Kansas City Council Passes Ordinance to Begin Construction on Roy Blunt Luminary Park

For immediate release: September 3, 2026

Roy Blunt Luminary Park took a transformative step forward today as the Kansas City Council passed Ordinance No. 260718, authorizing the start of construction on the long-anticipated deck park over the south loop of Interstate 670 (I-670). The ordinance secures combined funding from the city, state, federal government, and the civic and philanthropic communities to launch Phase One of construction, marking the culmination of years of planning and community input.

"For 30 years, Luminary Park has been an aspiration for Kansas City. Reaching approval for this first phase has taken time, not because it is not important, but because it is a difficult project," said City Manager Mario Vasquez. "I want to thank the City Council for approving this first phase and recognize the staff and partners who have helped turn this vision into reality."

Phase One will establish over 50 percent of the tunnel infrastructure and deliver one full public space at Block One on the western edge near the Convention Center. Work includes:

• Tunnel infrastructure: Full construction of three blocks of supporting tunnel infrastructure, from Broadway Blvd. to Baltimore Ave. - approximately 50% of the tunnel.
• Park construction: Completion of Block One, from Wyandotte St. to Baltimore Ave.
• Tunnel Systems Building: Infrastructure supporting the entire project footprint, from Broadway Blvd. to Grand Blvd.
• Roadway and infrastructure work: Six blocks of new pavement and drainage improvements on I-670, from Broadway Blvd. to Grand Blvd.

Block One will serve as the community's first fully realized taste of the finished vision. Accessibility and inclusion remain central to Block One's design, with a continued focus on making the park a welcoming gathering space for residents and visitors from every neighborhood and community. Planned features include, but are not limited to:

• Walking paths, terraces, and picnic areas
• Nature and woodland spaces
• Swings, slides, boulder crawls, and adventure play areas
• Art installations and performance areas
• Space for food trucks and community events

Years in the making, and today's vote reflects a real, funded commitment to finally bringing it to life. This phased approach was chosen deliberately. It utilizes available funding to build visible momentum for the project now, while responsibly sequencing infrastructure work and fundraising for the blocks that follow. As Phase One work begins, the project team will continue pursuing philanthropic support for future phases.

Roy Blunt Luminary Park stands to become a vibrant, inclusive asset for recreation, connection, and community at the heart of the city. The City Council and project partners look forward to continued collaboration with residents and stakeholders as Phase One construction gets underway later this year.

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