Golf courses are notorious for heavy use of chemicals and water, but the City’s five public golf courses are becoming more eco-friendly.
According to Douglas Schroeder, director of golf services for the Parks and Recreation Department, the City’s main push is to be very careful with water usage and to apply as little fungicides and pesticides as possible. In addition, all five courses have established isolated spots away from streams and stormwater drains for washing vehicles and equipment.
On the courses and adjacent to them, natural areas are being expanded and planted with drought-tolerant native grasses, purple coneflowers, milkweed and other indigenous plants to create habitat for wildlife. One course, the Shoal Creek Golf Course at 89th Street and Shoal Creek Parkway, has even been designated as a “Certified Audubon Sanctuary” through the International Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. In addition to a driving range and 18-holes, Shoal Creek offers thick stands of trees, tall prairie grasses and numerous nesting boxes to welcome birds and other creatures.
In the future, Schroeder plans to replace the City’s fleet of 345 gas-powered golf carts with electric carts and some 40 gas-powered mowers with hybrid models where a small gas engine powers electric blades.
Bigger changes will have to wait until public attitudes shift, says Schroeder, who notes that members of some private golf courses have voted to go greener by embracing browner grounds—the way golf was played in the 1950s and ’60s before modern chemicals and irrigation systems were prevalent. The U.S. Golf Association and the Professional Golfers’ Association have an ongoing national campaign to encourage this viewpoint.
“It’s going to be a slow process,” Schroeder says. “Most people still expect to see soft, plush monocultures of green grass, even though that’s no more natural around here than the streets themselves.”
Thirty years after the film Flashdance hit the box office, it is being brought to life in a national tour on its way to Broadway. Grab an oversized sweatshirt, some leg warmers and throw a bucket of water over yourself in preparation for Flashdance-The Musical at Starlight Theatre July 9-14.
Flashdance -The Musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a working-class girl from Pittsburgh with a dream of becoming a professional dancer. She works by day as a steel mill welder, and a bar dancer at night while aspiring to be accepted at a prestigious ballet academy. When Alex catches the eye of her boss Nick Hurley, their romance shows her the meaning of love and drives her ambition to pursue her dream.
The production includes hit songs from the Grammy Award-winning movie soundtrack, all of which became Top Ten hits on the radio around the world including the Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” and “I Love Rock & Roll.” In addition to these hits, 16 new original songs have been written for the stage by Robbie Roth and Robert Cary. This show contains mature content and strong language which is not suitable for all ages. Parental Guidance is suggested.
“For me, a baby boomer, this show is just iconic,“ said Denton Yockey, President and Executive Producer of Starlight Theatre. “The theme of pursuing your dream despite the obstacles is a timeless message. And adults will love the ‘80s retro music with cultural references.”
Flashdance –The Musical is the third of six shows in Starlight’s Broadway Series this summer. It is sponsored by the Missouri Lottery.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Starring in the role of Alex will be Jillian Mueller, last seen in the first national tours of Memphis and American Idiot. Her work on Broadway includes Bye Bye Birdie and two holiday seasons of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Mueller has also been seen on CBS’ A Gifted Man.
Other talented cast members with Broadway credits include Matthew Hydzik (West Side Story, Grease), Dequina Moore (Legally Blonde, Little Shop of Horrors, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Happy Days, Hair), Katie Webber (Rock of Ages, Catch Me If You Can, Memphis, and Wicked), Jo Ann Cunningham (The King and I, Anna Karenina), Thursday Farrar (Aida, Parade, Once Upon a Mattress) and Kansas City native Haley Hannah (Bring It On).
Also joining the company are Carleigh Bettiol, Derek Carley, Ryan Carlson, Natalie Caruncho, Lynorris Evans, David R. Gordon, Matthew Henerson, Charlene Hoffman, Jarvis McKinley, Thursday Farrar, Ariela Morgenstern, Shane Ohmer, Austin Owen Katelyn Prominski, Angelo Soriano, Dani Spieler, Lawrence E. Street, Kamille Upshaw and Christian Whelan.
Sergio Trujillo is the director and choreographer. On Broadway, he has choreographed the 2010 Tony Award® winning Best Musical Memphis (OCC Award, Astaire and Drama Desk Award Nominations); 2006 Tony® and Olivier Award winning Best Musical Jersey Boys (Olivier, Drama Desk, Dora, OCC Award nominations.); The Addams Family; 2010 Pulitzer Prize winning Next to Normal; All Shook Up, Guys and Dolls (Astaire Award nomination) and Leap of Faith.
Also joining the creative team are Tom Hedley (book), Robert Cary (book and lyrics), Robbie Roth (music and lyrics), Jason Howland (music supervision and arrangements, vocal and incidental musical arrangements), David Alpert (associate director), Klara Zieglerova (scenic design), Paul Tazewell (costume design), Howell Binkley (lighting design), Peter Nigrini (projection design), John Shivers (sound design), Charles Lapointe (wig and hair design), Cookie Jordan (Make Up Design), Tara Rubin Casting (Casting), Doug Besterman (orchestrations), Jim Abbott (dance arrangements), John Miller (music coordinator), Edgar Godineaux (associate choreographers) and Mary Macleod (production stage manager).
Tickets to Flashdance – The Musical are now on sale for $10 – $85. Tickets are available at kcstarlight.com, by calling 816-363-STAR (7827) or in person at Starlight Theatre, 4600 Starlight Road. Box Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
On June 22, Gregg Klice Community Center reopened with $1 million of renovations and improvements. Councilman Jermaine Reed, Councilwoman Melba Curls, Parks Board President Jean Paul Chaurand and KC Parks Director Mark McHenry were among the dignitaries who cut the ribbon to officially reopen the center.
PROJECT HISTORY & HIGHLIGHTS
George Knipp, Architect & Owner of Go Studios, was selected as the project Architect the first week of December 2012 and the Gregg Klice Community Center project was awarded to NW Rogers Construction on January 22, 2013. Notice To Proceed was given on February 5, 2013 and work began February 6, 2013.
Men & Women’s locker room renovation included:
steam room demolition for new ADA locker area, new ADA sinks and showers
raise 3 toilets, add new flush sensors and new toilet partitions
replace existing lockers with new lockers in both locker rooms
new granite sink counters, fixtures and hardware
women’s shower floor repairs
new shower fixtures, hardware and shower wall tile in both locker rooms
new floor treatment and wall paint in both locker rooms
new acoustical ceiling tile and gypsum board ceilings in both locker rooms
replacement of rusted fire sprinkler escutcheons and air vents
Construction of a new 16’x24’ Building Addition on the patio outside the south natatorium wall included:
a new hot tub with a ADA hot tub lift
new unisex ADA sauna room
new climate control unit for building addition
At the former hot tub location, men and women’s ADA steam rooms were built.
During the course of the project other improvements were noticed that needed attention leading to Change Order 1 which included: fitness room flooring system, Natatorium pool & lane marker paint, replacement of all gutter grates, water lever controller, paint at rust prone areas, add a new ADA pool lift for improved patron access, men’s locker room shower stall partitions and new flooring in the Fitness Room.
The total cost for improvements was approximately $850,000 with an additional $150,000 for the purchase and installation of new fitness equipment.
Almost immediately after kicking off its “Wish Upon a Fountain” campaign to raise private dollars to help restore and upgrade many of Kansas City’s iconic water features, the City of Fountains Foundation received $133,500 to help refurbish the Eagle Scout Fountain at 39th Street and Gillham Rd.
The public fundraising campaign was announced at KC’s Festival of Fountains on June 9.
The Martha Jane Phillips Starr Donor Advised Fund quickly provided the grant to pay for a new pump and electrical transformer, upgraded lighting, cleaning and other site work at the landmark fountain dedicated to the values and achievements of the nation’s Eagle Scouts.
The Wish Upon a Fountain Campaign is seeking donations for, and sponsorships of some of the 48 fountains maintained by Kansas City, Missouri’s Parks and Recreation Department. Parks officials estimate that more than half of the 48 fountains have parts and repair needs that far exceed the department’s annual maintenance budget, and that eight of the city’s landmark fountains are in critical condition, requiring major repairs that will cost an estimated $2.6 million.
“We have been amazed by the immediate and positive feedback we’ve received from foundations and businesses,” said City of Fountains Foundation President, Casey Cassias. “We all love our fountains; they are a city’s signature part of our identity as a city, and everyone seems anxious to help.”
Cassias said foundation board members are currently calling on local business and other philanthropic organizations and asking for their help. The Wish upon a Fountain Campaign has established a host of sponsorship levels and benefits, and hopes gain $2.6 million in contributions and pledges over the next year.
The Eagle Scout Fountain supported by the Starr Fund has a fascinating history. Dedicated in 1968, the fountain was constructed around a large wreath bordered on both sides by a woman and an eagle. The women represent night and day.
The 22-foot high limestone sculpture was stood over the Seventh Street entrance to the old Pennsylvania Railroad Station in New York City – once billed as “the largest structure in the world devoted solely to the use and convenience of Railroad passenger” – from 1910 until the famous station closed in 1963.
Kansas City businessman and national Boy Scout executive John W. “Twink” Starr arranged through a friend at the Pennsylvania Railroad to have the sculpture brought to Kansas City when the old depot in New York was demolished.
A large clock that filled the sculpted wreath when it greeted travelers to the old Penn Station was replaced with an enlarged Boy Scout Eagle Badge. Eagle Badges were first awarded in 1912 to Scouts of the highest achievement. The badge features a silver eagle suspended from a red, white and blue scroll. A knot hangs from the scroll, signifying the Scout slogan: “Do a Good Turn Daily.”
Kansas City architect Maurice McMullen designed the setting for the historic sculpture, and included a fountain pool and two spiral stairways to complete the memorial. Starr, with his wife, Martha Jane Phillips Starr, and other supporters of the Boy Scouts provided the funds to construct the Eagle Scout Fountain. Hoffman Cortez Construction completed the work in 1968.
For more information about the City of Fountains Foundation’s Wish Upon a Fountain Campaign, go to kcfountains.org. To schedule a sponsorship presentation to your company or organization call 816-842-2299
The City of Kansas City, Mo., is notifying motorists that three races will affect traffic this weekend.
The Tour of Kansas City Bicycle Series will begin Friday, June 21 at the intersection of Gladstone and Walrond avenues in the Historic Northeast. Rolling race closures will take place from approximately 4:30-9:30 p.m. on the following race route: south on Gladstone Boulevard; west on St. John Avenue; south on Bellefontaine Avenue; southwest on LeBelle Drive; east on Lexington Avenue; north on Bellefountaine Avenue; east on Anderson Avenue; north on Benton Boulevard; east on St. John Avenue; north on Indiana Avenue; west on Norledge Avenue; and south on Walrond Avenue to finish. For more information on the Tour of Kansas City Bicycle Series, please visit www.tourofkc.com.
Putting the Boots to ALS will begin Saturday, June 22 on Ward Parkway near 93rd Street, by Dasta Memorial Stadium. Rolling race closures will take place from approximately 7:30-9:30 a.m. on the following race route: south on Ward Parkway; northeast on Summit Street; north on Ward Parkway; west on 81st Street; south on Ward Parkway to finish at Dasta Memorial Stadium. For more information on Putting the Boots to ALS, please visit www.sportkc.org.
The Dress for Success 5K will begin Saturday, June 22 at 3120 Troost Ave. Rolling race closures will take place from 7-11 a.m. on the following race route: south on Troost Avenue; west on Armour Boulevard; south on Harrison Boulevard; west on 39th Street; south on Kenwood Avenue; east on 41st Street; north on Holmes Road; east on 39th Street; north on Harrison Street; east on Armour Boulevard; and north on Troost Avenue to the finish line at 3120 Troost Ave. For more information about the Dress for Success 5K, please visit www.dressforsuccess.org.
Please observe caution and obey all posted detours and barricades.
The Archives Division of KC Parks recently provided pictures and text for a plaque honoring the first female Kansas City Police Department Officer, Elenore K. Canny, included on Kansas City Power and Light’s new electrical substation gate at 18th and Cherry.
During the era of bath houses and countless factories, the first official Kansas City park, Holmes Square, was opened in 1897 in the 18th and Holmes area. Ms. Elenore Canny was assigned as the official park monitor in 1908.
In an effort to protect the many children who visited the playground, Canny found it necessary to run off factory workers who attempted to keep the children out, so they could use it for themselves. Ms. Canny’s efforts were sometimes met with resistance as she was “only” a park monitor. Canny didn’t possess the powers of arrest, a uniform or a weapon.
Feeling the need to step up her authority, the Parks and Recreation Board approached the Police Board to broaden Canny’s supervisory role. Before women were even afforded the right to vote, Canny was sworn in as the Kansas City Missouri Police Department’s first female commissioned officer in 1910. She ispossibly the first in the entire United States.
With badge in hand, Canny was able to more effectively impress the need to vacate the area or be arrested. Ms. Canny later became the Supervisor of Playgrounds and then left the city’s employment to go back to school to become a teacher.
A plaque honoring Canny was unveiled on June 7 at Kansas City Power and Light’s electrical substation renovation ribbon-cutting event. The substation’s is a work of art featuring “Holmes Square” cut out along the bottom edge and Canny’s plaque on the upper right. Visitors are able to transfer the etched photos from the plaque to paper by rubbing a pencil over the area. The A. Zahner Company generously donated the materials and created the gate and plaque.
Golf courses are notorious for heavy use of chemicals and water, but the City’s five public golf courses are becoming more eco-friendly.
