North Kansas City opens River Forest Park after decades of planning

North Kansas City officials and residents celebrated the opening of River Forest Park in a June ribbon-cutting that city leaders said completes more than five decades of planning for the site.

Mayor Jesse Smith told attendees the city acquired the property in 1974 and that repeated feasibility studies over the years reached a similar vision: “preserving the site's natural beauty while creating a place to gather and explore,” including a playground, nature trails, native wildflowers, erosion control and a shelter house. He said the park’s opening fulfills “a promise made to the community generations ago.”

David Taylor, president of the North Kansas City Parks Board, said the park fills a local need for Ward 4 residents, who previously had to travel farther for recreation. Taylor recounted that a young resident asked why Ward 4 could not have a park and credited Amy Clark for championing that idea through the project’s more difficult phases. “She sparked that imagination, with her motivation, brought forth the culmination,” Taylor said.

Amy Clark, identified at the ceremony as the project’s champion, thanked the design and construction teams, staff and residents and described the park as “a passion product that finally came to fruition.” She invited attendees to review the project plaque and welcomed residents to the new space.

City staff member Kim Nakoto outlined the ribbon-cutting logistics and led the ceremonial cuts. City leaders publicly acknowledged contributions from many partners and agencies, including the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Beacon Mental Health, Northland Neighbors Inc., the North Kansas City School District and MKC Health, and recognized former and current elected officials and local volunteers who supported the project.

Organizers encouraged attendees to enjoy the park following the ceremony. No formal council action or vote was recorded during the event; the program consisted of remarks, acknowledgements and the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The City of North Kansas City plans to maintain the park and said the site will serve Ward 4 with recreational space and natural-area features long advocated for by residents.