Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Fairway City Council to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Fairway residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Parks master plan: Fairway is in the middle of writing its first-ever parks and recreation master plan, which is meant to guide long-term planning and capital spending priorities for the city’s parks and recreational spaces. What do you want do you want to see emphasized for the future of Fairway Parks & Rec?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Ward 2
Dan Bailey (incumbent)
The Master Plan is something that the city has needed to take on for some time, that became more apparent after adding Kathy Lyon Flora Park. I’m excited that there will be a guided vision for the future of Parks & Rec. That department does a great job in terms of the breadth and value of programs which it offers in our small city and anything we can do to expand that would be beneficial to all residents. Additional greenspace / parks north of or close to Shawnee Mission Parkway (Wards 1 & 2) would be the biggest long term goal that I hope comes out of this plan.
Emily Snyder
I want to see the plan emphasize accessibility, environmental sustainability, and year-round usability. I think we achieve this by improving lighting and ADA access, designing trails and open spaces that link our neighborhoods safely, and expanding tree canopy and shade while maintaining our current parks to a high standard. I would be delighted to see the city integrate native plantings and stormwater design to reduce long-term maintenance costs as well.
Ward 3
James Hafner
Year-round use of park space—both indoor and outdoor—should be prioritized. Sustainability goals, like Dark Sky certification, can set a regional example. Collaboration with neighboring communities could expand programming. Enhancing the Shawnee Indian Mission’s events and building partnerships with Indigenous Nations can strengthen its cultural and educational impact
Bill Stafford
I have reviewed the final Parks & Recreation Master Plan outline with the architect, and I appreciate that it takes both a short- and long-term view of Fairway’s needs. The plan addresses several priorities for the residents in Fairway, including expanded youth programming, more activities for adults 55+, new shelters, additional shaded areas, and the possibility of a dog park.
These are the kinds of amenities that strengthen communities, and I would support their thoughtful implementation. As we move forward, it is important that upgrades are financially sustainable. Fairway’s parks and green spaces are some of our greatest assets, and this plan gives us a guideline to enhance them for both current residents and future generations.
Ward 4
Kiel Corkran
Fairway has done a great job maintaining our Parks & Rec and I am excited to work with City Council to implement the new master plan if elected. When developing and improving our parks and recreation I think we always have to keep two things in mind. First is making sure we respect local greenspace and that everything is built in conjunction with the land, protecting our natural biodiversity and the trees our city is known for. Second is figuring out how to expand parks while still paying attention to the housing crisis in our community. Fairway already has a problem with limited space so we have to figure out how to make it work in a way that doesn’t cause conflicts, and that we don’t divert too much time and money away from solving our problem of housing affordability which is a central issue for residents right now. But parks and recreation are also important for the health and well being of a city and I think our parks are operating effectively in that regard. The only other thing I would want to see emphasized in the future is more consideration for children and ways to keep the parks and pool enjoyable and accessible to residents of all ages and abilities.
Tanya Keys (incumbent)
I think it’s important to emphasize what residents say they wish to support and engage. Small classes, more uses for the city hall city space and activities such as golf simulators are great examples of how we can use existing resources to provide a greater array of parks and recreation options for residents and others who want to use the spaces. I want to emphasize and support creative ideas to keep modern with options that residents think are meaningful so they can stay close to home for their parks and recreation and we might draw others into Fairway.
