PARKVILLE, MO, MAY 16, 2016 – The City of Parkville, along with its community partners, is pleased to announce that a ribbon cutting event for the two new stone pillars along Route 9 in downtown Parkville has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. The pillars are part of the Route 9 Downtown Entryway Beautification Project. The public is invited to attend the event that will be held near the stone pillar on the south side of Route 9.
On April 16, 2013, the Parkville Board of Aldermen approved an agreement with the Missouri Department of Transportation for a grant to make beautification enhancements along Route 9 near downtown Parkville. The improvements were slated to include both a new entryway sign near Coffey Road and two stone pillars at the White Alloe Bridge marking the entrance to downtown Parkville. On October 20, 2015, the Board approved an agreement with Gunter Construction for the project, but due to cost constraints the downtown pillars, with an estimated cost of $31,360, were excluded from the scope of work.
In an effort to restore the pillars to the project, Mayor Nan Johnston and City Administrator Lauren Palmer requested that the Michael & Susan Newburger Foundation make a lead commitment to jumpstart private fundraising. The Foundation committed the first $5,000 contingent upon the City and other partners raising the remaining funds. Mike Newburger stated, “We are proud to support the city in its long-term goal to improve the image of the city. The entrance on Route 9 is a major entrance to the city, and I think it will be a great entrance to all the people who drive or walk there.” Other community organizations soon followed the lead gift.
On December 1, 2015, the Board of Alderman authorized a supplemental agreement with Gunter Construction for the downtown pillars contingent upon securing private donations for the full amount of $31,360. By December 16, donation agreements were signed with the Michael & Susan Newburger Foundation ($5,000), Friends of Parkville Parks ($5,000), the Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce ($5,000), the Main Street Parkville Association ($5,000) and the Parkville Old Towne Market Community Improvement District ($11,360), satisfying the full amount for the downtown pillars.
Mayor Johnston said, “I was disappointed when the downtown pillars were removed from the project due to budgetary constraints. I’m so proud of our community for coming together in support of the pillars. They will help enhance the entryway into downtown Parkville.”
Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce President Mike VanDever stated, “The Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud and honored to be in a position to make a contribution to the revitalization of downtown Parkville.” Friends of Parkville Parks (FOPP) member Kevin Heaton said “FOPP is proud to contribute to the downtown Parkville beautification pillars that will welcome residents and guests to our historic downtown. I feel that their first impression is very important.”
For more information about the Route 9 Downtown Entryway Beautification Project, contact City Administrator Lauren Palmer at (816) 741-7676.
