Barton-Ross Complex

- 5325 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66102

Introduction / Overview: A Community Hub and Premier Sports Facility in Kansas City, KS

When Kansas residents search for a "gym" in the Kansas City, Kansas (KCK) area, the search often extends beyond traditional weight rooms to include community facilities dedicated to sports, fitness, and youth development. The Barton-Ross Complex, located right in the heart of Wyandotte County, stands out as a unique and invaluable public asset. While classified broadly as a "Gym," the core function of the Barton-Ross Complex is to serve as a high-quality, state-of-the-art baseball and recreational hub, with a deep commitment to the local community's youth.

This complex is far more than a simple field; it is a meticulously designed facility that acts as the home base for the Kansas Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities (RBI) program. Supported by significant donations, including those from Royals Charities, the complex was purpose-built to provide underserved youth, ages 3 to 18, from KCK and the metro surrounding areas with a professional-grade experience. This ensures that every child in the Kansas region has the opportunity to learn baseball fundamentals, teamwork, and leadership skills in a top-tier environment, promoting both physical fitness and academic achievement.

The complex is a point of pride for Kansas City, offering a beautiful, well-maintained space that actively contributes to the health and development of the greater Kansas City area's children, as noted by local users who praise the "Beautiful field for the Beautiful kids."

Location and Accessibility: Foundational Convenience in Wyandotte County

The Barton-Ross Complex is strategically located to be easily accessible to families and organizations across Kansas City, Kansas, and the broader metro area. Its position on a major parkway makes it a convenient destination for scheduled practices, leagues, and community events.

The official address is:

5325 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66102, USA

For all Kansas community members, the facility is designed with essential accessibility features, ensuring it is a welcoming and usable space for everyone involved in its programs, from players to parents and spectators.

Accessibility Provisions at the Complex Include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom

The complex also provides standard amenities for visitor comfort and convenience:

• Restroom facilities are available on-site.
• The overall neatness and organization of the grounds are highlighted by positive community reviews, reflecting a commitment to maintaining a high-quality environment.

Services Offered: Youth Development and Elite Field Access

While the "gym" classification might suggest traditional weight training, the Barton-Ross Complex's "services" are centered on providing an unparalleled baseball and athletic training environment, heavily focused on community and youth development through the Kansas RBI program.

Core Athletic and Community Services Include:

• Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities (RBI) Program: This is the primary mission, focusing on teaching baseball and softball fundamentals, promoting academic participation, and offering leadership training for youth ages 3 to 18 from underserved communities.
• State-of-the-Art Turf Field Use: The facility provides a synthetic turf showcase field, including the George & Doris Haley Field, which has professional field dimensions (Left-300, Gaps-355, Center-375, Right-305). This high-quality surface ensures reliable play regardless of weather conditions and reduces maintenance costs for the community.
• League and Program Hosting: The complex is utilized by the local community and organizations for competitive leagues, such as the Cut-Off League for high school players seeking game reps during the spring.
• Clinics and Player Development: Historically, the facility and its associated programs have involved current and former Kansas City Royals players, offering high-caliber coaching and clinics to local youth.
• Community Partnership: The complex actively seeks partnerships with local high schools, such as Schlagle, Washington, and Wyandotte, to potentially host home games, further integrating the facility into the educational and athletic fabric of KCK.
• Access to Physical Activity: By providing a safe, clean, and top-tier field, the complex encourages Physical fitness program participation and active recreation for children and teens in Wyandotte County.

Features / Highlights: Professional-Grade Turf and RBI Mission

The standout features of the Barton-Ross Complex are directly tied to its specific function as a premier youth sports venue in the Kansas City area.

• Professional-Grade Synthetic Turf: The entire surface of the showcase field is synthetic turf, offering a "pro experience for athletes and fans." This state-of-the-art material ensures a consistent and high-quality playing surface, reflecting the investment made into the youth sports infrastructure of KCK.
• Revitalizing Inner-City Baseball: The complex is a tangible product of the Kansas RBI program's mission to make competitive baseball accessible, helping to develop leaders both "on and off the field."
• High-Profile Support: The involvement of Royals Charities, the Cal Ripken Foundation, and former MLB players in the clinics adds significant prestige and resources to the programs offered to local Kansas youth.
• Dedicated Youth Focus: Unlike a commercial gym that caters to all ages, this facility is specifically "built for the RBI program and used by the local community," focusing on the development of youth aged 3 to 18.
• Strict Field Rules for Maintenance: To preserve the turf field’s high quality, strict rules are in place, including no metal spikes, gum, sunflower seeds, or pets, ensuring the complex remains in excellent condition for the kids who use it.

Contact Information: Facility Location for Kansas Users

As a dedicated community and sports complex, specific phone numbers for general inquiries may vary depending on the league or program currently utilizing the facility. For local Kansas users, the key information is the physical location where all the action happens.

Address: 5325 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66102, USA

General inquiries regarding the Kansas RBI program, which utilizes this field, can typically be directed through the Kansas RBI organization, which oversees the complex's core activities. Local organizations like Play Above Average also utilize and provide information about the field.

What is Worth Choosing: Investing in the Future of KCK Youth

For Kansas residents, particularly parents and community leaders in Wyandotte County, the Barton-Ross Complex represents an investment in the next generation. Choosing to support, participate in, or utilize this facility is choosing a high-quality environment dedicated to youth athletic and character development.

The worth of choosing this facility is tied directly to its foundational mission: providing a professional-grade opportunity for inner-city youth who might otherwise be "turned off by baseball because of the expense." The complex ensures that a lack of financial resources does not prohibit a child from having access to a world-class sports facility and mentorship. The beautiful turf field and professional amenities are critical to fulfilling the mission of the Kansas RBI program—not just promoting physical health, but also encouraging academic achievement and cultivating disciplined, determined, and secure self-identity among young athletes.

In essence, the Barton-Ross Complex is the "gym" of choice for Kansas residents who prioritize community impact, youth sports development, and top-tier athletic facilities for their children and the young people of the Kansas City metropolitan area. It is a symbol of partnership and progress in KCK.

Barton-Ross Complex

5325 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66102, USA