Another Platte County parks playground is on the horizon with the approval of a $1.1 million purchase agreement by the Platte County Commission this week.
At the Monday, May 19 administrative session, commissioners approved the spending thought Kompan Inc., through a state joint purchasing agreement. The county plans to purchase the equipment for phase two of development at Michael Gunn Park at Platte Meadows in southern Platte County. On the blueprints are a play castle, an embankment side and climbing rope, a jungle dome, swings and more, including turf surfacing for the play area.
According to Director of Parks and Recreation Daniel Erickson, the county hopes to create a destination park that people across the county will travel to. The county plans installation of the equipment in late fall.
The new playground will consist of nature based materials and designed with inclusivity and safety in mind, according to a press release issued by the county after the meeting.
Michael Gunn Park at Platte Meadows is a 110-acre natural area that the County acquired in 2002. The first phase of park improvements opened to the public in April of 2022 and featured a 1 mile limestone surface multi-purpose loop trail. Located near Walden Middle School and Park Hill South High School, the park serves as a community hub, with trails accommodating school cross-country teams. The surrounding area has seen significant growth, including the reconstruction of Northwood Road and new residential developments, further solidifying the park’s role as a recreational cornerstone.
“This new playground is going to be a fantastic addition to southern Platte County,” said First District Commissioner Allyson Berberich in the release. “We’re creating a fun, safe, and welcoming park where kids can play freely and families can connect. These improvements will truly elevate Michael Gunn Park at Platte Meadows, turning it into a go-to destination for outdoor fun and community gatherings.”
The county also awarded its annual Stormwater grants, totaling $250,000. Grants, funded through the county’s dedicated parks and recreation and stormwater sales tax, were awarded to the Walnut Creek South Homes Association, $11,648; Lake Waukomis Association, $73,836; Hawksbury Homeowners Association, $30,546; City of Parkville for Crooked Road channel restoration, $40,000; City of Parkville for Northwest 59th Terrace drainage Repairs, $33,774; City of Platte Woods, $43,296; and City of Riverside, $16,900.
Ten grants were submitted, but only seven were approved by the stormwater grant board. Grants not awarded were from Houston Lake and Northmoor, and those municipalities were urged to seek funding for their projects through other grant programs.
Commissioners also approved a contract with Graves Garret Greim for legal services, at a rate of $450 per hour. County Administrator Wes Minder said the contract was for “legal advice on a pending issue that the county is undertaking.” According to its website, the firm specializes in “commercial litigation, white collar criminal defense litigation and compliance and internal investigations.”