel corridors;• Accommodate different modes of travel.

The previous pages present information specific to each of the existingMetroGreen segments. These successful trails are precursors of the morecomprehensive MetroGreen system. The information presented is in-tended to help area residents locate and enjoy these outstanding facili-ties.

The focus of the Kansas City MetroGreen effort is to produce an umbrellasystem that unifies and enhances plans from area communities. It isanticipated that many of the existing and future local systems will link tothe MetroGreen System, thus leveraging the investment in local facilitiesand providing area residents with greater transportation and recreationoptions.

Typically, local systems are designed to serve local populations and,when combined, local systems improve access to resources throughoutthe region.

Relation toExisting LocalSystems and

Plans

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Local systems are designed to:• Accommodate travel within a jurisdiction or neighborhood;• Provide community connections to schools, churches, parks, and civic

centers;• Feed into regional systems for access to longer distance destinations.

By developing MetroGreen, the Kansas City area will have a comprehen-sive greenway system. Local trail systems will benefit by providing localresidents access to key destinations around Kansas City.

summary of existing greenway system

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