I walked along the north side path of the Brush Creek Waterway beginning at Country Plaza, walking two miles east and return (four miles total) It was right at sunrise, and was a quiet enjoyable walk. The path is clear and flat for the most part. You do have to watch out for geese excrement, as geese seem to make the waterway home, all along the path. I did encounter a few homeless people as well, most were asleep this time of morning. There is also a path of the south side of the Waterway, but it is not continuous, so if you are looking for a longer walk, the north side is recommended.

Brush Creek Waterway in Kansas City basically runs east-west from Roanoke Parkway (west end) to Blue Banks Park (east end). The continuously paved concrete path is on the north bank of Brush Creek; there is also a path on the south bank, but it is not continuous and is much shorter and narrower too. Unfortunately, access between the two paths is not that easy. We get great views of the nice bridges across the creek and the constructed but beautiful waterfalls at several places along the about 4.5 mile path. I saw garbage and glass pieces strewn along the path especially under bridges. Also, the homeless use the bridge underpasses as shelter. Clean up would certainly make the place more attractive. The first three miles from the west are nicer than the latter section. Kauffmann legacy center and Gorman Discovery Center are accessible from path. Some places could be muddy after the rains on the farther east section. Brush Creek Waterway is an enjoyable place for walking, running or bicycling.

So I'm just a small town boy....and I love the Brush Creek walk/run/bike path. Following Brush Creek, it begins on the west side of the Country Club Plaza, and extends on both sides of Brush Creek. The north side of the creek trail goes the farthest east. I'm not sure of the exact distance...I usually run about 2 miles east on the trail and turn around at Highway 71...but the trail continues on east an unknown distance. For the most part - the trail is very clean and safe, however after big rains, mud and debris wash up from the creek and can make it hard to pass until it is cleaned up. Of special note...on the north side of the trail as you go east from the Plaza, you can go 'up' just after Brookside Blvd, where the trail interconnects with the paved and gravel family friendly Trolley Trail, which takes you south all the way to Waldo. Regarding Brush Creek - keep in mind that there are several homeless who sleep under the bridges along the Brush Creek Trail. I have never ever had a negative encounter with any of them...and this is just the dad in me....but I wouldn't want my unaccompanied daughters or wife running through these areas on their own. Sexist? Paranoid? Maybe....but it's the way I am.

Really enjoyed walking along the waters edge between the sculpture park at the Nelsons Atkins musuem and Country Club Plaza. Very peaceful with a few fountains to look at and some interesting housing. This is pretty and worth seeing!

Not being from Kansas City, I did not know what to expect. There were several piles of firewood and people on boats used a torch to light them. I'm not sure why there was a mermaid on the boat, or why the fire spinners had to have costumes. The music was enjoyable, but very difficult to see the performers. The people who worked on putting this event together do need to be commended, it could not have been easy to coodinate.