Blue Surf Bay Waterpark Construction
A Message from the Director
It has been an amazing year of growth for Blue Springs Parks & Recreation. In the time from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023, we have seen incredible growth in our department, with the construction of the new Blue Surf Bay Waterpark leading the way. It is scheduled to open in May 2024.
Just a few of the projects and improvements that we undertook over the past fiscal year include adding year-round restrooms to two of our parks, Blue Springs Park and Young Park; the Fieldhouse undergoing a facelift with new siding on the building; putting on large-scale events like Spooky Springs, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting, the Easter Egg-Stravaganza, and Red, White & Blue Springs; and then there’s construction of Blue Surf Bay Waterpark.
On November 3, 2022, we held a groundbreaking ceremony and unveiled the name of the waterpark. Two weeks later, ground was officially broken as construction began in earnest. Over that time, an amazing transformation took place as both an indoor and outdoor waterpark started to take shape.
Sr. Dir. Parks & Recreation
You can read about all of these programs, projects and events on the following pages. The department is fortunate to have a highly skilled and dedicated staff. They work tirelessly to deliver quality facilities and programs to meet the demand of the community. The achievements the department has experienced are due to the daily effort of each of our full-time and part-time staff members. We are proud to share our successes with you, and most importantly, know we could not have done any of this without you, the citizens of Blue Springs. We look forward with excitement on what the future has for the Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Department.
Dennis Dovel
About Blue Springs Parks & Recreation
The City of Blue Springs, Missouri Parks & Recreation Department has more than 800 acres of parkland (developed and undeveloped) with 14 public parks and over 14 miles of trails. It strives to create outstanding recreational, cultural and natural experiences to enrich and enhance the quality of life for the community today and for future generations.
Blue Springs Parks & Recreation provides comprehensive year-round sports and recreation programs for all ages and operates and maintains the Blue Springs Fieldhouse, offering a wealth of activities, including a fitness center, basketball courts, field turf, fitness classes, pickleball and more. The department also manages Vesper Hall, a nationally accredited Senior Center that offers a variety of activities for individuals ages 50 and older. The facility also hosts many Parks & Recreation classes and community events open to all ages.
The Fieldhouse is approximately eight years old and underwent a facelift with new siding along with the addition of Blue Surf Bay Waterpark. Construction occurred throughout 2023 with an opening date scheduled for Spring 2024.
Also a part of the department is Adams Pointe Golf Club, an 18-hole public course designed by noted local architect Don Sechrest. It is one of only a handful of ADA compliant golf facilities in the country. Adams Pointe is managed by Orion Management.
Blue Springs Parks & Recreation has been a proud recipient of the annual “Tree City USA” award since 1990. Established by the National Arbor Day Foundation, this honor recognizes select communities for their support of municipal tree betterment programs and projects.
Our Mission
Recognized as an indispensable community asset that creates a healthy, livable and sustainable community through enhanced quality of life for residents and visitors while generating economic vitality.
Our Vision
Creating outstanding recreational, cultural and natural experiences to enrich and enhance the quality of life for our community today and for future generations.
Park Sales Tax
New Restroom at Young Park
In 2017, Blue Springs residents approved a 1/2cent sales tax for five years. It was a catalyst to improvements made to the parks. The fiveyear tax was scheduled to end in 2022, so the department asked voters to approve an extension with no sunset.
In 2021, residents voted overwhelmingly to renew the tax with an 80% yes vote. The renewal allows annual funding to maintain playgrounds, shelters, trails, fields, courts, restrooms and other facilities, including construction of Blue Surf Bay Waterpark.
During the past fiscal year, the department added two year-round restrooms to Blue Springs Park and Young Park; replaced the fence and bleachers at the BMX track at Pink Hill Park; paved the parking lot and replaced curbs at Hidden Valley; and replaced the irrigation pump and exterior door to the clubhouse at Adams Pointe Golf Course.
The sales tax also provides funding for the development and construction of Southwest Park. This park is located along the north side of Wyatt Road and west of 7 Highway with construction beginning in 2026.
The department’s intention is not to just build new facilities, but to also ensure continued operation and maintenance needs are met.
Hidden Valley Parking Lot Resurface
Blue Surf Bay Waterpark Construction
Park Spotlight: Hidden Valley Sports Complex
Did you know Hidden Valley Sports Complex is host to hundreds of events, games and tournaments throughout the year?
Blue Springs' largest park is home to events like Friday, Flicks & Food Trucks; Park Passport; Adult Easter Egg Hunt; and Summer Day Camp Cookouts.
Many of Blue Springs Parks & Recreations sports leagues utilize the park, including Little All-Stars Flag Football, Cheerleading and Soccer; Youth Competitive and Recreational Softball; Youth Baseball; Youth Soccer; and the new Adult Soccer League.
The American Legion Post 499 Fike baseball team
uses it as its home field as well as St. Michael's High School baseball team and Plaza Heights baseball team.
There are many softball and baseball tournaments held at the park each year.
Blue Springs Athletic Association uses the fields for their leagues, and the Exceptionals Softball League, with 300 participants, plays each Monday May through June. There were 16 softball tournaments held throughout the spring, summer and fall.
Finally, because of the large shelter and access to the playground, rentals for events are booked throughout the season.
Park Spotlight: Hidden Valley Sports Complex
All Youth Sports Programs
4,594 Participants
Youth Softball
200 Participants
Rec Softball: 16 teams
Comp Softball: 10 teams
Little All-Stars Basketball
451 Participants
Ages 5-10
Boys & Girls Youth Baseball/T-Ball
875 Participants
All Adult Sports Programs
Approximately 2,000 Participants
28 Teams
Approx. 210 Participants
Winter, Summer Adult Basketball
Boys & Girls Youth Basketball
Kindergarten-Fourth Grade
27 Teams
54 Participants
Spring, Fall Adult Cornhole
421 Participants
Kindergarten-Sixth Grade
Boys & Girls Flag Football
Youth Soccer
675 Participants Fall League
896 Participants Spring League
U6-U13
Boys & Girls
110 Teams
220 Participants
Winter, Summer, Fall Adult Pickleball
1,076 Participants
Basketball, Cheerleading, Flag
Football, Soccer, T-Ball
Spring, Summer, Fall Little All-Stars
Adult Softball
139 Teams
Approx. 1,500 Participants
Men’s, Women’s, Coed
Spring, Summer, Fall
Park Maintenance
Over the past 12 months, the Parks Maintenance Team has worked diligently to provide service in our parks and buildings to our colleagues, residents and visitors of Blue Springs. Our team is responsible for maintaining 14 developed parks, miles of right of ways and landscaping, and six municipal buildings.
• By the Numbers – The team was assigned 2,382 individual work orders from November 1, 2022, to October 31, 2023. Of the 2,382 work orders, 2,125 work orders are under “Completed” status. The team completed 89% of the work orders assigned.
• Preventative Maintenance such as inspections, weekly routines, sanitation, recycling and mowing are prioritized the highest throughout the year.
• The team was assigned a trash route 285 times in the past year, completing 251 of those routes, an 88% completion rate.
• The team completed nine out of nine monthly park safety inspections, and no major faults were reported at the end of the year.
• The department has a contractor that performs once-daily cleaning of the restroom facilities throughout the parks. The contractor completed 210 out of 214 cleanings for the season, and this has been a huge improvement to the cleanliness of the restrooms.
• There were 24 scheduled preventative applications, in landscape beds, growth regulator applications or playing surface chemical application. The team was able to complete 20 out of 24 applications.
• Volunteers in the Parks – Every year, the Maintenance Team gets assistance
Park Maintenance
from 150+ volunteers helping complete tasks in the parks. This past spring, the department had 40+ volunteers visit facilities at four different sites as part of “Love KC Day.” Volunteers helped lay mulch at Baumgardner Park, mulch the grounds at City Hall, mulch playground No. 3 at Pink Hill Park and plant 15+ trees at Woods Chapel Park to help bring a healthy tree canopy and life after clearing overgrowth and invasive species around the pond.
• Right-of-Way Maintenance – Over the next five years, there is a focus on right-of-way and landscape maintenance throughout the community. One of the biggest undertakings was the removal of the overgrowth around the art piece and on the corner of the intersection at I-70 and 7 Hwy. The removal of the overgrowth and trash around the art piece was completed by the Maintenance Team. Brummel Lawn and Landscape volunteered their time and efforts to renovate the landscape. Their landscape designer created a maintenance friendly design. The city purchased the plants and materials needed to complete the tasks while the Brummel team completed the work.
• Waterpark Irrigation Install – One challenge the team faced recently was the installation of the irrigation system at the new Blue Surf Bay Waterpark and surrounding area. It took approximately six weeks from design to installation. The system was up and running about 10 days ahead of the deadline of sod and landscape plants arriving. After the irrigation install, the team relandscaped the Fieldhouse area. They were able to clean up the plants and remove overgrowth and damaged plants to clean up the south side of the building.
Fieldhouse
New Siding at Blue Springs Fieldhouse
The previous fiscal year saw its share of challenges for the Blue Springs Fieldhouse. But it was nothing that couldn't be overcome with a supportive staff and understanding members. Along with the construction of the new Blue Surf Bay Waterpark, new siding was installed on the existing building as well as application of a sealant to the roof.
Because of the construction, facility rentals for events like volleyball or basketball tournaments were pared back; however, the DeportesEnKC/LA Liga: Men’s Soccer League (Games each Sunday, November-April) continued.
Visits to the Fieldhouse totaled 218,275 (not including day passes), an increase of nearly 7,000 over the previous fiscal year. There were 27,124 Day Passes purchased, an increase of more than 3,000, and 1,254 rentals. The average monthly membership units (individual/family) were 1,747.
Memberships include use of the Fitness Center, free Group Classes and OnDemand Classes, free Spin Classes, free Child Watch, Toddler Time, use of courts during open play, Turf Field, Indoor Tracks and other features.
The Child Watch services for kids three months to 10 years old averaged approximately 300 kids per month throughout the year. Toddler Time, a program that allows parents to bring children six month to five years old to play in an indoor, controlled environment throughout the winter months had more than 400 participants over a nine-month period (18 Fridays).
Personal training hours were high though the fall and winter months and stayed fairly steady through spring and early summer before dipping slightly in late summer (See graph).
Vesper Hall
This past fiscal year saw a few changes at Vesper Hall, including the hiring of a new administrator.
Vesper Hall hosts several events throughout the year, including holiday and themed luncheons, fitness classes, dances, bingo, arts and crafts, and other fun activities for seniors. More than 200 people attended each of the Thanksgiving and Christmas lunches. Additionally, 15,963 congregate meals were served, and increase from 12,866 the past year, or 24 percent. Also, there were 13,624 home-delivered meals, up from 10,792 last year, or a 26 percent increase.
Other activities at Vesper Hall include bingo; cards & games; arts & crafts; dancing & entertainment; fitness; support groups/health checks/education; and tax preparation. There were 20,301 participants combined for all of those activities, making Vesper Hall a vibrant community center.
The transportation program at Vesper Hall continues to run strong, providing rides for residents 60 years and older and ages 18-59 with disabilities. Door-todoor pickup and return to Vesper Hall is co-sponsored by Mid-American Regional Council’s Commission on Aging. There were 3,176 people who utilized Vesper Hall's transportation services.
Adams Pointe Golf Club
Adams Pointe Golf Club, the 18-hole, 6,938 yard, par 72 course is located on the east side of Blue Springs. With more than 44,000 rounds of golf played over the course of the year, the facility earned more than $2.3 million in total revenues, up from $2.1 million the previous year.
Throughout the year, the golf course hosted 60 different tournaments. Additionally, there are Ladies, Couples and Thursday leagues.
With all that golf comes the unique mode of transportation that encourages faster play: the FINN Scooter. These single-rider carts help speed up the pace of play with an average pace of 7.5 minutes per hole, and Adams Pointe rented them out more than 600 times during the past fiscal year. The scooters will be upgraded for the 2024 season.
Adams Pointe also hosts several non-golf related events in its banquet facility, including dinners, luncheons, meetings and weddings. The Rotary Club holds its weekly meeting at the golf course. There were 65 other functions throughout the rest of the year.
Youth programs are vitally important to Adams Pointe in teaching the game of golf to kids. All junior camps sold out, averaging 50 kids per camp over four camps.
Finally, the golf course received a new fleet of 72 golf carts that are the latest model from Club Car. A new range picker cart and two new maintenance cars for staff to use daily were also included. New doors were installed at the clubhouse to improve the overall image and functionality of the facility. And the Adams Pointe maintenance team installed a new water pump for the irrigation system, and two circuit boards were replaced.
SPONSORSHIPS
This past year, Blue Springs Parks & Recreation focused on increasing sponsorships for our events to help offset costs and give local businesses exposure.
This began with a more streamlined approach and the development of our Sponsorship Package. Additionally, we created a system to help track how many sponsors we get for each individual event or program and for what amount. For fiscal year 2022-23, ending September 30, we brought in $32,850 in sponsorships.
SOCIAL MEDIA
All of the department’s programs, events and activities are promoted through social media among other means. By focusing on shorter posts with more images and video rather than flyers, people are able to see more of a story about each program or event. Additionally, boosted posts help reach a more targeted audience.
We saw significant growth on our Parks & Recreation Facebook page while there was modest growth on Instagram. On X (formerly Twitter), we continue to post regularly, but see little to no growth in followers. The Fieldhouse social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram) went through several peaks and valleys throughout the year but continued to add followers.
Youth Baseball Youth Soccer Youth Sports
Blue Springs Parks & Recreation youth sports programs have continued to grow over the last several years.
With offerings of basketball, soccer, softball, baseball and flag football, youth sports has seen a jump in participation. There was a total of 3,518 kids across all youth sports in 2022-23, compared to 2,858 in 2021-22, an increase of 660 participants or 19 percent.
The objective for Blue Springs Parks & Recreation’s youth sports programs is for all participants, both parents and children, to have an enjoyable sporting experience.
Skill development is the main component of our youth sports programs. Non-competitive games are a part of every season in which each player receives an equal amount of playing time and opportunity. At this level, it is not about winning. Learning the fundamentals of the game, making friends and having fun are the goals we set for our programs.
To better communicate with parents, coaches and participants, the department created a Youth Sports Handbook.
Youth Softball
Youth Sports
Youth Flag Football
Youth T-Ball
Little All-Stars T-Ball
Little All-Stars
Blue Springs Parks & Recreation’s Little All-Stars program includes Flag Football, Cheerleading, Basketball, Soccer and T-Ball.
These five-week programs are designed to introduce the fundamentals of sports in an all-inclusive environment for children ages three and four years old. Participants are assigned to a team of no more than 10 players and led by volunteer parent coaches.
Little All-Stars Soccer
The program is divided between three weeks of learning skills and rotating through drill stations that teach the very basics of the sport, and the remaining two weeks consisting of game play. This program is designed to prepare the players for future league play. Children enjoy snacks at the end of each night and receive a medal at the completion of the program!
The Little All-Stars program had 1,076 participants in Basketball, Cheerleading, Flag Football, Soccer and T-Ball for the fiscal year, slightly more that the 1,015 the previous year.
Of those activities, soccer and t-ball continue to be the two largest activities among the kids, while all are showing modest growth.
Adult Sports
Adult Softball
Adult Basketball
Blue Springs Parks & Recreation's Adult Sports programs include basketball, cornhole, pickleball and softball. Softball continues to be the dominant activity with pickleball and basketball improving their numbers.
The total number of adult participants over the past fiscal year in the sports programs was approximately 2,000, compared to last year's number at 2,200. The adult volleyball program did not run this past year due to waning popularity, but numbers did pick up in pickleball as it continues to be one of the fastest growing sports in America and is beginning to attract a younger demographic. Numbers for the pickleball leagues and tournaments remain steady.
Additionally, many adults come to the Fieldhouse to play pickleball or participate in the Silver Sneakers workout program.
After surveying adults on what other sports they would like Blue Springs Parks & Recreation to add, soccer was the overwhelming favorite, So for the Spring 2024 season, we have added an adult soccer league.
Events & Programs
Blue Springs Parks & Recreation continues to bring first-class events to its residents and visitors.
This includes everything from large events like the Easter Egg-Stravaganza, Red, White & Blue Springs, and Spooky Springs to slightly smaller events and programs like the Daddy/Daughter Dance, Fishing Derby, Dog Days of Summer and Cosmic Bingo.
In offering these family-oriented events each year, the department provides a service that goes beyond our “parks & recreation” moniker.
Because of the continued success, the variety and the convenience, there has been significant growth in attendance from the previous year.
Dog Days of Summer
Fishing Derby
Spooky Springs
Red, White & Blue Springs
Summer Day Camp
The Blue Springs Summer Day Camp mission is to help each camper discover new skills while building a community that values each child.
The core values are honesty, respect, kindness, community, personal growth, quality relationships and fun. Following these values helps create a safe, fun and stimulating atmosphere for campers.
Activities include healthy risk-taking and leadership challenges to help each person grow as an individual while aiming to build confidence and self-respect. Friendships at camp are based on honesty and a deep sense of caring.
Since 2015, the number of campers on average per week has steadily increased with the exception of 2020 due to COVID limitations.
Blue Surf Bay Waterpark
December 2022
March 2023
August 2023
We have come a long way in the construction of the new Blue Surf Bay Waterpark. The construction crew is more than a year into the project, and the waterpark is scheduled to open May of 2024. Here’s a look at some of the amenities:
The indoor part of the waterpark will feature a four-lane cool water lap pool that will include a rock-climbing wall, waterfall and two diving platforms. There also will be a NinjaCross-course suspended from the ceiling over the pool that can be raised when not in use.
Additionally, the indoor facility will include a warm water lifestyle pool with a current channel to allow for aqua exercise, youth swim lessons, fitness classes, physical therapy programs and leisure use. A spacious indoor splash pad, water slide, sauna and hot tub are also included in the indoor facility.
Outdoors, the waterpark will have a design that features a 40-foot slide tower with multiple slides. Also included is a lazy river with a special action channel.
The waterpark will feature a wave pool with an attached activity pool and a zero-depth entry pool with play structure for younger children.
One of the major highlights of the waterpark will be a double surf simulator, which allows visitors to try knee boarding or stand-up surfing.
The waterpark also will include a covered concession area and an observation deck that can be used for lounging or special events.
We are excited for the new Blue Surf Bay Waterpark and can’t wait to see you when it opens next spring.
Volunteers
Blue Springs is a great place to live, work and play! Our community’s success is built upon its ability to remain connected and to help one another. There are many ways of getting involved by volunteering.
With all of the events Blue Springs Parks & Recreation offer each year, there are many opportunities to assist as a volunteer.
Additionally, our youth sports programs are always in need of coaches that can help guide kids through a fun and rewarding experience.
Volunteer opportunities might include planting trees or flowers, spreading mulch at playgrounds, certain events and programs, or coaching.
Number of volunteers and volunteer hours from fiscal year 2022-23.
Management Staff & Park Commission
Dennis Dovel
Parks & Recreation Director
Justin Stuart
Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation
Mary Herrington
Recreation Superintendent
Matthew Asikainen
Superintendent of Fieldhouse and Aquatics
Debbie Olinger
Vesper Hall Administrator
Derek Mayden Buildings & Grounds Superintendent
Steve Moore
Park Maintenance Supervisor
2022-23
Park Commissioners
Keith Hannaman Chair
Jon Burke Vice Chair
Nicholas Brummel Member
Almitra Buzan Member
Debbie Canfield Member
Ken Horrell Member
Tara Johnson Member
Tony Lopez Member
Gabriel Mejia Member
Ron Fowler City Council Liaison
Springs
& Recreation 425 NE Mock Ave., Blue Springs, MO 64014 816-228-0137
www.bluespringsgov.com/parks
The Park Commission is responsible for guiding the operations and growth of the Parks & Recreation Department, making recommendations on the acquisition of land to be used for park sites, and the supervision, improvement, care and custody of city parks to the Mayor and City Council.
Several Blue Springs Park Commissioners were on hand to sign the beam placed at the new Blue Surf Bay Waterpark.
