Tulips on Troost, a project of the Southtown Foundation, aims to change the face of Troost Avenue by planting one million tulips along the Avenue by 2010. Through this mission, we hope to inspire and motivate the citizens of Kansas City to recognize the value of neighborhood revitalization and beautification in some of the city's most historic districts. Tulips are just on the surface—our deep-rooted goal is to use a beautiful, accessible thing like a tulip to represent positive change on Troost and to let the city know that Troost is worth our time, efforts, and resources. See more details about our mission here.
When did Tulips on Troost start?
Tulips on Troost was founded in 2006 by Durwin Rice. After living in New York City, Rice returned to his hometown of Kansas City, moved in on Troost Avenue, and was struck by the blight and racial division that he saw. He was inspired to start a grassroots initiative to work for change on Troost Avenue, and founded Tulips on Troost.
Who/what is Troost Avenue's name sake?
Troost Avenue is named after Dr. Benoist Troost, a Dutchman who immigrated to Kansas City in the 1840s along with his wife, Mary. Dr. Troost was the city's first medical doctor and is known as one of the city's founding fathers.
Why Tulips?
We plant tulips in tribute to Troost's namesake, Dr. Benoist Troost who was from Holland. Holland is the home of tulips (and most of the ones we plant on Troost come straight from there!)
How many tulips have been planted so far?
We've planted around 275,000 tulips over the past four years, however many of those are no longer coming back.
When do you plan to have one million tulips planted?
We plan to reach our goal of one million tulips planted by the end of 2010, with the help of several city institutions and volunteers like you. Once we succeed at this goal, we plan to keep the momentum going and ultimately reach three million blooming tulips on Troost, which will make our city an International Tulip Festival, bringing tourists from all over the world and creating an economic boom on the East side of Kansas City!
Have another question? Leave a comment here and we'll try to answer it as soon as we can!
