De Soto unveils $13.5 million rec center plan Sept. 29

De Soto will show residents the draft master plan for a community recreation center at a public open house Sept. 29.

The drop-in event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center, according to the city's announcement. Residents can review the draft plan, ask questions and share feedback with city staff and consultants.

The project carries an estimated price tag of roughly $13.5 million from 2026 to 2030, according to the city's 2026–2031 Capital Improvement Plan, adopted by the City Council on April 15. That figure includes $179,500 for master planning and a $25,000 land option in 2026, $750,000 for land acquisition and $200,000 for early design in 2027, and $12.5 million for Phase 1 construction from 2028 to 2030.

Funding has not been finalized. The city has pointed to possible revenue from industrial growth, development fees from the Flint Development site and Astra Enterprise Park, grants and partnerships. Any funding plan would require City Council approval and could include a future bond election.

Two years of planning

The idea dates to December 2023, when De Soto applied for a grant to explore a community and childcare center near K-10 and 91st Street. That grant was not awarded, but a January 2024 survey showed strong resident interest, and the council directed staff to budget a feasibility study.

Research firm Wiese Research Group surveyed more than 630 households in early 2025. A follow-up survey during the master planning phase drew more than 400 responses, the Johnson County Post reported. Fitness rooms, indoor walking tracks, aquatics and gymnasium space ranked as the most-wanted amenities in both rounds.

"A pool for sure," De Soto resident Danielle Hessong told the Johnson County Post at an April 16 community engagement event. "Our district, our high school has a swim team that doesn't get to do anything on site … It'd be really nice."

Clark & Enersen, the architecture firm leading the master plan, began work in January 2026. A steering committee guiding the process includes Mayor Rick Walker, City Administrator Mike Brungardt, Parks & Recreation Director Jay Garvin, council members Zack Bradley and Danny Lane, USD 232 Superintendent Dr. Corey Gibson and community members.

What's still undecided

No site has been selected.

One area under consideration is land near K-10, west of El Patron restaurant. The city is also coordinating with the De Soto School District on site feasibility.

No operator has been chosen either. The city has had preliminary conversations with organizations including the YMCA about potential operating models. Membership costs will depend on the facility's final size and amenities.

Completing the master plan does not commit De Soto to construction. The consultants are expected to deliver the finished plan around October, the Johnson County Post reported in June.

Residents with questions can contact Assistant City Administrator Brandon Mills at [email protected] or 913-586-5250.