Exciting Changes Ahead for Longfellow Park in Kansas City

Exciting Changes Ahead for Longfellow Park in Kansas City!

Hey there, Kansas City! Big news is brewing regarding Longfellow Park, situated at 502 E. 26th St. The Kansas City Parks and Recreation Board has thrown its support behind a plan that could turn this beloved city park into a haven for families with children receiving much-needed medical care. So, what’s the scoop?

A New Purpose for the Park

During a recent meeting, Board Secretary Karmen Houston confirmed that the Parks and Recreation Board voted to recommend selling Longfellow Park to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. This amazing organization has been serving local families for years, providing services and lodging for those traveling to the city to be close to their little ones receiving treatment at local hospitals.

Located right across the street from Children’s Mercy Hospital, where the area’s top-notch neonatal intensive care unit operates, the Ronald McDonald House—affectionately known as the Longfellow House—faces a pressing issue: it’s simply too full! Last month, CEO Tami Greenberg shared that they are operating at full capacity every night, forcing them to turn away about 1,000 families each year. Can you imagine? Families who desperately need to be near their sick children are left with few options.

Understanding the Need

In Greenberg’s touching testimony, she pointed out some heartbreaking scenarios, saying, “When Ronald McDonald House is full, sometimes families leave their child alone in the hospital while they wait for a room to become available. Other times, they even sleep in their car.” The impact this has on families can be devastating, especially when a child is undergoing life-saving treatment.

The Parks Board passed a resolution to sell the approximately 3.4-acre park to Ronald McDonald House for an expansion that could provide much-needed accommodation and amenities. What’s even better is that the resolution stipulates at least 1.5 acres of the park must remain open for the public to enjoy!

What’s Next?

The exciting plan doesn’t stop here! Next, the resolution will be forwarded to the City Council, and that’s where it gets important for you, the citizens of Kansas City. In order for this sale to go through, there will be a future referendum where voters get the final say. Yes, that’s right! The community will have the opportunity to voice its opinion on whether they want to see Longfellow Park transform to support local families in need.

Details such as the sale price, construction timeline, and the exact date for the referendum are still to be decided. There’s a lot to look forward to, and ensuring the community remains a vital part of this conversation is crucial.

Join the Conversation!

As thoughts and discussions swirl around this possible change, it’s vital for every resident to be in the loop! This measure could make a huge difference for families who find themselves in challenging circumstances during some of the most trying times in their lives.

So, Kansas City, stay tuned! Your voice might just shape the future of this park and help provide a safe haven for those in desperate need of support. Make sure you keep an eye out for more updates as this story develops and remember, your vote counts!

If you want to keep your ear to the ground, don’t miss any updates in the coming weeks—this is one story that will tug on your heartstrings!