According to the Unified Government (UG), a simple classroom assignment at Washington High School has grown into a fully funded project. This project will bring a new dog park to Welborn Park. Three students, Samantha Osorio, Daniel Angel Franco, and Maritza Hernandez, turned an idea from their senior English class into a community improvement effort. This effort is now supported by public agencies and local partners.
The project began when the students asked classmates whether they planned to stay in Wyandotte County after graduation. Many said no. Their surveys pointed to a common concern about limited recreation spaces and a lack of dog friendly gathering places. That finding inspired the students. They began to look for ways to improve Welborn Park. It is a large but underused park near their homes at 2520 North 55th Street.
On November 17, UG leaders, community members, and many excited pets joined the students for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the start of construction. Samantha explained what drove their work, saying, “We wanted to find ways to be able to improve Wyandotte County, and why we wanted to continue living here.”
Their English teacher, Amanda Wisdom, encouraged them to keep pushing. They contacted UG Parks and Recreation, attended public meetings, and presented their idea to Mayor Garner and county commissioners. They stayed active even after graduation. Samantha said, “It feels kinda crazy. At that time, I was just seventeen, and y’all were just listening to little kids.”
According to the UG, Parks Manager Vincent Billaci said the students showed remarkable dedication, sharing, “It has been truly inspiring to watch these emerging community leaders take their idea from concept to reality. They stepped outside their comfort zones, presented before multiple boards and committees, and consistently advocated for funding to make this meaningful addition to our park system and community possible.”
Funding for the project came together through several partners. The Wyandotte County Parks Foundation received a $24,000 award from the UG’s Hollywood Casino Grant Program. The TURF Council committed $20,000, and the Parks Foundation added another $15,000. In total, $59,000 has been pledged so far. UG Parks and Recreation will provide in kind support to complete the site. The Board of Public Utilities plans to extend an existing water line to serve the dog park.
District 8 Commissioner Andrew Davis said the project shows what is possible when students and community partners work together. “So often, our youth share great ideas but do not have the resources to make them real. This project is different. We made it happen together. Several groups collaborated on this project. The Monarchs worked with the Wyandotte County Parks Foundation. UG Parks and Recreation, unions, and the 8th District’s casino grant allocation also participated.”
The new dog park will cover one acre and include two fenced areas, one for small dogs and one for larger breeds. Dr. Jane Philbrook, a District 6 Park Board member and Vice President of the Parks Foundation, said, “It gives people a safe place to take their dogs, and it brings them together with others they might never have met before.” She also noted the mental health benefits for residents, especially older adults who find community through pet ownership.
Construction is underway and expected to finish by the end of the year. The students say the experience showed them how local government works and how much persistence matters. Maritza said, “Seeing that you guys actually care and that you aren’t just brushing this off. That you guys are eager to listen and help us come up with ideas.”
The dog park stands as a reminder that young people can make a difference when their ideas are supported. Samantha, Daniel, and Maritza advocated strongly. The work of the UG and community partners contributed significantly. As a result, Welborn Park will soon offer a new and much needed gathering space for neighbors and their pets.
