Background
The Rieke Lake property is a 465-acre future park site located west of De Soto and north of K-10 Highway. The site includes a 30-acre lake previously used for fishing, as well as a mix of woodlands, forest, and open areas in various forms of agricultural use.

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 the De Soto Senior Center on June 2, 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 the De Soto Senior Center on August 11. The consultants presented the proposed master plans they had developed since the initial workshop for the Rieke Lake future park site and Sunflower Nature Park. Those attending the workshop had an opportunity to review and comment on the plans for both properties.

Revisions were subsequently made to the plan based on the input received during and after the second workshop. The Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners considered the revised Master Plan for Rieke Lake Future Park Site at a Committee of the Whole meeting on October 22 and approved the plan at its regular monthly meeting later that same evening.

In addition to multiple picnic shelters and restrooms, the elements planned for the Rieke Lake property include:

- Natural amphitheater
- Wetlands with boardwalk
- Tent camping sites
- Fishing pier
- Boat launch
- Marina for pedal boats and canoes
- Paved multi-use trail (3.1 miles)
- Hiking trail (1.4 miles)
- Playground
- Disc golf course
- Sand volleyball courts
- Sports practice fields (4)
- 5k boys cross country course
- 4k girls cross country course

Implementation of a master plan for the Rieke Lake property is subject to fund availability and board approval.