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Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village sees big changes, including ‘Gateway’ sculpture

Meadowbrook Park-goers have likely noticed recent headway on two prominent attractions at the park in Prairie Village.

The upshot: A sculpture created by Kansas City-based artist Amie Jacobsen is now on display at the park at 9101 Nall Avenue, and a new inclusive playground is also just about finished.

  • The sculpture, entitled “Gateway,” is a sunflower-shaped archway with vibrant yellow-and-orange petals and panels on the archway’s interior telling a bit about the history of the area.
  • The inclusive playground near the northeast end of the park is nearing completion, as well, officials with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District says.
Inclusive playground Meadowbrook Park updates
The inclusive playground at Meadowbrook Park is expected to open next month. Photo credit Juliana Garcia

Playground details: Richard Smalley, JCPRD spokesperson, told the Post the playground is anticipated to open in November.

  • There are some final pieces to finish, as well as inspections to pass, Smalley said.
  • The playground is fenced in, and is part of the park’s second phase of development.
  • That phase also includes a new shelter, a parking lot, an ADA-accessible restroom and free-standing shade structures.

More about “Gateway”

Jacobsen’s sculpture is located just the south of the park’s main clubhouse.

Here’s a closer look at the art work:

Meadowbrook Park updates
“Gateway” stands nearly 12 feet tall with 24 different petals. It is the first permanent art installation at Meadowbrook Park (a Parade of Hearts sculpture was on display at Meadowbrook Park earlier this year). Photo credits Juliana Garcia. 
Meadowbrook Park updates
Each petal features a center of cast glass, which is supposed to glow in the sunlight.
Meadowbrook Park updates
The $95,000 piece also lights up at night. The Meadowbrook Park clubhouse can be seen through the archway looking north, as pictured above.
Meadowbrook Park updates
It features a historic component with illustrated panels on the interior, as well. Above, the Shawnee and Osage tribes are featured. The Kansa tribe is also featured on the opposite side of the arch.
Meadowbrook Park updates
“Gateway” is the first installation for JCPRD’s Art in the Park program. It was one of three finalists for the Meadowbrook Park art piece.

About the author

Juliana Garcia
Juliana Garcia

? Hi! I’m Juliana Garcia, and I cover Prairie Village and northeast Johnson County for the Johnson County Post.

I grew up in Roeland Park and graduated from Shawnee Mission North before going on to the University of Kansas, where I wrote for the University Daily Kansan and earned my bachelor’s degree in  journalism. Prior to joining the Post in 2019, I worked as an intern at the Kansas City Business Journal.

Have a story idea or a comment about our coverage you’d like to share? Email me at juliana@johnsoncountypost.com.

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