This 3-acre lake was once part of an area of shanties called Vinegar Hill and is now part of beautiful Penn Valley park. Acquisition of the land started in 1900 and continued until 1926 when 176 acres had been acquired. Actually it was a first urban redevelopment for Kansas City. Penn Valley park was one of George E. Kessler's projects. His work as landscape architect with park board started in 1892 and plans laid then continued through the years as part of the Kansas City plan. There was much opposition to his ambitious plans, but he was backed wholeheartedly by August R. Meyer, president of the park board, and William Rockhill Nelson, owner of The Kansas City Star. Penn Valley park, in what is now midtown Kansas City, was one of the results of the efforts of these dedicated people. The steep and unsightly slopes were cleared, roadways and walks were constructed playground equipment was installed. In 1906 Kansas City was awarded second place among major cities of the U. S. for its comprehensive, connected and completed park and boulevard system. Much credit for the honor went to George Kessler. The park's irregular boundaries lie between Thirty-first and Wyandotte streets, and Pershing road and Summit street. The park furnished the name, as well as a long sweeping northward view, for the proposed new Penn Valley Community college. Kansas City Times, April 12, 1969.
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