Maple Park Neighborhood Association

Maple Park Neighborhood Association was founded in July 1995. We received a notice from Frances Yanez stating her interest in forming a neighborhood association and requested us to bring our lawn chair and meet in her yard in July 1995. My husband and I grew excited as we named all the things that could be accomplished if we had a central location of persons to coordinate neighborhood needs with those able to meet those needs. As the meeting was about to begin, it began to rain. We all went across the street to a neighbor's house who had a large front porch under a roof. Our meeting went well and guest speakers from Gracemore and Kansas City Police Department enlightened us about the accomplishments of residents in Gracemore and how their area was improved. The Police appeared anxious to work with our community to reduce crime in our area.As word spread and time passed more and more people became interested in addressing the issues we had identified as problems. We wanted to identify common concerns, create the means for organized group action and discuss, study and take democratic action on problems. We wanted to become directly involved in decisions affecting our neighborhood. Improving the living environment of our neighborhood and meeting and forming new friendships were primary goals. We recognized that knowing our neighbors was a valuable tool in reducing crime.The Maple Park Neighborhood Association was the brain child of Carolyn Vellar helped us start our group from that first meeting in the rain to a well organized coalition of productive citizens. We learned how to ask and receive grant money. We formed a CB patrol, formed a neighborhood watch complete with signs on nearly every street warning criminals that we watch out for our neighbors. We worked with students and church groups to perform community projects such as cleaning yards, repairing and painting homes of those not able to maintain their own property. We held community clean up projects and picnics, bike rodeos, entered parades and worked with city officials to gain improvements.Probably the most important and awe inspiring event that has happened is that we have come to know our neighbors. Where a group of strangers once lived now is a collection of friends.