Kansas City Council Passes $15M in Bonds for Roy Blunt Luminary Park

The Kansas City Council approved $15 million in bonds to help fund the Roy Blunt Luminary Park project. Image credit: OJB.

Posted October 7, 2025

The Kansas City Council approved over $15 million in special obligation bonds for the Roy Blunt Luminary Park.

The City Council passed the bonds with a 12-1 vote on Thursday for the Roy Blunt Luminary Park, formerly the South Loop Project. The 5.5-acre park will feature inclusive play areas, entertainment amenities, and multimodal transportation options. The park is projected to boost economic and fiscal impacts, including millions of dollars in economic output, labor income, city tax revenue, school district revenue, and job creation.

“Roy Blunt Luminary Park will not only serve as a beautiful green space for all to enjoy, but it will also knit our neighborhoods together in ways that strengthen community and drive opportunity,” President & CEO of the Downtown Council of Kansas City said in a release.

Rendering of the Roy Blunt Luminary Park. Image credit: OJB.

Construction for the Roy Blunt Luminary Park is anticipated to begin in 2026.

To date, the project has secured nearly $30 million from the private sector, approximately $158 million in funds, representing more than 50 percent of total funding.

Additionally, Roy Blunt Luminary Park will be constructed adjacent to the Barney Allis Plaza, scheduled for completion in December 2026. Once complete, the two projects will complement each other to create a district for residents and visitors.

“This park represents years of collaboration and dedication from so many partners and residents,” President and CEO of Port KC, Jon Stephens, said in the release. “By moving into final design, we’re ensuring that this once-in-a-generation project delivers the public space Kansas Citians have long envisioned, one that spurs economic development, incentive for businesses to relocate downtown, and creates a lasting civic legacy.”

The Roy Blunt Luminary Park is a partnership between the City of Kansas City, Downtown Council of Kansas City, DTC Community Development, Inc., and Port KC. HNTB, OJB and BNIM are stakeholders in the project, with Clarkson Construction and JE Dunn serving as construction management and general contractor.