In southern Platte County
Phase one development of a natural area known as the Michael Gunn Park at Platte Meadows has been approved by the Platte County Commission.
The county has owned the natural area 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.
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,” Daniel Erickson, county parks director, said recently.
The county recently received three bids for the installation of a parking lot, concrete drive and one-mile looped trail. A contract for $350,000 was approved with Mega KC Corporation for the work.
Erickson said county staff members have met with Park Hill School District officials to determine the best layout to allow students from Park Hill South High School and Walden Middle School to use the new trail for cross country. A portion of the trail, usable by the school district, is expected to be completed in April to allow for students to use the park.
The property is south 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.