Ivanhoe Park Celebration brings neighbors together to strengthen community safety

More than 400 residents gathered in Kansas City’s Ivanhoe neighborhood on July 19 for the Ivanhoe Park Celebration — a day designed to strengthen neighborhood connections, provide youth enrichment, and promote safety through community engagement.

Hosted by the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council, the free event offered family-friendly games, live music, spoken word performances, free lunch, and information from local nonprofits. The celebration was funded by the Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (NTDF) and Community Capital Fund’s Strengthening the Health of Neighborhoods (STRONG) program, which supports community-led violence prevention efforts across Kansas City.

Organizers said the goal was more than a day of fun. The event aimed to build relationships among residents, connect people to health and safety resources, and provide safe recreation for youth — all strategies identified in the city’s Blueprint for Violence Prevention.

“When neighbors come together in fellowship and fun, it reflects the strength and spirit of our neighborhood,” the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council wrote. “Events like this remind us of the power of collaboration and the importance of creating space for families and neighbors to connect.”

Local organizations shared information on health care, housing support, food security programs, and youth mentorship opportunities. Structured activities and supervised play areas gave young people a safe outlet for creativity and energy, helping reduce exposure to risky behaviors.

The Ivanhoe Park Celebration is part of a broader neighborhood strategy that includes cleanups, community watch efforts, and youth engagement programs — all rooted in resident input and leadership.