VOTE YES Build Westwood's New Park
Westwood Residents for Westwood's Future
Welcome to New Park for Westwood
Our Mission
We are a coalition of Westwood residents in support of the proposed plan to trade the old Joe Dennis Park for the historic location of the WWV Elementary School and build a new city park at no cost to taxpayers.
What your vote means to westwood
YES
YES
YES
- A New 3.86 ac Park with modern amenities such as a bathroom and play and relaxation areas for all ages
- New larger park to better accommodate gatherings and City Events
- New Shelter/ Pavilion for family events such as birthday parties
- Preservation of landmark trees on the old school site and addition of new trees
- Reconnect the city park to the school
- New park will be ADA compliant and meet modern safety and security standards
- Development will bring new Employers, New Restaurants and Retail
- More walkability with close offices and restaurants
- New tax revenue for city services
No
YES
YES
- Current .95 ac park, that is in need of extensive and expensive repairs, will stay.
- City does not have the millions needed to repair old park
- City can not purchase old school site without increasing property taxes by 20% or more.
- SMSD will quickly move to sell to a developer without City input.
- A new Developer may push for uses that residents have expressed they do not want. Including
- Apartments or other multifamily housing
- New parking lot for KUMED
- A Fenced off cell tower location
- Senior Living Facility
- City may need to sell Old church site to pay off debt
- New developer not guaranteed to be a good partner to Westwood
Explore the Possibilities of The New Park in Westwood
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Why We Support This Development
A Space That Reflects Our Community Values
The new park will designed with the needs of Westwood’s families and children at its heart. Dedicated play areas, natural green spaces, and accessible, welcoming amenities will create a space where everyone—of all ages—can enjoy the outdoors safely and comfortably. Community feedback has shown a shared enthusiasm for updated play areas and natural elements that support a family-friendly atmosphere right here in Westwood.
Preserving Green Spaces & Enhancing Safety
Our council’s careful planning reflects Westwood’s commitment to preserving mature trees and green spaces while prioritizing safety and accessibility. Parents and residents have voiced their appreciation for a project that thoughtfully incorporates safe pedestrian pathways and traffic improvements, making Westwood a place where everyone can enjoy their neighborhood on foot or bicycle. This initiative builds a stronger, more connected community.
Supporting Westwood’s Economic and Community Growth
By expanding our green spaces and investing in the future of our neighborhood, this development benefits the local economy, providing resources that will help keep Westwood strong. The tax revenue generated from this development will directly support Westwood’s schools, parks, streets and essential services, securing a sustainable future for our community and a lasting legacy for future generations.
Get The FActs
- The new park will be 3.86 acres, the current park is .95 acres
- The former site of Westwood Christian Church is 1.86 acres and was purchased by the City of Westwood to facilitate expansion of the old Westwood View Elementary or other development. While it has been used as expanded park space it is still considered development land.
- The current Joe D Dennis Park has multiple deficiencies due to age, original construction and changes in Americans With Disabilities Law. The fountain is in need of extensive repairs and can not be turned back on. The play equipment and sand are nearing the end of their useful life. The tennis court has drainage issues that cause pavement and paint failure. The park pathways need to be brought up to ADA standards. This could potentially cost more than $1.5 million. This city does not have any planned available budget for these repairs.
- Many residents have expressed dislike of the current park’s close proximity to traffic on Rainbow Blvd, the associated noise and pollution and the lack of restrooms or a pavilion.
- SMSD will most likely sell the old Westwood View Elementary site to a developer if the City is not able to purchase it with the sale of the old park site and city owned development land on Rainbow.
- The new larger park would expand the tree canopy on the old WWV site while moving play space off of Rainbow and reconnect the city park to the new WWV. Potential park elements and designs include walking trails, pollinator gardens, sitting areas, a pavilion, nature play areas, water features and community green space. With better facilities for beloved community events such as Octoberfest, The Easter Egg Hunt, Movies in the Park, Back to School events and others.
- Karbank was the only developer to approach the city with a proposal and has listened to public and city government official’s feedback about their original proposed designs by reducing square footage, reducing building massing, changing traffic flow, maintaining substantial tree canopy and modifying architectural materials and colors.
- A Public Benefit TIF will be placed on the Karbank Development and the revenue will be used to pay for the development of the new park. This allows the City to develop the new park with a projected budget of $4.5 Million without significantly impacting property taxes on residents.
It’s almost here!
The Vote is approaching fast and we are urging you to vote YES! Don’t forget to return your Ballot!
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Explore these Links for more Information
Imagine Westwood's New Park
City Of Westwood's New Feature Park Homepage
City Of Westwood's 5000 Rainbow Homepage
City Of Westwood's Spring 2025 Special Mail Election Homepage
WE Want your help!
Advocate to your Friends and Neighbors
Advocate to your Friends and Neighbors
Advocate to your Friends and Neighbors
Talk to your friends and neighbors about what this proposal means to you.
Plant a Sign
Advocate to your Friends and Neighbors
Advocate to your Friends and Neighbors
Show your support publicly with a yard sign. We have 'Build our Park" signs available immediately and will soon have new Vote YES signs available.
Donate
Advocate to your Friends and Neighbors
Volunteer to walk your street
Your donation will help us purchase yard signs, door hangers, digital marketing, this website and other campaign costs.
Volunteer to walk your street
Spread the message on Social Media
Volunteer to walk your street
We need volunteers to walk and place door hangers on every house in Westwood. We would love your help, the average block only takes 20-30 minutes.
Spread the message on Social Media
Spread the message on Social Media
Spread the message on Social Media
Use your voice on social media to spread the mess age about how important this project is for the future of our little city.
Join our small team
Spread the message on Social Media
Spread the message on Social Media
Many hands make short work. We welcome help with our organizing efforts.
Support New Park for Westwood
We are a 501(c)4 organization and are accepting donations to support our effort to get a YES vote for a New Park in Westwood. We are accepting donations through Paypal or Personal Check. Please contact us to donate or search 'New Park for Westwood Inc' on PayPal.
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New Park for Westwood Inc
Westwood, Kansas, United States
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