Tulips on Troost

The Discovery Center's Nature Conservation started its afternoon on Monday, Oct. 2, with a stakeholders meeting informing the community of Kansas City's newest development: Tulips on Troost.

Tulips on Troost was created to beautify the street by planting thousands of flowers along its sidewalks and vacant lots. What started eight weeks ago with a goal of 10,000 tulips has steadily grown to 250,000 this year.

Many board members involved in the project hope to have these tulips planted by spring 2007 along with other perennials, flowering shrubs and trees. There will be a spring celebration at the end to recognize the project's progress.

The meeting started off smoothly as people in the auditorium were listening to speakers talk about the program's mission and its initiative for change. Project manager Tim Duggan was one of the board members there to inform the people how the process of beautifying Troost will actually work.

By looking at the major structures and intersections, Duggan, along with many others, created a plan that includes over 50 blocks on Troost Ave. Many of the tasks needed involved filling in the concrete planters along the sidewalk and putting flowerbeds in vacant areas.

Nevertheless, there was an emphasis on the need for more voluntary and financial assistance to help with the ambitious goals of Tulips on Troost.

Beth Brubaker, board member of the 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition, emphasized these needs.

"There is an assumption that all flowers and beautiful landscaping is paid for by the city, but if you want your neighborhood to be beautiful, you have to work for it and take the responsibility to do it," said Brubaker. "That's what this is all about ... taking responsibility and building community."

UMKC is already an active member; its Arts and Sciences Alumni Association agreed earlier this year to sponsor the community outreach program. The organization plans to invite alumni and encourage UMKC students to help out.

When asked why UMKC was involved, Vicki Walker, board member of the A&S Alumni Association, explained UMKC does own property on the avenue and regardless of the its location being a block away from campus, the University was still a huge part of the Troost community.

So far, Arts and Sciences Alumni Association is setting a goal of 4,000 tulip buds to plant on the nine property locations that UMKC owns on Troost. The goal has been set to plant the buds by 2007, but many people have already said the project wouldn't stop at the actual deadline.

"I think UMKC's involvement with this will last for years, and hopefully not only with alumni," said Karen Beal, director of Alumni Relations.

Durwin Rice, concept director and coordinator of Tulips on Troost, is also optimistic about where the project is headed.

"This is going to change the city for the better. It's a beautifying process and with any luck, it'll last forever and turn this place into an attraction," said Rice.

vmai@unews.com