UG to Celebrate Over $1.5M in Park Improvements on Friday, Nov. 14th

UG to Celebrate Over $1.5M in Park Improvements on Friday, Nov. 14th

Published on November 13, 2025

UG to Host Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies Tomorrow to Celebrate Community Project Funding Grant Received from U.S. Representative Sharice Davids

KANSAS CITY, KS - The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas (UG) is excited to announce and celebrate major enhancements at Klamm Park (2515 N. 27^th Street, KCK) and Kensington Park (2900 State Avenue, KCK).

Through congressional earmarked funds from U.S. Representative Sharice Davids, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Recreation Trails Program and UG Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funds, $1,554,872 million dollars in funds have been secured for major park improvements that will benefit Wyandotte County residents. The official ribbon-cutting celebrations for these park improvements will take place tomorrow, November 14th, beginning at 3:30PM at Klamm Park, and immediately following at Kensington Park.

"We're deeply grateful to Representative Sharice Davids for her strong support of neighborhood investment and infrastructure," expressed Unified Government Parks and Recreation Director Angel Ferrara. "Her leadership helped make this project possible, bringing critical investment to our urban core and expanding safe, accessible spaces for families to stay active. Wyandotte County has long faced health challenges, and projects like this are essential to improving access, promoting wellness, and enhancing quality of life for everyone in our community."

"When we invest in safe, accessible spaces where people can move, play, and connect, we're investing in the health and strength of our community," said U.S. Representative Sharice Davids. "I'm thrilled to celebrate what these parks represent for Wyandotte County and am proud to be a part of making this project possible."

Klamm Park Trail

The new ¾-mile, 10-foot-wide reinforced concrete walking trail at Klamm Park enhances both accessibility and recreational opportunities for the surrounding community. The project aligns with the Unified Government Parks and Recreation Department's (UGPRD) goals of expanding equitable access to outdoor amenities, promoting health and wellness, and improving neighborhood connectivity.

Funding and Investment:

• Total project investment: $422,772
• $400,000 provided through a FY2022 Congressional Earmark championed by U.S. Representative Sharice Davids.
• $22,772 in matching funds from the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
• This funding partnership demonstrates a strong federal-local collaboration to improve community infrastructure and quality of life.

Community Benefits:

• Provides a safe, ADA-accessible route for walking, jogging, and biking.
• Encourages active lifestyles and outdoor recreation for residents of all ages.
• Offers an important connection between existing park features and nearby neighborhoods.
• Increases opportunities for social interaction and community engagement within a natural setting.

Kensington Park Improvements

A major parks improvement project in the urban core is helping to expand recreational opportunities and improve neighborhood connections. The new amenities are designed to break down barriers to transportation and access, giving residents safe, convenient options to walk, bike, or take transit to enjoy community sports and outdoor spaces close to home.

Funding and Investment:

• Total project investment: $1,132,100
• $1,000,000 provided through a FY2023 Congressional Earmark championed by U.S. Representative Sharice Davids.
• $105,680 awarded through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Recreation Trails Program (RTP) grant.
• $26,420 contributed from local Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funds.
• This project reflects a strong partnership among federal, state, and local agencies to improve community recreation assets.

Community Benefits:

• Since 2023, roughly 2,000+ youth have participated in youth soccer programs with UGPRD, with soccer being our most popular program
• Provides two regulation-size 12U soccer fields with full irrigation to support youth sports and local leagues in the heart of the urban core.
• Adds a practice soccer field, increasing capacity for training, camps, and community events.
• Expands wellness options for all ages through a ⅓-mile reinforced concrete walking trail, featuring rubberized surfacing for improved comfort and accessibility (installation scheduled for spring 2026).
• New lighting systems enhance safety and usability of the soccer fields, walking trail, parking lot, and basketball court during evening hours.
• Promotes physical fitness, teamwork, and community engagement by offering flexible, multi-use spaces.

Ribbon Cutting Celebrations - Friday, November 14th

Community members and media are invited on Friday, November 14^th for the official ribbon cutting celebrations at Kensington and Klamm Parks beginning at 3:30PM. Guests will have the opportunity to hear directly from U.S. Representative Sharice Davids and UG Officials, as well as see the progress with the major park enhancements.

Media interested in covering this event are asked to RSVP with Krystal McFeders at 913-231-9846 or via email at [email protected].

To learn more about the Unified Government Parks and Recreation Department, please visit: Parks & Recreation

• Announcements
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• Honors & Celebration
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• Ribbon Cutting