JE Dunn Construction and Port KC held a ribbon-cutting on Nov. 20 to open Riverfront Boulder @ Berkley, a new urban bouldering park on the Berkley Riverfront.
Port KC, a port authority for the state of Missouri and a leading developer of Kansas City’s Berkley Riverfront, created the new attraction with financial support from Groundbreakers, JE Dunn’s young professional group, as well as the construction firm’s centennial campaign to gift $100,000 grants to 10 deserving organizations across the country. In addition to the gifted funds, JE Dunn’s PreBuild department and equipment management arm Blue Hat helped bring the project to life.
The Riverfront Boulder @ Berkley is the last of 10 grants JE Dunn has awarded to organizations across the country through its “Building a Legacy: A Century of Generosity” campaign. Leadership at the construction firm had envisioned a physical tribute for the last grant to serve as a thank-you and a promise to Kansas City to continue the Dunn family’s legacy of giving back. When JE Dunn Community Impact Director and Vice President Nancy Phelps approached Port KC Vice President of Real Estate Joe Perry about a potential project, the Berkley Riverfront and a new climbing park like some Port KC President and CEO Jon Stephens had seen in neighboring states immediately sprung to mind.
“Berkley Riverfront is a premiere destination for Kansas Citians and visitors. We knew we could offer a unique recreational opportunity by leaning into its existing surroundings: rock,” said Stephens. “Bouldering is a growing sport. When considering the next amenity for Berkley Riverfront, we wanted something that you couldn’t find just anywhere. This urban location brings a once ‘off the beaten path’ sport into a mainstream recreational area. We hope it’s embraced by all.”
Groundbreakers took the lead in making the project a reality, working with JE Dunn strategic trade partner Blue Hat to lower the 38,000-pound boulder using a 275-ton all-terrain crane, and with JE Dunn’s PreBuild team for custom benches and signage.
Now opened to the public, the park’s boulder will feature footholds and climbing routes designed and installed by OnSite, a Canadian firm and global leader in natural bouldering installations. No equipment is needed to safely climb the boulder, and visitors of all skill levels are invited to climb at their own risk. Aside from climbing the boulder, the park also includes a natural play area for children.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better capstone to JE Dunn’s centennial year. Working with great partners like Port KC is truly the best part of any project. It brings us great pride to have helped create such an interactive and inspiring new part of the city along the Berkley Riverfront,” Phelps said.
The new park sits on Riverfront Drive east of the sand volleyball courts and a short walk from historic CPKC Stadium, which JE Dunn also completed construction on in 2024. The boulder is climbable and open to the public for now. Port KC plans to work with OnSite to add officially designated climbing routes and a rope bridge to the playscape by January 2025.
For more questions about the bouldering park and construction along the Berkley Riverfront, contact Port KC Director of Communications Meredith Hoenes at 816.559.3731.
For more stories about JE Dunn’s Centennial celebrations, visit centennial.jedunn.com, and reach out to Marketing Specialist Rilie Barnes, rilie.barnes@jedunn.com, for more information about Groundbreakers and the projects JE Dunn young professionals lead and support.
