Upload
others
View
3
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Sum
mary
of
Gre
ensp
ace S
yst
em
2-1
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-
chapter 2
Kansa
s Cit
y M
etr
oG
reen P
lan
2-2
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
Sum
mary
of
Gre
ensp
ace S
yst
em
2-3
TH
EPA
SEOI-35
I-70
BRO
AD
WAY
MA
IN
OA
K
18TH STTRO
OST
AV
E
SWIF
T
BU
RLIN
GTO
N
12TH ST
HOA BRIDGE
KA
NSA
S
MIS
SOURI
HWY 670
5TH
ST
MINNESOTA
I-35
I-70
I-35I -
70
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
Kansa
s Cit
y M
etr
oG
reen P
lan
2-4
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.
Greenway Description:
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
AN
SAS
MIS
SOU
RI
WO
RNA
LL R
D
MA
IN
TRO
OST
THE
PASE
O
PRO
SPEC
T
BRUSH CREEK BLVD
BEN
TON
BLVD
BR
UC
ER
WATKINS RD
ROA
NO
KEPKY
WARDPK
Y
VAN
BRU
NT
BLVD
V OLKER BL VDBLUE PKY
COUNTRYCLUBPLAZA
KANSAS CITY ART INSTITUTE,KEMPER MUSEUMOF MODERTN ART,NELSON ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART
LOOSEPARK
UMKC
BRUCE R. WATKINSCULTURAL HERITAGECENTER
SWO
PEPK
Y
BLU
ERI
VER
Existing TrailPhase 1 TrailTrailheadStream
Sum
mary
of
Gre
ensp
ace S
yst
em
2-5
English Landing Park Trail
Greenway Description:
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
9H
WY
I-635
HWY
169
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.
Kansa
s Cit
y M
etr
oG
reen P
lan
2-6
KA
NSA
SK
AN
SAS
MIS
SOU
RIM
ISSO
URI
135TH ST
DENNIS AVE
151ST ST
159TH ST
127TH ST
119TH ST
COLLEGE BLVD
103RD ST
U.S
. 69
I-35
I-435
MU
R-LE
N R
D
QU
IVIR
A R
D
MET
CA
LF A
VE
MIS
SIO
N R
D
AN
TIO
CH
RD
NA
LL A
VE
ROE
AV
E
RID
GEV
IEW
RD
PFLU
MM
RD
BLA
CK
BO
B R
D
LAM
AR
AV
E
O.P. GOLF COURSE
MAHAFFIEFARMSTEAD
WATERWORKSPARK
STOLLPARK
CORPORATEWOODS
PINEHURSTPARK
TOM
AHAW
K CR
EEK
BIKE
& H
IKE
TRAI
L
WO
RNA
LL R
D
HO
LMES
RD
99TH ST
Greenway Description:
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
Existing TrailPhase 1 TrailTrailheadStream
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:
Sum
mary
of
Gre
ensp
ace S
yst
em
2-7
Jersey Creek Trail
Greenway Description:
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
PARALLEL PKY
10TH
18TH
QUINDARO BLVD
7TH
5TH
27TH
13TH
JERSEYCREEK PARK
KLAMMPARK
GARLANDMEMORIALPARK
PARKWOODPARK
BIG LAKEPARK
WEST HEIGHTPARK
HURON INDIANCEMETERY
Existing TrailTrailheadStream
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.
Kansa
s Cit
y M
etr
oG
reen P
lan
2-8
Leavenworth Landing Trail
Greenway Description:
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
HWY 92
10TH
ST
8TH
ST
7TH
ST
7TH
ST
6TH
ST
5TH
ST
4TH
ST
HWY 73METROPOLITAN AVE
HWY 7
CENTENNIAL
BRIDGE
WALNUT STOAK ST
CHESTNUT ST
OLIVE ST
3RD
ST
2ND
ST
N E
SPLA
NA
DE
ST
MIS
SOU
RI R
IVER
KAN
SAS
MIS
SOU
RI
9TH
ST
11TH
ST
N B
ROA
DW
AY S
T
CHOCTAW STDELAWARE ST
SENECA ST
OSAGE ST
OTTAWA ST
KIOWA ST
PAWNEE LN
SHERMAN AVE
K OF CPARK
3RD
ST
SHAWNEE ST
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.
Sum
mary
of
Gre
ensp
ace S
yst
em
2-9
Little Blue Trace
Greenway Description:
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
JON
ES R
D
TRUMAN RD
BUCKNER RD
M 78
BLUE MILLS RD
M 7
R.D. MIZE RD
M 78
LITTLE BLUE TRACE PARK
BUNSHU RD
GEORGEOWENSPARK
BRIDGERPARK
LITTLEBLUEPARK
LAKE CITYAMMUNITIONPLANT
Existing TrailPhase 1 TrailTrailheadStream
Kansa
s Cit
y M
etr
oG
reen P
lan
2-10
Longview Lake Trail
Greenway Description:
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
150 HWY RAY
TOW
N R
D
SHERRER RD
MAIN STHIGH GROVE RD
139TH
147TH
RAY
TOW
N R
D
71 H
WY
109TH ST
BLUE RID
GE BLVD
LONGVIEW RD115TH ST
FOO
D L
A
107TH ST
ELM
ST
71 H
WY
BEN
NIN
GTO
N
HIL
LCRE
ST R
D
BYA
RS R
D
RAY
TOW
N R
D
I-470
REDBRIDGE RD
125TH ST
JAM
ESA
.REEDR
D
LONGVIEW LAKE
HARRY TR UM A NDR
SYCAMOREPARK
ISERPARK
KETTERMANATHLETICFIELD
MAPLEVIEWPARK
ANDERSONPARK
RIVER OAKSGOLF COURSE
MEADOWMEREPARK
Existing TrailTrailheadStream
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.
Sum
mary
of
Gre
ensp
ace S
yst
em
2-11
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
Greenway Description:
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
83RD ST
JOHNSON DR
55TH ST
47TH ST
87TH ST
119TH STHAROLD ST
SANTA FE
HW
Y K
-7 I-43
5
REN
NER
RD
SHAWNEE MISSIONPARK
I-43
5
SHAWNEE MISSION PKY
KANSAS RIVER
MID AMERICASPORTSCOMPLEX
ERNIE MILLERNATURE PARK
PRAIRIECENTERPARK
Existing TrailTrailheadStream
Kansa
s Cit
y M
etr
oG
reen P
lan
2-12
Tomahawk Creek Trail
Greenway Description:
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.
KA
NSA
SK
AN
SAS
MIS
SOU
RIM
ISSO
URI
DENNIS AVE
151ST ST
159TH ST
135TH ST
119TH ST
COLLEGE BLVD
U.S
. 69
QU
IVIR
A R
D MET
CA
LF A
VE
MIS
SIO
N R
D
AN
TIO
CH
RD
NA
LL A
VE
ROE
AV
E
PFLU
MM
RD
BLA
CK
BO
B R
D
HERITAGE PARKGOLF COURSE
ST ANDREWS GOLF COURSE
BLACKBOBPARK
INDIANC
R EEK TR AIL
DEER CREEKGOLF COURSE
JOHNSONCOUNTY AIRPORT
OVERLAND PARKCOMMUNITY PARK
Sum
mary
of
Gre
ensp
ace S
yst
em
2-13
Trolley Track Trail
Greenway Description:
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.
63RD
BRO
OKS
IDE
BLVD
GREGORY
75TH ST
47TH ST
MA
IN S
T
HO
LMES
RD
WA
RD P
KY
WO
RNA
LL R
D
85TH ST
LOOSE PARK
OA
K S
T
BROO
KSIDE BLV
D
MA
IN S
T
BLVD
89TH ST
WA
RD P
KY
MEYER BLVD
BRUSH CREEK
VOLKER BLVD
SUNNYSIDEPARK
SOUTHOAKPARK
TOWERPARK
HOLMESPARK
WORNALLHOUSEMUSEUM
BROOKSIDEPARK
TOY ANDMINIATUREMUSEUM
Existing TrailTrailheadStream
Kansa
s Cit
y M
etr
oG
reen P
lan
2-14
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
Sum
mary
of
Gre
ensp
ace S
yst
em
2-15
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.