Yvonne Starks Wilson Park

Yvonne Starks Wilson Park, located in the historic Dunbar-Leeds neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, is a significant public space with a rich legacy. Originally opened in 1922 as Liberty Park, it was established during an era of racial segregation as a recreation site for African American residents. At the time, it provided amenities such as a merry-go-round, playgrounds, a swimming pool, picnic areas, and more, offering vital recreational opportunities in contrast to the restricted access at other facilities like Swope Park. In 2018, the park was renamed to honor Missouri State Senator Yvonne Starks Wilson for her contributions to the community and her advocacy. The park remains the only one in Kansas City's parks system named after an African American woman.

Today, Yvonne Starks Wilson Park spans 17.78 acres and retains its community focus while being an integral part of the Leeds-Dunbar neighborhood, known as Kansas City's oldest area established for Black homeownership. Despite its historic importance, the park currently has limited amenities, including a playground and a small shelter house. A significant renovation project, estimated at $3.9 million, is underway to transform the park into a destination site. Planned improvements include the addition of an amphitheater, fitness stations, a renovated playground, a walking trail, basketball courts, landscaping, restrooms, water features, and more. These efforts aim to enhance the park's usability for the local community and acknowledge its historical and cultural importance.

Beyond its amenities, Yvonne Starks Wilson Park serves as a space for reflection, leisure, and social gatherings. It embodies both the challenges and the resilience of the African American community in Kansas City, holding a pivotal place in the neighborhood's identity.