Kansas City Crews Uncover Hidden Treasures While Draining Brush Creek for Dam Inspection

Kansas City Crews Drain Brush Creek for Dam Inspection

Hey there, Kansas City! You might have noticed some bustling activity along Brush Creek, and that’s because city crews are hard at work draining parts of it near Chelsea Avenue on Kansas City’s East Side. So, what’s the reason behind all this water-pumping excitement?

Inspecting the Dam

According to KC Water spokesperson Jackson Overstreet, the draining is happening primarily in a wide area known as the Lake of the Enshriners. This area stretches mostly between Cleveland Avenue and Elmwood Avenue. Crews are accomplishing this task by pumping water over the dam to the downstream channel. Sounds like quite the plumbing job!

The draining process is *very much* dependent on the weather, but Overstreet assures us that it should be completed by the end of the week. While the draining is going on, crews will also be conducting inspections to see if any repairs are needed on the dam. It’s like a check-up for our city’s waterway!

Surprising Finds in the Lakebed

On Thursday, December 5th, there was a bit of a surprise when City Manager Brian Platt shared some intriguing news. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), he mentioned that two cars were discovered in the lakebed during the draining process. “Our Parks Dept is draining Brush Creek to better clean and restore the entire area. Found not one but two cars today alone!” he wrote. Can you imagine? Two abandoned vehicles sitting there, possibly from ages ago!

But that’s not the end of the story. Overstreet added another jaw-dropper: crews have also unearthed around 50 shopping carts lurking at the bottom of the lake. It’s a treasure trove of unexpected finds!

Future of Brush Creek

Once the inspections and *any necessary repairs* are wrapped up, Overstreet mentioned that the lake will gradually fill back up with rainwater. And that’s good news for everyone who enjoys the scenic views and recreational opportunities Brush Creek provides.

But let’s not forget the history of Brush Creek. It has faced quite a bit of controversy over the years, mainly due to its *litter-clogged waters* and troubling mass die-offs of fish. Residents have noted a stark difference in water quality depending on which side of the Paseo Dam you find yourself on. On the western side, where the creek runs alongside the Country Club Plaza, it looks much cleaner compared to the east side.

Tragically, the creek has been the scene of some *heartbreaking incidents*, including a body discovered floating earlier this year, and even a man in a wheelchair who was found dead in 2018. The waterway has also witnessed a few fatal car accidents. So, the need for restoration has never been more critical.

Exciting Future Plans

But there’s hope on the horizon! Developers from HP Village Partners have recently acquired The Country Club Plaza and are eagerly looking to reactivate the aerating fountains on the western side of the creek. Not to be outdone, a master plan released in 2023 from KC Water and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers includes some *exciting redevelopments for the eastern section of Brush Creek*. This plan proposes a skate park, an amphitheater, a wetland boardwalk, pedestrian bridges, and several multi-use fields, among other attractions! Now that’s something to look forward to!

While this plan may sound promising, it’s important to note that it’s still just a vision for the future without any current funding or timeline for construction. But incorporating community preferences, like improving water quality and removing some dams, is a step in the right direction.

Stay Informed

So, Kansas City, keep your eyes peeled for updates on Brush Creek’s restoration and all the exciting changes to come! If you have any questions about public works in our vibrant city, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Service Journalism team. They’re here to help clarify any wonders you might have.

In the meantime, let’s keep our fingers crossed for some rain to fill our beloved creek back up once the inspections are done. Happy observing!