Bird Lives! Charlie Parker Heritage Trail Kickoff

On August 26, Groundwork NRG hosted our first annual Bird Lives! Celebration to reinvigorate our connection with our Northeast KCK history. Charlie Bird Parker, famous jazz musician, was born right at 10th and Freeman in NEKCK! Our Heritage Trail Projects Coordinator Mata Townsend organized a lively event which featured three local jazz and blues bands, three food vendors, a phone giveaway, an arts tent by Alcott Arts Center, two local artists, games for kids, and educational presentations about the sewer improvements needed in Northeast KCK. Over 100 people attended, and Mayor Garner issued a mayoral proclamation to honor the day.

At the center of it all was the big reveal of the Charlie Parker Mural created by none other than local artist Lucky Easterwood, of Murals of Inspiration. The design was a combination of Lucky’s artistry and the community’s input on the Heritage Trail Plan!

This event marks the kickoff of implementation of the Northeast KCK Heritage Trail. To learn more about the Heritage Trail, visit the Heritage Trail page on our website.

What’s next? Two major are in the works: a redesign of Heathwood Park and Jersey Creek through a collaboration with our Green Team, and a second community-led mural creation!

To get involved with the Heritage Trail, contact Mata at mtownsend@northeastkck.org.