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Hello neighbors,
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, I’m reminded just how much we have to be thankful for here in Blue Springs. This time of year encourages us to pause and reflect on the blessings that make our community such a special place to live, work and raise a family.
I’m thankful for our residents—for your kindness, your civic pride and your willingness to come together to make Blue Springs stronger. Whether you’re volunteering at a local nonprofit, supporting our small businesses or cheering on our youth sports teams, your involvement is what gives our city its heartbeat.
I’m also thankful for our City employees, who work every day—often behind the scenes—to provide the essential services that keep Blue Springs running. From our Public Works crews preparing for winter weather to our Parks and Recreation team planning festive events, their dedication deserves recognition.
This year, we’ve seen tremendous progress across our community. We advanced important infrastructure improvements through the Neighborhood Street Preservation Program and began developing plans that will shape our city’s future, like the Downtown Streetscape and five-year Strategic Plan initiatives. Each of these efforts represents a step forward in building a vibrant, connected and welcoming Blue Springs.
As we head into the holiday season, I encourage everyone to take part in one of our community traditions—like visiting the North Pole Trail of Lights at Rotary Park. Opening on December 2, this event is a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy the season and experience the joy that comes from seeing our city shine—literally and figuratively.
On behalf of the City Council and all City staff, I want to wish you and your family a safe, happy, and meaningful Thanksgiving. May your holiday be filled with gratitude, good company and the pride of calling Blue Springs home.
Chris Lievsay
Mayor, Blue Springs, Mo.
| | Mayor Lievsay to Host Facebook Live Town Hall on Downtown Revitalization | | |
Mayor Chris Lievsay is inviting residents to join him for an upcoming Facebook Live Town Hall event scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, November 13.
It will center on the Downtown Revitalization Plan. This plan aims to reimagine and revitalize the heart of Blue Springs, making it a more vibrant, walkable and welcoming destination for residents and visitors.
This event will be broadcast live on the City of Blue Springs Facebook page, giving residents an easy way to tune in, ask questions, and hear directly from Mayor Lievsay. You can also join us in person at the Howard L. Brown Public Safety Building at 1100 SW Smith Street to ask questions.
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Police Department Welcomes
Critical Incident Response Team K9
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Meet Beau, the newest member of the Blue Springs Police Department!
Beau is the new Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) K9. CIRT K9s play an essential role in a variety of situations, including peer support, victim interviews, search and rescue operations, and community policing initiatives.
Beau was able to join the police department thanks in part to a $5,000 grant from the National Police Dog Foundation and was received through K9s for Freedom and Independence. His handler and new best friend is Lt. Brandon Claxton. Beau is definitely a good boy!
| | Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Wins Three Statewide Awards for Excellence | | |
The Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Department was recognized with three Showcase Awards from the Missouri Park and Recreation Association (MPRA), honoring excellence in facility design, programming and special events.
The Carson Ross Community Recreation Complex (CRCRC) was recognized for Facility Design & Construction, celebrating its innovation, inclusivity and sustainability. Designed through community input, the CRCRC combines the Blue Springs Fieldhouse indoor recreation center (opened 2015) with Blue Surf Bay Waterpark (opened 2024), a dynamic indoor/outdoor aquatic facility that incorporates environmentally conscious design principles.
The Programming award recognized Adaptive Swim Lessons, launched in April 2025 through a partnership with Children With Opportunity. These sessions provide a safe, welcoming environment where children of all abilities can experience the joy of swimming. Families across the Kansas City metro have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, traveling to Blue Springs for inclusive recreation opportunities not found elsewhere in Jackson County.
The Special Events award honored Brew to Brew .5K and 26.2m Run/Walk, a creative, community-driven event launched in 2023. In partnership with Scout Coffee and East Forty Brewing, this lighthearted race blends fitness and fun. Participants tackle a grueling .5K followed by a 26.2-meter stroll, offering a playful twist during the same weekend as the Kansas City Marathon. East Forty hosts the start and finish line with craft beer, while Scout Coffee fuels racers during packet pickup.
“Our work has always been about finding new ways to bring people together,” said Justin Stuart, Director of Blue Springs Parks & Recreation. “It takes creativity, trust and a shared belief in what recreation can do for a community. I’m proud of how our team continues to turn ideas into experiences that make Blue Springs a better place to live.”
| | Blue Springs Communications Department Earns Two PRSA PRISM Awards | | |
The City of Blue Springs Communications Department won two PRISM awards at last month's Kansas City Public Relations Society of America PRISM Awards Ceremony. The City competed with the likes of St. Luke's Hospital, Advent Health, Trozollo Communications Group and Harvesters.
Nate Beck, Multimedia Specialist, won a silver PRISM for the North Pole Trail of Lights teaser video. Brian Spano, Communications Manager, won a gold PRISM for the “Spotlight on Blue Springs Magazine” that was rebranded and launched in July.
“I’m proud of the outstanding work our communications team continues to produce,” Spano said. “This recognition from our peers is not only an honor, but also a reflection of our ongoing commitment to excellence and to serving our residents through effective, high-quality communication.”
| | The City of Blue Springs is providing a series of articles highlighting some of the most common Code Violations. From overgrown grass to improper parking, we'll break down each Code, why they matter and how you can help keep our community clean, safe and beautiful. | | |
Refrigerator Disposal
Getting rid of a refrigerator or airtight container? Make sure you remove the door or secure it shut. Why? Because nobody wants a game of hide-and-seek to turn dangerous. When disposing of refrigerators, or placing airtight containers outside of the building, always remove the door or secure the door shut.
The reasoning for this Code is to ensure public safety and environmental protection. Specifically, they address the risk of accidental entrapment, especially for children, and the need for proper refrigerant handling to prevent environmental damage. For more information, you can view the Code HERE.
| | Board of the Month - Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee | | |
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee is responsible for assessing projects presented for annual funding consideration. The Committee recommends polices, goals and objectives of the CDBG program for review and approval by the City Council. Additionally, it evaluates performance of the funded activities and, at the discretion of the Committee.
The Committee also makes recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding future activities, budget for funding based upon City policies, goals, objectives, financial needs, and commitments and community needs assessments. It conducts program reviews, solicits and receives written comments from the public, and conducts public hearings.
Meetings of the CDBG Advisory Committee are held on an as-needed basis, typically held on weekday evenings approximately four to six times per year.
The CDBG Advisory Committee is comprised of seven members consisting of three City Councilmembers (one from each district), one member of the Planning Commission, one member of the Downtown Review Board, one member of Downtown Blue Springs and one member of the Park Commission who all serve one-year terms. They are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. Members must have knowledge of and interest in redevelopment with low- and moderate-income areas, downtown capital improvements, housing, and homeless and disability needs. Members must be residents of Blue Springs. The City shall provide three non-voting staff representatives: one each from the Community Development, Public Works and Parks & Recreation Departments.
Citizens who desire to serve on a city board or commission may apply by filling out the online Boards and Commissions Application. All meetings are open to the public.
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It’s that magical time of year again! Come join us for Opening Night of the North Pole Trail of Lights, 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 2 at Rotary Park.
Kick off the holiday season with more than 250,000 twinkling lights, festive displays, a 40-foot animated Mayor’s Christmas Tree and a visit from Santa Claus himself!
Enjoy hot cocoa, holiday music and plenty of Blue Springs cheer as we light up the trail for the first time this season. The display runs through December 30.
| | CONTACT YOUR CITY COUNCILMEMBER | | | | |
