From Dallas to KC: A park visit that inspires our future
By Ann Holliday, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Downtown Council of Kansas City
I had the opportunity to visit Klyde Warren Park in downtown Dallas earlier this summer, and it was eye-opening to personally experience how a beautiful, actively programmed, well-kept park can be a gathering place for the region. The incredible park tree canopy provided much needed shade and respite from the harsher environment created by automobiles and high-rise buildings!
Klyde Warren Park (KWP) is a 5.4-acre park built over a freeway in downtown Dallas. It is owned by the City of Dallas and operated by a non-profit organization focused on bringing the community together. Comparatively, Roy Blunt Luminary Park (Luminary Park), planned for Downtown Kansas City, will be a 5.5-acre park also over an interstate highway, connecting the Central Business District with the Convention Center and Crossroads Arts District and beyond to other adjacent communities. Similar to KWP, Luminary Park will also be managed by a non-profit organization.
The Story in Photos:
Seen from above, the tree canopy in KWP is impressive in comparison to the adjacent highrises.
Bold signage and native plants welcome you into the park.
Walkways and sitting areas cooled by trees and more plantings provide a place to walk and enjoy refreshments from adjacent food trucks.
Here’s a detail of the dramatic stage, which provides space for performances and other activities like dance classes. It’s a focal point for the park.
A casual, walk-up restaurant provides a place to grab a quick bite or beverage in a shaded area overlooking the event lawn.
More shade, movable chairs, and tables in bright colors corresponding to the park brand.
The park includes a restaurant, a local favorite, Mi Cocina, with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. The floor-to-ceiling windows make it feel like you are part of the park action and provide a lovely setting in which to enjoy a meal.
There are lots of free games and activities in the park.
Children were building all sorts of things with these foam blocks as we walked through on a Tuesday morning – including this fort.
There were also movable chairs and tables for the children.
The children’s play area was closed for maintenance – otherwise, we were told the area is always full of children!
Importantly, the play area is in an enclosed area, with one entrance, its own bathroom, and a shaded area for caretakers and birthday parties. It’s a little easier for parents/caretakers to keep track of kids when there is only one way out and in.
This fountain is one of multiple water features in the park. Kids enjoy playing in them. They also provide a pleasant sound and cooling effects, even on top of a highway!
The trip to KWP was invigorating and immersive! We’re thrilled to bring this transformative experience and community space right here in our own downtown. With each passing week, the entire project team is working tirelessly in the background to bring this park closer to reality.
Planning continues for Luminary Park in Downtown Kansas City. To learn more about and stay informed, visit luminarypark.org.
