In 2016, the City adopted the Parks Master Plan as a guide for future improvements to the City’s parks. In April 2019, Parkville voters approved a one-half percent sales tax for improvements to the City’s parks.
This page provides updates on current projects the City is currently working on for the parks.
On June 13, a tractor trailer ran into the north side of the Farmers Market building located in downtown Parkville, south of the railroad tracks. Although the structure had existed in its current location for over 35 years, it was hit twice in a period 45 days.
Update 6/5/23 – In May, the City settled its claims with the two trucking companies that demolished the Farmers Market. The City received $455,000 and we immediately demolished the old market, what was left of it. The next challenge is to build a new Farmers Market.
Based on proposed designs and costs, and a survey of residents, farmers and farmers market visitors reviewed last fall, the City asked the Platte County Parks Board and Platte County Commission to transfer a $1 million grant received several years ago for ball fields in Platte Landing Park to the Farmers Market. We received word last week that the County Commission has decided not to approve the transfer and has encouraged the City to apply for a new grant later this year.
The Board of Aldermen and the Community Land & Recreation Board (CLARB) will meet in the next month or so to discuss the next steps. These include reviewing several architectural plans, previously shared during citizen engagement, and associated costs – with an emphasis on cost awareness. This will be done by surveying constituents, Farmers Market users and residents on their preferences for these outlined plans and options. Then, based on this information, applying for the Platte County Partnership Grant and other potential sources for grant funds to rebuild the market. Unfortunately, this will take some time to do, but is necessary as the City does not have adequate funds for a structure like what was there before. We are committed to building a Farmers Market that will serve our needs and create a space our whole community can be proud of for years to come.
Pocket Park is located in downtown Parkville at Main Street and 1st Street. The City contracted with BBN Architects to create a Pocket Park Master Plan, which was adopted by the Board of Aldermen on December 15, 2020.
For over a year, the City has been working to improve Pocket Park. Improvements include a curb bump-out to expand the area for gathering and to enhance safety, while keeping the loading zone in front of the park for downtown businesses; decorative bollards/planters at the frontage of the park; relocating the Grigsby statue to the upper tier next to a kiosk about “Grigs”; new decking on upper tiers; new lighting and seating; improved landscaping with retaining walls on the upper level; new steps; new railing; and new paint on the planter boxes.
Platte Landing Park is located in downtown Parkville along the Missouri River. The Community Land & Recreation Board will review options for the future development of the park. Visit http://parkvillemo.gov/community/parks/developing-plp/ for more information.
The City partnered with the U.S. Corps of Engineers to develop a Section 1135 project in the Parkville Bottoms located in Platte Landing Park. Platte County conveyed the park to the City in 2018. The Parkville Bottoms is a cornerstone project that will significantly improve habitats for a variety of wildlife. It aligns with recommendations from the Parks Master Plan and will complement recreational features in the riverfront parks, enhance the existing trail system, restore two wetland areas and the riparian corridor along Rush Creek, and improve the aesthetic value of the parks and downtown Parkville. All the areas will be planted with native vegetation that will help protect the source area for water supply wells and add floodplain storage space along the Missouri River. The overall restoration is approximately 23 acres of emergent wetlands, 14 acres of wet mesic bottomland prairie and 4.5 acres of riparian corridor.
Update 6/5/23 – The City and the US Army Corps of Engineers are working cooperatively to develop a strategy to correct the complications and concerns of restoring the wetlands. Also, the Missouri Department of Conservation, along with several local resident experts, have been involved and is assisting with information. We anticipate agreeing on an outline and approach to this project still this summer. Once we have that, there will be a joint public meeting/work session to present this information to the community, CLARB and the Board of Aldermen for review, feedback, understanding and approval.
English Landing Park is located in downtown Parkville along the Missouri River. Four regulation pickleball courts were built in 2021 where the former basketball court was located to the north of the restrooms. The basketball court was relocated south of the sand volleyball courts.
In summer 2022, the City completed the fountain and landscaping at the traffic circle located at the end of Busch Drive in English Landing Park.
Watkins Park is located at West Street and 10th Street. The City contracted with Vireo’s Landscape Architects for renovation concepts for both Adams and Watkins parks. The master plans were adopted by the Board of Aldermen on November 3, 2020.
The first phase of the improvements to Watkins Park were completed in early summer. The streambank stabilization project was completed in the fall.
Adams Park is located at 13th Street and Walnut Street. The City contracted with Vireo’s Landscape Architects for renovation concepts for both Adams and Watkins parks. The master plans were adopted by the Board of Aldermen on November 3, 2020.
