This newsletter brings you lots of fun things to do right here in Platte County.  We invite you to challenge yourself to get out and see the cool places we mention.    Please forward this newsletter to your friends and acquaintances who might enjoy it and want to sign up to receive it regularly. We believe by bringing you information on PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO and WHAT's HAPPENING in our newsletter and on our web site, we are helping inform you about amenities and activities in Platte County that you can enjoy, encouraging your use and support and promoting continued development.  This improves our quality of life here in Platte County.  We all become more familiar with the communities throughout the county and enjoy what each has to offer.  Would you please take the time today to join and help support this cause?  The Friends of Platte County Parks and Recreation is a volunteer run, tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit, with no paid employees.  Our expenses are for email, web site, marketing, printing, postage and events.  It does take some money to do these things.  Can we count on your help?  A little bit goes a long way with us!  Thank you for your consideration. You can join us/donate to the cause at http://www.friendsofplattecountyparks.org/Become_a_Friend.html Margie Maasen, President We welcome you to volunteer your talents whether it be helping run a race, picking up trash, planting flowers/trees, writing articles for our newsletter or many of the other activities needed.  What would you like to do?  Email us at info@friendsofplattecountyparks.org  WHAT'S HAPPENING.............. http://www.friendsofplattecountyparks.org/What_s_Happening.html   In these trying times, many think parks, trails and recreation should be cut out or reduced severely.  Platte Countian's have voted, twice now, to build our county, with amenities of parks, trails and recreation, funding it with a 1/2 cent sales tax.  We in the Friends of Platte County Parks and Recreation, believe by bringing you information, that you can enjoy these amenities and support them.  We do this through events, on our web site and through these newsletters to help you enjoy amenities being developed throughout Platte County.  Please pass this newsletter along to your friends, family, coworkers, etc.  too. Would you please take the time today to join and help support this cause?  We also welcome your involvement in this group.  FYI - We are a volunteer run, tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit, with no paid employees.  Our expenses are for email/other marketing, printing , postage, web site and events.  It does take some money to do these things.  We are getting low on funds now.  Can we count on your help?  A little bit goes a long way with us!  Thank you for your consideration.     Margie Maasen, President Tim Kristl, Treasurer     Jim Shoemaker, Secretary Neil Davidson, Member Angie Mutti, Member Brian Nowotny, Member (non-voting)    It's easy to make a difference today...   Did you know that you can make a difference today by joining the Friends of Platte County Parks & Recreation - membership/donations start at just $25.  It's easy, just print and fill out the form at http://www.friendsofplattecountyparks.org/Become_a_Friend.html  and mail or use the PayPal Donate button.

In Case you missed the presentation - on March 22, 2012  –    Learn about the current and future connection of trails in Platte County including Riverside, Parkville, Platte City, Weston and Kansas City.  Projects include the Southern Platte Pass Trail extension under I-29 at 64th St./45 hwy. New Line Creek Trail, Missouri Riverfront Trail and the Prairie Creek Greenway Trail, Northwood Road Trail, etc. Connecting Communities Through Trails in Platte County By Brian Nowotny, Director of Parks & Recreation for Platte Richard Allen,  Kansas City Parks & Recreation Mike Duffey, Director of Community Development for Riverside Kirk Rome, Director of Public Works, Parkville Aaron Bartlett of Mid America Regional Council (MARC) - SUMMARY On March 22nd the Friends of Platte County Parks and Recreation hosted an Open House to inform the general public about the efforts currently underway to plan and build new trails in Platte County.  Over thirty people were in attendance and heard updates on current and future projects from multiple agencies including Platte County, the City of Kansas City, City of Riverside, City of Parkville, and the Missouri Department of Transportation.   Since September of last year seven new walking and biking trail projects have been under development through these organizations working collaboratively to implement the Northland Trails Vision Plan and the MetroGreen plan in Platte County.   This level of cooperation to build new trails in our county is unprecedented and represents local elected officials recognizing the importance that voters have placed on improving the quality of life through parks and recreation.   Attendees at the Open House heard updates on several projects that have recently been completed including the third phase of the Line Creek Trail and two trails inside Platte County parks.  The Line Creek Trail, a new half mile section from 68th Street to Frank Vaydik Park along Line Creek was funded by the City of Kansas City.  The connection to the Line Creek Community Center adds additional parking options so that residents from all over the city can access and enjoy this beautiful and scenic trail.   The recently completed Barry-Platte Park trail, located off of Old Stagecoach Road north of Barry Road, is an extension of the park trail to a full .75 mile loop funded by the Platte County Parks and Recreation sales tax.   The Platte Ridge Park trail improvement included paving upgrades to the .33 mile loop also funded by the Platte County Parks and Recreation sales tax in the park just north of Platte City.   Trail projects now or soon to be under construction and scheduled for completion later this year include the following high priority connections:   ü  Prairie Creek Greenway Trail.  The Prairie Creek Greenway is a 140 acre greenbelt located off of N Hwy south of Platte City.  A new half mile section connecting the trail from the Timber Park neighborhood into Platte City and the R-3 School District main campus will be completed this summer with assistance from the Missouri Department of Transportation.  This is important project will connect several neighborhoods and provide a safe route for kids walking or riding their bike to schools in Platte City.    ü  Northwood Road Trail.  The Northwood Road Trail is a new half mile section from 9 Hwy north to 52nd Street connecting Park Hill South High School with neighborhoods along Northwood Road funded by the City of Riverside .  This trail, which is being installed as part of a road improvement project, will improve the safety for pedestrians who utilize that corridor and provide a key link between the schools and a future County park located at 52nd Street.   ü  Southern Platte Pass (Phase 2).  On the eastern end of the Southern Platte Pass trail a third of a mile extension from Chatham Avenue east under I-29 to Roanridge Road is now under construction.  This project is co-sponsored and funded by Platte County and the Missouri Department of Transportation.  Final completion is expected by August to this rout that will provide the final “missing link” in the trail along 64th Street between Parkville and Gladstone.   ü  Line Creek Trail.  The City of Kansas City and Riverside are working together to extend the popular stream-side path from Frank Vaydik Park to Renner Brenner Park.  The route will follow the creek and travel underneath I-29 and connect across Vivion Road in Riverside.  Future sections of the trail will connect north from the Platte Brook neighborhood to Barry Road and up to 152 Hwy, where another east-west connector path is planned.   In addition to these trail projects the Missouri Department of Transportation is also working to extend the Southern Platte Pass trail.  Construction of this next section of the trail on 64th Street/45 Hwy is now underway from 9 Hwy west to K Hwy.  The project is being funded by MoDOT and done in conjunction with the highway wide ning project.  Final completion is expected in 2013.  The transportation department surveyed area residents for input on the project well over a year before the project began, including hosting several public meetings.  They found out a high number of people wanted the alternative transportation options that the shared use path will provide, primarily making the road more walkable and bike friendly.

It's easy to make a difference today...

 Did you know that you can make a difference today by joining the Friends of Platte County Parks and Recreation - membership/donations start at just $25.  It's easy, just fill out the sign up form and mail in or use the PayPal Donate button.

We believe by bringing you information on  PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO and WHAT'S HAPPENING in our newsletter below and on our website at www.friendsofplattecountyparks.org we are helping to inform you about the amenities and activities in Platte County that you can enjoy,  encouraging your use and support and promoting continued development.  This improves our quality of life here in Platte County.  We all become more familiar with the communities throughout the county and enjoy what each has to offer.  Would you please take the time today to join and help support this cause?  We also welcome your involvement in this group.

FYI  -  We are a volunteer run, tax exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit, with no paid employees.  Our expenses are for email/other marketing, printing, postage, web site, and events.  It does take some money to do these things.  We are getting low on funds now.  Can we count on your help?  A little bit goes a long way with us!  Thank you.

                                                                                    Margie Maasen, President,

Preserving, Enhancing and Promoting Parks, Trails, and Recreation for our Quality of Life Friends , NEWS:  We have received word from the IRS for approval of our 501c3 application.  Thank you to Tim Kristl who filed our applicaiton.  We look forward to an active year of spreading the word about how great Platte County is and how we can improve our quality of life with Parks, Trails and Recreation here. YOUR SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL to accomplish  that goal!  It is that time of year when we seek your membership donation to help with our operating cost for the year - 2012.  We are a volunteer non-profit, with no paid staff.  We do however, have costs for web site, email newsletter, postage and printing, and events.  Please take a moment to copy this form and send your membership donation in today to: Friends of Platte County Parks and Recreation for: _____Individual Member ($25)               _____Family Members ($50) _____Community Helpers ($50-250)   _____Corporate Supporter ($250-500)                                 _____Friends of Parks Associate ($500-1000)                                 _____Friends of Parks Sponsor ($1000-2500)                                 _____Partner in Parks ($2500+)                                 _____Other amount Your Name ________________________________________________________ Name of Organization_______________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________ City    __________________________________ St____ Zip   ______________ Email     __________________________________(we will not share it) I/We are interested in _______________________________________________ I would like to volunteer to help with ____________________________________ Please mail to: Friends of Platte County Parks and Recreation at P. O. Box 901355, Kansas City, MO   64190 OR IF YOU PREFER  *** NEW PAY PAL DONATE BUTTON ON OUR WEB SITE *** at     www.friendsofplattecountyparks.org THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT - AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE  to PRESERVE, ENHANCE and PROMOTE Parks, Trails and Recreation for our quality of life in Platte County.                                                                             Sincerely,                                                                              Margie Maasen, President   Please pass this newsletter on to your organization mail list and friends, so they can sign up to receive it also. Thanks! Please mark your calendar to submit events and activities for April and May by March 16 to info@friendsofplattecountyparks.org.  Thanks. WHAT'S HAPPENING:      Mark your calendar  Presentation by Platte County, Riverside and Kansas City, MO - "Where are you on the map?  Trails Connecting Platte County Communities - present and future"  5-7 p.m., Thurs., March 22 at Platte County Community Center South in Parkville, MO TRAIL PARTNERSHIPS IN PLATTE COUNTY: Platte County, Parkville, Riverside, Platte City, Weston, Kansas City, MoDot, US Gov, Universal Alliance (ok no universal alliance YET) COME SEE WHAT'S IN THE WORKS!  Trail under I-29 along 64th St. connecting Southern Platte Pass Trail segments over to Gower and Line Creek. Line Creek Trail down to Riverside trail network and the Missouri Riverfront Trail, Extension of Prairie Creek Greenway Trail into Platte City Trail network and more....  or for update on County Trails go to  http://www.platteparks.com/news/2011/113011.html and Prairie Creek Greenway expands at http://www.platteparks.com/news/2011/092311.html PLATTE COUNTY EXPANDING COMMUNITY CENTERS - more at www.platteparks.com HIGHWAY ROUTE 45 CONSTRUCTION UPDATE FROM MoDot at http://www.modot.org/kansascity/major_projects/route45_000.htm BIKE SHARE AND OTHER COOL PLANS FOR BIKERS AND WALKERS IN KC - go to http://bikewalkkc.org GRAB YOUR DANCING SHOES FOR the FREE Senior Dances at Riverside Community Center - last Monday of the month 1-3 p.m. features the Ed Smith Band. MAIN STREET PARKVILLE ASSOCIATION seeks sponsors for coming events: - - Parkville Cruise Nights the firs Saturday of each month for April 7, May 5, June 2, August 4 and September 1. go tomsparkville@sbcglobal.net or www.parkvillemo.org for more info and details on how to help. AND NOW FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS IN PLATTE COUNTY......                      ST. MATTHEWS CHURCH was built in 1844, Riverside, MO - check it out....   Here are the events for Park University Free admission to these games…A complete athletics schedule can be found at http://www.parkathletics.com/news/dept/all_events.shtml#/?i=1 ---  baseball/softball home games at Park for Spring season will have rainouts and make-up dates are always a possibility…The athletics department is wonderful about updating the schedule as needed.   MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION - PARMA WOODS, 15900 River Rd.,(by I-435)  Parkville has events and classes from B call 816-891-9941 for details or to sign up http://mdc.mo.gov/node/283     © 2012 Friends of Platte County Parks and Recreation

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What’s all this about rescinding the Sales Tax for Parks, Trails, Recreation and Storm Water???

Concern about budgets being low for Prosecutor and Sheriff departments, but not for Parks and Storm Water because there is a dedicated voter approved Parks and Storm Water tax, prompts talk of a rescission to the Parks tax. See below for County Commissioner Press Releases and letter from the Prosecuting Attorney, Eric Zahnd for details. 

A HEALTHY DISCUSSION and

              FOOD FOR THOUGHT……………

Friends and our Elected Officials,

We believe that the Prosecutor, the County Commissioners, elected officials and the Friends of Platte County Parks and Recreation non-profit group have the same motivations.  We all desire a safe, family friendly community to live in.  We don't think we are far apart in how we can make that vision happen.

At a recent Park Partners lunch meeting, we talked about the success of communities where law enforcement and parks and recreation work closely together to provide safe places and activities for citizens.  Cooperating together actually reduces crime, while building healthier environments to live in.  Our law enforcement professionals have a great deal of knowledge in the area of crime and potential criminals, and probably have some great ideas on how to prevent or reduce crime. How do you think Parks and Recreation could work together with our law enforcement to prevent or reduce crime in Platte County? 

Perhaps thoughtful planning and development with safety and an easy law enforcement focus would be very beneficial as our county continues to grow so rapidly.  An example would be park like amenities such as wide sidewalks/trails, where more and more neighbors are out walking in their neighborhoods and getting to know their surroundings better. With more people actively engaged in their community, does it reduce the opportunity for crime?  Do youth need safe places in our community to go for recreation rather than have idle time and lack of opportunity for healthy activity?  We see a great deal of support for these amenities already and it is growing.

Platte County is rapidly developing and the citizens seem to want many things, they want government to provide.  It is a challenge to balance all the needs and desires.  We believe we can do some very creative things, working together for the betterment of Platte County. We look forward to hearing your ideas too. 

We are fortunate to have such excellent professionals in office and on staff managing our county. Your dedication and efforts for our county are greatly appreciated.

Margie Maasen, President
Friends of Platte County Parks and Recreation

Friends - Share your thoughts and ideas on our new Face book page.

With these ideas in mind, we are working to provide an informational meeting in the next month about TRAILS IN PLATTE COUNTY – covering the continuation of the new LINE CREEK TRAIL, 64^th ST/GOWER CONNECTION, from Parkville to Line Creek  as well as the new RIVERSIDE connections with LINE CREEK TRAIL and on to the MISSOURI RIVERFRONT,  PLATTE CITY/KCI corridors and WESTON trails.  Stay tuned, more details to follow……and will be posted on our web site at WWW.FRIENDSOFPLATTECOUNTYPARKS.ORG

Become an active Friend and supporter today, help us spread the good news of PARKS, TRAILS, and RECREATION IN OUR COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT PLATTE COUNTY!!!   Send us your contact info at  www.FriendsOfPlatteCountyParks.org  -  Become a Friend page.

PROVIDERS:  We are currently putting the April/May newsletter together – if you have events and activities please send them to us now.  Thank you.

                         platte county commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

Date: January 5, 2012                                               

Platte County YMCA Expansions Put on Hold

In response to the Platte County Prosecutor’s proposed plan to rescind the Platte County Park’s tax in favor of a law enforcement tax, the Platte County Commission has stopped all work on the planned expansions at both Platte County YMCA Centers.

During Tuesday’s Commission Meeting, Platte County Prosecutor, Eric Zahnd, proposed rescinding the current Parks and Recreation Tax, advocated against expansion of the community centers and said the tax should be replaced with a law enforcement tax.

After the budget hearing Tuesday, the Platte County Commission has decided to issue a stop work order until this budget debate is resolved. The construction management firm, J.E. Dunn, has been notified that all work and planning on the Community Centers is to be stopped until further notice.  The Commissioners are in discussion with office holders to look at all possible options.

Letter from the Prosecuting Attorney, Eric Zahnd

Date:  Fri, Feb 3, 2012 1:00 pm

Margie:

Platte County is a wonderful county.  According to a recent survey, people love Platte County for the following reasons, in this order:  a feeling of safety, quality public schools, affordable and good housing, quiet neighborhoods, and proximity to parks and recreation amenities, among other things.

Unfortunately, Platte County now apparently finds itself unable to adequately fund core government functions.  The 2012 budget originally proposed by the County Commission contained a $500,000 cut to law enforcement and cuts to many other areas, such as the public administrator’s office, that will particularly harm our most vulnerable citizens. 

In my opinion, a half-million dollar cut to the Sheriff’s Department would seriously compromise public safety.  Over the past decade, Platte County’s per capita inflation-adjusted spending on law enforcement has decreased significantly, at the same time the number of felonies charged has nearly doubled.  The Commissioners have said they will not support any tax increase and have consistently decreased other taxes in Platte County.  I understand their position to keep taxes as low as possible. 

However, if tax dollars are limited, I believe that law enforcement—which is something only government can provide—should not take a back seat to amenities.  That opinion is not unique to me, as the recent survey and one completed a decade earlier demonstrate that public safety is the number one reason people choose to live in Platte County by a significant margin.

For that reason, when the 2012 budget crisis erupted, I suggested the Commission consider allowing the public to decide if it wished to revisit the parks tax.  I proposed allowing the people to decide whether they were interested in dividing the current parks tax between parks and law enforcement as a way to bridge the gap and forestall the draconian cuts to law enforcement and core government services.  Even with a reduction in the parks tax, I believe we could have expanded the community centers and completed many other parks projects, though other projects likely would have been delayed or eliminated.

My suggestion was not particularly novel:  The Commission’s preferred plan when it sought renewal of the parks tax in 2009 was to split the tax evenly between parks and law enforcement.  That plan had the support of key parks tax supporters.  However, for some reason, the plan was scuttled before it was presented to voters.

In light of the ongoing economic downturn which has apparently made it extraordinarily difficult for the County Commission to fund core government services, I believed it was only right to allow the voters to decide which services were most important:  public safety or parks and recreation.  If we were in a situation where only one of the two could be accomplished, I thought we should let the voters tell us which was more important. 

Of course, as prosecuting attorney, I have no power to change the tax structure in Platte County or to place any proposal on the ballot.  Nor do I have the power to order that work on expansions to the community centers be stopped or continue.  Only the County Commission has the authority to make any changes to the tax structure or to order work to continue on the community centers.

My sole concern when it comes to Platte County’s budgeting is that we adequately fund law enforcement.  The good news is that the Commission abandoned its plan in the 2012 budget to cut half a million dollars from the county’s law enforcement agencies.  Supporters of the parks tax will also be glad to know that two of the three Commissioners have said that they would not consider a ballot initiative to see if voters supported splitting the current parks tax between law enforcement and parks. 

It is now essential for the Commissioners to develop a long-term strategy to provide sustainable funding for public safety and other core government services.  They have pledged to do that, and I look forward to hearing their plan.

Thanks.

Eric

Eric G. Zahnd

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney

                         platte county commission

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  

Date: February 8, 2012                                

Stop Work Order Lifted on Community Centers

After a public January 3^rd budget hearing, in which Prosecutor Eric Zahnd proposed rescinding the voter approved one-half cent parks sales tax and replacing it with a one-fourth cent sales tax for law enforcement and a one-eighth cent sales tax for parks, the Commission placed a stop work order for the Community Centers on January 5^th.  The stoppage was issued to allow the Prosecutor’s idea additional time and opportunity to be reviewed. 

While the stop work order has remained in place, the commission consulted independent counsel and has extensively researched the ramifications of rescinding the parks tax as proposed by Zahnd. “We have been advised by independent bond counsel, Rick McConnell at Gilmore & Bell, P.C., that taking actions toward the rescission of the tax would have serious negative effects on the County’s credit rating,” stated Presiding Commissioner, Jason Brown.  “This would negatively affect the value of the County’s outstanding bonds which bond holders have purchased in good faith, and create numerous legal liabilities for the County.”

With funding approved by the County Commission for the Prosecutor at his requested level, the FY12 budget was formally adopted on January 10^th.  Since that time, there has been no additional detail offered to the Commission on rescinding the voter approved parks funding, except by bond counsel.  With this detailed opinion from counsel, the Commission is now moving forward and the stop work order is lifted, effective immediately.

“Our County has made a promise to its citizens. Agreements have been signed with numerous community partners and placing the county in both a financial and legal corner is not an option,” added Presiding Commissioner Jason Brown.  “This Commission will continue to balance the budget while completing all of our obligations and responsibilities.”