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Roeland Park observes Arbor Day and Autism Acceptance Month; city honored with national service award
Summary
Mayor Michael Popa issued proclamations for Arbor Day and Autism Acceptance Month; City Administrator Keith Moody presented Roeland Park with ETC Institute's "Leading the Way" award, and Parks staff updated the council on playground safety, pool seating and the 75th-anniversary park passport project.
Mayor Michael Popa read proclamations declaring April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day and April 2026 as Autism Acceptance Month in Roeland Park City, emphasizing tree benefits and community inclusion. Andrew Glover of the Autism Society of the Heartland accepted the autism proclamation and described local programming, resource partners and community events including a Royals autism day and a popular 5K fundraiser.
City Administrator Keith Moody presented the 2025 "Leading the Way" award from ETC Institute, noting the city ranked in the top 10% nationally on ETC—s Direction Finder survey with a composite rating of 237. Parks & Recreation Superintendent Nathan Brunkard and the parks committee discussed safety steps for the 'mighty bike' play structure — including clamp attachments, leisure netting to address head-entrapment concerns and an anticipated change order — and previewed a 'park passport' and 75th-anniversary exhibit the city will host.
Council thanked staff and volunteers for recent events including a successful egg hunt and community cleanup efforts. Staff said the parks-restroom opening is delayed while plumbing and freeze-thaw resilience are addressed.
What happens next: Staff will finalize any safety-related change orders for the 'mighty bike', post photos from the award and anniversary planning, and continue seasonal park and pool preparations.
