Parks + Rec making improvements

Published on January 22, 2020

Jackson County continues to strive for perfection at its park facilities, so with the New Year comes a new list of Capital Improvement projects.

Among the Parks + Rec Department improvements are two new storage facilities which are scheduled to be finished the end of January. The first is a new golf cart storage barn at Fred Arbanas Golf Course. It replaces a structure that was destroyed by a severe storm. The second is a safe storage facility for maintenance equipment at Longview Lake.

Upgrades for eight premium campsites, including new water and electric full-service hook-ups and concrete parking pads are under construction at Blue Springs Lake Campground. A new picnic and shade structure will be built at Longview Lake Beach.

Work is expected to begin in February on a Playground Accessibility Project providing accessible sidewalks, ramps and borders for all needed park playground areas. This project will be funded by proceeds from Arrowhead Stadium seat sales.

A new separated-grade crossing of Missouri Highway 78 is planned to greatly enhance the safety along the Little Blue Trace Trail. The crossing is scheduled to begin construction in May or June. A new aquatic venue will be constructed at Kemper Outdoor Education Center to replace a small outdated pool.

A number of repair projects are also scheduled to be completed during the summer including roofing and building improvements for twelve park buildings. Those include Fred Arbanas Golf Course Clubhouse, Lake Jacomo Shelters and historic structures at Missouri Town 1855. Also to be rebuilt is the driveway and parking lot at Frank White, Jr., Softball Complex.

Two of the historic structures at Missouri Town 1855 are scheduled for restoration. Portions of the Colonel’s House and Adam’s House will be remodeled including interior spaces to enhance interpretation and education of the historic site.

“It is always our goal to find ways to improve to improve the customer experience for our Park patrons,” said Director Michele Newman. “The enhancements made this year on our playgrounds, campgrounds, golf course, trails and historic sites will certainly advance that objective.”