michael bushnell
the publisher
What began nearly 15 years ago as a funding request by Lykins District President Ron Heldstab culminated in unanimous passage by the Kansas City, Mo., City Council during its Thursday, March 21, session, granting the 9th Congress and the 9th Congress transferred $3 million in renovation funds. Van Brunt Soccer Field.
The path to passage was fraught with controversy, pitting neighbors against clubs and paid leagues that often monopolized the park during peak hours. Additionally, during the last City Council term, then-3rd District Councilman Brandon Ellington redirected approximately $2.75 million in soccer park improvement funds to Bartle Hall instead for new carpeting, which the neighboring soccer league often tore into. Made it possible to play on the ground. It's wrinkled and the artificial grass is peeling off in places.
Neighborhoods and local leagues have come forward with proposed amendments to the ordinance submitted by District 4 Councilman Crispin Rea to provide for representation from the Lykins neighborhood, as well as affordable youth soccer programs and neighborhood activities. The 9th & Van Brunt Regional Advisory Committee will be established to prioritize Access to fields. The amendment would also require the Park Service to spend at least $40,000 annually to maintain the new facility.
Scott Wagner has campaigned strongly for improvements with the Matti Rose Center and expressed frustration when the ordinance stalled in recent months. He was thrilled with Thursday's 13-0 vote that allowed him to fund much-needed improvements to the park. “I’m glad to see this kind of investment in the Northeast and our children,” Wagner said. “This is a monumental step toward realizing the vision that many had for this place long ago.”
Hector Soto, a parent of a student at Ryogoku Soccer Academy, echoed Scott Wagner's sentiments. “As a Northeast resident and parent of his three soccer-playing children, I am grateful that the City Council unanimously recognized the value that Field 9 and Van Brunt Field provide to the neighborhood. I'm happy about that,” Soto said. Using the facility is an investment for Northeast residents. ”
Improvements and upgrades funded by the ordinance include upgraded artificial turf, locker rooms, lighting, scoreboards, press boxes, and additional bleacher seating. As part of a separate funding mechanism, the Park Service recently completed more than $250,000 in renovations, including new artificial turf on the main field, new gates and sidewalk improvements.
Improvements associated with the $3 million allocation could begin as early as the late summer or fall of 2024 and be ready for play by spring 2025.
