Water jets shot skyward as children frolicked about Ashland Square Park’s new $1.4 million spray ground following an afternoon ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 21.
The 7.5-acre park at 2200 Elmwood Ave in KC’s east side has been a community hub since 1913. The park also boasted a pool for generations that had been in danger of closing since 2006 before being officially and permanently closed by the city in 2022.
“Looking around you, this is 18 years of hard work in our community coming together to make sure that we have recreation and a safe place for our children,” said Rachel Riley, president of the East 23rd Street PAC neighborhood association.
The city shuttered the Ashland Square Pool along with Jarboe Pool and Arbor Villa Park Pool in 2022. All three were “drain and fill” pools that lacked filtration systems. Instead of filtering water, they were completely drained and refilled daily, with cleaning done through draining or adding chemicals — methods no longer considered sanitary.
District 3 Councilwoman Melissa Patterson-Hazley (center, in white) poses with East 23rd Street PAC members at the ceremony. 
Rachel Riley, president of the East 23rd Street PAC, credited the late Joyce Ann Riley, former neighborhood president, for championing the project since 2006. 
Councilwoman Melissa Patterson-Hazley addresses the crowd during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 
East 23rd Street PAC neighborhood association members celebrate the new spray ground. The organization led the 18-year effort to bring water recreation back to Ashland Square Park.
The extensive renovation involved demolishing the existing pool structure, installing new water and electrical systems, and completely redesigning the space for accessibility. Construction crews added new pavement, restored historic structures, and rebuilt street connections surrounding the facility.
The improvements include:
- 22 interactive water features with synchronized sprayers
- Seven limestone benches and three metal benches
- Three shade canopies for summer heat relief
- Five picnic tables (including two ADA-accessible)
- New rail fencing and a drinking fountain
District 3 Councilwoman Melissa Patterson-Hazley shared the neighborhood’s excitement — and said that KC’s parks are one of her favorite parts of the city — at the ribbon cutting.
“I am excited for the kids that are going to get to enjoy this splash park, including my own family, and I will see you out there,” she said.
The splash pad represents a citywide trend toward more affordable and accessible water recreation. Spray grounds require less maintenance than traditional pools, eliminate drowning risks, don’t require lifeguards, and can serve people of all physical abilities.
