Roy Blunt Luminary Park is thrilled to announce a $5.1 million private contribution from the Mallouk Family Foundation, marking a major milestone for the signature urban park spanning I-670 in downtown Kansas City.
This landmark gift launches Variety KC’s Ten Parks Project initiative to build 10 fully accessible, all-ability play spaces across Greater Kansas City. The Ten Parks Project is driven by the vision and philanthropic investment of Peter and Veronica Mallouk, who have partnered with Variety KC to build a connected, metro-wide network of truly inclusive parks. When complete, no family will be more than 10 miles from a world-class, fully inclusive playground.
“Kansas City parks, playgrounds, and our public spaces belong to everyone. Peter and Veronica Mallouk are putting that belief into action and changing lives and joy in Kansas City for generations,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “The generous investment of the Mallouks and partnership with Variety KC doesn’t just build a playground; it sends a message to every family in this city, particularly those raising children of all abilities that they belong here, and belong in the heart of the city and our region. We are grateful for their extraordinary gift and even more excited about what it says about the future of this city.”
Roy Blunt Luminary Park is the first park to be named in the Ten Parks Project, and presents an opportunity for Variety KC to collaborate with the project team to enhance the playground design, features, and equipment.
“Thank you to the Mallouk family for their generous donation. This support shows what strong community partnership can help make possible,” said City Manager Mario Vasquez. “Roy Blunt Luminary Park is an important part of downtown Kansas City’s future, and this investment helps ensure it will be a more inclusive and welcoming space for families, children, and residents.”
Variety KC has spent decades building a network of inclusive playgrounds across the greater Kansas City region, and currently, the closest to downtown Kansas City is more than nine miles away.
“The Mallouk Family’s generous contribution is a powerful reflection of their deep commitment to our community. Their leadership sets a meaningful example, inspiring others to invest in a shared vision for Luminary Park as a welcoming, vibrant space for all. We are profoundly grateful for their partnership and the lasting impact it will have for generations to come”, said Tim Dunn, campaign co-chair and JE Dunn Chairman and Chief Investment Officer.
The Roy Blunt Luminary Park (formerly the South Loop Project) is a sustainable urban park over I-670 linking adjacent communities, and a collaborative effort led by the City of Kansas City, the Downtown Council, and Port KC. Its mission is to offer free programs and educational opportunities that enhance the lives of guests, celebrate the rich diversity of Kansas City, and serve as a gathering place where everyone is welcome to create lasting traditions and make memories.
“As the Mallouk Family’s commitment illustrates, the response from the private sector has been incredibly encouraging. Variety KC’s mission is one we all need to embrace and support to the fullest,” said Bill Dietrich, DTC CD Board Member and president & CEO of the Downtown Council of Kansas City. “We’ve had strong interest from potential donors who see Luminary Park as more than just a green space, they see it as an opportunity to reimagine what it means for our community to be inclusive. That enthusiasm gives us great confidence in our ability to expand private fundraising and bring even more partners to the table.”
“Roy Blunt Luminary Park is a transformational project that will strengthen Kansas City’s downtown core and improve the heart of our city by creating a beautiful outdoor space for generations of Kansas Citians to enjoy. This incredible donation by Peter and Veronica Mallouk will bring to life a world-class playground area and make such a positive difference for families throughout our community. Generations of joyous memories will soon be made. I thank them both for their vision and contribution.”
“Our mission is rooted in the belief that the public realm should serve as a bridge between the community and the natural world. This project is a testament to our commitment to transforming urban landscapes into vibrant ecosystems of discovery, delight, and civic engagement. We don’t just build parks; we cultivate spaces for meaningful change. Knowing that this park will serve as a center for belonging for every child and resident who visits—providing a sanctuary for all, regardless of background—is what truly defines our success and makes this work so vital for the future of Kansas City.
“Roy Blunt Luminary Park will be a model of innovation in inclusive play design, inspiring wonder, imagination, and social connection for all ages and abilities. We believe that everyone deserves a great place to play, and are excited about supporting Kansas City families to create a lifetime of treasured memories in this park.”