About Blue Hills
The Blue Hills Neighborhood is located about 4 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City and was constructed during the 1930’s. The neighborhood is located from 47th Street (MLK Boulevard) to 63rd Street and from Paseo Boulevard to Prospect Avenue. Formerly a golf course and home to a country club, the neighborhood took its name from the Blue Hills Country Club.
Formerly a golf course and home to a country club, the neighborhood took its name from the Blue Hills Country Club.
The neighborhood continued to grow, expanding to accommodate approximately 3,000 homes, schools, churches, and businesses. Simultaneously, this middle-class neighborhood began to experience a myriad of ups and downs. By the 1990’s, residents who wanted to continue to live and prosper in the Blue Hills Neighborhood decided to join forces with the Kansas City Neighborhood Alliance (KCNA) and worked to organize the Blue Hills Neighborhood Association. In 1998, The Blue Hills Neighborhood Association was officially incorporated and KCNA was able to provide a permanent meeting facility at 5309 Woodland, which continues to serve as an Office and Resource Center for the Blue Hills Neighborhood.
Since the early 2000’s, the Blue Hills population has become more culturally diverse and home to residents of all ages.
Today, the Blue Hills Board of Directors continues to work to provide healthy, safe, and family-friendly spaces for our residents. Blue Hills boasts of 4 parks, Blue Hills Park (52nd & Brooklyn), Blue Hills-Kissick Pocket Park (57th – Michigan to Euclid), Gateway Park (51st & Brookwood), and The Putterer’s Place (55th & Highland) which will soon be available for residents’ enjoyment. There is a Community Garden located at 48th and Brooklyn and an Orchard located at 49th and Olive as a benefit for all residents in the neighborhood. And, wherever possible, our residents are helping to convert vacant, overgrown spaces to vibrant green spaces which everyone in the neighborhood can enjoy and be proud of.
In addition, there are redevelopment projects underway in the neighborhood to restore and build homes for long-term residents and newcomers, whether they wish to own or rent a home in the area.
Future
Wonderful vision for our community at Blue Hills! Building a strong legacy that focuses on making your neighborhood people-friendly and animal-friendly can have a significant positive impact on the well-being of residents and the overall sense of community.
Help bring our vision to life:
Start by involving the community in the decision-making process. Host town hall meetings or community gatherings to discuss your vision and gather input from residents. Encourage open communication and collaboration among neighbors.
Create and maintain green spaces, parks, and playgrounds where children can play safely. Ensure these areas are well-maintained and equipped with safe and age-appropriate play equipment.
Develop pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and bike lanes to promote walking and cycling within the neighborhood. Safe pathways can encourage more people to engage in outdoor activities.
Consider adding amenities like dog parks or designated pet-friendly areas where residents can exercise their pets and socialize with other pet owners.
Implement safety measures such as traffic calming initiatives, speed limits, and crosswalks to make the neighborhood safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Organize regular community events and activities that bring neighbors together, such as block parties, festivals, and clean-up days. These events can help foster a sense of community and togetherness.
Work with local law enforcement to enhance neighborhood safety. Establish a strong relationship between the police and the community to ensure a secure environment for residents.
Promote education on safety, community building, and responsible pet ownership through workshops, seminars, and educational programs.
Consider creating community gardens where residents can grow their own produce, fostering a sense of pride and connection to the neighborhood.
Implement eco-friendly practices, such as recycling programs and tree planting, to make the neighborhood more environmentally sustainable.
Encourage residents to support local businesses, which can help strengthen the local economy and create a sense of community pride.
Develop a long-term plan and set measurable goals to track progress over time. Regularly revisit and update your vision to ensure it remains relevant and achievable.
Partner with local organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies that share similar goals to leverage resources and expertise.
Remember that building a strong legacy in your community will take time and ongoing effort. It’s essential to maintain open lines of communication with residents, listen to their feedback, and adapt your approach as needed to ensure the success of your vision for Bluehills. By working together, you can create a welcoming, safe, and vibrant neighborhood for generations to come.