Excelsior Springs Parks and Recreation unveils new mission and park improvements

The Excelsior Springs City Council convened on June 16, 2025, to discuss various community initiatives and updates, with a focus on parks and recreation developments and the annual report from Excelsior Springs Hospital.

The meeting began with a presentation from the Parks and Recreation Department, highlighting recent activities and future plans. The director emphasized the department's rebranding efforts over the past three years, introducing a new mission statement: "Start with play, have fun, make memories." This concise motto aims to resonate with the community and is accompanied by a vintage logo featured on new staff shirts.

Key highlights included the success of community events such as Messy Mania and Earth Day cleanup, which foster community engagement. The director showcased several parks, including Siloam Springs Park, which benefited from donations for renovations, and the Boundless Backyard project, which aims to create an all-abilities playground. The department reported significant participation in various programs, with over 13,000 meals served through senior programs alone.

Financial updates indicated stable funding for parks and recreation, with expectations for increased facility reservations in the coming year. The director also discussed ongoing projects, including the completion of an eighth-mile walking trail and plans for future enhancements pending grant approvals.

Following the parks presentation, Kristen DeHart, CEO of Excelsior Springs Hospital, provided the annual report. She expressed gratitude for the council's support and highlighted the hospital's resilience amid financial pressures and operational challenges. DeHart shared that the hospital's data year runs from October 2023 to September 2024, and she emphasized the importance of community health initiatives moving forward.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue fostering community engagement and improving local facilities, with both the Parks and Recreation Department and the hospital poised to play vital roles in the community's well-being. The council looks forward to further developments and collaborations in the upcoming months.