Episode 1: Imagine KC Introduction
Original air date: 11/18/10, 7:30 p.m.
Watch the complete series premiere
Imagine KC, a new series from Kansas City Public Television about how local communities are working to become sustainable and vibrant places to live, work and play.
The first episode portrays examples of community successes in Lee's Summit and Kansas City, Kan., as well as work underway across the region, like the new Troost MAX bus rapid transit line. Watch the complete episode or view individual segments below.
A Changing Region: Introducing Imagine KC
The Kansas City region has come a long way since its origins as a settlement along the banks of the Missouri River.
This segment explores how we have grown and changed as a region by looking at our history, the people and places that helped make Kansas City a great region, growth patterns, current demographics and what our future might look like according to existing trends.
Lee's Summit: Reinvesting in Vibrant Communities
Lee's Summit exemplifies a local community that has undergone a comprehensive revitalization process, which includes reinvesting in its downtown and in livable streetsto become a more walkable, vibrant community.
This feature tells the story of how elected officials, engaged citizens and private sector interests worked together to develop and realize a shared community vision focused on reinvesting in existing assets and infrastructure. City officials, business owners, residents and a residential developer provide unique perspectives on the transformation of their city.
Introducing the Vision: Creating a More Vibrant, Connected and Green Region
In-studio interview with David Warm, executive director, Mid-America Regional Council
Host Sue Patterson talks with David about how a shared community vision for a more vibrant, connected and green Kansas City region came about through a series of citizen engagement activities, comprehensive studies, long-range plans and in-depth forecasting. They'll discuss what this view of the future means for area residents and how it can become a reality.
OverView: Exploring Kansas City through Alex Maclean's Aerial Photographs
Kathleen Collins, president of the Kansas City Art Institute, explores the work of internationally-acclaimed aerial photographer Alex MacLean, who spent several months photographing the Kansas City region in 2002. Over a period of six months and nearly 100 hours of flight, MacLean created more than 3,000 photographs of the region.
As a member of the curators panel that selected the images displayed at MARC, a skilled photographer and an expert in the medium, Collins provides thoughtful commentary on MacLean's art from a critical and academic perspective. Discover how these breathtaking views of our region also vividly illustrate the impact that policy decisions can have on the natural and built environment.
Region in Action: Transforming Troost
As the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) prepares to open its new Troost MAX bus rapid transit line in Jan. 2011, Imagine KC takes a look at how the city's highest transit ridership corridor underwent a transformation that features green technologies such as hybrid electric buses, rain gardens, vibrant public art and a pervious concrete park-and-ride facility. This segment also examines the collaborative public participation process that played an important role in planning this project.
Troost MAX, also called the Green Line, will be the second MAX route in Kansas City. Main Street MAX, or the Orange Line, began in 2005 and receives very high customer satisfaction ratings. MAX lines feature the latest in transit technology, including real-time arrival information at stations and traffic signal priority. MAX uses easy-to-identify vehicles, and highly visible information markers.
For more information about MAX and Metro service, call the Regional Call Center at 816/221-0660 weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7p.m.
A Vision of Choice
“A Vision of Choice” is a reoccurring segment that looks at how the future of our region depends on the choices and decisions our communities make today.
The first episode shows how infrastructure improvements made in Shawnee, Kan., have opened up the transportation choices available to residents. Are people more likely to walk or bike if they have safe, dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks that are in good condition?
