Grain Valley has grown rapidly over the past two decades, and our current City Hall and Community Center no longer meet the needs of our residents. Built in the early 2000s for a population of just 5,000, these facilities are outdated and not designed to efficiently expand or remodel. Today, our city has over 16,000 residents and is projected to reach 36,000 within 25 years.

To support this growth, we are proposing a ballot measure in April to fund a new, modern City Hall and Community Center at the Sni-A-Bar Farm property. This investment will ensure our community has the space and resources it needs now and for generations to come. A new aquatics facility will be considered within 3-5 years as part of our long-term vision.

Learn more about the project and how it benefits our city!

Community-Led Planning

To ensure this project meets the needs of all residents, the city convened a citizens focus group to evaluate feasibility and provide recommendations. Our architects, Hoefer Welker, engaged a neutral facilitator to select seven well-respected, fair-minded community members—two from each of Grain Valley’s three wards and one member at large—to participate. Over 20 members were interviewed for the position.

The group:

• Toured current facilities and found City Hall, the Community Center, and the Aquatics Center to be outdated, undersized, and well-worn for our growing population.
• Evaluated needs and priorities for a modern facility that serves both current and future residents.
• Formally recommended that Grain Valley move forward with the project.

Elected officials have been asked to act on these community-driven recommendations. You can view the signed recommendation in the documents section of this page.

Group Members:

Ward 1: Bruce Neer and Mike Cassidy

Ward 2: LaTisha Robinson and Lisa Limberg

Ward 3: Dan Strader and Catrina Brunk

At Large: Ryan Schinstock

The new City Hall and Community Center will provide modern, expanded amenities to better serve our growing community. Key improvements include:

• Indoor Walking Track – Accessible year-round for all ages.
• Expanded Event & Meeting Space – Hosts everything from large weddings and community events to small parties and gatherings.
• Improved City Hall Services – A secure, efficient layout with a single service window for all city needs, plus better facilities for court and public meetings.
• Enhanced Recreation & Fitness – A larger cardio and weight area, multiple gym courts for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, and an indoor turf room for sports training.
• Family-Friendly Spaces – Dedicated rooms for kids’ activities and parties, plus an indoor play area for all-weather fun.

This new facility will provide more opportunities for recreation, events, meeting your friends and neighbors and city services—meeting the needs of residents today and in the future.

The City is moving forward with a general obligation bond issue to fund the development of new municipal facilities, including a state-of-the-art community center and a new city hall. This is a no increase to the tax levy bond. The total estimated cost for the project is approximately $27 million, which includes site development, building construction, and the necessary furnishing of both facilities.

To support this important investment, an election will be held on April 8th to consider the approval of a $24.6 million general obligation bond. Any additional costs beyond the bond amount will be covered through existing revenue sources, including the possibility of the bonds being sold at a premium to ensure the project is fully funded.

These new facilities will enhance community services, improve public access to municipal operations, and provide valuable gathering spaces for residents.

The new City Hall and Community Center will be located at Sni-A-Bar & Buckner Tarsney Roads, on nearly 50 acres of city-owned land next to the new Mid-Continent Public Library. The facilities will be designed with shared parking and a central plaza, creating a community hub for events, recreation, and city services.

Key features of the site:

• Trail Access – Connected to new and existing trails for easy walking and biking.
• Neighborhood-Friendly – A walkable location near the high school while maintaining distance from nearby homes.
• Preserving Green Space – Many existing large trees will remain, with room for future amenities like additional trails, a dog park, and an aquatics facility.

This location ensures accessibility, natural beauty, and space for future growth while bringing essential services and recreation together in one vibrant community space.

Similar to the new Police Station project, we have completed preliminary planning to estimate costs and ensure the site meets the community’s needs. This included general floorplans and location assessments—critical steps before presenting the project to voters. To provide accurate cost estimates, the city had to invest in this initial work before the election, ensuring we request the correct funding amount.

• Election Date: April 8, 2025
• If Approved: Final design and construction documents will begin immediately.
• Estimated Timeline: Based on past projects, completion could take approximately 18 months, depending on weather and other factors.

This careful approach ensures an efficient process while delivering a well-planned, high-quality facility for the community.

The election will take place on April 8, 2025.

Ballot Language:

Shall the City of Grain Valley, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $24,600,000 for the purpose of site development and the acquiring, constructing, improving, furnishing, and equipping of a new municipal complex, to include a city hall and a community center?

The election is administered by the Jackson County Election Board. You can learn more about absentee voting, registering to vote and what your ballot will look like on their website.

https://jcebmo.org/