Newsletter (April-June)
1. Message of Appreciation
Hey Neighbor,
We'd like to express our appreciation that so many of you chose to join us for our 2nd Quarter Meeting in June. We were blown away by the turnout, even in the face of inclement weather. We appreciate you for the joy, energy, and important perspectives & questions that you brought into the space.
A lot has changed at Groundwork since the start of the pandemic. Our staff has nearly doubled in size, and our entrance into the Groundwork USA trust network has created an opportunity to expand our youth programming into the environmental space with the Green Team. Now that vaccination is becoming more widespread, we're thrilled to be reconnecting face-to-face.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us, and sticking with us through a hard year. The work of community-driven action, rooted in principles of equity, inclusion, and justice is always ongoing, and we get the strength to keep running this marathon from you.
With love,
The Groundwork Team
2. Heritage Trail Tour
As you may have heard, Groundwork is taking the lead to implement the community's vision of a heritage trail spanning Northeast KCK. The northeast is blessed with fascinating historical sites—like the nationally-recognized Quindaro Townsite—and a rich history which spans generations. The purpose of the NE KCK Heritage Trail is to connect those sites with a single path that utilizes as much existing green space as possible and provides a reason for everyone to get out and get active.
This quarter, we were thrilled to take an important step towards making the trail a reality. After interviewing a number of consulting firms, Groundwork selected COLLABO, who had previously worked on the planning process for the Northeast Area Master Plan. In May, COLLABO came to tour Northeast KCK and begin the process of connecting history to physical spaces.
Mr. Chester Owens, esteemed local historian, led the tour. COLLABO and the Groundwork staff followed Mr. Owens throughout the community, accompanied by roughly twenty other community members and partners. The group stopped at locations of interest along Mr. Owens' tour—including the John Garland Park, Parkwood Park, and the Overlook at the Quindaro Ruins—to learn about the rich history of these locations and think about how they might be incorporated into the trail.
The tour was a fountain of information. Many in attendance noted how impressed they were by the extent of Mr. Owen's knowledge. At one point, the tour group was diverted off course, and Mr. Owens was able to continue his narrative without hesitation, as he also had a deep familiarity with the history of the sites along the unexpected detour.
The notes captured from Mr. Owens'—and from other community members who participated in the tour—will inform COLLABO's work as they structure the process for community input into the project. If you are interested in being part of the steering committee for the NE KCK Heritage Trail, please email info@northeastkck.org or call 913-371-9298 (ext 8).
3. Walk Audits
We are pleased to report that the long-awaited Westheight Walk Audit was completed in May. Residents of Westheight walked the streets in their neighborhood and made notes about the most pressing infrastructure improvements needed to make the streets safe for pedestrians, bikes, and wheelchairs. The program was facilitated by Groundwork, the Historic Westheight Neighborhood Association, Dotte Agency, and the Community Health Council of Wyandotte County.
The Westheight Walk Audit complimented the five previous walk audits Groundwork conducted prior to the pandemic. Groundwork staff and partners are now working to update routes initially audited before the pandemic, to ensure that the the audit maps are still accurate.
In June, this presented an opportunity for the participants in Groundwork's youth Learn to Earn summer program to learn about advocacy and safe streets. Learn to Earn participants accompanied Groundwork staff on a walk through Parkwood Neighborhood. The class learned about the long process of advocating for street improvements and why these improvements are important to creating a safe, healthy community.
These walk audits were the first programs facilitated by Groundwork's newest staff member, Donna Guerra, in her capacity as the Walk WyCo Community Coordinator. Donna has been with the organization since the end of April, and has busied herself getting out into the community, walking the parks of Northeast KCK and introducing herself to residents.
Recently, Donna launched our new park survey, which will identify the most pressing park improvements needed in Northeast KCK. This survey is important because it will guide our work, establishing our priorities as we advocate with the Unified Government for park improvements. If you are a resident of Wyandotte County, please complete the survey here.
4. Green Team Toolkit
In May, the Green Team Toolkit launched in the Douglass-Sumner Neighborhood. The project collaborated with residents of the neighborhood in order to mitigate stormwater run-off and beautify a vacant parcel at 710 Oakland Ave.
Following a consultation with residents, the Green Team selected a number of native plants and flowers, with the goal of matching the existing aesthetic of the neighborhood. In total, Green Team planted over 100 native flowering perennials and five trees. They also installed a bird bath to support habitat for birds and pollinators.
The Green Team will be working to maintain the parcel going forward, to ensure that the plants survive and flourish. Over the course of the summer and early fall, Green Team will plan and design a pathway to the top of the lot, a rain garden along the west side, and an additional flower bed along the east side of the lot.
5. Pandemic Resources
According to the CDC's current guidelines, vaccinated individuals can return to normal activities without wearing a mask or staying 6-feet apart, except where otherwise required by local laws or rules. If you have not yet been vaccinated, the CDC recommends avoiding crowded environments, like live performances, movie theaters, or full-capacity worship services. Learn more about what activities are considered safe for unvaccinated individuals at CDC.gov
As of July 30th, 2021, about 40% of Wyandotte County residents have received at least one dose of an FDA-approved vaccine. All Groundwork staff have received a vaccination, and we recommend you do so as well, as vaccines reduce the severity of a COVID infection, and reduce the chance that you will spread an infection to a friend or family member.
Visit the UG COVID hub and:
Request a ride to a vaccine site
Request a vaccine be brought to you (for homebound persons, organizations, and businesses)
Learn about vaccinations sites and hours of operation
All people ages and up can receive a free vaccine with or without an appointment
Register to volunteer at a vaccination site
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We would also like to share information about a new federal program: the FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB).
The EBB provides up to $50/month for households to purchase broadband internet subscriptions. The program also provides up to $100 for a laptop, desktop, or tablet purchased through a participating provider.
You can qualify for this program if you have income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Line. In 2021, for a family of four, 135% of the poverty line is a household income of $35,775/year.
This program will only operate as long as funds last. To receive your benefit, contact your internet provider directly, or visit GetEmergencyBroadband.org