TownTalk Birthday present makes boy’s day Truett Shacklett has a few new heroes, thanks to the Lenexa Police Department, after he was involved in an accident with a lawn mower. The first responders met the four-year-old and immediately knew he was special. “All of us who went out there are all dads and parents, and he’s just an amazing kid,” said Officer Paul Oliver.
December 2014 • Issue 6
Civic Center Project becoming a reality
The officers quickly organized an effort to purchase a birthday present for Truett, based on a toy his dad said he saw at a local store. Many LPD officers contributed to the fund, and with the help of a generous citizen, were able to purchase a riding toy police vehicle. But they didn’t stop there. Oliver and other officers worked with the LPD’s internal shop to install flashing lights and a working siren. They even personalized it to include the Lenexa Police Department logo and Truett’s nickname, “Trudog.” Not long after Truett turned four, the CONTINUED ON TOWN TALK PG. 6
Artist’s rendering of future Civic Center Project site
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t’s been nearly two decades since Lenexa citizens first came together to shape the future of our city through Vision 2020, the citizen-led community planning process. One of the economic development goals enumerated in Vision 2020 was the development of Lenexa City Center, a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood located at the geographic center of our city. This place was described as becoming Lenexa’s “new downtown.” Our commitment to creating this place was reaffirmed and refined in Vision 2030 and it has been our mission to make your vision a reality. City Center, which now encompasses more than 200 acres on all four corners of 87th Street Parkway and Renner Boulevard, is finally coming to fruition. Several projects have been completed, a few are currently under construction, and there are even more on the horizon: • Perceptive Software moved into its world headquarters at 89th & Renner this summer. • WaterCrest at City Center began leasing units this fall. • The Hyatt Place Hotel and Lenexa Conference Center are currently under construction between I-435 and the B.E. Smith building.
The rideable toy police car given to Truett Shacklett by the Lenexa Police Department.
• The Domain at City Center is underway and should be completed by the spring of 2016. CONTINUED ON PG. 2