Background
The Cedar-Niles property is a 900-acre future park site located west of K-7 Highway. Its northern boundary is 119th Street and its southern boundary is one-half mile south of 135th Street. Cedar Creek runs through the property which consists predominantly of mixed woodlands and open space. The site is near Lake Olathe and portions of the property are adjacent to The Prairie Center natural prairie area.

Planning Process
In April, 2008, a consulting team headed by Bowman Bowman Novick, Inc., of Kansas City, Missouri, was hired to develop a master plan for the future park site. At a planning workshop at Ernie Miller Nature Center on June 4, members of the public had an opportunity to review site maps and suggest features they would like to see included in the park's design.

A second public workshop was held at Ernie Miller Nature Center on August 6. The workshop included a presentation of the Proposed Master Plan developed by the consulting team since the initial workshop. Those attending the workshop had an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed elements planned for the South, Middle and North sections of the property. They also had an opportunity to suggest names for the future park site.

In addition to multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters and restrooms, the Proposed Master Plan includes:

- Restored natural prairie (16 acres)
- Observation tower
- Restored seasonal pond with pier
- Wetlands
- Planetary themed display garden
- Small dog off-leash area (5 acres)
- Off-leash area (20 acres)
- 12 ' gravel multi-use trail (7.5 miles)
- 10' paved multi-use trail (9.4 miles)
- Nature trail with interpretive displays (1.3 miles)
- Mountain bike trail (2.2 miles)
- 4 sports practice fields
- Sand volleyball court
- Trail access to KDWP's Prairie Center Park
- Equestrian trailer parking lot

Members of the public may provide additional input on the proposed plans for the Cedar-Niles property by sending comments to JCPRD Park Plans, 411 Nichols Road, Suite 246, Kansas City, MO, 64112, or emailing them to JCPRDcomments@bbnarchitects.com. Emails should include "JCPRD Park Plans" in the subject line.

It is anticipated development of the master plan for the Cedar-Niles property will continue through the summer and early fall. The consulting team is tentatively scheduled to present a completed plan to the District board in October. Implementation of the new master plan will be subject to fund availability and board approval.