MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

Hello neighbors,

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, I am proud to reflect on the tremendous progress our community has made during the first six months of the year. Blue Springs continues to move forward with important infrastructure improvements, exciting community events and long-term planning efforts that will shape our future for generations to come.

In February, I had the privilege of delivering the annual State of the City Address, where I highlighted many of the accomplishments from the previous year and outlined our vision for the future. Since then, our City has continued to build on that momentum.

One of the most visible projects currently underway is the Downtown Streetscape Project. This transformative investment is enhancing our historic downtown by improving sidewalks, streets, landscaping, lighting and public gathering spaces. While construction can create temporary inconveniences, the long-term benefits will help create a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown that supports local businesses and strengthens our community identity.

Across our neighborhoods, the Neighborhood Street Preservation Program continues to make significant progress. Thanks to voter support, we are investing millions of dollars into repairing and preserving residential streets throughout Blue Springs. By the end of this year, we will have paved more than 100 miles of roads. These improvements are helping extend the life of our roadways while providing safer and smoother travel for residents.

Planning for the future remains a priority. This year, we launched work on updating the City's Comprehensive Plan, a critical document that will guide growth, development, transportation, housing, parks and economic development over the coming decades. Resident input will play an important role in this process, and I encourage everyone to participate as opportunities arise.

Blue Springs also hosted a World Cup Watch Party in Downtown Blue Springs. Residents gathered to cheer on Team USA, creating a fun atmosphere filled with community pride and excitement. The event showcased the strength of our downtown and demonstrated our community's enthusiasm for coming together. The popularity of our limited-edition Blue Springs soccer scarves further highlighted the excitement surrounding the event, with residents proudly displaying their Blue Springs spirit.

Transportation improvements continue throughout the city as well. Earlier this

year, we celebrated the completion of the new turn lane at Adams Dairy Parkway and Duncan Road. This project will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and enhance safety.

This summer marks the third season of Blue Surf Bay Waterpark. Since opening in 2024, the facility has become one of our community's most popular destinations. Families from Blue Springs and throughout the region continue to enjoy the amenities that have transformed our recreation offerings and provided memorable experiences for residents of all ages.

Another source of community pride has been the continued success of our bald eagle family. People from across the country have followed the nest through our live eagle camera. Earlier this year, we celebrated the laying of new eggs and have since watched the two surviving eaglets grow, thrive and prepare for life beyond the nest. This unique opportunity continues to connect people with nature while showcasing one of Blue Springs' most remarkable natural treasures.

In April, voters demonstrated their commitment to maintaining critical infrastructure by approving improvements to the Sni-A-Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant. This investment will help ensure the City can continue providing reliable wastewater services while meeting future regulatory requirements and supporting community growth.

We also have continued modernizing how we serve residents online. Earlier this year, the City completed the transition from www.bluespringsgov.com to www.bluespringsmo.gov. This update strengthens our digital presence, provides a clearer connection to our community and makes it easier for residents to identify official City communications and services. And in the coming weeks. we will launch our brand new website with more pertinent information for residents and streamlined features.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without the support of our residents, businesses, City Council, volunteers and dedicated City staff. Together, we continue to make Blue Springs a community where families want to live, businesses want to invest and visitors want to return.

While we are proud of what has been accomplished during the first half of the year, there is still much more to come. I look forward to sharing additional progress in the months ahead as we continue working together to build an even stronger Blue Springs.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community.

Chris Lievsay

Mayor, Blue Springs, Mo.

Neighborhood Street Preservation Program Continues Throughout the Summer

As part of the voter-approved Neighborhood Street Preservation Program, work will begin soon on the following roads:

Coronado/E R.D. Mize (East of Adams Dairy Parkway)
Adams Dairy Parkway (Coronado to 40 Hwy)
R.D. Mize (15th Street to Adams Dairy Parkway)
15th Street (South Outer Road to 40 Hwy)
Mock/Coronado (7 Hwy to Adams Dairy Parkway)
South Outer Road (Woods Chapel to 7 Hwy)
Woods Chapel (South Outer Road to 40 Hwy)
19th Street (40 Hwy to Moreland School Road)

Work began the week of July 20 on Coronado/East R.D. Mize Road. Adams Dairy Parkway began milling operation on July 22 with asphalt placement to be completed by July 28.

These improvements follow several roads already completed this year through the program, including the Primrose, Weatherstone and Deer Run neighborhoods, and 52 lane miles completed in 2025. By the end of 2026, 162 lane miles—27.7% of the City’s total lane miles—will have been improved through the Neighborhood Street Preservation Program in just two years.

Neighborhood Street Preservation

Goats Overtake Woods Chapel Park

We welcomed some new team members to our maintenance crew on July 11! Forty goats from Goats Gone Green LLC arrived at Woods Chapel Park to help clear overgrown brush and invasive plants around the basketball court, playground and trail.

The herd will be hanging out for the next several weeks. While they're at work, please don't approach the electric fence, disturb the goats or try to feed them. The park has more than enough vegetation to keep them full.

Beyond being incredibly fun to watch, targeted goat grazing is an eco-friendly, cost-effective way to manage overgrowth, saving the department more than $10,000 compared to conventional methods. By the time they're finished, we'll have clearer trails and improved visibility.

Scenes from Red, White & Blue Springs Week

Blue Springs celebrated America’s 250th birthday with a full week of community fun during Red, White & Blue Springs Week! Events included:

Heritage Philharmonic Concert at Rotary Park
Liberty Tree Planting at City Hall
Hero Academy at Rotary Park
Popsicles at the Pool at the Carson Ross Community Recreation Complex
Rotary Park Playground Ribbon Cutting
Storytime in the Park at Ward Park
Red, White & Blue Springs Independence Day Celebration at Young Park

Red, White & Blue Springs

Rotary Park Playground Ribbon Cutting

Liberty Tree Planting

Heritage Philharmonic Concert

Hero Academy

Storytime in the Park

City's New Website to Launch Soon

The City of Blue Springs is excited to announce the launch of its new website in the coming weeks, providing residents, businesses and visitors with a more accessible, user-friendly and modern online experience.

The new website will be located at www.bluespringsmo.gov and has been completely redesigned to make it easier for users to find information, access City services and stay connected with their local government. The project represents a significant investment in improving customer service and ensuring that all members of the community can easily access important information online. The new site also aligns with the City's transition to its new web domain, bluespringsmo.gov.

New Website Story

Where to Park Downtown During Construction

Downtown Revitalization Project

As construction continues in Downtown Blue Springs, one of the most common questions we receive is about parking. The good news? There’s still plenty of it!

Downtown Blue Springs features six public parking lots with nearly 400 available parking spaces, and that includes street parking. While construction may temporarily change traffic patterns, businesses remain open and convenient parking is available throughout the area.

Thank you for your patience as we invest in improvements that will make Downtown Blue Springs an exciting place to live, work and shop.