Hike one of Kansas City’s oldest parks and learn about the unique trees in Roanoke Park with Alan Branhagen, horticulture director at Powell Gardens.
The Roanoke Park Tree Walk will be from 1 to 3 p.m., Sunday, May 22. The 38-acre Roanoke Park is surrounded by four historic neighborhoods – Roanoke, Coleman Highlands, Valentine and Volker. It primarily winds along and crosses both sides of Karnes Boulevard and Roanoke Road between 34th and 38 streets. The walk will begin on the north side of the Westport-Roanoke Community Center, 3601 Roanoke Road.
This walk is timed to view the lush foliage of late spring as well as some migrant birds. It is the site of the area champion persimmon, and many other champion trees in adjacent neighborhoods.
Roanoke Park is an original link in Kansas City’s historic Park and Boulevard System designed by George E. Kessler. It was referred to as “Roanoke Park” as early as 1904, officially becoming a park on January 13, 1909. It lies in a network of wooded ravines surrounded by rocky bluffs and showcases a diversity of native trees, has a unique spring, and demonstrates local challenges of controlling invasive exotic plants and their control.
The Roanoke Park Conservancy, a volunteer group of neighbors, has worked for the past several years with partners to improve the park by controlling invasive plants, planting native species, adding an extensive hiking trail and planning new playgrounds.
This tour requires physical agility for hiking on narrow, rocky trails up and down hills. The walk is free for members and $7 for non-members. Space is limited. Advance registration is required, and can be made at www.powellgardens.org or by calling 816-697-2600, ext. 209.