A refurbished entrance now welcomes visitors entering Shawnee Mission Park from Renner Road, along with a memorial plaza honoring the first superintendent of what’s now Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The John Barkley Plaza was designed not only to provide a meeting spot for park visitors but also to tell the story of Barkley and the evolution of the county park system. Other features include seat walls, a shade pavilion, a drinking fountain, a bike-share rack and a bike repair station, along with an existing flagpole near the park entrance. “John Barkley’s love for nature, combined with his vision and dedication to provide public park space for the community to enjoy outdoor recreation and nature, made him the perfect fit,” said Jeff Stewart, executive director of the park district.
Source: Joco 913 News
