Ward Parkway Plaza Neighborhood Association

Ward Parkway Plaza Neighborhood Association

History of our Neighborhood & WPPNA

In 2002, a Neighborhood Assessment was conducted by the City Planning and Development Department of Kansas City, Missouri. Below is an excerpt from the report.

The Ward Parkway Plaza Neighborhood Association (WPPNA) represents area homeowners. Residents formed the association in 1986 when the late Mike Maier encouraged his neighbors to fight a redevelopment plan which could have expanded commercial development and altered the existing residential district.

Mr. Maier became the first president of WPPNA and helped create an organization that has allowed individual homeowners to meet each other and work together on issues of common concern. Over the years Ward Parkway Plaza residents have been successful in fostering a sense of community, sharing resources, advocating for neighborhood friendly businesses and fighting crime.

According to the people who attended the workshop their work has paid off. They described their neighborhood as a safe, stable and pleasant place to live. Most of the approximately 260 homes in the Ward Parkway Plaza neighborhood are modest, attractive and well maintained. Over the yearsany first time homebuyers have been drawn to the neighborhood. Workshop participants said this factor has worked to their advantage because even families that live in the community for a short time usually make home improvements before they move on.

Recent evidence suggests that purchasing and improving a house in Ward Parkway Plaza Neighborhood is a good investment. Property values are strong and rising. Homeowner confidence is boosted because local institutions and businesses such as the Ward Parkway Shopping Center have recently upgraded their facilities.

Nearby amenities include Sunnyside Park, Ward Parkway and the historic Alexander Majors home. Many residents put a lot of work into flowers and landscaping. This encourages people, including employees of the nearby Sprint offices, to walk in the neighborhood.