Spotlight on Blue Springs: A New City Magazine to Shine a Light on Our Community
Blue Springs is more than just a city—it’s a community filled with vibrant stories, dedicated residents and exciting opportunities. I’d like to welcome you to the launch of Spotlight on Blue Springs, a magazine dedicated to highlighting the City of Blue Springs and what makes it a great place to live, work and play.
This publication will serve as a dynamic storytelling platform, offering readers an inside look at the heart of Blue Springs. The goal of Spotlight on Blue Springs is to bring uplifting narratives to life, highlighting the positive impact of city initiatives.
What to Expect in Spotlight on Blue Springs
Stories for each edition of the magazine may include:
• Community Spotlights – Showcasing inspiring residents, volunteers and leaders who contribute to Blue Springs’ success.
• City Projects & Initiatives – Updates on infrastructure, parks and programs that enhance our quality of life.
• Events & Happenings – A roundup of can’t-miss events and activities for residents of all ages.
• Hidden Gems – Uncovering lesser-known places and experiences that make our city special.
• Blue Springs History - Exploring the people, places and moments that shaped our community over time.
Bringing Our City Together
Spotlight on Blue Springs is more than a magazine—it’s a celebration of everything that makes our city great. We want to share positive stories that connect us, highlight progress and inspire residents to take pride in our community.
SUMMER CAMP FUN
Blue Springs Animal Control— Serving with Compassion and Commitment
Pets are part of our family, and it can be heartbreaking when they go missing. That’s where Blue Springs Animal Control comes in.
Since the City assumed responsibility of the Animal Control operations in October 2024, the Blue Springs Animal Control Officers (ACOs) have seen their share of both good and bad. But because of their hard work, dedication and commitment, not all pet stories are heartbreaking.
Take Oliver, an emaciated Great Dane, who was brought to the shelter. Over several weeks, the staff was able to nurse him back to health by providing veterinary services, feeding him extra food, but most importantly, showering him with love to bring him out of his
shell. Oliver gained 15 pounds while at the shelter and was then soon adopted. Now, he is living his best life.
“To do this type of work, you obviously have to have a love for
animals but also have to be able to handle the downside of the job with regard to death, knowing you will see some of that,” said ACO Ryley Thompson. “We’ve had some cases that have touched us emotionally, and we were all here for each other to help us through, so the camaraderie is definitely a big aspect.”
The City taking over responsibility of the Animal Control Services could not have happened without the work and research of Captain David Brotherton of the Blue Springs Police Department.
“Captain Brotherton took the lead on getting everything set up and organized,” said Lt. Brandon Claxton. “He researched how other animal control programs work and are set up. This allowed us to remodel the facility, hire Animal Control Officers and establish the services needed. Once it was up and running in October, I was assigned to manage the program.”
Blue Springs Animal Control enforces all city ordinances with regard to pet ownership. It also (continued on page 5)
helps reunite owners with their lost pets. It’s not a rescue organization, and they don’t take in animals that are self-surrendered by an owner; however, if that does happen, they will work with the owner to help educate them and find a home for the animal by providing resources.
So how do they reunite lost pets with their owners?
“We post on the Animal Control
Facebook page, and most people find out through that,” said ACO Sara Wood. “Some people will call us directly. There was a woman from Lee’s Summit who was missing her cat for two months, and somehow, the cat made its way to Blue Springs. She called me, and the cat we had in our possession matched her description. When she came in, the cat completely shut down and had gone almost
feral. It was hiding in the back of the kennel and wouldn’t come out. I sat with the owner on the floor for nearly two hours while we coaxed the cat out. She was able to get the cat into her car, and a week later, she called to tell me that the cat was doing very well.”
Blue Springs Animal Control Program services include (continued on page 6)
responding to reports of stray, injured or dangerous animals; enforcing animal-related ordinances; investigating animal cruelty cases; and promoting pet adoptions and fostering opportunities.
The pet adoption and fostering services help find loving homes for animals in need. The ACOs work to match pets with families and provide support to foster caregivers, ensuring animals receive proper care until a permanent home is found. By offering these services, the ACOs play a crucial role in reducing shelter populations and promoting responsible pet ownership.
When an animal is brought in, it’s held for five days to give the owner an opportunity to reclaim it. If, after five days pass, and no one claims it, it goes up for adoption. It’s important for people to notify Animal Control immediately if they have a missing pet.
The ACOs offer several tips for being a responsible pet owner, with the most important one being that the animal is microchipped. The ACOs carry chip scanners, and the first thing they do when they arrive on scene is scan the animal. If they are chipped, they are able to find them in their system and get them home very quickly. It’s a matter of getting them home in an hour versus several days. Other tips include investing in a quality lead or tether if you don’t have fenced-in yard. Leash laws apply to cats as well.
“In our efforts to manage the Animal Control Program, the focus is on improving animal welfare and offering a more responsive and efficient service to our residents. We are dedicated to ensuring that all animals in Blue Springs are treated with compassion and care,” said Claxton. “The City is committed to high-quality services, and the goal is to streamline operations, improve response times and provide
more comprehensive care for the animals.”
To make sure these services are provided, Blue Springs Animal Control partners with Hidden Valley Animal Hospital in Independence, the City of Lee’s Summit and Midwest Animal Rescue in Raytown. The animal shelter isn’t equipped to take in large quantities of animals, and it does not put animals down for space. Lee’s Summit and Midwest Animal Rescue are able to assist with any overflow.
Additionally, volunteers also help make the program run smoothly by cleaning, walking dogs and playing with the cats. They can even go so far as to foster animals. Animal Control is always grateful for any donations which can include dog or cat food and popup wire kennels.
To contact Blue Springs Animal Control, call the main number at 816-228-0149 or the emergency hotline at 816-228-0150. Animal Control operations are seven days per week, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m., and Animal Control Officers are on call after hours for emergency incidents.
If interested in adopting an animal, the Blue Springs Animal Shelter, located at 1228 NW Knox St. is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The base fee to adopt is $130 and that includes spaying/neutering, microchip and vaccinations. When they reach maximum capacity, they will offer specials, especially around the holidays.
View a video about Blue Springs Animal Control
5 QUESTIONS WITH...
Zach Cobb, Dispatch Supervisor, Blue Springs Police Department
1 2 3 4 5
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that the work I do has an immediate and positive impact on the lives of both officers and citizens.
What’s your favorite local spot in Blue Springs (park, restaurant, event, etc.)?
I enjoy escaping the summer heat by going bowling at Lunar Bowl. The best part is that you don’t have to be good at it to have fun!
What drew you to work for the City of Blue Springs?
I grew up in Blue Springs and think it strikes a great balance between a dynamic community with a lot to offer, while keeping a friendly small-town feel.
What inspired you to get into public service?
My father had a long history of public service and community involvement. He used to say, “Communities are shaped by the people who show up,” and I’ve never forgotten that.
What’s your favorite Blue Springs event or tradition?
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade weaving from one side of the street to the other will never stop being both funny and amazing.
Progress in Play: How the Parks Sales Tax Program
AFTER: Blue Springs Park has received several improvements in recent years:
• Resurfaced courts
• Improved fencing
• New nets
• Fresh landscaping
• Upgraded bathrooms
• Softball field improvements
And there’s more to come
The shelter is scheduled to be replaced later this year.
SBEFORE: The tennis courts at Blue Springs Park were in disrepair until money from the Parks Sales Tax Program was able to give it a complete facelift.
troll through any park in Blue Springs and you’ll notice the difference: refinished courts, innovative playgrounds, accessible amenities and freshly paved lots. These upgrades didn’t happen overnight—they’re the result of years of planning, rooted in years of need. They are investments.
In the mid-2010s, Blue Springs Parks & Recreation set out to develop a comprehensive, long-
term plan to address aging infrastructure and enhance the City’s outdoor spaces. What followed was a prioritized list of projects and the launch of a new funding initiative: the Parks Sales Tax Program. These improvements were funded on a pay-as-you-go basis, using annually collected funds to cover costs without relying on bonding or debt service.
Approved by voters in 2017 and then renewed overwhelmingly in
2021 with an 80 percent yes vote with a no-increase continuation, the half-cent sales tax established the City’s first dedicated funding source for parks improvements. More than $15 million in projects were funded during the initial fiveyear term, with another $10 million planned through 2025 following the renewal vote. The renewal made it possible to build new facilities by bonding projects but continuing to address maintenance
Program is Transforming Blue Springs
needs in our parks with pay-asyou-go projects. The construction of Blue Surf Bay Waterpark, which opened in 2024 as the City’s newest aquatic facility, was a bonded project.
“Before the sales tax passed in 2017, we were faced with closing facilities due to disrepair,” said Dennis Dovel, Assistant City Administrator and former Director of Blue Springs Parks & Recreation. “We lacked a consistent funding source, which meant long-term planning and major upgrades were nearly impossible. The sales tax changed that. It gave us the ability to think bigger and truly invest in the future of our parks.”
That future is taking shape. The difference is clear when comparing parks today to their pre-sales tax condition. In May 2025, Blue Springs Parks & Recreation launched the #TransformationTuesday social media series to showcase park
improvements made possible by the program. Each week, the campaign highlights a completed project—like the new turf softball infields at Hidden Valley Sports Complex or the playground upgrades at Burrus Old Mill Park— celebrating the visible progress driven by voter support.
“This program has changed the way we serve the community,” said Justin Stuart, Director of Parks & Recreation. “Our goal is to create a system that’s safe, accessible and welcoming to everyone who lives here. We’ve completed several projects, but there’s more work ahead.”
As the Parks & Recreation
Department develops an updated Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, Blue Springs residents have the opportunity to help shape what comes next. The plan will guide future projects funded through the Parks Sales Tax Program—including the development of the new Southwest Park—and ensure that community voices remain at the center of progress.
Share Your Thoughts
Help guide the next generation of parks and open spaces in Blue Springs. Share your thoughts through the Parks Master Plan project website at bit.ly/ bluespringsparks.
Smoother Roads Ahead: Blue Springs Launches 2024 Bond Election Street Projects
It’s happening, Blue Springs! You voted for it in August 2024 — and now it’s officially underway.
The Neighborhood Street Preservation Program, a City initiative to improve road conditions, is moving forward, bringing major improvements to residential streets across Blue Springs. This year’s initiative will include work on 52 lane miles of neighborhood streets rated in poor or failing condition. Construction began in May with curb repair and then will continue through fall.
Curb repairs were made to portions of curbs that were failing. Entire curbs were not replaced, only sections not conveying water as intended and could cause the pavement to fail sooner than it should. The focus on the pavement management program is to improve the driving surface.
This program is based on findings from the Pavement Condition Assessment and is funded through the August 2024 Bond Election and the annual Street
Overlay Program. Approximately $15 million will be invested to address deteriorating neighborhood streets before they worsen further. Additionally, the City will continue to allocate approximately $5 million annually for street overlay and road improvements.
In fiscal year 202526, we will allocate the remaining funds from the Bond issue dedicated to overlaying streets, thereby bringing the total budget to approximately $15 million. The City will overlay an estimated 85 lane miles of road.
This work is guided by a comprehensive Pavement Condition Assessment, which identified the worst streets in need of attention. This year’s program will address:
• 64% of streets rated “Failed”
• 16% of streets rated “Poor”
Streets selected for this round were identified and prioritized through the assessment and outlined in the bond funding approval educational campaign.
One question we know will arise is “Why isn’t my street being paved?”
The streets being paved this year are only those included in the August 2024 Bond Program. That said, the City is committed to making ongoing improvements through our annual Preventative Pavement Program. To help us plan for the future, Cochran Engineering has been hired to develop a 20-year road improvement plan that will guide street upgrades moving forward.
This year’s pavement work looks a little different. Echelon Paving will be used— this technique paves both sides of the street at the same time to eliminate the center seam joint and reduce failure points. This means streets may be completely closed for one day during paving.
The Annual Preventative Pavement Maintenance Program will continue to receive separate funding through the City’s Capital Improvement Program. The Bond-funded work supplements— not replaces—this ongoing program. We will make every effort to keep you informed and minimize disruption:
• One-week notification flyers will be distributed in advance.
• 48 hours before your street is paved: Door hangers with specific details will be distributed.
• “No Parking” signs will be posted along streets in advance.
Paving will usually take no more than one day, and sometimes as little as half a day. The same high-quality asphalt mix used by MoDOT for highways will be used on Blue Springs streets—designed for durability and higher traffic volumes. Emergency access will always be maintained.
The Blue Springs Police Department and Central Jackson County Fire Protection District will be notified in advance and will maintain access to all areas during paving work.
Thanks to lower-than-expected costs and the continued support from the Program, the City plans to pave even more streets next year beyond what was initially outlined in the Bond program. The Bond-funded paving is in addition to, not a replacement for, the City’s ongoing pavement improvement efforts.
View a video about the road projects
Did You Know, Blue Springs...?
Did you know that there was a plane crash in downtown Blue Springs?
It was Tuesday, February 10, 1942.
A single-motor army plane flew low over Blue Springs, circled over the business district and crashed less than 100 yards north of Main Street. According to the Kansas City Star (February 11, 1942), the motor and one blade of the propeller dug into the ground and two air corps lieutenants aboard were killed in the wreckage.
The pilots were second lieutenants in the Kansas National Guard, part of the 127th Observation Squadron out of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Boyd Mann, 29, of Pittsburg, Kansas, and Norman Meeks, 27, were training when the plane crashed.
The cause of the crash was never reported.
Mann may have had a family in Blue Springs. He was the grandson of Lucy Mann, who lived on Main Street. Meeks also had a connection to the area as he may have been a one-time Independence Examiner paper carrier.
In an Independence Examiner article dated April 11, 2011, reporter Jeff Martin interviewed a former Blue Springs resident Steve McDowell, who witnessed the crash at the age of five.
“I can still see it happening,” McDowell said in the story.
McDowell lived in Blue Springs for about a year, from 1941 to 1942. The article goes on to say that McDowell was standing on the front porch of a home located on the south side of Main Street. His father was inside the house visiting with a painter when he noticed a plane flying overhead.
The plane was flying low before it disappeared. When it reappeared, the 5-yearold McDowell watched as it tipped and went “wing over wing” a short distance from where he was standing.
“I ran in and told my father and his friend, and we went over to where it happened,” he said.
A group of men had gathered. The plane had crashed in what McDowell remembers to be a vacant lot, near the meat market.
In a story that appeared in the February 11, 1942 edition of the Independence Examiner, Richard Weatherford, a watchman at the local slaughterhouse, recounted seeing the plane crash. Other men who arrived at the scene included Dr. F.W. Tuttle, Mason Parks, B.F. Hinton and Floyd Myler.
Green Up the Blue
Volunteers gathered this past April to help “Green Up the Blue” by picking up litter throughout the City’s parks and the 7 Highway/I-70 right of way.
Join us for the next Green Up the Blue scheduled for Saturday, October 4.
