Lee’s Summit, Mo. — Those traveling along some medians and verges of highways and interchanges might notice more color, flowers and native prairie grasses thanks to the partnership and hard work of Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation (LSPR), City of Lee’s Summit Beautification Commission, Burroughs Audobon Society of Greater Kansas City, Habitat Architects, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). The preparation and plantings were finished in December of 2017, and has come to fruition earlier this summer. Also, expect the vegetation to mature and add more color and beauty each year.
“We are just now seeing the first results of the December seed planting,” Kim Fritchie, of Lee’s Summit Beautification Commission, said. “Hopefully the recent rains have helped, and the milkweed will get established, leading monarch butterflies to increase in population; that’s our ultimate reward.”
In order for this beautification project to be possible, the Burroughs Audubon Society supplied a $20,000 grant to create 40 acres of pollinator habitat along road sides. LSPR worked with the City of Lee’s Summit, Beautification Commission, Habitat Architects, Missouri Department of Conservation, and MoDOT to make this project possible.
“The flowers are blooming and our roadways are full of color,” Joe Snook, LSPR Administrator, said. “I’m very impressed with the results this year. Without the leadership of the Beautification Commission and our partnership with MoDOT, this project could not have happened.”
Locations of Beautification Medians:
- 291 North Hwy (Langsford to Colbern Rd)
- 350 Hwy/I-470 Hwy Interchange
- Todd George/50 Hwy (on and off ramps)
- Blue Pkwy/I-470 Hwy (on and off ramps)
- Douglas/I-470 Hwy (on and off ramps)
- Colbern Rd and Independence Ave
