Spring Break
Tulips on Troost
Vy Anh Mai
Issue date: 10/9/06 Section: News
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The Discovery Center's Nature Conservation started its afternoon on Monday, Oct. 2, with a stakeholders meeting informing the community of Kansas City's newest development: Tulips on Troost.
Tulips on Troost was created to beautify the street by planting thousands of flowers along its sidewalks and vacant lots. What started eight weeks ago with a goal of 10,000 tulips has steadily grown to 250,000 this year.
Many board members involved in the project hope to have these tulips planted by spring 2007 along with other perennials, flowering shrubs and trees. There will be a spring celebration at the end to recognize the project's progress.
The meeting started off smoothly as people in the auditorium were listening to speakers talk about the program's mission and its initiative for change. Project manager Tim Duggan was one of the board members there to inform the people how the process of beautifying Troost will actually work.
By looking at the major structures and intersections, Duggan, along with many others, created a plan that includes over 50 blocks on Troost Ave. Many of the tasks needed involved filling in the concrete planters along the sidewalk and putting flowerbeds in vacant areas.
Nevertheless, there was an emphasis on the need for more voluntary and financial assistance to help with the ambitious goals of Tulips on Troost.
Beth Brubaker, board member of the 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition, emphasized these needs.
"There is an assumption that all flowers and beautiful landscaping is paid for by the city, but if you want your neighborhood to be beautiful, you have to work for it and take the responsibility to do it," said Brubaker. "That's what this is all about ... taking responsibility and building community."
UMKC is already an active member; its Arts and Sciences Alumni Association agreed earlier this year to sponsor the community outreach program. The organization plans to invite alumni and encourage UMKC students to help out.
Tulips on Troost was created to beautify the street by planting thousands of flowers along its sidewalks and vacant lots. What started eight weeks ago with a goal of 10,000 tulips has steadily grown to 250,000 this year.
Many board members involved in the project hope to have these tulips planted by spring 2007 along with other perennials, flowering shrubs and trees. There will be a spring celebration at the end to recognize the project's progress.
The meeting started off smoothly as people in the auditorium were listening to speakers talk about the program's mission and its initiative for change. Project manager Tim Duggan was one of the board members there to inform the people how the process of beautifying Troost will actually work.
By looking at the major structures and intersections, Duggan, along with many others, created a plan that includes over 50 blocks on Troost Ave. Many of the tasks needed involved filling in the concrete planters along the sidewalk and putting flowerbeds in vacant areas.
Nevertheless, there was an emphasis on the need for more voluntary and financial assistance to help with the ambitious goals of Tulips on Troost.
Beth Brubaker, board member of the 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition, emphasized these needs.
"There is an assumption that all flowers and beautiful landscaping is paid for by the city, but if you want your neighborhood to be beautiful, you have to work for it and take the responsibility to do it," said Brubaker. "That's what this is all about ... taking responsibility and building community."
UMKC is already an active member; its Arts and Sciences Alumni Association agreed earlier this year to sponsor the community outreach program. The organization plans to invite alumni and encourage UMKC students to help out.
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