BY GREG WALTERS

Cave Spring Park
CHARTS NEW COURSE FOR THE FUTURE

Last Tuesday evening 16 Raytown area residents met at the Cave Spring Interpretive Center to discuss the future of the park, elect new officials, and bring constructive ways to improve the 39 acre park and its 4.5 miles walking trails.

The 3 ½ hour meeting covered many changes in the operation of the park. Most notable was the announcement that a partnership had been reached with Boy Scout Troop 469 and Cub Scout Pack 4469, to permanently move their Scout headquarters to the Park’s Interpretive Center.

The Scouts will occupy the basement level of the Center, renovations are under way to make the move permanent.

“This partnership with Troop 469 is a perfect fit for Cave Spring Park, “said Izzy Groceman, former Executive Director of the Park. “It gives them a permanent home and will add skilled labor to our efforts in maintaining the park”.

Nate Knapp, Scoutmaster of Troop 469, said their first project is to replace foot bridges that are in need of repair.

Groceman also told those in attendance that Cave Spring has been nominated by the Raytown Chamber of Commerce for a 5013C Award.

Officers elected for the 2022 are: Al Maddox, Executive Director, Harley Weibling, President and Keith Green, Secretary.

Members were also notified of the creation of a Legacy Committee. The Legacy Committee’s purpose is ensuring Cave Spring’s continuation as a historical and natural park in Jackson County. The following three members were appointed to the Committee: Greg Walters, Izzy Groceman, Al Maddox and Peggy Lowe.  

Cave Spring Park was created in 1976 when area residents procured grants to acquire the Cave Spring Property. The park was later added to in size when the William M. Kline Family donated frontage on Blue Ridge Cutoff and Gregory Boulevard. The additional land created a permanent buffer protecting the park from encroaching commercial development. In ownership of the Park was deeded over to Jackson County in 1975. However, the Association still controls the day to day operation of the Park.

Cave Spring is recognized as a natural historic site. It was used by settlers and pioneers as a rest stop before continuing west on the Santa Fe Trail.

The park has a kids play area and over 4.6 miles of walking trails. The park is open from dawn till dusk every day. Dogs on leashes are allowed. We can rent out the pavilion and interpretive center. We offer free overnight camping to scout groups. The cave is a real cave but was sealed back in the 70's for safety issues. You can only go back into it about 8 feet. The chimneys are the remains of a masonic resort from the early 1900s.

Cave Spring Park is located at 8701 E Gregory Boulevard, Raytown, MO 64133. It can be accessed near the intersection of Blue Ridge Cutoff and Gregory Boulevard. Entrance to the Park Headquarters is on Gregory Boulevard about 75 yards from the Blue Ridge/Gregory Boulevard intersection.

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