One sport impacted all parks. Here’s why flexibility is key to Lenexa’s master plan

The need to update how people in Lenexa enjoy nature, get exercise and pursue leisure activities can be summed up in one word: pickleball.

“The last time we did a master plan was 2012. The word pickleball wasn’t even in the plan,” said Logan Wagler, the city of Lenexa’s director of parks and recreation.

Now the wildly popular paddle sport is among the items being discussed as Lenexa updates its parks and recreation master plan. It’s a year-long process that will identify a 10-year vision for program offerings, general capital improvements, facility management, park amenities, and future parks and trails locations.

And while developing the plan is important, it needs to be flexible.

“Master plans are done only every once in awhile,” Wagler said. “A master plan is not intended to be an exact plan of attack. I have come to believe that things can change quickly and you have to be flexible.

“You have to be able to react to the community’s needs along the way.”

A crucial part of the master plan update is hearing from those who use the parks.

“Community input is absolutely critical to any parks’ master plan,” Wagler said. “This is the community’s plan. It is their needs and priorities. It is driven by them.”

One way Lenexa is getting community comments is through two open houses: One was held in April and the second will be scheduled sometime in August.

There weren’t a lot of surprises in the first open house, Wagler said.

“People in Lenexa have always put a premium on parks and trails. Also there is a lot of interest in community events and festivals.”

Wagler said he was excited to hear a lot of interest in future parks. A couple of properties in underdeveloped areas in Lenexa are being eyed for a new park.

Other items of interest mentioned at the open house were dog parks, splash pads and spray grounds, which are recreational areas with various types of water features. He said interest in dog parks is among the trends coming out of the pandemic.

“The pandemic forced everybody outside, so everybody rediscovered how great our parks and trails are here,” Wagler said. “They really began to enjoy outdoor recreation again. You can be outside away from others whether you are kayaking, hiking or biking.

“After the pandemic hit, you could not buy a bike because inventory wasn’t there. And then everyone went out and adopted a pet, so that’s what is probably driving some of the dog parks.”

In addition to the open houses, community feedback will be gathered using online tools and a statistically valid survey.

Using an interactive app, Wagler said, people can comment about what they like or what they don’t like, and comment on other people’s pins.

“That really shows us first geographically where some of these comments and needs might be. Needs and priorities kind of bubble up through that process.”

Wagler added that people can always contact the department directly.

“Data is always really important, but parks and rec is very personal,” he said. “It is important to understand on a micro level what our users are really looking for. Our job is to provide something for everybody. It’s not a park that offers one thing. We try to offer at least 10 things at every one of our parks.”

Comments are being sought from everyone, not just Lenexa residents.

“We are in a metro area and there is so much overlapping service,” Wagler said. “A lot of nonresidents use our parks and facilities. In fact, our population in Lenexa almost doubles during the day because we have so many people working here. It is important to hear from those people as well because those are people who utilize our services spend money in Lenexa.”

Community input will be gathered until Labor Day. The project team intends to present the plan to the City Council by the end of the year. To learn more about the Lenexa Parks, go to this city site.