Excitement continues to grow as the South Loop Project is celebrating a new funding milestone.  The South Loop Project Team is working hard following the second public meeting in April of 2023, connecting with community members at area events and meetings. They are tackling two general areas – documenting an Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and refining design concepts. 

 A world-class destination worthy of the 2026 World Cup, the South Loop Project is an up-and-coming Kansas City landmark residents and visitors can appreciate and enjoy. The urban park and green space will physically reconnect the Central Business District with the Crossroads Arts District, as well as adjacent neighborhoods and communities. The park will include amenities such as shaded structures, gardens, play spaces, a dog park, local markets, public art, outdoor seating, and more—all built on a deck to be constructed over Interstate 670 downtown (I-670). 

Investment Milestones 

The South Loop Project is officially backed by federal, state, city, and private stakeholders. The project received a big boost when Governor Mike Parson signed Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) state operating budget bills on July 27, 2023, dedicating $28.6 million to the South Loop Project. This builds on the $28.6 million previously awarded to the Missouri Department of Transportation in 2022, requested by Sen. Roy Blunt and with support from Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II. In the meantime, a campaign to elicit more private investments and federal grants continues its work to close the remaining funding gap.  

Through tourism and new investment, a decade long dream is coming true for this economy-boosting endeavor thanks to the public-private partnership between the City of Kansas City, the Downtown Council, and Port KC. 

Building Community Support  

Community engagement continues to be integral to the park design process, and feedback previously collected at two public meetings, online surveys, and events have helped identify a community-oriented vision for the landmark, priorities for potential features and amenities, and ways to connect to nearby communities. 

To raise awareness of the project and gather comments, ​team ​members circulated around town throughout the summer attending pop-up events, neighborhood meetings, and community events, including: 

• Downtown Council 2023 Annual Luncheon 
• Crossroads Community Association – Infrastructure Committee 
• Red Zone NFL Draft Event 
• Downtown Council of Kansas City Committee meetings 
• Guadalupe Center Cinco de Mayo Celebration 
• Mid-America Regional Council Committee meetings 
• River Market Community Association 
• 6th District Monthly Meeting 
• Downtown Neighborhood Association Board + Planning and Development Committee meetings 
• First Friday in the Crossroads 
• 5th District Monthly Meeting 
• Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Task Force  
• Coffee with Carlos at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 
• Westside Neighborhood Association 
• Historic East Neighborhood Coalition 
• Juneteenth Festival 
• KC Connect 
• 2nd Annual Tamale Festival 
• Kansas City Public Library – Central Branch Program 
• City Market Farmers Market 
• Paseo West Neighborhood Association 

Submit a Speaker Request

If you would like a project team member to speak at your meeting or community event during August or September 2023, please submit your request through the online feedback form. 

 Stay tuned! Details are coming soon for the reveal of a preferred park design concept at the South Loop Project’s third public meeting.

For media inquiries, contact City of Kansas City Press Secretary Sherae Honeycutt at sherae.honeycutt@kcmo.org.