North of 56th Street in southern Platte County
A natural area the county has owned for nearly 20 years will soon become an active part of the Platte County parks system, county officials say.
The area, at 4450 NW 52nd Street, Kansas City, Mo. 64151 in southern Platte County, is officially known as the Michael Gunn Park at Platte Meadows.
Though it is referred to as a park, county officials say it will be activated as a “natural area” with trails.
“It’s not a big infrastructure park,” said Daniel Erickson, county parks director, at Tuesday’s meeting of the Platte County Commission.
The county is actively looking for a community partner to help maintain the area.
The property is north of 56th Street, off of Northwood Road. It was purchased by the county in 2002. In 2014 a planning exercise resulted in a conceptual plan.
Erickson said the property has rolling hills and lots of trees. Joe Vanover, second district commissioner, said there is a small pond in the middle of the property and some adjacent streams.
The park is in an area that has seen some growth, both public and private development projects, in recent years. Northwood Road has undergone major improvement work, Park Hill recently opened a new middle school in the general vicinity, and there is a 10 ft. concrete trail up and down Northwood Road that is getting a lot of use, officials said.
“This park will be a natural experience area, with some trails and a parking area,” Erickson said.
The county is putting out a request for bids for development of the area. Bids are due on Oct. 22, with bid award/contract approval/notice to proceed scheduled to be issued on Dec. 6.
Work on the park is expected to be completed by April 15, county officials indicated.