Roy Blunt Luminary Park promises to connect Kansas City neighborhoods with a vibrant, inclusive green space.
Yesterday, the Kansas City Council passed Ordinance No. 250809, lighting the way for Roy Blunt Luminary Park to become a reality. A historic public-private partnership, Roy Blunt Luminary Park has garnered unprecedented support across city, state, and federal levels. Together, with nearly $30 million from the private sector, the project has secured approximately $158 million in funds, representing more than 50 percent of total funding.
Crucial for the project’s progression, the ordinance includes: Development Agreement approval, 100 percent Design Services and Project Management approval, and contract extension for Construction Management Services for the Preconstruction Manager/General Contractor.
“Moving Roy Blunt Luminary Park into final design brings us closer to transforming a highway barrier into a landmark public space that strengthens our downtown, enhances the experience for visitors, and connects our neighborhoods. This project reflects years of collaboration, and we want to thank the State of Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and all of our partners whose support is helping us bring this once-in-a-generation vision to life,” said City Manager Mario Vasquez.
Describing this as a generational project is an understatement. The park is projected to net significant new economic and fiscal impacts in Kansas City, such as millions of dollars in economic output, labor income, city tax revenue, school district revenue, and job creation.
“This park represents years of collaboration and dedication from so many partners and residents,” said Jon Stephens, President and CEO of Port KC. “By moving into final design, we’re ensuring that this once-in-a-generation project delivers the public space Kansas Citians have long envisioned, one that spurs economic development, incentive for businesses to relocate downtown, and creates a lasting civic legacy.”
More importantly, Roy Blunt Luminary Park will have a tremendous community impact actively programmed year round. Upon approval, the park will cultivate relationships with local organizations and groups already integral to Kansas City, offering diverse programming. This activation model is based on the proven successes of Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, Texas and The RiverFront in Omaha, Nebraska. These parks are exemplary case studies on how the park can achieve financial self-sustainability through multiple revenue streams.
“Yesterday’s action underscores Kansas City’s commitment to creating a more connected, inclusive, and vibrant downtown,” said Bill Dietrich, President & CEO of the Downtown Council of Kansas City. “Roy Blunt Luminary Park will not only serve as a beautiful green space for all to enjoy, but it will also knit our neighborhoods together in ways that strengthen community and drive opportunity.”
“Roy Blunt Luminary Park is about more than building over a highway — it’s about creating an inclusive public space that every Kansas Citian can access and enjoy. From safe crossings to accessible play areas, this park will embody our city’s commitment to equity and opportunity for all.”
Roy Blunt Luminary Park will be more than just a beautiful green space over a former sunken interstate; it will be a vibrant gathering place for the entire community to celebrate and create memories. Additionally, Roy Blunt Luminary Park and the adjacent Barney Allis Plaza (scheduled for completion in December 2026) will form a new district of complementary spaces and iconic destinations for both residents and visitors.
The passage of this ordinance reflects the growing momentum and confidence from community and philanthropic leaders and investors in the project, including a recent gift from Shirley and Barnett Helzberg, who see Luminary Park as more than just a green space, they see it as a lasting civic landmark. The enthusiasm from supporters like the Helzbergs and others signals great confidence in the project’s ability to expand private fundraising and bring even more partners to the table.
Once complete, the 5.5-acre park will serve as a landmark green space featuring inclusive play areas, entertainment amenities, and multimodal transportation options. Construction is anticipated in 2026.
Media with questions may contact Sherae Honeycutt, press secretary for City of Kansas City at sherae.honeycutt@kcmo.org or (816) 946-3611.
About Roy Blunt Luminary Park
The Roy Blunt Luminary Park is a partnership between the City of Kansas City, Downtown Council of Kansas City, DTC Community Development, Inc., and Port KC. Once complete, the 5.5-acre park will serve as a landmark green space featuring inclusive play areas, entertainment amenities, and multimodal transportation options. The project team includes HNTB, OJB, BNIM, and vital key stakeholders, with Clarkson Construction and JE Dunn serving as Construction Management/General Contractor (CM/GC). Learn more at http://luminarypark.org.
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