Richard L. Berkley Riverfront Park was dedicated in October 1998 and opened to the public in March 1999. The 17-acre park is located on the south bank of the Missouri River between the Kit Bond Bridge and Heart of America Bridge. Once a landfill for construction debris and the former site of a sand and gravel company, the park area now consists of more than 300 trees and a nearly one-mile long esplanade with period lighting. It features six sand volleyball courts on its eastern edge. The park hosts events such as KC RiverFest, Kansas City’s annual Independence Day Celebration, 5K run/walks, corporate picnics, weddings and concerts. Berkley Riverfront is a vibrant connection between Kansas City and its most significant natural asset, the Missouri River.