When KCMO voters make a decision on an $800 million infrastructure package on April 4th, they won’t just be voting on changes to city streets, bridges, and sidewalks.
Part of the plan also includes a vote on a $50 million option to fix public buildings, including the city’s animal shelter.
If voters approve the option, a new animal shelter would be built at Swope Park near the intersection of Gregory Boulevard and Elmwood Avenue.
The proposed site is currently home to a Swope Park disc golf course, and the new facility would lead to a redesign of some of the holes.
On Wednesday, 41 Action News spoke to disc golfers at the course about the potential impact to the area.
Many disc golfers supported the need for the new animal shelter, but were concerned about the changes that could be made to the course.
“It shouldn't be too big of a deal,” explained David Potts, who said he competes in professional disc golf competitions. “This sport is so versatile and the game is so great that we can make adjustments."
Potts said that Swope Park continues to be a great place to play the sport, and it has become a popular spot amongst the disc golfing community.
“Through the disc golf world, everyone knows Swope Park in Kansas City,” he explained. “It's the course you want to play when there's an event here."
Advocates for the new animal shelter say a new facility is needed since the current one is outdated and too small.
Potts said he understood the need, but would miss the course’s current design if changes are made.
“It's not terrible for the course at all, it's just a shame because of how great the course is right now,” he said.
Other disc golfers 41 Action News spoke with welcomed the potential changes.
“I think (a new animal shelter) is good for the community,” explained Joshua Wilton, who was playing at the Swope Park course for the first time on Wednesday. “Animals need nature just like we do."
The infrastructure option dealing with the new animal shelter would allocate $14 million in taxpayer money for the project, while $10 million would come from private means.
KC Pet Project Director of Marketing and Development Tori Fugate said project leaders decided on Swope Park after much discussion and planning.
“We've been working with everyone from the City Council to the mayor’s office, the city manager, the Parks & Recreation Department, and have been gifted this wonderful piece of land,” explained Fugate, who said disc golf coordinators were also consulted. “We just wanted to make sure that having that location would be a good solution for everyone involved.”
A city spokesperson told 41 Action News that if the option passes, the disc golf holes that would be impacted would be moved to another spot on the land containing more trees.
Fugate explained that the possible new location for the animal shelter has the added benefit of being close to the Kansas City Zoo, a dog park, and nature trails.
“There's going to be so much to offer and a lot of it is due to the location that we're going to be able to offer these services plus a new modern facility,” she said.
Council members voted in mid-January to approve ballot language for an $800 million infrastructure bond.
The city would like to borrow $800 million over the next 20 years, spending the following:
- $600 million on roads, bridges and sidewalks ($450 million on roads and bridges, $150 million on sidewalks)
- $150 million on flood control
- $50 million for public buildings (which include ADA improvements and the new animal shelter)
The vote on the $800 million KCMO infrastructure package will take place on April 4.
In order to pass, each project question will need at least 57.1 percent approval.
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Tom Dempsey can be reached at Tom.Dempsey@KSHB.com.
