On Monday, the Shawnee City Council voted 6‑0 to approve a contract with Missouri‑based Next Generation Recreation LLC to replace the aging playground equipment and safety surfacing at West Flanders Park. Councilmembers Kurt Knappen and Erin Aldridge were absent, but the motion passed without opposition.
Why the upgrade is needed
The existing playground, installed in 1996, has reached the end of its service life. City documents warned that continued use could lead to equipment failure and a sudden park closure, jeopardizing the safety of families who rely on the space.
“There’s a lot of concerns with the current playground,” said Tonya Lecuru, Shawnee’s parks and recreation director, during the council meeting. Lecuru explained that community surveys conducted over the summer showed a clear desire for new equipment while preserving the park’s natural features, especially the mature trees that provide shade.
Design and inclusivity
The new playground will retain the medieval theme that honors West Flanders Park’s sister‑city relationship with Pittem, Belgium. It will feature inclusive play options, including seven elevated activities and 15 ground‑level activities designed for children of all abilities.
“One of the things we heard multiple times was that the trees will not be impacted,” Lecuru noted. “We’ll be using the same footprint for the playground and the trees, which is one of the unique, beautiful things about West Flanders Park.” Existing swings will remain, and the design emphasizes imaginative, interactive play to engage children’s creativity.
Funding and timeline
The $866,565 contract is funded through the 2027 Capital Improvement Program, with roughly half covered by the Parks and Pipes sales tax fund and the remainder drawn from the fiscal year 2025 General Fund’s unencumbered balance. City staff sought approval before year‑end so the equipment can be ordered promptly.
Construction is slated to begin in March 2027 and is expected to take eight weeks. The park will stay open throughout the construction period, ensuring families can continue to enjoy the space while the upgrades are installed.
Community response
Residents who participated in the summer surveys expressed strong support for the project, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the park’s natural shade and trees. The inclusive design elements were also praised as a step toward making West Flanders Park a welcoming environment for all families.
With the council’s approval, Shawnee moves forward on a project that not only modernizes a beloved community asset but also reflects the city’s commitment to safe, accessible, and imaginative play spaces for its children.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
