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The picture above shows speed bumps on Lane Street through Colman Park in the foreground. It also shows an orange gate in the background near the Raytown Parks and Recreation Service Barn.
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BY GREG WALTERS |
The orange gate has been effective in keeping the public away from this prohibited area where park employees use heavy equipment in maintenance of ALL Raytown Parks.
The gate went up about two years ago when a young man was shot to death in his car behind the Park Maintenance Building. His companion, a young woman, was also shot in the arm. This all happened after the 11:00 pm curfew at the park.
Shortly after the shooting . . . the gates when up.
Speed bumps are the newest addition to Colman Park. They were added shortly after the wild gunplay took place at Colman Park at 2:00 a.m. on June 9, 2025.
As a result of this proactive action the reckless racing and side shows no longer take place. The employee parking/maintenance facility at Colman is secure.
This past week the Park Department has responded with action. And it is impressive to see.
SPEED BUMPS have been installed the length of Lane Street at Colman Park. Reckless car races and sideshows are not only illegal . . . they are dangerous. It is worth visiting the park if for no other reasons than to see drivers slow down to a crawl as they pass over speed bumps the length of Lane Street, This makes the parking lot at Colman Park safe for pedestrians.
PRIVATE SECURITY SERVICE has been increased to patrol Colman Park all night long on Saturday and Sunday nights to ensure there will not be a repeat of the dangerous gunfire at Colman Park at 2:00 a.m. on June 9th.
RAYTOWN POLICE PATROLS have been increased at Colman Park during daylight hours. This significant change from the Raytown Police Department emphasizes the importance of a Police presence in areas where large crowds gather. It is a welcome sight at what is one of Raytown's busiest parks.
TURN DOWN THE NOISE! By far, the most frequent complaint I receive as an Alderman is the proliferation of recorded music turned up to obnoxious sound levels. Too often, the music is laced with lyrics that are offensive, racist and sexist to a degree that most people do not want to hear it.
The Park Department is installing devices that monitor the level of noise from shelter houses. When the music hits a certain measurable level of noise the Park Department contacts the Police Department. A Police Officer would be dispatched to the park to verify the noise level. If the noise is not turned down, the electricity to the shelter house would be turned off. Thereby cutting the power to the amplifiers.
OUR VIEW . . . The first three steps outlined appear to be a common sense approach to serious problems at Colman Park.
We hope the "Turn down the Noise" idea works. But we have our doubts.
What if there are not any police available to "check out" the situation?
Why not simply enforce the Park Rules, which have previously been approved by the Board of Alderman, outlawing amplified music at the parks? It seems as a less labor intensive way to enforce a law already on the books.
The Park Board has the technology to enforce the rules of the Park. The measuring of sound is not new technology. Neither is using it as an "off switch" to enforce park rules.
That would solve the problem once and for all.
The Park Board has taken some important steps in cleaning up our City Parks. Our City Parks should be a source of pride in Raytown. Not doubt there are problems at other city parks that deserve attention as well.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kimberly Randolph
Administrative Aide to Jackson County Legislative Chairman, DaRon McGee
816-881-3322
Kansas City, MO – Today the Election Boards confirmed that a citizen-led recall petition against County Executive Frank White Jr. has reached the threshold needed to trigger a ballot measure. This is an unprecedented and uncommon development, and my first responsibility as Chair of the County Legislature is to ensure that we follow the legal process.
This moment is not about personalities or politics—it’s about process. The petition was initiated by residents exercising a democratic right granted by the charter. It is our duty now to ensure their voices are honored through a lawful, transparent, and orderly path forward.
This is not an adversarial action by the Legislature. It is not about us versus the County Executive. It is a citizen-led initiative, and we will treat it with the seriousness and care that democracy requires.
At times like this, residents deserve steady leadership—leadership that puts the rule of law above emotion and ensures that county government remains functional and responsive no matter what lies ahead.
We didn’t ask for this moment, but we are prepared to meet it. As Chair, I will work to ensure that Jackson County remains focused, stable, and accountable. The strength of our institutions is measured in moments of challenge, and I am committed to helping guide us through this one—legally, calmly, and with public trust at the center.