2013 Neighborhood Leader Legacy Banquet

Mayor James and Curt Watkins.At a banquet at the Kauffman Foundation on September 28, 2013, Mayor Sly James presented Curt Watkins, co-founder and president of the Roanoke Park Conservancy, a 2013 Neighborhood Leader Legacy award. Curt said he represented all the volunteers who are working so diligently to clean up Roanoke Park, stating that the volunteers' goal was an even better mid-town life style that prizes green space in the midst of our dense urban neighborhoods.

The volunteers, the Roanoke Park Conservancy Board, and Kansas City Parks and Recreation, have evolved into a model public-private partnership. To date, over 2,800 private volunteer hours have been invested in the removal of debris and invasive undergrowth in the park. This volunteer effort, combined with donated professional advice, and support from city staff, has resulted in over $340,000 being committed to the park, either already in place or under contract.

Curt wants to share the award from Mayor James with all Roanoke Park volunteers and caring neighbors, past, present, and most importantly, FUTURE.