Clay County Parks Launches Master Planning Initiative

Clay County Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites has begun the development of a comprehensive Master Plan designed to set clear goals, objectives, and strategies for the future management and growth of its parks system. The plan aims to provide direction for the department by forecasting community needs and outlining an actionable path forward.

To execute this initiative, the county has engaged CHM Government Services, PROS Consulting, RDG Planning & Design, and ETC Institute, bringing together expertise in government services, planning, and public engagement. The resulting Master Plan will serve as the guiding vision for the agency, including recommendations backed by research and data, as well as measurable actions that are straightforward for staff and stakeholders to interpret and implement.

Public participation is a key component of the planning process, with opportunities for engagement from county staff, key stakeholders, elected officials, and community members. A notable opportunity to share input will be at the 30th annual Eagle Days event at Smithville Lake, which features live eagle programs presented by Operation Wildlife.

Residents are invited to visit the project booth to offer ideas and feedback. Eagle Days will be held Saturday, January 3 at the Paradies Pointe Golf Course Clubhouse, located at 18212 Golf Course Drive in Smithville, Missouri.

For further details about the Master Plan and opportunities to participate, visit the Clay County Parks and Historical Sites Master Plan project website at Engage RDG.

Clay County Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites manages over 6,000 acres of parkland, including two championship golf courses, 80.5 miles of trails, 752 campsites, two marinas, swim beaches, docks, shelters at Smithville Lake, two museums, historic sites, and parks such as Rocky Hollow and Tryst Falls located between Kearney and Excelsior Springs. For questions, contact John Davis, Parks Director at parks@claycountymo.gov.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.