Parkwood Pool, a 50‑year‑old community fixture in Kansas City, Kansas, faces a looming closure unless the city secures new funding. Angel Ferrera, director of Parks and Recreation for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, told The Beacon that the pool loses “hundreds of gallons of water a day” and that ongoing maintenance costs are unsustainable without additional revenue.
Proposed sales tax measure
Voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether to approve a 3/8‑cent sales tax that would generate roughly $8 million annually for park projects and another $8 million for infrastructure such as roads and sidewalks. Ferrera described the funding as “transformational” for the department, which has struggled with aging facilities and limited resources.
Cost of replacing Parkwood Pool
The city estimates that rebuilding the pool on its current site would cost between $5 million and $6 million. The adjoining community center, which suffers from water damage, outdated wiring, and accessibility gaps, would require an additional $300,000+ for repairs.
Why the pool matters
Parkwood is the only free public pool left in the city, providing a vital cooling option during heat waves and a place for children to learn to swim in a region with limited free aquatic facilities and sparse public transit. Ferrera warned that without action, the pool could face a “catastrophic” failure that would force a seasonal shutdown.
Broader park improvements
Ferrera highlighted recent successes in the city’s northeast, where new pickleball courts at Klamm Park and a $1 million redevelopment of Boston Daniels Park have drawn families and reduced vandalism. The Boston Daniels project, led by the nonprofit Boston Daniels Corp, added a modern playground and spurred further development through the Quindaro Peace and Arts District initiative.
Other priority projects include a new park in the Piper neighborhood, upgrades to the Sunflower Hills Golf Course clubhouse, and renovations to several aging community centers that range from 40 to over 100 years old.
Funding history and trends
Wyandotte County has increased its parks budget in recent years, spending $13.3 million on recreation from 2022‑2025. In 2025 alone, more than $4 million was allocated to parks east of Interstate 635, up from just under $3 million the prior year and less than $1 million in the two years before that.
What’s on the ballot
The sales tax measure joins a separate ballot initiative to fund homelessness services. Both taxes would apply to purchases made in Kansas City, Kansas and the broader Wyandotte County area. Voters will also cast ballots for state and federal offices.
Community perspective
Local resident Sherrie Cade, who helped revitalize Boston Daniels Park, said the improvements have changed the neighborhood’s mindset and increased the visibility of children playing outdoors. She emphasized that quality parks are a key factor for families considering moves to the area.
Ferrera concluded that investing in parks now will help the city attract new residents, support families, and preserve essential community resources like Parkwood Pool for future generations.
Original reporting: The Beacon (Kansas City) — read the source article.
