In 2012, a Kansas City Parks Sales Tax Increase was overwhelmingly passed by resident voters in Cass, Clay, Jackson and Platte Counties, creating an evergreen 1/2-cent sales tax for the purpose of bolstering funding for maintenance and operations of Kansas City parks, parkways and boulevards, and Community Centers.
This was a major funding boost in comparison to the former property and vehicle tax revenue that was collected for Parks and Recreation and freed up general fund money to be used for other infrastructure purposes.
How does it work?
Every time you complete an in-person transaction within the city limits of Kansas City, Missouri, the ½-cent sales tax is applied. Meaning those thrifted jeans, that iced coffee, or even your groceries – as long as they are physically purchased in Kansas City – not only make your life a little brighter, but helped support your parks, too!
Any purchase, big or small, makes a huge difference.
What about online purchases?
The ½-cent sales tax is unique to only in-person, physical purchases. Your movie tickets purchased at the counter, a candy bar bought from the store, or even artwork sold at a local gallery – and more – all count!
Currently, the City of Kansas City utilizes funds from tax dollars collected from online purchases made within city limits – meaning that online shopping is contributing to city-wide improvements and general funds, just not directly to Parks and Recreation!
How have my in-person purchases helped?
The impact of this funding is seen every day – sometimes in ways you’d never think. For example, Kansas City is, as most know, the City of Fountains, however maintenance and upkeep to keep these beautiful water features flowing all around our city relies on the ½-cent sales tax. Besides fountains, this evergreen funding has created countless improvements for our Parks, Community Centers, maintenance operations, and recreational programs, including:
- Directly after the ½-cent Sales Tax took effect in 2012, Community Centers were able to expand their hours to better serve residents and visitors.
- 9th and Van Brunt Athletic Fields Park, a popular play area for local soccer enthusiasts of all ages, was able to receive a full renovation to create championship-quality synthetic turf fields, new lighting, spacious locker rooms, and more.
- A new, 22-element accessible sprayground was installed at Ashland Square Park.
- Grove Park Pool underwent repairs for a water leak and much-needed restroom repairs – bringing the beloved aquatics center back to full operational status!
- Financial barriers have been nearly eliminated; thousands of dollars in scholarships have been awarded for youth to enjoy swimming lessons and athletics programs year-round.
- …and much, much more!
Kansas City Parks and Recreation is continuously investing in the spaces that bring our community together, enhancing existing parks and creating new amenities for residents and visitors alike. The ½-cent sales tax is a powerful way you help make that possible. Every purchase supports cleaner, safer, more vibrant parks, trails, and public spaces across the city. Because these aren’t just our parks—they’re your parks, and together, we’re building a stronger, more connected Kansas City for everyone.