Thursday Greetings,

• The Mayor and City Council celebrated the Spring/Summer 2026 NKC Citizens Academy graduates during a special ceremony at Tuesday night’s City Council Meeting.  The NKC Citizens Academy is a 10-week program offering residents a behind-the-scenes look at how their City operates and serves the community.  Registration for the Fall/Winter 2026 Academy is open, and spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  For more information or to register, visit www.nkc.org/government/departments/administration/nkc-citizens-academy.

   

• Join us as we celebrate the opening of River Forest Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 18, at 4 p.m.  Due to very limited parking at the park, attendees are encouraged to carpool, bike, walk, or use other active transportation options whenever possible. Guests may park at the NKC Health lot (2700 Clay Edwards Drive) and take advantage of a complimentary GEST shuttle service that provides transportation between the park & ride and River Forest Park before and after the event.  Please see the flyer for more information.

   

• City facilities will be closed on Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

   

• The 2026 Summer edition of the North Kansas City Connection has been uploaded to the City’s website: www.nkc.org/NKCConnection.  Printed versions will arrive in mailboxes the last week of June.

   

• Introducing a brand-new opportunity for North Kansas City's youth! We are excited to launch the NEW Youth NKC Citizens Academy—a fun, hands-on program designed to help young residents learn how their city works and discover ways to become active community leaders.  Participants will go behind the scenes with City departments, meet local leaders, experience mock City Council and Municipal Court activities, learn about public safety, and develop leadership and civic engagement skills.  Session 1 (Ages 8–12): July 20–23, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Session 2 (Ages 13–17): July 27–30, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Participants must be the qualifying age at the time of the session.  Space is very limited, so register today!  www.nkc.org/youthacademy

   

• Next Friday, June 26, will kick off NKC Parks & Rec's summer movie series, Movies at Macken. With a new screen, our Max 169, movies will now start at 7:30 p.m. The featured movie will be Hoppers, the perfect choice for animal lovers and adventure seekers! Join us before the movie to enter our raffle featuring movie-themed prizes. 

   

• Join Compost NKC on Saturday, June 27, at 10 a.m. at Macken Park for a free training session and discover how easy it is to compost food scraps and other compostable materials at home. By composting, you can reduce waste, support a healthier environment, and make a positive impact on our community!  For more information, contact nkccompost@gmail.com.

• NKC Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the Friday Night Concert lineup for the summer! On Friday, July 10, Jamogi and The Jammers will be taking the stage at the Festival Shelter in Macken Park. On Friday, August 14, Friendly Thieves will be taking the stage! 6-9 p.m.; music starts at 7 p.m.!

• It’s block party season!  A block party is a great way to celebrate and encourage stronger communities.  North Kansas City residents may apply for a grant to host a neighborhood block party.  Each grant will reimburse eligible expenses up to $400 per event.  For more information on how to apply for a permit for a block party, please visit https://www.nkc.org/our-city/register-to-for/neighborhood-block-party-grants.

• The NKC Road District’s street maintenance program operations are in full swing. The work will take place in four separate sections throughout the community. Residents and motorists are encouraged to exercise caution in work zones and to expect occasional traffic impacts during construction. All work schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change.  For more information, visit https://www.nkc.org/government/departments/public-works/public-works-services/current-projects/road-district-resurfacing.

   

• NKC Residents can purchase discounted passes for the Gorman Pool at City Hall.  (Proof of residency required.)  Located at 1101 NE 47th Street, the Gorman Pool features a 50-meter outdoor pool perfect for recreation and lap swimming.  For more information, visit www.nkc.org/our-city/community-resources/anita-gorman-pool-pass-program.

   

• Current City job openings are listed below.  To apply, please visit www.nkc.org/jobs.
  • Pretreatment Coordinator (WPC Laboratory Supervisor)
  • Wastewater Pollution Control Lab Technician
  • Police Officer
  • Utility Maintenance Worker

Upcoming Meetings and Events:  

• River Forest Park Ribbon Cutting – Thursday, June 18, 4 p.m., River Forest Park
• Juneteenth Holiday – City facilities closed – Friday, June 19
• Friday in the Park – Friday, June 19, 11:30 a.m., Macken Park
• Movies at Macken – Hoppers – Friday, June 26, 7:30 p.m.
• Home Compost Training – Saturday, June 27, 10 a.m., Macken Park
• Friday in the Park – June 26, 11:30 a.m., Macken Park
• Planning Commission – Thursday, July 2, 6 p.m.
• Fourth of July Holiday – City facilities closed – Friday, July 3
• Friday in the Park – Friday, July 3, 11:30 a.m., Macken Park
• City Council Meeting – Tuesday, July 7, 6 p.m.
• Friday in the Park – Friday, July 10, 11:30 a.m., Macken Park
• Swift Kick Watch Party – Saturday, July 11, Armour Road & Swift Street, activities start at 9 a.m.
• Friday in the Park – Friday, July 17, 11:30 a.m., Macken Park
• City Council Meeting – Tuesday, July 21, 6 p.m.
• Friday in the Park – Friday, July 24, 11:30 a.m., Macken Park
• Movies at Macken – A Bug’s Life – Friday, July 24, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday in the Park – Friday, July 31, 11:30 a.m., Macken Park