Squandered
Resource to Historic Riverfront Park
Prior to the summer of 2004, canoeists, fishermen and hikers at the confluence
of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers never knew they were walking on historic
grounds. In fact this rugged, abused, littered but gorgeous site was
visited by Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery for three days
in June 1804 on their journey to the Pacific Coast.
Then Friends of the Kaw, a river protection group in Kansas, launched the Kaw Riverkeeper Program in 2002. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. made a lasting impression on the dignitaries, conservationists and activists at the opening ceremony asserting that the historic piece of land had a world of potential, but due to neglect, was a “squandered resource” within the bustling commercial area of metro Kansas City. Efforts to restore the site were further inspired when historic re-enactment of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery II, visited the location on their way up the Missouri River in June 2004.
Friends of the Kaw, sponsor of the Kansas Riverkeeper, partnered with the Lewis and Clark Task Force and the Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas, to transform the “squandered resource” into a showcase riverfront and historic park. With the support of 200 Friends of the Kaw and community volunteers who devoted thousands of hours to the efforts, the project cleared litter and brush, hauled rock and poured the access ramp to bring life back to the park.
Mike Calwell, Friends of the Kaw
Board Member and volunteer chairman of the project, dedicated two years
to this project and recruited and oversaw many volunteers. He also procured
significant business donations of material, equipment and manpower.
On
June 25, 2004 the Historic Lewis and Clark Park, recreational access
ramp and dock at Kaw Point were dedicated to the public. Over the next
several days thousands of visitors came to commemorate the accomplishments
of Lewis and Clark’s expedition and stroll in the newly restored
park.
April 2004, Kansas Riverkeeper & members of Friends of the Kaw land at Kaw Point (from left to right kneeling: Laura Calwell, Kansas Riverkeeper; Chip Farley. Standing: Mike Calwell, Hank Ernst, Tom Lowe, Marsha Farley.)