Michael Bushnell
Reporter

This week’s postcard published by the North American Postcard company of Kansas City, MO, shows a scene in Budd Park.

Budd Park was Kansas City’s third park, with the land acquired in 1892, 1901 and 1902. The original 20 acres of park land was gifted to the city by Azriah Budd in 1891. Four more acres were bequeathed to the city by Budd’s widow in 1901 and in 1902, the rest of the park land was acquired through condemnation.

A souvenir booklet published by the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners in 1920 gave this description: The park has a thriving playground that has the rare advantage of plenty of shade and green grass. Also, there is the most popular wading pool in the city because it is large and deep. In fact, it should be called a semi-swimming pool.”

There were shady spots for picnicking as well as tennis courts and croquet courts. Today the park remains much like it was a century ago. New amenities have been added to the park in the form of a newer swimming pool, futsal courts, a walking or jogging trail and a disc-golf course. It is still a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life