Ruskin neighborhood acquires grant for neighborhood beautification

By Don Bradley

When Beth Boerger heard about a Kansas City plan to combat low life expectancy, she thought “what a great idea.”

And then, being the community activist she is — from Ruskin Heights, one of the targeted areas — she wondered if the project might also serve as a way to get rid of some dead trees and overgrown brush.

Her thinking: walking is key to good health and nobody wants to walk on a sidewalk that looks like a path through a jungle.

Probably not exactly what the city had in mind with its “Regional Health Prosperity Zone Program,” but they asked for ideas and Boerger gave them one.

It worked and the Ruskin Heights Homes Association received a $25,000 grant.

The key sentence in Boerger’s application: “By removing poisonous and dangerous vegetation and trees, we hope to encourage our community to spend more time outdoors walking and exercising, visiting the parks and playing outdoor games.”

When the city announced the plan, it said that zip codes play a key role in determining life expectancy. It listed the Missouri River and Troost Avenue as examples of key determinants.

The outline also listed top predictors for low life expectancy, including less than seven hours of sleep per night, lack of exercise, asthma, depression.

The plan encouraged non-profits to come up with ideas and apply for grants.

Boerger shared her reasoning. Next to lack of sleep, she’d written “fear of crime.” Next to asthma: “invasive species.”

Later, she offered an on-site explanation using a sidewalk covered over with weeds and low hanging limbs. The sidewalk led to a park.

“People don’t want to walk on this,” she said a day last week. “You want your kids to walk in this to get to the park? No, it’s dangerous.”

She pointed out dead trees, covered fence rows and back yards overgrown with brush. Lack of sleep could be caused by a fear of crime. Burglars love overgrowth.

“They only have to run a block then they’re in the brush,” Boerger said.

Her group knows $25,000 won’t go far, but they are taking applications for work and will give priority to seniors, veterans, low-income and disabled.

The plan is to work with contractors willing to work with them on best prices.

“We’re going to stretch it the best we can,” Boerger said.

Her group sent postcards to all properties in Ruskin Heights telling them of the project. Residents should call 816-761-6050, or email rhhacommunity@gmail.com to receive an application.