Parks & Recreation Plans and Studies

Colorful fall trees in park with statue of serpent

Lenexa Parks & Recreation is committed to enhancing the quality of life in our community through the people, parks and programs we offer. We devote significant effort toward planning to ensure our parks, open spaces, recreation opportunities and facilities will serve Lenexa well today and in the future.


Parks & Recreation Master Plan

The Parks & Recreation Master Plan is a roadmap that will help shape the future for parks and recreation. It establishes goals and objectives, and shapes policies and standards to help guide the future development of the City’s parks, trails, recreation, and facilities. Different from a strategic plan, it focuses on high-level, broader goals and allows multiple ways to achieve them. This plan is used in conjunction with other documents including Vision 2040, the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Governing Body’s Guiding Principles, and more.

The plan was updated in 2023 and a needs assessment process identified the top priorities, including:

  1. Walking and biking trails
  2. Parks and preservation
  3. Dog park (off-leash)
  4. Outdoor recreation and nature programming
  5. Splash pads / spraygrounds
  6. Pickleball courts
  7. Farmers Market investment
  8. Adult fitness, wellness and enrichment
  9. Arts, history and culture programming
  10. Maintain top-quality service levels

Parks & Recreation Master Plan Executive Summary(PDF, 710KB)

Parks & Recreation Master Plan(PDF, 31MB)


Plans for individual parks and open spaces

Black Hoof Park Master Plan

This plan was completed in 2004 as the initial master plan for Black Hoof Park. Phase I included the lake, spillway, trail system, parking, a small shelter and playground.

Lake Lenexa and Black Hoof Park Master Plan(PDF, 586KB)

We initiated a second phase of improvements for Black Hoof Park in 2011. This plan slightly modified and updated the Park’s Master Plan for this area of the park.

Black Hoof Park Phase II Master Plan(PDF, 1MB)

Buffalo Meadows Park Master Plan

In 1999, the park land near Prairie Star Parkway and Lone Elm Road was master planned. The initial construction included grading, stormwater facilities, parking, a restroom, a shelter and a playground.

Buffalo Meadows Park Master Plan(PDF, 170KB)

Freedom Fields Master Plan

We completed much-needed renovations to Freedom Fields in 2014. This included improved vehicle access, additional sports fields, and improvements to existing fields. As part of the design, a master planning process provided the potential for future changes to the park.

Freedom Fields Park - Phase I Master Plan(PDF, 768KB)

Hidden Woods Park Master Plan

We renovated Hidden Woods Park to address a major need for stormwater improvements. The improvements gave a variety of recreational opportunities for fishing, picnics, walking, and enjoying nature.

Hidden Woods Park Master Plan(PDF, 184KB)

Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park Master Plan

Over its long and rich history, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park has been built and renovated many times. In 2013, the park was master planned to create a clear and consistent development plan to be used as funding and needs come available.

Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park Visual Master Plan(PDF, 3MB)

Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park Master Plan Report(PDF, 11MB)

Trails Alignment Analysis

In 2009, the Lenexa Trails Alignment Analysis focused on future trail alignments and connections on the western part of Lenexa.

Trails Alignment Analysis Final Report" href="/files/sharedassets/city/v/4/government/about-lenexa/documents/trails-alignment-analysis-final-report.pdf" target="_blank">Trails Alignment Analysis Final Report


Other plans

Arts Council Strategic Plan

In 2019, the Lenexa Arts Council undertook a strategic plan evaluation of its mission statement and the programming needs of community stakeholders.

Arts Council Strategic Plan(PDF, 1MB)


Studies

Aquatics Study

The City of Lenexa completed a study in 2021 that serves to help leadership make informed decisions about future aquatics investments in the community. 

Aquatics Study Phase 1 Final Report - July 2019(PDF, 7MB)

Aquatics Study Phase 2 Final Appendices - May 2021(PDF, 2MB)

Aquatics Study Phase 2 Final Appendices - May 2021(PDF, 9MB)

Lenexa Community Center / Senior Center Study

The City of Lenexa conducted a study in 2018–2019 to explore how to rehabilitate the Community Center / Senior Center site in Old Town. Consultants looked at how the current spaces are used, evaluated operational and accessibility challenges, and recommended ways to meet community recreation needs for all ages.

Community Center / Senior Study Study Report(PDF, 36MB)