Leawood is replacing the playgrounds at two of its parks and inviting families to break them in.
The city will hold free ribbon-cutting ceremonies at Yilan Park on Monday, Oct. 19, and at Ironwoods Park on Friday, Oct. 23. Both playgrounds replace equipment more than 20 years old, according to the city.
Mayor Marc Elkins will speak at both events. Each ceremony will include goodie bags, light refreshments and a chance for children to be among the first to try the new structures. The city is promising giant scissors for the ribbon cuttings.
Both events are free.
Yilan Park
The Yilan Park ceremony runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 12601 Nall Ave. The new playground includes a dedicated play area for children ages 2 to 5, ground-level play components and swings. Synthetic turf throughout the play area improves accessibility, according to the city. The project also includes fresh paint and a new bike rack expected in November.
Yilan Park sits on Nall Avenue south of 126th Street and offers trails, picnic areas, BBQ grills, shelters, public art and restrooms.
Ironwoods Park
The Ironwoods Park ceremony runs from 10 to 11 a.m. at 14701 Mission Road. That playground features a nature theme along with new play structures, a shade structure, synthetic turf for accessibility and improved concrete walkways. A new bike rack is also expected in November.
Why the replacements
The projects are part of Leawood's 2026 Capital Improvements Program. The city said the old equipment had reached the end of its expected life cycle after more than 20 years of use, and replacement components had become increasingly difficult to obtain as older equipment was discontinued.
Upcoming dedications
- Monday, Oct. 19, 5:30 p.m.: Yilan Park Playground Ribbon Cutting, 12601 Nall Ave., Leawood
- Friday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m.: Ironwoods Park Playground Ribbon Cutting, 14701 Mission Road, Leawood
Both events are free and open to the public.
