For Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department, the opportunity to support an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation while people are out enjoying the outdoors was an easy call. The department hosts a total of 19 EV charging stations: nine in Swope Park, six in Loose Park, and four at Brush Creek Community Center.

Senior landscape architect Rodney Riffle shared some insight on why Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation is a partner in encouraging EV use.  

Why did you want to offer EV charging?

“We began offering public charging back in 2016 at Loose Park. A significant part of our mission is to provide safe and healthy environments for people to recreate. A step in that direction is offering an opportunity for those with non or low emission vehicles to recharge their vehicles while they take part in healthy, leisure activities in our parks and community centers.”

How did your electric vehicle charging efforts progress?

“We are still in the early stages of providing EV charging. As demand grows, we hope to be able to provide more opportunities throughout our system for people to recharge their vehicles while they recharge their bodies and minds. The partnership with the Clean Charge Network has been very straightforward and easy… almost as easy as plugging in.”

How have you seen electric transportation grow?

“We’ve been fascinated and excited by the recent rapid growth of the EV market — and are even more excited for the future with the upcoming vehicle choices the public will have in the next several years.”

What do you want to say to EV drivers? 

“First and foremost, thank you. You are making a statement and an effort to provide cleaner and healthier environments for all of us. We hope to be able to reciprocate by providing more opportunities to recharge your EV while you enjoy our parks and community centers.”