Fort Scott, Kansas
An Accredited Public Square Community

Public Square Accreditation Received 
Spring 2009

Fort Scott Community Visioning
…a progressive community building on a foundation of heritage, pride and prosperity

Progress Links:

Community Survey Results Favorable
Article written by Michael Pommier of The Fort Scott Tribune on October 22, 2009

Action Team Success!

Fort Scott / Bourbon County Riverfront Authority

Outside / In Economic Development

AQUA-Vision

Neighborhood Revitalization

Youth Activities Team (YATS)

Pennies for the Park Project
Ropin’ and Rockin’ for Pennies for the Park
COUNTRY STAR JASON ALDEAN TO HEADLINE ROPIN’ & ROCKIN’ FOR PENNIES
FOR THE PARK FUNDRAISING EVENT
Atlanta Braves Player Adam LaRoche and Family and Ft. Scott Youth Activities Team to Host

Community Survey Results Favorable
Thursday, October 22, 2009
By Michael Pommier, The Fort Scott Tribune

The results of the 2009 Community Perception Survey were released during the Community Conversation on Oct. 15, and the results were favorable.

Visioning Committee Co-convener Clayton Tatro said the results were very positive despite the fact that fewer surveys were turned in than in 2005. "The results were exceptionally favorable," Tatro said.

Tatro said nine of the 20 categories included in the survey showed an increase of five percent or more of the responses showing "excellent" or "good" on only two categories show a decline with each being less five percent. See sidebar for a comparison between the results of the 2005 and 2009 surveys.

Survey results show the largest increases in cooperative community spirit (17 percent), willingness to seek help from the outside (15 percent), deliberate transition of power to younger generation (11 percent), and emphasis on quality in business and community (10 percent). With the positive responded from the community, Tatro said the different action teams how have confidence that they are working in the right direction.

"I think this is the action teams' validation that we are heading in the right direction. It gives the different teams the knowledge and appreciation that we are on the right track," he said. "It gives them all the more reason to continue to push forward."

The results of the survey, according to Tatro, speak for themselves. He said the survey shows that the community supports the action teams and their individual purposes such as Ellis Park, developing the riverfront, Good Neighbor Blitz, and improving the city pool.

"The results speak for themselves," Tatro said. "They are cause for hope, optimism, and celebration."

Another survey is expected to be sent out in about three to five years to reevaluate the direction in which the teams are going. Tatro said the community's feedback is vital to the progress of the town.

"We need that public feedback," he said. "We are only as strong as the feedback we get from the community."

The Surveys Said...
The number of respondents who rated the indicator as "Excellent" or "Good" are listed as percentages.

In 2005, 299 surveys were tabulated. In 2009, a total of 250 surveys were tabulated.

Substantial Improvements of 5% or more

Substantial Declines of 5% or more

Only two indicators decreased with neither being 5 or more

FORT SCOTT / BOURBON COUNTY RIVERFRONT AUTHORITY

The Marmaton River borders the north side of Fort Scott’s historic downtown district and the National Historic Site. The river does not maintain a constant flow of water, so at times it is near flood stage and during the summer, it has little to no flow. As a result, the area around the river is over grown with vegetation, the river banks are unsightly, and there is illegal trash dumped along the river. The Vision is to covert this area into a recreational park with hiking and biking trails, picnic and play areas, handicapped assessable fishing, RV parking, and equestrian riding trails. Our trails will have historical, ecological, environmental and wildlife informational signage.

Our mission is to facilitate a sustainable revitalization and promote the preservation, protection, and interpretation of the Marmaton River for the enjoyment and education of current and future generations of visitors and citizens of Fort Scott, Bourbon County and the State of Kansas.

In order to fulfill our mission, we plan to implement the following projects:

1. Acquire land east of National Avenue and north of the Marmaton River and south of Mill Creek.

2. Acquire land owned by Union Pacific Railroad south of the Marmaton River, extending west of National Avenue to the river, and east of National Avenue to U.S. Highway 69.

3. Develop a Master Plan for the total riverfront project which will include phases of development for each section.

4. Develop a Park based on the Master Plan on the land obtained in Steps 1 and 2, which will include:
   a. Fishing lake with handicap access,
   b. Hiking and biking trails,
   c. Pedestrian bridge crossing the Marmaton River,
   d. Picnic areas with restroom facilities and playground equipment,
   e. Access to the River and stabilization of the river banks,
   f.  Landscaping that will provide wildlife habitat and viewing and botanical identification of plants,
   g. Historical panels portraying the use of the area by Native Americans and early settlers including the period before and after the Civil War, and
   h. An overnight parking area for recreational vehicles and parking lots for park visitors.

5. Develop an environmental education venue that shows, among other things, a reading of the water quality of the River with comparisons to past readings. This will help educate people about the need for good water and how the public can assist in improving the quality of our water.

6. Acquire land and/or land easements to develop the hiking and biking trail with a parallel equestrian trail along the south bank of the River downstream from U.S. Highway 69 to the Old Military Bridge (240th Street).

7. Build a weir (low water dam) on the Marmaton River near the Old Military Bridge in order to maintain a useable level of water in the Marmaton River for canoeing and fishing.

8. Acquire land and/or land easements upstream from the Park to develop a hiking and biking to Gunn Park, including two pedestrian bridges.

9. Build a botanical garden east of U.S. Highway 69 on the south bank of the River.

Accomplishments

To date the committee has accomplished the following:

• Created the Fort Scott/Bourbon County Riverfront Authority as a governmental entity to own the land and build the park.

• Acquired approximately 35 acres of land through donation, purchase, or flood mitigation funds.

• Organized the first Annual Riverfront Festival as an old time hot dog and wiener roast with watermelon and “church ladies’” dessert. (317 people attended and the event raised $2,100 toward the master plan.)

• Participated in the first Annual Community Gala with attendance of 400 people, raising $23,000 for the master plan. 
  
  

OUTSIDE/IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Goals

5-Year Goal: Conduct yearly benchmarking trips to other communities based on identified needs through community input to generate and implement economic development ideas and  communicate progress to citizens.

6-Month Goal: Develop a plan to engage citizens with this project; Educate citizens on this effort; identify a method to survey citizens on All four sides of the public square; identify a means of funding trips.

Accomplishments

• Benchmarked three similar communities’ best economic development practices.

• Made valuable economic development contacts.

• Submitted recommendations to the city commission to revamp comprehensive plan, add the position of community planner to city infrastructure, identify and remove obstacles to community progress.

• Followed up with city commission and staff on results and timeline of recommendations.

AQUA-VISION

Goals

5-Year Goal: Build an all-purpose aquatic center that will include recreational, therapeutic and educational activities for all ages.

In 90 days: Combine efforts with core group and city – already working
on this project.

In 18 months: Define project, city and partners; engage architect/aquatics expert for conceptual planning; define project uses, programs and 
supporting entities.

In 24 months: Consensus-building through architect, resource planning, secured donation of property and announce through media outlets.

Accomplishments

• Partnered with community visionaries to begin feasibility study for indoor/outdoor aquatic center with Larkin Aquatics.

• Raised awareness of Fort Scott community and surrounding areas about the need for and the benefits of the facility.

• Benchmarked surrounding communities with aquatic centers.

GOOD NEIGHBOR ACTION TEAM (GNAT)

The Fort Scott, KS, community came alive with volunteerism on June 25-30, 2009, to accomplish what has become known as the second annual Good Neighbor Blitz – coordinated by the Good Neighbor Action Team (GNAT).

For 2009, GNAT facilitated what was a local church’s project to encourage more volunteerism and neighborly support throughout the community. In 2009, more than 235 community volunteers of all ages and abilities came together to work on 42 homes! GNAT also had a mission team from a local church work one week in advance, preparing the houses for the work to come. Work on these homes ranged from yard work to painting. The scope of work included replacing entire porches, entire sub-floors, replacing windows, siding, etc. GNAT volunteers painted inside and outside; cleaning crews cleaned everything imaginable, and volunteers with great construction skills performed beautiful work from new walls to new handicapped ramps.

By the end of the week, the volunteers were tired but happy with a great feeling of accomplishment. None of this could have been accomplished without a great team that raised more than $30,000 for supplies, local contractors that coordinated all of the work, great coordination by team leaders and wonderful volunteers.

NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

Improving Fort Scott, One Neighborhood At A Time

Accomplishments

• Created a brochure informing the community of our mission and programs

• Held a block party at the First Church of God, 1115 E. Wall Street

• Cleaned up around the old grain elevator

• Worked with UMB Bank and the City of Fort Scott to publicize loan program

• Sponsored a “Clean Up Fort Scott” poster campaign with Fort Scott USD 234

• Sponsored a “Clean Sweep” on Wall Street

• Helped publicize The Good Neighbor Blitz sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church

• Gunn Park Clean Up

• Ellis Park Clean Up and Block Party

Future Plans

• Establish a community garden program

• Contribute to revival of the Farmers Market and encourage participation by artists

• Plant redbud trees at the east entrance to Fort Scott on Hwy 54

• Establish Neighborhood Watch programs

• Encourage community artistic endeavors (murals, etc.)

• Establish community-wide recycling pick-up program

• Contribute to community civic programs and participation

YOUTH ACTIVITIES TEAM (YATS)

Our team was formed through the Fort Scott Visioning Process. We were asked to seek out activities that our youth wanted in their community.

We conducted a random survey of Fort Scott Middle School, Fort Scott High School and Fort Scott Community College students. Results of that survey (students interested in the itemized activity)were as follows:

Miniature Golf Course 140
Sand Volleyball 93
Tennis Courts 57
Batting Cages 119
Paint ball Facility 124
Aquatic Center 130
Walking/Running Trails 121
Racquet Ball/Hand Ball Courts 114
Skate Rink 103
Outdoor Basketball Courts 103
Skate Park 98
Shopping Mall 220

PENNIES FOR THE PARK PROJECT

Danny and Willa Ellis, local philanthropists, donated Ellis Park, located on 12th Street across from Fort Scott Middle School, to the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County. The land currently houses two baseball/softball fields and a soccer field.

In addition to the existing fields, the plan for the new park includes an 18-hole miniature golf course, sand volleyball, batting cages, jogging/walking trail, picnic shelters, outside basketball courts, picnic areas, restrooms, playground area, landscaping, and parking.

Our funding has come and will come in the form of in-kind goods and services, private donations, and grants.

Our first fundraising effort was a community project labeled “Pennies for the Park.” Money was collected in order attempted to achieve two Guiness World records . We are the Guiness World Record holders for the “Longest Chain of Coins”, and "The fastest Mile of coins".

The longest line of coins previously on record had a total length of 55.63km 34.57miles and was made in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia using 2,367,234 20-sen coins. It was laid by representatives of WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) Malaysia and Dumex Sdn Bhd on August 6, 1995.

We verified that recorded had never been accomplished in the USA. We have brought the record to the home to Fort Scott, Kansas!! Our achievement was finalized on July 11, 2008.

We also entered for the fastest time in laying one mile of pennies. The previous record held was 2 hours 26 minutes and 7 seconds. The fastest time to lay down a mile of pennies is now 2 hours 23 min and 1 second, achieved by Youth Activities Team (USA) in Fort Scott, Kansas, USA, on July 10, 2008. 
A Guinness Book of World Records representative was on site to adjudicate both achievements.

Ropin’ and Rockin’ for Pennies for the Park

COUNTRY STAR JASON ALDEAN TO HEADLINE 
ROPIN’ & ROCKIN’ FOR PENNIES FOR THE PARK FUNDRAISING EVENT
Atlanta Braves Player Adam LaRoche and Family and Ft. Scott Youth Activities Team to Host

Ft. Scott, Kansas – Ropin’ and Rockin’ for Pennies for the Park, a day-long event combining a rodeo competition and a concert from popular country rocker Jason Aldean, took place on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds in Fort. Scott, Kansas. Opening for Aldean was Kevin Blake Weldon, country music recording artist and host of the TV show BADBOB & JIMMY’S POSTED PLACES. Monies raised from the event will benefit a family oriented venue for area youth.

The event was created by Atlanta Braves first baseman and native Kansan Adam LaRoche as a way to charitably give back to his local hometown. LaRoche, who made his Major League debut in April, 2004, spent three seasons with the Atlanta Braves at first base prior to being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007. He was traded to the Boston Red Sox on July 22, 2009, and after only spending six games with Boston, he was dealt back to his former team, the Atlanta Braves, on July 31, 2009. Adam and his wife Jennifer, son Drake and daughter Montana spend the off-season at their beloved E3 ranch in Ft. Scott, Kansas. The celebrated LaRoche baseball family includes Adam, his younger brother Andy LaRoche, third baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates, older brother Jeff, a former minor league pitcher and his father Dave LaRoche, a former major league baseball pitcher and now a pitching coach in the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

The highlight of the day’s activities was a special concert by multi-million selling country music recording artist Jason Aldean. Wide Open, Aldean’s third album, was certified Gold after only ten weeks selling over a half a million copies. She’s Country, the first single, stayed in the #1 spot for two weeks and was certified gold with over a half a million digital downloads sold. His current single, Big Green Tractor, is his fastest rising single to date currently at #9 after only 9 weeks on the charts. Aldean’s first two albums sold more than two million copies with five smash hits and received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations. Aldean is featured in a national advertising campaign for the new Wrangler Retro line of jeans. The campaign will debut in late August. He is the only artist other than George Strait to be featured in a national Wrangler television and print campaign.

ROPIN’ & ROCKIN’ FOR PENNIES FOR THE PARK ADAM LAROCHE/JASON ALDEAN
The concert began at 7:00 p.m. General admission tickets were $25 for advance purchase and $35 for tickets purchased at the gate the day of the event.

Ropin’ and Rockin’ for Pennies for the Park festivities began with a United States Team Roping Championship affiliate competition that will consist of a #11 (4 steer average) with a #10 Incentive (Incentive 3 steer average). The entry fee was $100 per roper and participants could enter three times. Entrants must have current USTRC 2009 membership. USTRC Triad numbers only. Prizes included saddles to average winners of the #11 and buckles to average winners of the #10. Books opened at 8:30 a.m. and closed at 9:00 a.m. with the roping competition starting at 9:30 a.m. Cattle furnished by C-S Cattle Company.

“We’re looking forward to beginning the day with an exciting roping competition and to have Jason and his band come out in the evening for a terrific concert,” said Adam LaRoche. “Having a great park for kids of all ages and interests is something everyone in the community can enjoy.”

For more information on Ropin’ and Rockin’ for Pennies for the Park visit www.yatfortscott.com.

About Pennies For The Park

Pennies For the Park is a project of the Ft. Scott Youth Activities Team (YAT) to benefit the Ellis Park project. The major renovation project is designed to develop and expand the park to provide for a family oriented venue for local youth. Planned improvements call for a miniature golf course, sand volleyball courts, batting cages, a jogging and walking trail, picnic shelters, outside basketball courts and a playground area. Local philanthropists Danny and Willa Ellis donated the park to the City of Fort Scott and Bourbon County in the early 1980s. For more information on Pennies for the Park visit www.yatfortscott.com.