The City of Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce a new partnership with Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes and the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation. The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation is funding and building a one of a kind play site that is functional and educational.
This innovative play site in Martin Luther King, Jr. Square Park located at Swope Parkway and Woodland Avenue, calls for a community-driven approach in planning and implementation. KC Parks will be accepting bids from vendors to be a part of this dynamic community impact project. The selected vendor will work closely with the Community Design Team and the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation to design and construct an inclusive play site that honors Dr. King’s legacy.
“The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation is pumped to build a playground where KC kids can play and be active in their neighborhood,” said Patrick Mahomes. “We hope that this project brings this community together in a positive and engaging way for years to come.”
“The partnership announced today between our Kansas City Parks Department and the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation is exciting news,” said Mayor Lucas. “I thank and appreciate Patrick for his continued investment in our community, and his commitment to social and racial justice—yet another reason we are so privileged to have him here in Kansas City. I look forward to the creation of a new play site at Martin Luther King Square Park that’s open to and intended for all children in our community.”
KC Parks has created a Community Design Team that represents a diverse group of community leaders that will provide input and engage residents to help design the play site. Members include:
- Chris Goode – KC Parks Board of Commissioners
- Dr. Vernon Howard – Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City
- Michael Toombs – Artist/Founder/Director of Storytellers Inc.
- Wesley Hamilton – Executive Director of Disabled But Not Really Foundation
- Carrie Coogan – Deputy Director – KC Public Library
- Donald Rankins – MLK Restoration
- Lauren Bell – MLK Restoration
- Dr. Delia Gillis – Professor African and African Studies UCM
- Duron Netsell – Owner Street Smarts Design + Build
KC Parks is grateful for this partnership and the impact it will have on our community. “We are thrilled to have been approached by the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation and look forward working with them on this themed, destination playground,” said Terry Rynard, KC Parks Director.
The RFP will be available next week on this site>>
About 15 and the Mahomies Foundation
The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children through initiatives that focus on education, health, wellness, underserved communities, and other charitable causes. It was established by reigning Super Bowl MVP, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes in 2019.
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