kcdc_kessler park analytical research
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ANALYTICAL RESEARCHKESSLER PARK
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Kansas City Design CenterUrban Design Studio 2014 - 2015Aaron BischLindsey BrockhouseOwen CobbMegan HohensinnerDerek HueffmeierRachel KelseyDominique RobersonRobyn TankNoah VolzYihong Yan
Copyright 2015 Kansas Cit Design Center Urban Design Studio.All rights reserved.
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Introduction
Kessler Park has proven to be a prominent feature of the Kansas City Metro area. As one of the oldest parks in the Parks and Boulevards system, it anchors the northern edge of the city. Nestled into the Northeast District and growing to acquire over 300 acres, Kessler Park is one of the largest parks in Kansas City. It has become fused with the neighborhood and is a vital amenity to the neighborhood. As the northeast has exploded with development and rehabilitation, the design of a vision plan for Kessler Park acts as a catalyst to the inevitable improvement of the area. Kessler Park provides unique physical characteristics that allow for rugged activities that are not found elsewhere in the city. Natural features are paramount in the design of Kessler Park to cater to the park users and activities.
Analytical studies were done at four key scales allowed for an understanding of Kessler Park as it fi ts in the Greater Kansas City Metro Area, surrounding context, northeast district and on an immediate scale. Strong original design intentions and existing conditions can be related to develop Kessler Park into a city destination and neighborhood amenity through establishing an identity for Kessler Park The geographical location of Kessler Park anchors the parks and boulevards system and marks the edge of the city. Increased connectivity can enhance the park by connecting surrounding amenities, neighborhoods and park users. Kessler parks unique wild features and topography unlike any other park in Kansas City allow for a rugged and wild adventure park that can become a city destination.
With this analytical data, Kessler Parks vision plan was defi ned with key objectives to encompass the key fi ndings of analytical studies and stakeholder input. 1.Integrate Kessler Park into the greater context of Kansas City as a defi ning urban element.2.Defi ne Kessler Park as a neighborhood amenity for the northeast district.3. Create a relationship between the original design intentions and the existing conditions to create an identity for Kessler Park.
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1011
ScalesHistory
Kansas City Metro Scale
Connectivity
DemographicSurrounding Context
Site Scale
Design Diagrams
Public EngagementVision Plan
Reservoir
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SCALES
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8Scales
KC Metro Scale Surrounding Site
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9Neighborhood Context Site Scale
To understand Kessler Park, four scales were studied. The fi rst scale was the Kansas City Metro. It consisted of the area north of Highway 435, east of Highway 635, south of Highways 29 and 35 and west of Highway 435. These boundaries were determined by the extents of the Kesslers Parks and Boulevard System. The second scale was the Surrounding Site. This scale included the downtown and East Bottoms, extending to the river to examine the districts that would infl uence the park. The Northeast Neighborhood defi ned the third scale.The third scale was the Neighborhood Scale, which included of the an Northeast area. This was used to examine the different neighborhoods that would have a stake in the improvement of Kessler Park. The last scale focused on our site and the directly adjacent neighborhoods. This was used to study the people who were more likely to visit the park on a daily basis.
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HISTORY
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12
1893 1900 1915
Parks and Boulevard Timeline
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13
In the late 19th Century, Kansas City was growing both in population and land size. As the citys infrastructure expanded to accommodate new commerce and housing density, a need to improve the quality of life through green spaces transpired. In 1892, in a joint effort between William Rockhill Nelson and August Meyer, the president of the Kansas City Parks Board, landscape architect George E. Kessler was commissioned. His task was to design the plan of a parks and boulevards system that would later jump start The City Beautiful Movement in Kansas City. As the infrastructure was implemented groups of citizens were concerned with the quality of life and the cities appearance, and found that both could be improved with the production of municipal parks and a boulevard system in the city. New boulevards created an order to the city that was nonexistent. The ordered system of the boulevards combined with the unique topography created opportunity for undevelopable land to become parks, and the system was a huge success. So much so that the Parks and Boulevards system received nationwide attention for George Kessler and Kansas City. At the edge of Northern Kansas City, Kessler Park has been a part of the system since the very beginning, bringing a historical importance to the park. This study was conducted to understand how Kansas City has developed largely around its Parks and Boulevards System. Kessler Park is a small part of this larger system. To fully understand Kessler Parks role, it was important to look at the history of the overall system.The maps on this spread show the change of the Parks and Boulevard System over since its inception in 1983.
1940 1960 2014
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14
Kessler Park Timeline
The studies on these pages were created to better understand Kessler Park has changed over time to become what we know today. The maps below show how the park has expanded over the course of 30 years while the diagram on the other page showes how different elements have been added to the park over the years, including Cliff Drive in 1900, the lake in 1912, and the reservoir in 1920.
Kessler Plan 1910 Kessler Plan 1915
LEXINGTON AVE
ST. JOHN AVE
INDEPENDENCE AVE
12TH STREET
BENT
ON B
LVD
MAPL
E BL
VD
CHES
TNUT
TRF
Y
HARD
ESTY
AVE
GLADSTONE BLVD
BELM
ONT
BLVD
THE
PASE
O
LEXINGTON AVE
ST. JOHN AVE
INDEPENDENCE AVE
12TH STREET
BENT
ON B
LVD
MAPL
E BL
VD
CHES
TNUT
TRF
Y
HARD
ESTY
AVE
GLADSTONE BLVD
BELM
ONT
BLVD
THE
PASE
O
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15
LEXINGT
ON AVE
ST. JOHN
AVE
INDEPEN
DENCE A
VE
BENT
ON BL
VD
CHES
TNUT
TRFY
HARD
ESTY
AVE
GLADST
ONE BLV
D
BELM
ONT B
LVD
LEXINGT
ON AVE
ST. JOHN
AVE
INDEPEN
DENCE A
VE
BENT
ON BL
VD
BENT
ON BL
VD
CHES
TNUT
TRFY
HARD
ESTY
AVE
GLADST
ONE BLV
D
BELM
ONT B
LVD
Kessler Plan 1940
LEXINGTON AVE
ST. JOHN AVE
INDEPENDENCE AVE
12TH STREET
BENT
ON B
LVD
THE
PASE
O
MAPL
E BL
VD
CHES
TNUT
TRF
Y
HARD
ESTY
AVE
GLADSTONE BLVD
BELM
ONT
BLVD
1893
1900
1910
1910
1912
1915
1920
1921
1940
2014
2014
Base Overlay
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16Historic Photo Map
2 51
Kessler Park marked the beginning of the Kansas City Parks and Boulevards System. The historical aspects of the parks attributes to its unique identity. Through historical images one can recall the thriving factors of Kessler Park that make it a previously nationally ranked park. Views to the East Bottoms were paramount to the development of Cliff Drive, the urban scenic byway. Historical structures such as the colonnade emphasize the presence of Kessler Park in the Pendleton Heights and Scarritt Point Neighborhood.
6 43
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17
Historical Photos
1. The site of the Concourse Fountain 2. The Colonnade 3. Cliff Drive
4. Cliff Drive 5.The Spring along Cliff Drive 6. The site of Cliff Drive before its construction
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18
Scarritt Point Historical View Study
1907
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19
One of the main focuses of George Kesslers vision was to maintain views throughout the park. The following study was completed to better understand the views the park originally created as well as how the views in the park have changed over time.
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20
Scarritt Point Historical View Study
2014
1952
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21
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22
Cliff Drive Historical View Study
1952
2014
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23
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24
Overview Historical View Study
1910
2014
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25
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26
Chestnut Historical View Study
1907
2014
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27
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KANSAS CITY METRO SCALE
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30
Edge of the City
Physical EdgeManmade Edge
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31
All Edge
The unique location of Kessler Park creates a defi ning edge to the city. Physical topographic features of the limestone cliff create a defi nite edge to the North. Man made features support this defi nite edge like highways and built structures. Highways that were constructed around the topography compliment the edge of the park that the cliff creates. The built environment of Kansas City encroaches at the Kessler Park boundry, and diminishes the parks edge. Being the edge of the city Kessler park deserves to be identifi able and serve as a beacon for Kansas City.
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32
KESSLER PARK
City Section
North to South
East to West
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33
KESSLER PARK
It was paramount that there would be a clear understanding of Kessler Park and its relationship to Kansas City as a whole. From east to west, there is a sectional connection between the central business district, Kessler park and adjacent neighborhoods. Kessler Park is identifi able through the dividing thoroughfare of Chestnut Ave, that not only divides the park but the city as well. From Liberty Memorial to the east bottoms, Kansas City experiences a dramatic change in topography. Kessler park inhabits a drastic change in topography and marks as the edge of the city.
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34
Industrial
Commertial
Residential
Agriculture/Vacant
IndustrialCommercialResidentialAgriculture/Vacant
Zoning - 4th Scale
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35
For this map zoning was studied at the scale of the Kansas City metro. This was done to better understand how the city is laid out and the proximity of the different types of zoning to each other
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36All Relevant Initiatives
Focus KC 1. Citywide physical framework 2. Neighborhood prototypes 3. Preservation 4. Urban Core 5. Northland 6. Human investment 7. Governance
KC RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1. Intentions for parks adacent to Kessler Park 2. Columbus Park Vision 3. Trails, clean air and land, healthier environment
COLUMBUS PARK PLAN
KCUMB MASTER PLAN BY HELIX 1. Bringing green space in 2. Infl uencing neighborhood development 3. Providing diverse services and learning sectors
NEXTRAIL KC 1. Connect existing activity centers 2. Develop underutillized and vacant property 3. Provide effi cient and reliable transit service
KCDC INDEPENDENCE AVENUE VISION PLAN
GREATER DOWNTOWN AREA PLAN 1. Walkable downtown 2. Double the population 3. Increase employment 4. Safe and authentic neighborhhoods 5. Sustainability
TRUMAN PLAZA PLAN 1. Safe and clean 2. Cultural and hub 3. Attract business 4. Multi-modal transportation options 5. Promote the historic character
BNIM LIGHT TRAIL PROPOSAL 1. Main Street / Grand Boulevard alignment 2. Connections to city through multiple sectors
GRAND BOULEVARD
PASEO GATEWAY CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD
PARKS AND BLVDS. STANDARDS
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37Momentum Projects
The redevelopment of Kessler Park and revitalization of the North East is paramount among the city and neighborhood initiatives that are currently being implemented. Knowledge of current and future plans encouraged further implementations. Current initiatives are acting factors in advancing the area and the Vision Plan for Kessler Park would act as a catalyst for development.
HARDESTY RENAISSANCEKC MUSEUMBENTON INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTKCUMB CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTCHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD_PASEO GATEWAYCHOUTEAU COURTSFUTURE TRAILS TO BE ADDED BY PARKS & REC
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38
Amenities
Anchor Park Comparison
LIBERTY MEMORIALWORLD WAR II MUSEUM
SKATE PARKOFF LEASH DOG PARK
BASEBALL FIELDS
BIKE PATHSCONCERT VENUEKANSAS BRIDGE
CONCERT EVENT CENTER
DISC GOLFGLADSTONE COLLENADE
BIKE TRAILSCLIFF DRIVE
BALES LAKEPLAY GROUND
DISC GOLF
KANSAS CITY ZOOSTARLIGHT THEATHER
SWOPE POOLGOLF COURSE
KC SPORTING FIELDSSWOPE MEMORIAL
COMMUNITY GARDEN
Walk Score
5
2.52.01.51
.5.25
31
2.52.01.51
.5.25
61
2.52.01.51
.5.25
18
2.52.01.51
.5.25
64
2.52.01.51
.5.25
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39Topography Percentage
KESSLER PARK
PENN VALLEY PARK
SWOPE PARK
BLUE VALLEY PARK
RIVER FRONT PARK
Score Card
Kessler Park was one of the fi rst parks to be implemented into Kansas Citys Parks and Boulevards system. Multiple parks have emerged as identifi able anchor parks such as Swope, Penn Valley, Blue Valley and Riverfront Park. To elevate Kessler Park to the same status as these other anchor parks, it was paramount to understand Kessler Park in comparison to these other parks in physical and experiential qualities. A score card was created to measure parks against each other in multiple factors. A reoccurring trend throughout Kansas City Parks is the unique topographic features, which are displayed through the rate of topography change over the course of the park. To create a park that serves the city and community, Kessler Park emerges as the most walk able park in the comparison, allowing access to local amenities. Other anchor parks have developed a sense of identity through providing unique amenities that serve the city and neighborhoods around them. Being aware of the other parks and what they offer allows for the design of Kessler Park to serve as neighborhood amenity, Kansas City designation and to push the Parks and Boulevards System forward.
PARK SIZE
PARK CONNECTIVITY
PARK POPULARITY
PARK SAFETY SCORE
54321
54321
54321
54321
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CONNECTIVITY
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42Connectivity - Metro Scale
Car Bike
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43Connectivity
020406080
25 MIN
38 MIN
40 MIN
46 MIN
60 MIN
KESSLER PARK
KESSLER PARK
KESSLER PARK
1HR 10 MIN
1HR 20 MIN
Bus City Destination
To better understand how accessible the park is, research was done to fi gure out the routes bussers, drivers, and cyclists would use to access the park. This was studied at all scales to better understand how which users would have easier access to the park. A study was also conducted to specifi cally fi nd how probable it was for bus users to be able to visit some of Kansas Citys landmarks and then travel to Kessler Park
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44Connectivity-Surrounding Site
B
B
B
B
B
B
B
INDEPENDENCE AVE
12TH ST
THE
PASE
O
CHES
TNUT
TRF
Y
I-70
LEXINGTON AVE
ST. JOHN AVE
BENT
ON B
LVD
MAPL
E BL
VD
EVA YTSEDRAH
GLADSTONE BLVD
DVLB TNOMLEB
CHOUTEAU TRFY
FRONT STREET
GRAN
D BL
VD
MAIN
ST
BROA
DWAY
BLV
D
I-70
I-670
I-29
I-35
9 HIG
HWAY
169
INDI
ANA
AVE
PROS
PECT
AVE
Car Bike
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45
INDEPENDENCE AVE.
City ConnectionBus
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46Connectivity- Neighborhood Scale
LEXINGTON AVE
ST. JOHN AVE
INDEPENDENCE AVE
12TH STREET
BENT
ON B
LVD
THE
PASE
O
MAPL
E BL
VD
CHES
TNUT
TRF
Y
HARD
ESTY
AVE
GLADSTONE BLVD
BELM
ONT
BLVD
I-70
Bounding Roads Car
ROADS BOUNDING KESSLER PARKROADS TERMINATING AT BOUNDING ROADS
ROADS ACCESSING KESSLER PARKINDEPENDENCE AVE.
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47
Bike
30
24
12
10949 MIN
12 MIN
37 MIN
11 MIN
# BUS STOP AND ROUTE NUMBER
WALKING ROUTE TO KESSLER P
NUMBER OF MINUTES WALKINGKESSLER PARK FROM BUS STO# MIN
Bus
BUS STOP AND ROUTE NUMBERWALKING ROUTE TO KESSLER PARKNUMBER OF MINUTES WALKING TO KESSLER PARK FROM BUS STOP
# MIN
#
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48
INDEPENDENCE AVE
THE
PASE
O
LEXINGTON AVE
MAPL
E BL
VD
PROS
PECT
AVE
CHES
TNUT
TRF
Y
CLIFF DRIVE
ST. JOHN AVE
BENT
ON B
LVD
GLADSTONE BLVD
Car Bike
Connectivity- Site Scale
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49
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SURROUNDING CONTEXT
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52Neighborhood Associations
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53
123
PENDELTON HEIGHTS
SCARRITT RENAISSANCE
INDIAN MOUNDJACKSON AVE TO BENNINGTON AVE, INDEPENDENCE AVE TO GLADSTONE BLVD 1.327 SQAURE MILES POPULATION 9822
N. CHESTNUT TRAFFICWAY TO JACKSON AVE, INDEPENDENCE AVE TO CLIFF DRIVE.930 SQUARE MILES POPULATION 6290
I-29 TO N CHESTNUT TRAFFICWAY, INDEPENDENCE AVE TO CLIFF DRIVE+.735 SQUARE MILES POPULATION:3277
AVG AGE: 32 MARRIED COUPLES 86.9% 12.1% FAMILIES
AVG AGE: 33 MARRIED COUPLES 76.1% 27.1% FAMILIES
AVG AGE: 29 MARRIED COUPLES 73.7% 18.3% FAMILIES
AVG HOUSE SIZE: 2.4 % OF UNITS WITH MORTGAGE 54.5%
AVG HOUSE SIZE: 3.0 % OF UNITS WITH MORTGAGE 45.9%
AVG HOUSE SIZE: 2.1 % OF UNITS WITH MORTGAGE 54.5%
INCOME: 25,467 PERCENT BELOW POVERTY LEVEL 38.8%
INCOME: 30,379 PERCENT BELOW POVERTY LEVEL 34.2%
INCOME: 29,761 PERCENT BELOW POVERTY LEVEL 40.6%
4 PASEO WEST 5 INDEPENDENCE AVE 6 LYINS
Since Kessler Park is nestled within multiple neighborhood associations it was important to understand their role as major stake holders and users of the park.
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54Age
70 OR MORE50-70 YEARS30-50 YEARS20-30 YEARS
UNDER 19Under 19
20-30 YEARS30-50 YEARS50-70 YEARS70 OR MORE
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55
Under 19 Years
30-50 Years50-70 Years
20-30 Years
Above 70
To better understand the user that would most likely use the park on a regular basis, a study was conducted of the demographics of the area. Focusing on ethnicity, age, education, and income, a chart was then created to better fi nd any patterns or majorities.
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56
NO SCHOOLING4TH GRADE OR LESS
MIDDLE SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOL, NO DIPLOMA
HIGH SCHOOL GRAD/GEDASSOCIATES, BACHELORS, MASTERS DEGREE
SOME COLLEGE, NO DEGREEPROFESSIONAL DEGREE/DOCTORATE
Education Demogrphics
NO SCHOOLING4TH GRADE OR LESS
MIDDLE SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOL, NO DIPLOMA
HIGH SCHOOL GRAD/GEDASSOCIATES,BACHELORS, MASTERS DEGREE
SOME COLLEGE, NO DEGREEPROFESSIONAL DEGREE/DOCTORATE
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57
No Schooling
Middle school
4th grade or less
High school graduate High school no diploma
Associates, Bachelors, Master DegreesSome college no degree Professional Degree, Doctoral Degrees
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58
WhiteBlack
AsianNative Hawaiian/Pacific Islander
American Indian/Alaska Native
OtherTwo or More Races
Ethnicity
WHITEBLACKASIAN
NATIVE HAWAIIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDERAMERICAN INDIAN/ ALASKA NATIVE
OTHERTWO OR MORE RACES
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59
White
AsianBlack Indian American
Hawaiian Two or more races Others
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60
Under 20,00020,000-40,000
40,000-60,00060,000-100,000100,000-150,000More than 150,000
Income
Under 20,00020,000-40,00040,000-60,000
60,000-100,000100,000-150,000
More than 150,000
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61
Less than $20,000 $40,000 - $60,000
$60,000 - $100,000
$20,000 - $40,000
$100,000 - $150,000 Over $150,000
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62
Less than a HighSchool Diploma
High School Graduate/GED
Some College, No DegreeAssociates Degree
Bachelors Degree or Higher
Less than $25,000
$25,000 to $50,000
$50,000 to $100,000
More than $100,000
Under 25 Years
25 to 44 Years
45 to 64 Years
Over 65 Years
Demographics
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63
Less than a HighSchool Diploma
High School Graduate/GED
Some College, No DegreeAssociates Degree
Bachelors Degree or Higher
Less than $25,000
$25,000 to $50,000
$50,000 to $100,000
More than $100,000
White
Black
Asian
American Indian/Alaskan Native
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
Other
Two or More Races
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64Zoning
The zoning at the Neighborhood and Site scale was studied to better understand how the zoning of the Northeast area, specifi cally the area near the part of Kessler Park, functioned and would affect the design.
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65Blight
Crimes Against Location & VacancyHuman Impacted Blight
A study was conducted to better understand how much crime is actually partaken in throughout the neighborhood near Kessler Park. This research was split into two maps, the fi rst being against building and other infrastructures and the other specifi cally about crime against other people.
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66East-West Section
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67
Intricate sections were examined between Indepenence Ave and the Missouri River. The large topography change is paramount when considering the transformation of Kessler Park. The park is defi nied by topography not only by the cliff from north to south, but as well as a high point in the area from east to west, specifi cally at Scarritt Point and the location of the water reservoir.
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68North-South Section
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69
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
12
13
14
15
16
17
11
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
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34
35
36
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40
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43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
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70Viewsheds
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71
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72Neighborhood Amenities
Located along the Independence Ave. corridor and the re-emerging East Bottoms, Kessler park has a direct connection to a multitude of neighborhood amenities. Clusters of amenities such as food, convenient stores, specialty shops and public institutions are located within a 15 minute walking distance from Kessler Park as well as located along a public transit route that connects the east bottoms to independence ave to the rest of Kansas City. As Kessler Park evelolves into a City and Neighborhood amenity, it is located in the proxitimity to other assets, which can aid in the success of eachother.
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73
KESSLER WINE MIXER
TREE LOVE CLASSICURBAN DIRTY CHALK WALK
SUMMER DUSK CONCERT SERIES
LIBERIAN CELEBRATION
RAINBOW RUN FOR EQUALITYKC TWEED RIDE
COMMUNITY RUNS
SOCCER FOR SUCCESSTOUR OF KC BIKE RIDE
FARMERS MARKET
KNIFE & PORK
CHILDRENS ART PROGRAM
HISTORIC HOMES TOUR
E
V
E
N
T
1 YEAR CYCLEJ F M A M J J A S O N D
EVENTS CULTUREACTIVE OTHER
CULTURE
ACTIVE
ART
Neighborhood Events
With events already taking place in Kesser Park, it was important to understand what the events were and where they took place. This map was also used to study events that take place in the neighborhood now that could potentially be moved to Kessler Park.
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74Void Study
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75
The boundaries of the park as defi ned by the Parks and Rec Department were not the same boundries users feel when they are inhabiting the park. The encroachment of the city into the park creates an unclear edge which became defi ned as the fringe. The Fringe is a optimal area to design a defi nite edge of the park and neighborhood by seperating the two while still creating a coehesive relationship.
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76Neighborhood Study - Fringe
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77Neighborhood Study - Fringe
Building Continuity Tree Continuity Implied Street Front
Private Lot Factors Public Lot Factors
The current entrance to Kessler Park is best defi ned as a trickle access. Streets accessing the park from Independence Ave; Paseo, Prospect, Chestnut, Benton and Indiana Ave also stretch the length of Kansas City and connect multiple city amenities to Kessler Park. The current status of each of the feeder streets into Kessler Park are undefi ned by landscape and vary in street continuity and condition. A study was done to fi nd the defi ning edge of each of the feeder streets based off of their physical and landscape street fronts. A condition survey was previously conducted by UMKC, which was split between public and private property conditions. From the neighborhood study it was derived that the Vision Plan of Kessler Park must extend through these feeder streets to Indpenendence Ave to create a visual connection and entrance to the park.
29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
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78Neighborhood Study - Paseo Blvd
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79
Building Continuity Tree Continuity Implied Street Front
Private Lot Factors Public Lot Factors
29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
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80Neighborhood Study - Prospect Ave
INDEPENDENCE AVE.
LEXINGTON AVE.
LEXINGTON AVE.
INDEPENDENCE AVE.
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81
Building Continuity Tree Continuity Implied Street Front
29-35
22-28
15-21
8-14
0-7
More than 3 Missing
Private Lot Factors Public Lot Factors
29-35
22-28
15-21
8-14
0-7
More than 3 Missing
29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
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82Neighborhood Study - Chestnut Traffi cway
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83
Building Continuity Tree Continuity Implied Street Front
SMART
INDEPENDENCE
ELMA
SMART
THOMPSON
29-35
22-28
15-21
8-14
0-7
More than 3 Missing
SMART
INDEPENDENCE
ELMA
SMART
THOMPSON
Private Lot Factors Public Lot Factors
SMART
INDEPENDENCE
ELMA
SMART
THOMPSON
SMART
INDEPENDENCE
ELMA
SMART
THOMPSON
29-35
22-28
15-21
8-14
0-7
More than 3 Missing
SMART
INDEPENDENCE
ELMA
SMART
THOMPSON29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
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84Neighborhood Study - Benton Boulevard
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85
Building Continuity Tree Continuity Implied Street Front
Neighborhood Study - Benton Boulevard
Private Lot Factor Public Lot Factor
29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
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86Neighborhood Study - Indiana Avenue
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87
Building Continuity Tree Continuity Implied Street Front
Private Lot Factors Public Lot Factors
29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing
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88
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89SITE SCALE
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90
Sound Parking
TrashHobo Camp
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91
1
2
3
4
TRAIL ADDITION OR IMPROVEMENT
STONE STEPS ADDITION
STONEWALL & VIEWSHED ADDITION
AmenityCliff Drive Improvement
To better understand the park and the surrounding area, studies were conducted researching hobo camps, parking, sound, trash dumping and amenities within the
park. A map was also created to note improvements that are being implemented on Cliff Drive, to better understand considerations that would need to happen
when designing the park.
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92
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93PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
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94First Meeting
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95
Over the course of the semester two public charrettes were hosted and multiple neighborhood meetings were attended to obtain information from the people who visit and care for the park. The main purposes of these meetings were to present
the information we gathered, share our design ideas, and obtain feedback and input from stakeholders. Doing this provided a list of problems that needed to be
addressed throughout the park such as problems with erosion and a need for general amenities such as bathrooms and pavillions.
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96
Second Meeting
At the second charette feedback was obtained on what stakeholders wanted to see design wise in terms of seating, lighting, gathering spaces, paths, activities
and wayfi nding. An image board was also created for the reservior, to get input of what the stakeholders would prefer in the space.
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97
I would do these activites in the park if I could...
zip line exercise with provided equipment climb tness classes
go to festivals
skateboard/longboarding
alpine coaster
dance bungee
bmx bike
hike
picnic
read a book
observe/enjoy wildlifeattend a concert
sh
walk my dog
birdwatching/ observation
draw or paint
nap
photography
y kites
play sports
hammock
Activities
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98
I would come to Kessler Park if there were public amenities like...
Second MeetingGathering Spaces
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99
I would come to Kessler Park if it was lit like...
Light
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100
I prefer paths like...
Second MeetingPaths
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101
What kind of seating would you prefer?
Seating
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102
Which type of waynding do you prefer?
Wayfi ndingSecond Meeting
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103
What would you like to see happen in the reservoir?
Climbing Concerts
Greenspace
Outdoor Cinema Light Park
Graffitti Gallery
Skate Park Gathering Space
Outdoor Museum Amusement Park
Play Structures
Sprayground
Garden Ruin
Reservior
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104
ACTIVITIES
WAYFINDINGLIGHT
SEATINGPATHS
PUBLIC AMENITIES
Favorite Design ElementSecond Meeting
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105
Reservior and Scarrit Point
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106
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107DESIGN
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108Zone Diagram Concept
While experiencing Kessler Park the realization arose that the park was divided into different zones based off of use, physical and visual boundaries. Unique
topography, a defi ning tree edge and the urban continuity of the neighborhood begins to evolve physical and visual boundaries of each zone, which have been
labled asThe Western Gate, The Resevoir, The Link, Chestnut Pass, Formal Gate, and Scarritt Point
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109
ZONES1_ WESTERN GATE
2_ THE RESERVOIR3_ THE LINK
4_ CHESTNUT PASS5_ FRONT PORCH
6_ SCARRITT POINT
1
2
3
4
5
6
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110
Concept Diagrams
Along the major thoroughfare from Independence Avenue to Kessler Park, a boulevard design was implemented to create an entrance to the park and connect to the zipper.
The fringe of the edge of the park developed an area for the implementation of the zipper which would create a defi ned edge and connection between the city and park. Larger areas of the fringe allow for design intervention that coincided with George Kesslers original design for fi ne embellishments around the edge and development of formal lawns. The areas for embellishment were also in line with the zone activities created in the Western Gate, the Reservoir, the Formal Gate, and Scarritt Point.
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111
BENTON BLVD.
INDIANA AVE.
PROSPECT AVE.
THE PASEO
INDEPENDENCE AVE.
Layers of intervention are layered to the park design, with the most intervention being at the zipper and edge of the park, followed by fi ne embellishments in the zones, leaving the wild core of Kessler Park untouched.
The zipper implementation also creates a new level of connection between all zones of the park. With this design the connection between Kessler Park and the city is stronger and elevates its identity and presence.
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112
Traffi c Change Diagrams
For the design, multiple changes were made in traffi c to implement a safer experience for pedestrians and drivers alike. The largest proposal for traffi c changes is located at the Paseo entrance of I-29 from Independence Avenue. The current intersection is dangerous for all modes of circulation and doesnt create a clear entrance to the park. Relocating the entrance ramp to I-29 further west will alleviate congestion and allow for urban development for connect the city to the park.
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113
Closing Cliff Drive to vehicle traffi c allows for safer use of the drive by park users and is in line with current plans to close Cliff Drive to one way traffi c and closing it completely on weekends.
Closing the part of Gladstone Boulevard that currently divides and creates a unsafe environment for park users in the Concourse will allow for a safer park. The rerouting of both streets will also direct drivers to the Scarritt Point entrance to Cliff Drive and the Kansas City Museum.
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114
Park Connectivity
Before redesigning of Kessler Park, the different zones were very disconnected and fragmented. The only means of connection between zones was Cliff Drive, but it was unsafe and in a state of deterioration. To improve pedestrian use, Cliff Drive will be closed to vehicular traffi c and a new boulevard, the zipper, will be created. The zipper will become a scenic byway emerging along the developed edge of the park and leave a safer, active, pedestrian circulation through the core of Kessler Park.
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115
Essential Amenities
The lack of essential amenities is a prominent issue in Kessler Park. By distributing amenities such as bathrooms, pavilions and benches, it will provide basic features for all park users within a 5 minute walking distance from any location.
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116
By implementing a multitude of activities in the parks program that are fi xed, such as rock climbing, amphitheaters, and activity courses, as well as fl exible programming in areas of open lawns, creates areas for a diverse range of users. Studying their relationship to each other throughout the park allows for a better understanding of how to implement connectivityFlexed vs Fixed Program
Fixed Program Flex Program
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117
Park Program
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118
Master Plan
George Kesslers vision for the park was a rugged, picturesque place with very little attempt on the hillsides and valleys at the so called improvements in the
form of fi ne lawns and garden schemes, however near the residential districts there may be considerable fi ne embellishments The master plan incorporated
layers of intervention to that respected Kesslers Vision by implementing the most designed element of the park, the zipper, along the edge of the park.
The next layer of intervention were Zones located in that were closest to the neighborhoods. The wild core that Kessler wanted to maintain is respected in our
master plan, with the implementation of very few light-handed elements in the core.
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119
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120
Master Plan - Zipper
The main goal of the vision plan was to reconnect Kessler Park to Independence Ave through implementing a boulevard treatment to the major feeder streets of Kessler Park that would lead to the Zipper. The zipper is a complete street for pedestrian and vehicle traffi c that defi nes the edge where the park and city meet. This is done by a landscaped boulevard that creates a park experience along the new byway. The zipper also connects all zones of the park for users and allows for the closure of Cliff Drive to pedestrian traffi c.
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121
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122
THE PASEO
sidewalk 12
road24
parallel parking10
bike lane10
buffer4
sidewalk8
bioswale 3Master Plan - Zipper
Standard Plan
Standard Section
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123Paseo Neighborhood
Formal Gate
Neighborhood Lake
Reservoir
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124
Master Plan - Zipper
Lake PlanPaseo Neighborhood Plan
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125
Concourse Plan
Reservoir Plan
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126
Master Plan - Western Gate
Rerouting the on ramp to I-29 is a key initiative in increasing the safety for all modes of transportation traveling the Paseo Independence Ave intersection.
Moving the on ramp further west allows for a new urban development gateway into Kessler Park and the Northeast better connecting the area to the rest of the city. This move also optimized views and the added greenery extends to
reconnect with KCDCs previous design for Independence Avenue
Parti
Master Plan
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127
Suggested Traffi c Changes Green Spaces Axon
Panorama
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128
Master Plan - Western Gate
8.2 ACRES
7.4 ACRES
6.8 ACRES
6.6 ACRES
7.4 ACRES
6.6 ACRES
9.5 ACRES
5.5 ACRES
Connection Diagram Current Land Use Proposed Land Swap
Section
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129
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130
Master Plan - Reservoir
Located at the heart of Kessler Park, the zone which holds the reservoir emerges as a hub for all the activities of the park. High traffi c of the trails allow for park
users to meet and disperse at this zone. With the implementation of the zipper, the neighborhood and park begin to merge together to create a unique park
experience. Master Plan
Parti
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131
Loop Diagram Axon
Panorama
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132
Master Plan - Reservoir
Disc Sheds Backdoor Diagram
Sections
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133
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134
Master Plan -Chestnut/Wild
Chestnut is designed to connect the parks multiple zones through trails. A new connection between Chestnut and Cliff Drive is created as well as a vertical
connection from the East Bottoms to the level of the park through the pedestrian bridge. Chestnut is a key element in water management for the entire park with a habitable water retaining plants. The lake becomes more accessible with parking
and open public space under the Lexington Bridge. Once a drive through, Chestnut becomes re integrated as a piece of the park. The Wild will be left alone except for
a few, light, simple elements to upgrade the quality of activities in the wild.
Parti
Plan of Chestnut
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135
Amenity DiagramPlan of the Wild
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136
Neighborhood Connection Axon
Panorama
Park Connection
Master Plan -Chestnut/Wild
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137
575 340 447
1227
658
558
Traffi c Entering Kessler Park Traffi c Exiting Kessler Park Chestnut Independence Ave Traffi c
Chestnut Section
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138
Master Plan -Chestnut/Wild
Bottom of Bridge
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139
Bridge Section
Top of the Bridge
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140
Master Plan -Formal Gate
With a direct connection to the neighborhood and deep historical roots, the formal gate presents itself as an urban park that serves the area. Through the
suggestion of closing Gladstone and Benton Blvd, the center of Formal gate will provide safety for pedestrian. The existing courts and playgrounds are
reconnected to the new larger fountain plaza through a axial plaza that frames and celebrates the Colonnade.
Parti
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141
Formal Geometry Formal Axis Axon
Section
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142
Master Plan - Formal Gate
Panoramas
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143
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144
Master Plan - Scarritt Point
With the bold presence of the Kansas City Museum and spectacular views, Scarritt Point connects with the surrounding acting associations by providing a
community amphitheater and large viewing tower. Trails are included to reconnect to Cliff Drive and other areas of the park.
Parti
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145
Connection to the Museum Axon
Panorama
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146
Master Plan - Scarritt PointSection
Enclosure DiagramScarritt Views
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147
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148
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149RESERVOIR
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150HIstory of ReserviorHIstory of Reservior
One of the few elemnts that the Board of Park Commissioners approved for the park was a plan for a depressed water reservoir to be constructed at Prospect Point in 1921. The reservoir was meant to meet the growing demands of the breweries, icehouses, and railway stations that were developing in the East Bottoms. The water reservoir is 590 long by 230 wide, and could hold a total of 16 million gallons of water. The large basin is fi tted with a cross bridge between the two sides both of which have an overfl ow tower located in them. After a short life of only 10 years the water reservoir was drained in 1931 due to infrastructure problems and the implementation of updated drainage and sewer plans through-out Kansas City.
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151Pictures of Current Reservior
Over the 80 years it has sat empty, overgrowth of trees and weeds have occurred taken over the reservoir. Railings on the cross bridge, the stairs, and the infra-structure have apparent signs of deterioration. Even though guarded by an iron fence, people have begun to change the inside face of the water reservoir, which is now lined with graffi ti. With combined efforts from Pendelton Heights, Scarritt Point, the Parks and Recreation Department and other concerned citizens, the Cliff Drive association has began to make moves towards repurposing the water reservoir. Ideas have cultivated and steps in which a fi nal plan can be achieved is in the works. Through stakeholder discussions, it has been discovered why the water reservoir is held in such high regards. It could be a beacon, an opportunity to bring identity to Kessler Park and the Northeast neighborhood. With the right programmatic function of the reservoir, more people from the city and beyond would be drawn to the park increasing popularity of the area. Citizens of the Northeast District see the park as part of their community, they hold valueto its success. Members take pride in their community and they see the water reservoir as a unique amenity. The water reservoir may sit empty but it is full of opportunity.
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152Pictures of Current Reservior
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153
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