Park Safety. Independence Avenue Angels will soon have the power to detain individuals engaged in unlawful activities at Independence Plaza Park. Paul Thompson

Northeast News
April 27, 2016

Independence Plaza Park will soon be a lot more family-friendly.

During the Independence Ave. “Love Your Park” event on Saturday, April 23, Independence Avenue CID president Bobbi Baker-Hughes announced an agreement with the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners that will give more authority to security officers working for the CID.

In addition to providing litter control, helping with medical emergencies, and limiting the presence of long-term inhabitants in the park, the agreement reached with the Parks Board on Tuesday, April 19 will give CID security officers – otherwise known as the Avenue Angels – the power to detain individuals committing unlawful activities inside Independence Plaza Park. Baker-Hughes said that the goal of the request was to encourage families to bring their kids to the park more often.

She added that residents should now have greater faith in the Avenue Angels to successfully monitor and handle the activities at the park. The Avenue Angels, who patrol Independence Avenue until 10:00 p.m. every night of the week, will receive proper training from the KCPD before implementing any of the new strategies.

Baker-Hughes encouraged event attendees to reach out to the Angels whenever they witness unlawful activities occurring in Independence Plaza Park.

“You are the eyes and ears of the park, ladies and gentlemen,” said Baker-Hughes. “This is your park.”

The Avenue Angels can be reached at 913-441-0911.

Park. Attendees get their faces painted at the April 23 ‘Love Your Park’ event at Independence Plaza Park.