Nest in Nature - Kansas City Homes & Style

This hidden gem in an upscale Prairie Village community redefines luxury outdoor living with its blend of privacy and natural beauty.

Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Sherpa Media

A new private “pocket park” in Prairie Village, Kansas, has become a local highlight in the Meadowbrook Park community. Inspired by homeowners who bought extra land across from their property, the park blends natural elements with thoughtful design to enhance the contiguous greenspace.

The project began about 18 months ago when the owners purchased two and a half lots to build their new home. They dedicated part of the extra space to create a green area that provides privacy for their yard while also serving as a gathering place for family and friends.

“We bought the lot in front of our home, so our house faces the park,” explained the homeowner. Initially considering fencing off the area, the homeowners decided against it to preserve their view.

Katie Martinovic, ASLA Principal Landscape Architect and Vice President with NSPJ Architects, designed the park. She worked closely with the homeowners to incorporate their preferences for plants, colors, and features. The result is a space that complements both the home and nearby common areas.

A standout feature is a custom gas firepit called “The Bird’s Nest,” which serves as both a heat source and visual focal point. The owners also installed a buried subwoofer and five speakers facing the sitting area, allowing music to be directed to the gathering space without disturbing neighboring homes.

Privacy was a key consideration in the park’s design.

“The challenge was making the space private without incorporating a fence around it,” noted Martinovic. As such, her team strategically placed evergreens along the perimeter for sound buffering and seclusion, eliminating the need for fences. This approach creates a sense of privacy while maintaining an open, inviting atmosphere.

The landscape architecture includes stone columns with black sculptural lighting fixtures at entry points. A stone brick path leads to a central circular area marked by a lighter border, housing the firepit and seating. A low stone wall partially surrounds this area, offering additional seating and space for refreshments.

Plant selection includes a mix of evergreens and deciduous species, ensuring year-round visual interest. This landscaping provides privacy and blends seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood.

This private park stands out for its unique approach. It maximizes privacy while creating a calm, inviting space for casual gatherings and relaxation. The result is a private retreat with its own serene landscape that enhances the area’s overall beauty and community spirit.

The park has quickly become a favorite spot for neighbors to gather, enjoy relaxation, conversation, and music on comfortable evenings. As seasons change, this carefully designed area continues to be a source of enjoyment and connection for its owners and neighbors alike. It proves that sometimes the most effective community spaces are those created with care and shared openly. By transforming extra land into a shared green area, these homeowners have not only enhanced their own property but also significantly improved the neighborhood’s social fabric and aesthetic appeal.