Kansas City's Brush Creek condition causes concern: Investigation

Brush Creek Master Plan completed in 2023 to help create better recreation and promote better wildlife conditions

Brush Creek Master Plan completed in 2023 to help create better recreation and promote better wildlife conditions

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Brush Creek Master Plan completed in 2023 to help create better recreation and promote better wildlife conditions

Mark Roberts walked along Brush Creek near the Country Club Plaza on Thursday night.

He didn’t walk far before he saw a concoction of trash, paper, bottles, and cans in the water.

At various points along the creek there are similar scenes.

“It's sad, because it's a beautiful area,” he said.

Roberts contacted city officials to say what he saw along the creek and continues to see is an eyesore.

“It's kind of sad that you've got to go that step, but I'm willing to go that step. Because I'm proud to live here.”

A city official told Roberts Friday morning they're investigating.

City leaders have not responded to KMBC with any more details about what they’ve found.

It's yet another complaint for a creek that has seen fish killed and massive flooding over its years.

For nearly 100 years, Kansas Citians have questioned how Brush Creek can be better.

Last year, the city and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers came up with a master plan for the lower area of Brush Creek with new amenities to improve recreation along the creek and promote better conditions for wildlife.

The city’s website for the master plan does not list a timeline or a source for funding. Emails and calls to city officials on Friday were not immediately returned.

“It needs somebody to commit to it, and take care of it, and you know, own it,” Roberts said.

If you have a tip you’d like KMBC to investigate email [email protected]