Site Plan: A 16,000-square-foot outdoor roller rink is under construction in Blues park, 2000 Prospect Ave. Courtesy of DRAW Architecture and Urban Planning, LLC.

Dorri Partain
Managing Editor

Representatives from Kansas City Parks and Recreation, City Council, and Mayor Quinton Lucas grabbed shovels and broke ground on Thursday, May 21, to announce the construction of a new amenity for Kansas City youth— an outdoor roller rink.

Grading and other site work has already begun at Blues Park, located at 2000 Prospect Avenue, in Kansas City’s Third District. Just minutes away from the Historic Jazz District and Historic Northeast, this green space will be transformed as shown in plans developed by DRAW Architecture and Urban Design with construction by Gunter Construction.

According to an announcement from James Wang, Deputy Director of the Parks department, the finished rink will be a 16,000-square-foot outdoor roller rink facility that includes a parking lot with 18-20 stalls, spectator stands, and 8-foot wide sidewalks. An outdoor restroom was built last summer in preparation for these new amenities.

“We’re really excited,” said Wang, “this is going to be our second skating rink in our system. The one we have now is in Holmes Park (725 E. 70th St.) but this one will be a lot better.”

Melissa Patterson Hazley, City Council Third District-At- Large, spoke about new opportunities for recreation this project will bring.

“This is a great location to have this type of amenity here. As you know, there really isn’t a skating rink inside the city (urban) limits of Kansas City, so this will be a great opportunity for families around the city and the neighborhood to experience, “ she said, adding that she couldn’t wait to return and put on her skates.

Third District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson spoke about the years-long process to provide new amenities to Blues Park and the behind-the-scenes planning taken on by Carole Green, former Parks Department employee, and Sheron Fulson, Third District PIAC Committee member.

“Sheron, your name may not be on the program (today) but please let it be known that we appreciate all the hard work and effort that you’ve done to make this happen,“ said Robinson.

Robinson stated that this project was the latest example of “prosperity on Prospect.”

“Prospect is a major corridor for the Third District, so to have these places for young people is important.”

Parks Director Chris Cotten spoke about the variety of amenities the system tries to provide for Kansas City residents.

“One of the things that challenges our staff at all times is that what is recreation to one person is not recreation to another person,” said Cotten. “For us to be able to continue to develop amenities for children and young adults to use, this is going to be a great project, this is going to be a safe place for kids to skate.”

Mayor Quinton Lucas spoke very briefly but exuberantly about all the new projects being completed or taking shape in the city’s Third District—- a new grocery store, a new parking garage for the Jazz District, and now a skating rink.

“Kansas City is a great place to play. We have pools opening soon (May 23), we have so many things happening. We are excited about our skate park here today and all the opportunities with it,” Lucas said.

Project Manager Kiesha McCoy explained that the rink’s construction has been designed to withstand weather elements, using post-tension concrete. The decking and railings will be fiberglass, and the rink is graded to be slightly higher in the center for rain damage but won’t be noticeable to skaters. Upon completion, rink walls will be treated with an anti-graffiti coating.

Barring any major weather delays, McCoy said the project should be ready for skaters by mid-August.