Lees Summit, MO

Originally founded by William B. Howard in 1865 as the Town of Strothers, the city of Lee's Summit, Missouri, is situated in Jackson County and is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The population virtually doubled between 1990 and 2005 - from 46,000 to more than 80,000 - after the city annexed thousands of acres of land to expand the city area to more than 64 square miles.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The gradual expansion of Lee's Summit allowed it to become an important trucking center and manufacturer of metal products, pharmaceuticals, plastic, appliances and communications equipment.

The city contains a number of major manufacturing companies:

• CRB Industries, KC Industries, Tyler Industries, and Miracle Recreation all manufacture beauty, hair and skin-care products.
• Codman and Pfizer produce pharmaceuticals.
• Telecommunications companies include Er Mobile, Media Concepts, Blinkerlight Communications, Virtualwow, Clear Talk Communications, Sprint Spectrum, and AT&T.
• Transportation and shipping companies include Dahmer Powertrain, Aero Express, G & W Truck Accessories, and Adesa.

EDUCATION

Located on Southwest Longview Road, Metropolitan Community College offers degree and certificate programs in computer-aided drafting and design, construction management, engineering technology, environmental health and safety, and manufacturing technology.

Located on Chipman Road, the University of Central Missouri enrolls more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offers courses in the areas of actuarial science, Africana studies, career and technology education, elementary and early childhood education, and English and philosophy.

FOR VISITORS

Lee's Summit has a number of open spaces and parks in addition to other attractions:

• Located just east of Lee's Summit, Powell Gardens is a 915-acre botanical garden situated among verdant, rolling hills. The property includes a chapel, an education center and a conservatory, which features seasonal displays.
• First opened in 1997, Stonehaus Farms Vineyard and Winery features award-winning wines and a delectable deli.
• Arbor Walk Park, located on Southwest Arbor Park Drive, contains 17 acres, a playground and a pond.
• Located on Southwest Pryor Road, Charles David Hartman Park features 20 acres with a playground, four lighted ball diamonds and a concession stand.
• Howard Park features a roller rink and multipurpose fields.
• Lowenstein Park, located on Northwest Lowenstein Drive, features the Children's Memorial Butterfly Garden and other amenities, such as playgrounds, grills, multipurpose fields and basketball courts.
• Downtown Lee's Summit is home to a number of antique stores, as well as some fine dining establishments.

BEST BETS

The city features a number of interesting historic properties:

• Built in 1905 after its predecessor, the Missouri Pacific depot, was destroyed by fire, the Historic Depot depicts the era of its original construction. It includes oak furnishings, vintage lighting, and old photographs of the Lee's Summit railroad. The depot houses the Lee's Summit Historical Museum, the Economic Development Council, and the Chamber of Commerce.
• Longview Mansion and Farm was originally built in 1914 by R. A. Long for his daughter, who was a world-renowned horsewoman. The Longview Mansion is a special events facility that contains 17 buildings, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Longview Farm elementary school, which was remodeled to preserve the Longview show horse arena's appearance, is now used as a gymnasium and cafeteria. The library and media center features a preserved horse stall, which is a popular reading corner for students. The barn's original fireplace and mantle also have been refurbished.
• Located at Lake Jacomo, Missouri Town 1855 is a living history village and museum that contains the old town's original architecture. Interpreters dress in period costume to depict life in the mid-1800s. The village/museum hosts numerous festivals throughout the year.
• Containing Mediterranean-style buildings, attractive grounds, fountains, and a rose garden, Unity is the world headquarters of the Unity School of Christianity and offers free tours of the historic buildings. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Unity has attracted visitors from at least 35 different countries.

EVENTS

• The Chocolate Crawl, which takes place in February in downtown Lee's Summit, is for all chocolate lovers. Participants receive free chocolate treats and have a chance to win a Valentine's Day gift basket.
• Located on the corner of Second and Douglas streets, the Lee's Summit Farmers Market runs from late April to early November.
• Paradise Park is a 35,000-square-foot entertainment center that features batting cages, go karts, bumper cars, miniature golf, a rock-climbing wall and a foam factory. The facility also contains picnic and campfire sites, a children's educational entertainment center and a café and coffeehouse.
• Family Golf Park offers party packages, which include nine- or 18-hole miniature golf, meals, and treats.
• Located on Southwest Blue Parkway, Summit Waves is a water theme park that also offers swim lessons and pool party reservations.
• Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation offers a summer concert series that features zydeco, reggae, blues and jazz music.