kcdc_kessler park analytical research

ANALYTICAL RESEARCHKESSLER PARK

Kansas City Design CenterUrban Design Studio 2014 - 2015Aaron BischLindsey BrockhouseOwen CobbMegan HohensinnerDerek HueffmeierRachel KelseyDominique RobersonRobyn TankNoah VolzYihong Yan

Copyright 2015 Kansas Cit Design Center Urban Design Studio.All rights reserved.

Introduction

Kessler Park has proven to be a prominent feature of the Kansas City Metro area. As one of the oldest parks in the Parks and Boulevards system, it anchors the northern edge of the city. Nestled into the Northeast District and growing to acquire over 300 acres, Kessler Park is one of the largest parks in Kansas City. It has become fused with the neighborhood and is a vital amenity to the neighborhood. As the northeast has exploded with development and rehabilitation, the design of a vision plan for Kessler Park acts as a catalyst to the inevitable improvement of the area. Kessler Park provides unique physical characteristics that allow for rugged activities that are not found elsewhere in the city. Natural features are paramount in the design of Kessler Park to cater to the park users and activities.

Analytical studies were done at four key scales allowed for an understanding of Kessler Park as it fi ts in the Greater Kansas City Metro Area, surrounding context, northeast district and on an immediate scale. Strong original design intentions and existing conditions can be related to develop Kessler Park into a city destination and neighborhood amenity through establishing an identity for Kessler Park The geographical location of Kessler Park anchors the parks and boulevards system and marks the edge of the city. Increased connectivity can enhance the park by connecting surrounding amenities, neighborhoods and park users. Kessler parks unique wild features and topography unlike any other park in Kansas City allow for a rugged and wild adventure park that can become a city destination.

With this analytical data, Kessler Parks vision plan was defi ned with key objectives to encompass the key fi ndings of analytical studies and stakeholder input. 1.Integrate Kessler Park into the greater context of Kansas City as a defi ning urban element.2.Defi ne Kessler Park as a neighborhood amenity for the northeast district.3. Create a relationship between the original design intentions and the existing conditions to create an identity for Kessler Park.

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1011

ScalesHistory

Kansas City Metro Scale

Connectivity

DemographicSurrounding Context

Site Scale

Design Diagrams

Public EngagementVision Plan

Reservoir

SCALES

8Scales

KC Metro Scale Surrounding Site

9Neighborhood Context Site Scale

To understand Kessler Park, four scales were studied. The fi rst scale was the Kansas City Metro. It consisted of the area north of Highway 435, east of Highway 635, south of Highways 29 and 35 and west of Highway 435. These boundaries were determined by the extents of the Kesslers Parks and Boulevard System. The second scale was the Surrounding Site. This scale included the downtown and East Bottoms, extending to the river to examine the districts that would infl uence the park. The Northeast Neighborhood defi ned the third scale.The third scale was the Neighborhood Scale, which included of the an Northeast area. This was used to examine the different neighborhoods that would have a stake in the improvement of Kessler Park. The last scale focused on our site and the directly adjacent neighborhoods. This was used to study the people who were more likely to visit the park on a daily basis.

HISTORY

12

1893 1900 1915

Parks and Boulevard Timeline

13

In the late 19th Century, Kansas City was growing both in population and land size. As the citys infrastructure expanded to accommodate new commerce and housing density, a need to improve the quality of life through green spaces transpired. In 1892, in a joint effort between William Rockhill Nelson and August Meyer, the president of the Kansas City Parks Board, landscape architect George E. Kessler was commissioned. His task was to design the plan of a parks and boulevards system that would later jump start The City Beautiful Movement in Kansas City. As the infrastructure was implemented groups of citizens were concerned with the quality of life and the cities appearance, and found that both could be improved with the production of municipal parks and a boulevard system in the city. New boulevards created an order to the city that was nonexistent. The ordered system of the boulevards combined with the unique topography created opportunity for undevelopable land to become parks, and the system was a huge success. So much so that the Parks and Boulevards system received nationwide attention for George Kessler and Kansas City. At the edge of Northern Kansas City, Kessler Park has been a part of the system since the very beginning, bringing a historical importance to the park. This study was conducted to understand how Kansas City has developed largely around its Parks and Boulevards System. Kessler Park is a small part of this larger system. To fully understand Kessler Parks role, it was important to look at the history of the overall system.The maps on this spread show the change of the Parks and Boulevard System over since its inception in 1983.

1940 1960 2014

14

Kessler Park Timeline

The studies on these pages were created to better understand Kessler Park has changed over time to become what we know today. The maps below show how the park has expanded over the course of 30 years while the diagram on the other page showes how different elements have been added to the park over the years, including Cliff Drive in 1900, the lake in 1912, and the reservoir in 1920.

Kessler Plan 1910 Kessler Plan 1915

LEXINGTON AVE

ST. JOHN AVE

INDEPENDENCE AVE

12TH STREET

BENT

ON B

LVD

MAPL

E BL

VD

CHES

TNUT

TRF

Y

HARD

ESTY

AVE

GLADSTONE BLVD

BELM

ONT

BLVD

THE

PASE

O

LEXINGTON AVE

ST. JOHN AVE

INDEPENDENCE AVE

12TH STREET

BENT

ON B

LVD

MAPL

E BL

VD

CHES

TNUT

TRF

Y

HARD

ESTY

AVE

GLADSTONE BLVD

BELM

ONT

BLVD

THE

PASE

O

15

LEXINGT

ON AVE

ST. JOHN

AVE

INDEPEN

DENCE A

VE

BENT

ON BL

VD

CHES

TNUT

TRFY

HARD

ESTY

AVE

GLADST

ONE BLV

D

BELM

ONT B

LVD

LEXINGT

ON AVE

ST. JOHN

AVE

INDEPEN

DENCE A

VE

BENT

ON BL

VD

BENT

ON BL

VD

CHES

TNUT

TRFY

HARD

ESTY

AVE

GLADST

ONE BLV

D

BELM

ONT B

LVD

Kessler Plan 1940

LEXINGTON AVE

ST. JOHN AVE

INDEPENDENCE AVE

12TH STREET

BENT

ON B

LVD

THE

PASE

O

MAPL

E BL

VD

CHES

TNUT

TRF

Y

HARD

ESTY

AVE

GLADSTONE BLVD

BELM

ONT

BLVD

1893

1900

1910

1910

1912

1915

1920

1921

1940

2014

2014

Base Overlay

16Historic Photo Map

2 51

Kessler Park marked the beginning of the Kansas City Parks and Boulevards System. The historical aspects of the parks attributes to its unique identity. Through historical images one can recall the thriving factors of Kessler Park that make it a previously nationally ranked park. Views to the East Bottoms were paramount to the development of Cliff Drive, the urban scenic byway. Historical structures such as the colonnade emphasize the presence of Kessler Park in the Pendleton Heights and Scarritt Point Neighborhood.

6 43

17

Historical Photos

1. The site of the Concourse Fountain 2. The Colonnade 3. Cliff Drive

4. Cliff Drive 5.The Spring along Cliff Drive 6. The site of Cliff Drive before its construction

18

Scarritt Point Historical View Study

1907

19

One of the main focuses of George Kesslers vision was to maintain views throughout the park. The following study was completed to better understand the views the park originally created as well as how the views in the park have changed over time.

20

Scarritt Point Historical View Study

2014

1952

22

Cliff Drive Historical View Study

1952

2014

24

Overview Historical View Study

1910

2014

26

Chestnut Historical View Study

1907

2014

KANSAS CITY METRO SCALE

30

Edge of the City

Physical EdgeManmade Edge

31

All Edge

The unique location of Kessler Park creates a defi ning edge to the city. Physical topographic features of the limestone cliff create a defi nite edge to the North. Man made features support this defi nite edge like highways and built structures. Highways that were constructed around the topography compliment the edge of the park that the cliff creates. The built environment of Kansas City encroaches at the Kessler Park boundry, and diminishes the parks edge. Being the edge of the city Kessler park deserves to be identifi able and serve as a beacon for Kansas City.

32

KESSLER PARK

City Section

North to South

East to West

33

KESSLER PARK

It was paramount that there would be a clear understanding of Kessler Park and its relationship to Kansas City as a whole. From east to west, there is a sectional connection between the central business district, Kessler park and adjacent neighborhoods. Kessler Park is identifi able through the dividing thoroughfare of Chestnut Ave, that not only divides the park but the city as well. From Liberty Memorial to the east bottoms, Kansas City experiences a dramatic change in topography. Kessler park inhabits a drastic change in topography and marks as the edge of the city.

34

Industrial

Commertial

Residential

Agriculture/Vacant

IndustrialCommercialResidentialAgriculture/Vacant

Zoning - 4th Scale

35

For this map zoning was studied at the scale of the Kansas City metro. This was done to better understand how the city is laid out and the proximity of the different types of zoning to each other

36All Relevant Initiatives

Focus KC 1. Citywide physical framework 2. Neighborhood prototypes 3. Preservation 4. Urban Core 5. Northland 6. Human investment 7. Governance

KC RIVERFRONT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1. Intentions for parks adacent to Kessler Park 2. Columbus Park Vision 3. Trails, clean air and land, healthier environment

COLUMBUS PARK PLAN

KCUMB MASTER PLAN BY HELIX 1. Bringing green space in 2. Infl uencing neighborhood development 3. Providing diverse services and learning sectors

NEXTRAIL KC 1. Connect existing activity centers 2. Develop underutillized and vacant property 3. Provide effi cient and reliable transit service

KCDC INDEPENDENCE AVENUE VISION PLAN

GREATER DOWNTOWN AREA PLAN 1. Walkable downtown 2. Double the population 3. Increase employment 4. Safe and authentic neighborhhoods 5. Sustainability

TRUMAN PLAZA PLAN 1. Safe and clean 2. Cultural and hub 3. Attract business 4. Multi-modal transportation options 5. Promote the historic character

BNIM LIGHT TRAIL PROPOSAL 1. Main Street / Grand Boulevard alignment 2. Connections to city through multiple sectors

GRAND BOULEVARD

PASEO GATEWAY CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD

PARKS AND BLVDS. STANDARDS

37Momentum Projects

The redevelopment of Kessler Park and revitalization of the North East is paramount among the city and neighborhood initiatives that are currently being implemented. Knowledge of current and future plans encouraged further implementations. Current initiatives are acting factors in advancing the area and the Vision Plan for Kessler Park would act as a catalyst for development.

HARDESTY RENAISSANCEKC MUSEUMBENTON INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTKCUMB CAMPUS DEVELOPMENTCHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD_PASEO GATEWAYCHOUTEAU COURTSFUTURE TRAILS TO BE ADDED BY PARKS & REC

38

Amenities

Anchor Park Comparison

LIBERTY MEMORIALWORLD WAR II MUSEUM

SKATE PARKOFF LEASH DOG PARK

BASEBALL FIELDS

BIKE PATHSCONCERT VENUEKANSAS BRIDGE

CONCERT EVENT CENTER

DISC GOLFGLADSTONE COLLENADE

BIKE TRAILSCLIFF DRIVE

BALES LAKEPLAY GROUND

DISC GOLF

KANSAS CITY ZOOSTARLIGHT THEATHER

SWOPE POOLGOLF COURSE

KC SPORTING FIELDSSWOPE MEMORIAL

COMMUNITY GARDEN

Walk Score

5

2.52.01.51

.5.25

31

2.52.01.51

.5.25

61

2.52.01.51

.5.25

18

2.52.01.51

.5.25

64

2.52.01.51

.5.25

39Topography Percentage

KESSLER PARK

PENN VALLEY PARK

SWOPE PARK

BLUE VALLEY PARK

RIVER FRONT PARK

Score Card

Kessler Park was one of the fi rst parks to be implemented into Kansas Citys Parks and Boulevards system. Multiple parks have emerged as identifi able anchor parks such as Swope, Penn Valley, Blue Valley and Riverfront Park. To elevate Kessler Park to the same status as these other anchor parks, it was paramount to understand Kessler Park in comparison to these other parks in physical and experiential qualities. A score card was created to measure parks against each other in multiple factors. A reoccurring trend throughout Kansas City Parks is the unique topographic features, which are displayed through the rate of topography change over the course of the park. To create a park that serves the city and community, Kessler Park emerges as the most walk able park in the comparison, allowing access to local amenities. Other anchor parks have developed a sense of identity through providing unique amenities that serve the city and neighborhoods around them. Being aware of the other parks and what they offer allows for the design of Kessler Park to serve as neighborhood amenity, Kansas City designation and to push the Parks and Boulevards System forward.

PARK SIZE

PARK CONNECTIVITY

PARK POPULARITY

PARK SAFETY SCORE

54321

54321

54321

54321

CONNECTIVITY

42Connectivity - Metro Scale

Car Bike

43Connectivity

020406080

25 MIN

38 MIN

40 MIN

46 MIN

60 MIN

KESSLER PARK

KESSLER PARK

KESSLER PARK

1HR 10 MIN

1HR 20 MIN

Bus City Destination

To better understand how accessible the park is, research was done to fi gure out the routes bussers, drivers, and cyclists would use to access the park. This was studied at all scales to better understand how which users would have easier access to the park. A study was also conducted to specifi cally fi nd how probable it was for bus users to be able to visit some of Kansas Citys landmarks and then travel to Kessler Park

44Connectivity-Surrounding Site

B

B

B

B

B

B

B

INDEPENDENCE AVE

12TH ST

THE

PASE

O

CHES

TNUT

TRF

Y

I-70

LEXINGTON AVE

ST. JOHN AVE

BENT

ON B

LVD

MAPL

E BL

VD

EVA YTSEDRAH

GLADSTONE BLVD

DVLB TNOMLEB

CHOUTEAU TRFY

FRONT STREET

GRAN

D BL

VD

MAIN

ST

BROA

DWAY

BLV

D

I-70

I-670

I-29

I-35

9 HIG

HWAY

169

INDI

ANA

AVE

PROS

PECT

AVE

Car Bike

45

INDEPENDENCE AVE.

City ConnectionBus

46Connectivity- Neighborhood Scale

LEXINGTON AVE

ST. JOHN AVE

INDEPENDENCE AVE

12TH STREET

BENT

ON B

LVD

THE

PASE

O

MAPL

E BL

VD

CHES

TNUT

TRF

Y

HARD

ESTY

AVE

GLADSTONE BLVD

BELM

ONT

BLVD

I-70

Bounding Roads Car

ROADS BOUNDING KESSLER PARKROADS TERMINATING AT BOUNDING ROADS

ROADS ACCESSING KESSLER PARKINDEPENDENCE AVE.

47

Bike

30

24

12

10949 MIN

12 MIN

37 MIN

11 MIN

# BUS STOP AND ROUTE NUMBER

WALKING ROUTE TO KESSLER P

NUMBER OF MINUTES WALKINGKESSLER PARK FROM BUS STO# MIN

Bus

BUS STOP AND ROUTE NUMBERWALKING ROUTE TO KESSLER PARKNUMBER OF MINUTES WALKING TO KESSLER PARK FROM BUS STOP

# MIN

#

48

INDEPENDENCE AVE

THE

PASE

O

LEXINGTON AVE

MAPL

E BL

VD

PROS

PECT

AVE

CHES

TNUT

TRF

Y

CLIFF DRIVE

ST. JOHN AVE

BENT

ON B

LVD

GLADSTONE BLVD

Car Bike

Connectivity- Site Scale

SURROUNDING CONTEXT

52Neighborhood Associations

53

123

PENDELTON HEIGHTS

SCARRITT RENAISSANCE

INDIAN MOUNDJACKSON AVE TO BENNINGTON AVE, INDEPENDENCE AVE TO GLADSTONE BLVD 1.327 SQAURE MILES POPULATION 9822

N. CHESTNUT TRAFFICWAY TO JACKSON AVE, INDEPENDENCE AVE TO CLIFF DRIVE.930 SQUARE MILES POPULATION 6290

I-29 TO N CHESTNUT TRAFFICWAY, INDEPENDENCE AVE TO CLIFF DRIVE+.735 SQUARE MILES POPULATION:3277

AVG AGE: 32 MARRIED COUPLES 86.9% 12.1% FAMILIES



AVG HOUSE SIZE: 2.4 % OF UNITS WITH MORTGAGE 54.5%



INCOME: 25,467 PERCENT BELOW POVERTY LEVEL 38.8%



4 PASEO WEST 5 INDEPENDENCE AVE 6 LYINS

Since Kessler Park is nestled within multiple neighborhood associations it was important to understand their role as major stake holders and users of the park.

54Age

70 OR MORE50-70 YEARS30-50 YEARS20-30 YEARS

UNDER 19Under 19

20-30 YEARS30-50 YEARS50-70 YEARS70 OR MORE

55

Under 19 Years

30-50 Years50-70 Years

20-30 Years

Above 70

To better understand the user that would most likely use the park on a regular basis, a study was conducted of the demographics of the area. Focusing on ethnicity, age, education, and income, a chart was then created to better fi nd any patterns or majorities.

56

NO SCHOOLING4TH GRADE OR LESS

MIDDLE SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOL, NO DIPLOMA

HIGH SCHOOL GRAD/GEDASSOCIATES, BACHELORS, MASTERS DEGREE

SOME COLLEGE, NO DEGREEPROFESSIONAL DEGREE/DOCTORATE

Education Demogrphics

NO SCHOOLING4TH GRADE OR LESS

MIDDLE SCHOOLHIGH SCHOOL, NO DIPLOMA

HIGH SCHOOL GRAD/GEDASSOCIATES,BACHELORS, MASTERS DEGREE

SOME COLLEGE, NO DEGREEPROFESSIONAL DEGREE/DOCTORATE

57

No Schooling

Middle school

4th grade or less

High school graduate High school no diploma

Associates, Bachelors, Master DegreesSome college no degree Professional Degree, Doctoral Degrees

58

WhiteBlack

AsianNative Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

American Indian/Alaska Native

OtherTwo or More Races

Ethnicity

WHITEBLACKASIAN

NATIVE HAWAIIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDERAMERICAN INDIAN/ ALASKA NATIVE

OTHERTWO OR MORE RACES

59

White

AsianBlack Indian American

Hawaiian Two or more races Others

60

Under 20,00020,000-40,000

40,000-60,00060,000-100,000100,000-150,000More than 150,000

Income

Under 20,00020,000-40,00040,000-60,000

60,000-100,000100,000-150,000

More than 150,000

61

Less than $20,000 $40,000 - $60,000

$60,000 - $100,000

$20,000 - $40,000

$100,000 - $150,000 Over $150,000

62

Less than a HighSchool Diploma

High School Graduate/GED

Some College, No DegreeAssociates Degree

Bachelors Degree or Higher

Less than $25,000

$25,000 to $50,000

$50,000 to $100,000

More than $100,000

Under 25 Years

25 to 44 Years

45 to 64 Years

Over 65 Years

Demographics

63

Less than a HighSchool Diploma

High School Graduate/GED

Some College, No DegreeAssociates Degree

Bachelors Degree or Higher

Less than $25,000

$25,000 to $50,000

$50,000 to $100,000

More than $100,000

White

Black

Asian

American Indian/Alaskan Native

Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander

Other

Two or More Races

64Zoning

The zoning at the Neighborhood and Site scale was studied to better understand how the zoning of the Northeast area, specifi cally the area near the part of Kessler Park, functioned and would affect the design.

65Blight

Crimes Against Location & VacancyHuman Impacted Blight

A study was conducted to better understand how much crime is actually partaken in throughout the neighborhood near Kessler Park. This research was split into two maps, the fi rst being against building and other infrastructures and the other specifi cally about crime against other people.

66East-West Section

67

Intricate sections were examined between Indepenence Ave and the Missouri River. The large topography change is paramount when considering the transformation of Kessler Park. The park is defi nied by topography not only by the cliff from north to south, but as well as a high point in the area from east to west, specifi cally at Scarritt Point and the location of the water reservoir.

68North-South Section

69

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

12

13

14

15

16

17

11

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

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38

40

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42

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44

45

46

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

55

70Viewsheds

72Neighborhood Amenities

Located along the Independence Ave. corridor and the re-emerging East Bottoms, Kessler park has a direct connection to a multitude of neighborhood amenities. Clusters of amenities such as food, convenient stores, specialty shops and public institutions are located within a 15 minute walking distance from Kessler Park as well as located along a public transit route that connects the east bottoms to independence ave to the rest of Kansas City. As Kessler Park evelolves into a City and Neighborhood amenity, it is located in the proxitimity to other assets, which can aid in the success of eachother.

73

KESSLER WINE MIXER

TREE LOVE CLASSICURBAN DIRTY CHALK WALK

SUMMER DUSK CONCERT SERIES

LIBERIAN CELEBRATION

RAINBOW RUN FOR EQUALITYKC TWEED RIDE

COMMUNITY RUNS

SOCCER FOR SUCCESSTOUR OF KC BIKE RIDE

FARMERS MARKET

KNIFE & PORK

CHILDRENS ART PROGRAM

HISTORIC HOMES TOUR

E

V

E

N

T

1 YEAR CYCLEJ F M A M J J A S O N D

EVENTS CULTUREACTIVE OTHER

CULTURE

ACTIVE

ART

Neighborhood Events

With events already taking place in Kesser Park, it was important to understand what the events were and where they took place. This map was also used to study events that take place in the neighborhood now that could potentially be moved to Kessler Park.

74Void Study

75

The boundaries of the park as defi ned by the Parks and Rec Department were not the same boundries users feel when they are inhabiting the park. The encroachment of the city into the park creates an unclear edge which became defi ned as the fringe. The Fringe is a optimal area to design a defi nite edge of the park and neighborhood by seperating the two while still creating a coehesive relationship.

76Neighborhood Study - Fringe

77Neighborhood Study - Fringe

Building Continuity Tree Continuity Implied Street Front

Private Lot Factors Public Lot Factors

The current entrance to Kessler Park is best defi ned as a trickle access. Streets accessing the park from Independence Ave; Paseo, Prospect, Chestnut, Benton and Indiana Ave also stretch the length of Kansas City and connect multiple city amenities to Kessler Park. The current status of each of the feeder streets into Kessler Park are undefi ned by landscape and vary in street continuity and condition. A study was done to fi nd the defi ning edge of each of the feeder streets based off of their physical and landscape street fronts. A condition survey was previously conducted by UMKC, which was split between public and private property conditions. From the neighborhood study it was derived that the Vision Plan of Kessler Park must extend through these feeder streets to Indpenendence Ave to create a visual connection and entrance to the park.

29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing


78Neighborhood Study - Paseo Blvd

79





80Neighborhood Study - Prospect Ave

INDEPENDENCE AVE.

LEXINGTON AVE.

LEXINGTON AVE.

INDEPENDENCE AVE.

81


29-35

22-28

15-21

8-14

0-7

More than 3 Missing


29-35

22-28

15-21

8-14

0-7

More than 3 Missing



82Neighborhood Study - Chestnut Traffi cway

83


SMART

INDEPENDENCE

ELMA

SMART

THOMPSON

29-35

22-28

15-21

8-14

0-7

More than 3 Missing

SMART

INDEPENDENCE

ELMA

SMART

THOMPSON


SMART

INDEPENDENCE

ELMA

SMART

THOMPSON

SMART

INDEPENDENCE

ELMA

SMART

THOMPSON

29-35

22-28

15-21

8-14

0-7

More than 3 Missing

SMART

INDEPENDENCE

ELMA

SMART

THOMPSON29-3522-2815-218-140-7More than 3 Missing


84Neighborhood Study - Benton Boulevard

85


Neighborhood Study - Benton Boulevard

Private Lot Factor Public Lot Factor



86Neighborhood Study - Indiana Avenue

87





89SITE SCALE

90

Sound Parking

TrashHobo Camp

91

1

2

3

4

TRAIL ADDITION OR IMPROVEMENT

STONE STEPS ADDITION

STONEWALL & VIEWSHED ADDITION

AmenityCliff Drive Improvement

To better understand the park and the surrounding area, studies were conducted researching hobo camps, parking, sound, trash dumping and amenities within the

park. A map was also created to note improvements that are being implemented on Cliff Drive, to better understand considerations that would need to happen

when designing the park.

93PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

94First Meeting

95

Over the course of the semester two public charrettes were hosted and multiple neighborhood meetings were attended to obtain information from the people who visit and care for the park. The main purposes of these meetings were to present

the information we gathered, share our design ideas, and obtain feedback and input from stakeholders. Doing this provided a list of problems that needed to be

addressed throughout the park such as problems with erosion and a need for general amenities such as bathrooms and pavillions.

96

Second Meeting

At the second charette feedback was obtained on what stakeholders wanted to see design wise in terms of seating, lighting, gathering spaces, paths, activities

and wayfi nding. An image board was also created for the reservior, to get input of what the stakeholders would prefer in the space.

97

I would do these activites in the park if I could...

zip line exercise with provided equipment climb tness classes

go to festivals

skateboard/longboarding

alpine coaster

dance bungee

bmx bike

hike

picnic

read a book

observe/enjoy wildlifeattend a concert

sh

walk my dog

birdwatching/ observation

draw or paint

nap

photography

y kites

play sports

hammock

Activities

98

I would come to Kessler Park if there were public amenities like...

Second MeetingGathering Spaces

99

I would come to Kessler Park if it was lit like...

Light

100

I prefer paths like...

Second MeetingPaths

101

What kind of seating would you prefer?

Seating

102

Which type of waynding do you prefer?

Wayfi ndingSecond Meeting

103

What would you like to see happen in the reservoir?

Climbing Concerts

Greenspace

Outdoor Cinema Light Park

Graffitti Gallery

Skate Park Gathering Space

Outdoor Museum Amusement Park

Play Structures

Sprayground

Garden Ruin

Reservior

104

ACTIVITIES

WAYFINDINGLIGHT

SEATINGPATHS

PUBLIC AMENITIES

Favorite Design ElementSecond Meeting

105

Reservior and Scarrit Point

107DESIGN

108Zone Diagram Concept

While experiencing Kessler Park the realization arose that the park was divided into different zones based off of use, physical and visual boundaries. Unique

topography, a defi ning tree edge and the urban continuity of the neighborhood begins to evolve physical and visual boundaries of each zone, which have been

labled asThe Western Gate, The Resevoir, The Link, Chestnut Pass, Formal Gate, and Scarritt Point

109

ZONES1_ WESTERN GATE

2_ THE RESERVOIR3_ THE LINK

4_ CHESTNUT PASS5_ FRONT PORCH

6_ SCARRITT POINT

1

2

3

4

5

6

110

Concept Diagrams

Along the major thoroughfare from Independence Avenue to Kessler Park, a boulevard design was implemented to create an entrance to the park and connect to the zipper.

The fringe of the edge of the park developed an area for the implementation of the zipper which would create a defi ned edge and connection between the city and park. Larger areas of the fringe allow for design intervention that coincided with George Kesslers original design for fi ne embellishments around the edge and development of formal lawns. The areas for embellishment were also in line with the zone activities created in the Western Gate, the Reservoir, the Formal Gate, and Scarritt Point.

111

BENTON BLVD.

INDIANA AVE.

PROSPECT AVE.

THE PASEO

INDEPENDENCE AVE.

Layers of intervention are layered to the park design, with the most intervention being at the zipper and edge of the park, followed by fi ne embellishments in the zones, leaving the wild core of Kessler Park untouched.

The zipper implementation also creates a new level of connection between all zones of the park. With this design the connection between Kessler Park and the city is stronger and elevates its identity and presence.

112

Traffi c Change Diagrams

For the design, multiple changes were made in traffi c to implement a safer experience for pedestrians and drivers alike. The largest proposal for traffi c changes is located at the Paseo entrance of I-29 from Independence Avenue. The current intersection is dangerous for all modes of circulation and doesnt create a clear entrance to the park. Relocating the entrance ramp to I-29 further west will alleviate congestion and allow for urban development for connect the city to the park.

113

Closing Cliff Drive to vehicle traffi c allows for safer use of the drive by park users and is in line with current plans to close Cliff Drive to one way traffi c and closing it completely on weekends.

Closing the part of Gladstone Boulevard that currently divides and creates a unsafe environment for park users in the Concourse will allow for a safer park. The rerouting of both streets will also direct drivers to the Scarritt Point entrance to Cliff Drive and the Kansas City Museum.

114

Park Connectivity

Before redesigning of Kessler Park, the different zones were very disconnected and fragmented. The only means of connection between zones was Cliff Drive, but it was unsafe and in a state of deterioration. To improve pedestrian use, Cliff Drive will be closed to vehicular traffi c and a new boulevard, the zipper, will be created. The zipper will become a scenic byway emerging along the developed edge of the park and leave a safer, active, pedestrian circulation through the core of Kessler Park.

115

Essential Amenities

The lack of essential amenities is a prominent issue in Kessler Park. By distributing amenities such as bathrooms, pavilions and benches, it will provide basic features for all park users within a 5 minute walking distance from any location.

116

By implementing a multitude of activities in the parks program that are fi xed, such as rock climbing, amphitheaters, and activity courses, as well as fl exible programming in areas of open lawns, creates areas for a diverse range of users. Studying their relationship to each other throughout the park allows for a better understanding of how to implement connectivityFlexed vs Fixed Program

Fixed Program Flex Program

117

Park Program

118

Master Plan

George Kesslers vision for the park was a rugged, picturesque place with very little attempt on the hillsides and valleys at the so called improvements in the

form of fi ne lawns and garden schemes, however near the residential districts there may be considerable fi ne embellishments The master plan incorporated

layers of intervention to that respected Kesslers Vision by implementing the most designed element of the park, the zipper, along the edge of the park.

The next layer of intervention were Zones located in that were closest to the neighborhoods. The wild core that Kessler wanted to maintain is respected in our

master plan, with the implementation of very few light-handed elements in the core.

120

Master Plan - Zipper

The main goal of the vision plan was to reconnect Kessler Park to Independence Ave through implementing a boulevard treatment to the major feeder streets of Kessler Park that would lead to the Zipper. The zipper is a complete street for pedestrian and vehicle traffi c that defi nes the edge where the park and city meet. This is done by a landscaped boulevard that creates a park experience along the new byway. The zipper also connects all zones of the park for users and allows for the closure of Cliff Drive to pedestrian traffi c.

122

THE PASEO

sidewalk 12

road24

parallel parking10

bike lane10

buffer4

sidewalk8

bioswale 3Master Plan - Zipper

Standard Plan

Standard Section

123Paseo Neighborhood

Formal Gate

Neighborhood Lake

Reservoir

124

Master Plan - Zipper

Lake PlanPaseo Neighborhood Plan

125

Concourse Plan

Reservoir Plan

126

Master Plan - Western Gate

Rerouting the on ramp to I-29 is a key initiative in increasing the safety for all modes of transportation traveling the Paseo Independence Ave intersection.

Moving the on ramp further west allows for a new urban development gateway into Kessler Park and the Northeast better connecting the area to the rest of the city. This move also optimized views and the added greenery extends to

reconnect with KCDCs previous design for Independence Avenue

Parti

Master Plan

127

Suggested Traffi c Changes Green Spaces Axon

Panorama

128

Master Plan - Western Gate

8.2 ACRES

7.4 ACRES

6.8 ACRES

6.6 ACRES

7.4 ACRES

6.6 ACRES

9.5 ACRES

5.5 ACRES

Connection Diagram Current Land Use Proposed Land Swap

Section

130

Master Plan - Reservoir

Located at the heart of Kessler Park, the zone which holds the reservoir emerges as a hub for all the activities of the park. High traffi c of the trails allow for park

users to meet and disperse at this zone. With the implementation of the zipper, the neighborhood and park begin to merge together to create a unique park

experience. Master Plan

Parti

131

Loop Diagram Axon

Panorama

132

Master Plan - Reservoir

Disc Sheds Backdoor Diagram

Sections

134

Master Plan -Chestnut/Wild

Chestnut is designed to connect the parks multiple zones through trails. A new connection between Chestnut and Cliff Drive is created as well as a vertical

connection from the East Bottoms to the level of the park through the pedestrian bridge. Chestnut is a key element in water management for the entire park with a habitable water retaining plants. The lake becomes more accessible with parking

and open public space under the Lexington Bridge. Once a drive through, Chestnut becomes re integrated as a piece of the park. The Wild will be left alone except for

a few, light, simple elements to upgrade the quality of activities in the wild.

Parti

Plan of Chestnut

135

Amenity DiagramPlan of the Wild

136

Neighborhood Connection Axon

Panorama

Park Connection


137

575 340 447

1227

658

558

Traffi c Entering Kessler Park Traffi c Exiting Kessler Park Chestnut Independence Ave Traffi c

Chestnut Section

138


Bottom of Bridge

139

Bridge Section

Top of the Bridge

140

Master Plan -Formal Gate

With a direct connection to the neighborhood and deep historical roots, the formal gate presents itself as an urban park that serves the area. Through the

suggestion of closing Gladstone and Benton Blvd, the center of Formal gate will provide safety for pedestrian. The existing courts and playgrounds are

reconnected to the new larger fountain plaza through a axial plaza that frames and celebrates the Colonnade.

Parti

141

Formal Geometry Formal Axis Axon

Section

142

Master Plan - Formal Gate

Panoramas

144

Master Plan - Scarritt Point

With the bold presence of the Kansas City Museum and spectacular views, Scarritt Point connects with the surrounding acting associations by providing a

community amphitheater and large viewing tower. Trails are included to reconnect to Cliff Drive and other areas of the park.

Parti

145

Connection to the Museum Axon

Panorama

146

Master Plan - Scarritt PointSection

Enclosure DiagramScarritt Views

149RESERVOIR

150HIstory of ReserviorHIstory of Reservior

One of the few elemnts that the Board of Park Commissioners approved for the park was a plan for a depressed water reservoir to be constructed at Prospect Point in 1921. The reservoir was meant to meet the growing demands of the breweries, icehouses, and railway stations that were developing in the East Bottoms. The water reservoir is 590 long by 230 wide, and could hold a total of 16 million gallons of water. The large basin is fi tted with a cross bridge between the two sides both of which have an overfl ow tower located in them. After a short life of only 10 years the water reservoir was drained in 1931 due to infrastructure problems and the implementation of updated drainage and sewer plans through-out Kansas City.

151Pictures of Current Reservior

Over the 80 years it has sat empty, overgrowth of trees and weeds have occurred taken over the reservoir. Railings on the cross bridge, the stairs, and the infra-structure have apparent signs of deterioration. Even though guarded by an iron fence, people have begun to change the inside face of the water reservoir, which is now lined with graffi ti. With combined efforts from Pendelton Heights, Scarritt Point, the Parks and Recreation Department and other concerned citizens, the Cliff Drive association has began to make moves towards repurposing the water reservoir. Ideas have cultivated and steps in which a fi nal plan can be achieved is in the works. Through stakeholder discussions, it has been discovered why the water reservoir is held in such high regards. It could be a beacon, an opportunity to bring identity to Kessler Park and the Northeast neighborhood. With the right programmatic function of the reservoir, more people from the city and beyond would be drawn to the park increasing popularity of the area. Citizens of the Northeast District see the park as part of their community, they hold valueto its success. Members take pride in their community and they see the water reservoir as a unique amenity. The water reservoir may sit empty but it is full of opportunity.

152Pictures of Current Reservior

kcdc_kessler park analytical research

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