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CBKC Receives $800k Grant for Pickleball Facility on KC’s East Side
The office of U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), announced this fall the award of an $800,000 grant to Community Builders of Kansas City. Issued from the Office of Community Services, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the grant will go to support the development of SW19 at the Stadium (SW19), the only pickleball facility on Kansas City’s East Side.
“Once construction is completed, we will use these Community Economic Development funds for equipment and supplies and to support personnel costs of the newly created positions,” said Shannon Hesterberg, CBKC’s chief operations and real estate officer. She said those new roles include managers and receptionists as well as food service workers operating the facility’s coffee shop and restaurant.
CBKC will partner with Kansas City’s public workforce agency, the Full Employment Council, to recruit, hire and train low-income individuals for the new jobs. Benefits for these employees include health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. Also included are wraparound supportive services.
Designed to host eight indoor pickleball courts, a bar, restaurant and VIP rooms, SW19 at the Stadium will be the home of the Kansas City Stingers, an expansion market team of the National Pickleball League. Just as importantly, the project aligns with the health and wellness pillar of CBKC’s strategic plan by introducing the sport to Eastern Jackson County youth and families.
With colleges beginning to offer pickleball scholarships, the SW19 team wants to make the facility the go-to location for underserved Eastern Jackson County youth and families where players of all skill levels are welcomed, and competitive play can be developed.
“The area in Eastern Jackson County has suffered from prolonged disinvestment, with nearly three in four households in Eastern Kansas City earning less than the national median household income,” said Hesterberg. “This project will create 34 new jobs, 26 of which will be filled by individuals with low income.”
The approximately $4.5 million SW19 at the Stadium project is replacing the former CoCo Key Water Resort connected to the 12.4-acre former Adam’s Mark Hotel & Conference Center site, 9103 E. 39th Street. CBKC acquired the complex after it closed in 2020. CBKC and the owners SW19 Tennis and Pickleball in Leawood, Daryl Wyatt and Julie Gibson, are partners in SW19 at the Stadium and The Stingers. In the National Pickle Ball League™, Wyatt currently is ranked sixth in the world.
Tracey Lewis Leads EDC Transformation in Kansas City
“I’ve always had an interest in helping in the community,” said Tracey Lewis, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. “It just took me a while to figure out how my professional experience could help advance certain, more broad community opportunities.”
Lewis, originally from Boston, has been in Kansas City for 20 years and stepped into his leadership role with the EDC in July 2022. For years prior to that, as he carried out his career in finance and banking, Lewis served the community by volunteering for committee and leadership roles in local organizations including the Missouri Housing Development Commission, SchoolSmart KC, Inc., and University Health. He is a co-founder of Vision Impact Power Fund, which seeks to increase charitable giving among and improve the quality of life of African Americans in the greater Kansas City area.
“It was healthy and beneficial to come into the EDC with a blank slate,” he said. “I didn’t know enough at the time to have a vision and in any case, economic development is not prescriptive. Each community has needs and opportunities unique to itself and we need to address those with resources tailored to those communities.”
In the last two years, much of his efforts have been to address EDC’s outdated business model and realign the organization with the city as well as internally with long-term professional staff.
“It was less about an overhaul than just reconnecting with our present reality,” said Lewis. “Staff appreciate the rationale of the updated business model and, today, city hall and the EDC are well aligned. There is a shared commitment to fix problems.”
A measure of success, he said, is if the people in the economic development ecosystem are willing to be your partners. “When I first started there was skepticism,” Lewis said. “We had to stay true to what we knew needed to change rather than acquiescing to traditional expectations of partners. Over time, mutual trust grew between community partners and me, which gave the EDC the opportunity to be more effective.”
Among many other initiatives, EDC now directly works with agency partners like the KC Chamber, KC Area Development Council and the Civic Council, representing the city in the strategies and policies to attract business. It partners with the city’s KC Biz Care, the EDC/Downtown Council joint venture – Launch KC and other agencies to help small businesses get access to capital. More recently, EDC began negotiating with the city to administer its Central City Economic Development Sales Tax District (CCED) program. It also engaged to support CBKC’s KC Sun Fresh at Linwood, by advocating for resources and initiatives that enhance safety and foster an environment that attracts a broader customer base to the store, which has struggled over the last year with criminal activity in and around the store.
There are plenty of opportunities to pursue, of course. Still missing, he said, was a unifying effort to bring four major participants – government, business, philanthropy and unions – to the table or, at least, to align their economic development objectives.
“When it comes to business, EDC needs to chart the path,” said Lewis. “We are actively working to find the medium that makes the key parties comfortable with the reality of the economic development eco system and then, determine what is next.”
Kansas City Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley Advocates for the 3rd District at Large
Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley, representing Kansas City’s 3rd District at Large, has established herself as a passionate advocate for her community. With a background in educational psychology and a commitment to addressing economic disparities, she is working tirelessly to elevate the voices of the most marginalized populations in her district.
Dr. Patterson Hazley’s professional experience speaks to her dedication to closing gaps for under-resourced communities. As an educational psychologist and research professional, her focus has been evaluating and addressing disparities in healthcare access for African American youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities. This work, in partnership with UMKC Institute for Human Development and Children’s Mercy Hospital, highlights her commitment to using research and data to drive policy that supports those who have been historically underserved.
In her role as a city council member, she brings the same dedication to creating change through innovative and high-impact policies, having worked on ballot initiatives including earnings tax and health levy renewals.
Building affordable houses on the thousands of abandoned lots in underpopulated communities was a primary objective for Patterson Hazley when she ran for office in 2023. True to her word, just four days into office she gathered a group at City Hall to brainstorm solutions. After subsequent meetings that also included neighborhood leaders as well as architects, engineers and developers, the Housing Accelerator program was born. The Washington Wheatley neighborhood was chosen to pilot the program. Patterson Hazley grew up near the area, has a personal connection to it and an innate understanding of its challenges.
“The Housing Accelerator really came from me driving from home to work at UMKC and I counted about 14 vacant lots just on that short drive,” Patterson-Hazley recalled.
The Housing Accelerator is designed to quickly bring development to these vacant lots, streamlining the process for developers by offering the land for just $1 per lot. In return, developers must complete their housing projects within 18 months, creating a sense of urgency to produce results that benefit the community.
The Washington Wheatley neighborhood is emblematic of the redlining history that has left many urban communities underdeveloped and disenfranchised. Through the Housing Accelerator, Patterson Hazley aims to reverse the long-standing patterns of neglect. By encouraging affordable housing development and providing educational workshops for residents, she is empowering both developers and neighbors to invest in the future of their neighborhood.
Patterson Hazley is driven to spur affordable housing, equity and economic growth in Kansas City. Whether it is through her advocacy for housing, her commitment to marginalized communities or her efforts to close gaps in healthcare and economic opportunity, she is setting a powerful example of how local leadership can have a direct and positive impact on the lives of constituents.
CBKC Pickleball Venue Ready for Play by End of Year
SW19 at the Stadium, Community Builders of Kansas City’s (CBKC) new pickleball venue, is under construction and will be ready for game play by year’s end. The project is a collaboration with SW19 Pickleball at State Line in Leawood, owned by Daryl Wyatt. The new venue comprises eight indoor pickleball courts, a bar, restaurant and VIP rooms.
“When Daryl first met Emmet (Pierson, Jr., CBKC president and CEO), they just clicked right away,” said Julie Gibson, Wyatt’s partner who helps in the business. “Both are visionaries, passionate about helping others, and see the opportunities and possibilities that sports can provide. So, when Emmet asked about partnering at CoCo Keys to expose a whole new audience to pickleball, Daryl was quick to jump at the chance. We were like yeah, that fits our vibe.”
Gibson explains that what sets SW19 apart from other clubs is its player-centric focus and comparatively low pricing, which aligns with Pierson’s vision of expanding access to players of any age, skill level and geographic location. SW19 at the Stadium will be the only pickleball venue of this size in Eastern Jackson County and will provide much needed courts in an underserved area.
“Daryl’s already been meeting with school districts about adding after-school programming for youth,” Gibson said. “We want the stadium location to be a place where kids can come after school to play or just hang out and do homework. There will be play for all levels – from the beginner who just wants to hit the ball around to someone looking to take classes to become a more competitive player and even those who want to train to become a pro.”
Wyatt is a former professional tennis player who played on the ATP Tour and has almost three decades of coaching experience during which he has developed both local and nationally ranked junior players. Wyatt now aims to replicate that success by developing pickleball athletes and providing them with opportunities they might not have had otherwise. As colleges begin to offer scholarships for pickleball, this could create tremendous opportunity.
CBKC also has partnered with SW19 in ownership of the Kansas City Stingers, Kansas City’s first professional pickleball team which is one of six new expansion teams in the National Pickleball League. Wyatt plays on the Stingers and is one of the top players in the league. The NPL Championships will occur later this month in Cincinnati, Ohio. Gibson is excited about how well the Stingers played during the regular season and is confident they will close out the season in a top spot.
“SW19 is the zip code for Wimbledon so that’s where our company name came from, as well as the team’s purple and green colors,” shared Gibson. “And the Stingers part is not only because it can sting if you get hit by a pickleball, but because Daryl and I have bees in our backyard.”
Beekeeping is another common thread between Gibson and Wyatt and Pierson and his Pierson’s wife, Marion, who founded MO Hives KC and maintains an apiary on top of the Adams Mark building which is where SW19 at the Stadium is located. The “Stingers” name just made sense.
“We had mutual friends who connected Marion and I, and I think what she’s doing is so cool, especially teaching kids STEM through beekeeping and flying drones,” said Gibson. “I feel like we’re kindred spirits.”
Gibson said drone flying will be useful at SW19 at the Stadium since the very high ceilings will allow for indoor use. Drones could be used to film and photograph everything from casual play and coaching sessions to professional tournaments with teams from throughout the country and provide yet another opportunity for our young people to develop new skills as they enter the workforce.
SW19 at the Stadium will offer a new and unique venue for pickleball enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Born from a shared vision of accessibility, community engagement and a passion for sports, it promises to be more than just a place to play and will be ready to welcome you soon.
Fifth Free Movie Night Features Sold-Out Screening of Disney/Pixar’s Coco
A perfect crisp Fall evening was the backdrop for this year’s Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) Community Movie Night. For the fifth consecutive year, the organization teamed up with Starlight Theatre to host a magical free movie night under the stars. This year’s event, held on September 7, featured the Disney/Pixar film Coco.
More than 3,500 people turned out for the sold-out event with pre-movie entertainment including larger than life puppet characters in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a performance by Mariachi Flor de Missouri, crafts for the kids and free resources for parents. Other partners for the event were Ethnic Enrichment Commission, Kansas City Greek Picnic, Kansas City Parks and Recreation, Lakeside Nature Center, Southeast Community Center and Stone Lion Puppet Theatre.
Coco is a 2017 animated film that tells the story of a young boy named Miguel who dreams of becoming a musician, despite his family’s generations-long ban on music. Set in Mexico, the film revolves around Miguel’s accidental journey to the Land of the Dead during the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration.
In the Land of the Dead, Miguel meets his deceased relatives and makes an unexpected friend in a charming rogue named Héctor. Together, they set out on a journey to discover the truth behind Miguel’s family’s ban on music and learn the history of his great-great-grandfather.
The film explores themes of family, heritage and the importance of remembering loved ones who have passed away, while celebrating Mexican culture and the traditions of Día de los Muertos. Coco has been praised for its emotional depth, vibrant animation and beautiful soundtrack, including the Oscar-winning song “Remember Me.”
Are You Eating Enough Veggies? University Health Veggie Meter® at Sun Fresh Will Tell You
There is a reason University Health includes “innovation” in the name of its community health outreach program. Its Community Health Strategies and Innovation (CHSI) initiative launched a partnership in early 2024 with Community Builders of Kansas City. It began with integrating nutrition infographics and healthy recipes in the produce sections of CBKC’s two Sun Fresh grocery stores, a start spurred by a little inspiration and is growing with innovation.
“I do a good job of creating work for my team,” said Candice Brooks, University Health community relations officer. She was kidding but, not really.
“I come up with ideas, pitch them to the team and see where it goes,” she explained. “For this program, I was in CBKC’s Blue Parkway Sun Fresh and while walking through its produce section I thought to myself, ‘How do people know what to do with this produce?’ We always talk about a healthy diet, eating in color from what grows from the ground, but we need to give people practical ideas on how to make eating healthy more a part of their lives.”
It started with seasonal recipes as well as infographics on nutrition placed for customers to pick up for free in the produce sections with a goal to prompt, motivate and inspire new healthy eating behaviors. Good start but then they took it to the next level. Now CHSI team members are onsite in each store’s produce section on first Fridays engaging people and talking up nutrition and the recipes. And, they started offering free blood pressure checks!
But, that’s not all. CHSI now brings a Veggie Meter® – and it is cooler than it sounds. The technology is a portable device that measures skin carotenoids to assess fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. Customers get an FV score and where their score ranks among measures across the U.S., in fruit and vegetable intake. Wow!
“This gives us a great talking point with people,” Brooks said. “We did the Veggie Meter measurement with one young lady. Her blood pressure was high and her Veggie Meter score was low. One way to lower your blood pressure is to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. This young lady came back to our table and showed us the produce she was going to buy as something she could do for herself to lower her blood pressure. For customers who have a high (good) Veggie Meter score, that is a great affirmation that they are making good choices.”
Brooks has ideas for what can be next to continue to grow the program which includes having a blood pressure stand as a permanent installation in the stores and, dreaming big, even cooking demonstrations.
None of this would be possible, Brooks said, without the amazing support of University Health leadership, CBKC and the CHSI team.
“We are fortunate that we have the support of our leadership, starting with Charlie Shields on down, that approves funding not just of our team and its outreach but all the tools like recipes and the Veggie Meter,” Brooks said. “Emmet Pierson (CBKC president and CEO) and the whole Sun Fresh management team has made it so easy for us. We come to them with these ideas, and every time they just tell us to go do it!”
University Health’s CHSI program has three areas of focus:
- Health and wellness education, which targets chronic disease prevention and self-management.
- Nutrition and nourishment, which includes the Healthy Harvest Mobile Market and food delivery to multiple partner organizations.
- Connection to Care events and outreach, which focuses on establishing and continuing care for community members that need it.
Brooks has been with University Health for 20 years in varying roles. A native of Kansas City’s east side, she says this role was meant to be, “I always wanted to be part of this community team. It is a dream come true to work alongside the other Community Health Strategies team members and make a difference.”