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Friends of Kaw Point Park, Inc |
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Overview of the Development of Kaw Point ParkWyandotte County and the City of Kansas City, Kansas, sit at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition stopped at a point of land to rest, repair their boats, and explore the surrounding countryside. During their first year, they stayed at Kaw Point for the longest period of time with the exception of their winter encampment with the Mandans. Although Kaw Point is now surrounded by industry and development, in 2001, the Point itself still existed in a non-developed state, and as such, was the site of a large public commemorative event from 26-29 June 2004. Because of the site’s location along the river, access to highways, infrastructure supporting large numbers of visitors, and proximity to a large urban population surrounding the site, this event was an integral part of the metropolitan Kansas City Lewis and Clark Signature Event. The Wyandotte County Lewis and Clark Task Force, in partnership with the State of Kansas, Unified Government, local Convention and Visitors Bureau, various community organizations, and private funders, iplanned a three-fold approach to the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. This approach included legacy projects which will enhance the commemorative event and remain after the bicentennial activities are completed; site preparation and enhancement/restoration of infrastructure to make the Kaw Point area ready for large numbers of visitors; and education and marketing efforts to involve students and the community, including Native Americans through Haskell Indian Nations University. Combined, these efforts and activities will preserve and interpret a portion of the Lewis and Clark Trail for the public. Objectives for the commemoration, as well as the education activities leading up to it, included the following:
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