Roanoke Park is an important historical Kansas City asset. Its value is greatest to its closest residents. Time and neglect have taken a toll on our neighborhood park. The wooded ravines have lost important trees and the rugged cliffs have become hidden by invasive plants. The park's beauty has become marred. Comparing old photos with more recent ones confirms that the park is not as enticing as it once was.

Even when Kansas City was not in such dire financial straits, city resources for the park have been sparse. Many neighborhood parks are being recognized for their value as neighborhood assets and sanctuaries of peacefulness in urban areas. This trend is sweeping the nation and the globe as neighborhood groups join together to support local parks that have suffered from urban decay and government neglect.

Our efforts on behalf of Roanoke Park are a public/private partnership initiative to honor the history and plant the future of Roanoke Park. We do this for the betterment of our city, and especially the neighborhoods that share Roanoke Park.

2013 Neighborhood Leader Legacy Banquet

Mayor James and Curt Watkins.At a banquet at the Kauffman Foundation on September 28, 2013, Mayor Sly James presented Curt Watkins, co-founder and president of the Roanoke Park Conservancy, a 2013 Neighborhood Leader Legacy award. Curt said he represented all the volunteers who are working so diligently to clean up Roanoke Park, stating that the volunteers' goal was an even better mid-town life style that prizes green space in the midst of our dense urban neighborhoods.

The volunteers, the Roanoke Park Conservancy Board, and Kansas City Parks and Recreation, have evolved into a model public-private partnership. To date, over 2,800 private volunteer hours have been invested in the removal of debris and invasive undergrowth in the park. This volunteer effort, combined with donated professional advice, and support from city staff, has resulted in over $340,000 being committed to the park, either already in place or under contract.

Curt wants to share the award from Mayor James with all Roanoke Park volunteers and caring neighbors, past, present, and most importantly, FUTURE.