Kansas City Kids Get a New Play Space Thanks to Operation Breakthrough

For more than fifty years, Operation Breakthrough has stood as a sanctuary for Kansas City’s most vulnerable children. Founded in 1971 by Sister Corita Bussanmas and Sister Berta Sailer, the organization answers the call of working parents who need reliable, high-quality childcare and holistic support—not just education, but health, family advocacy, and the promise of a stable start.

Underwriting for this feature was provided by the Horn Law Foundation

This summer, Operation Breakthrough broke ground on “Zone 23,” a bold new outdoor activity area that will turn open space into something more than just playgrounds. With courts for basketball and pickleball, a giant chessboard, and places for competition and unstructured play, this zone is shaped by both fun and intention.

Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill—whose jersey number inspired the name—was on hand at the groundbreaking, tossing pigskins and ideas alike. “Sports has been a huge part of my life that’s taught me so many lessons,” he said, reflecting not simply on games, but on what they demand: leadership, discipline, resilience. “I’m excited to bring a play place here for all the kids K-12.”

Mary Esselman, CEO of the organization, welcomed the moment as long overdue. She noted that there’s something visceral and powerful about play—how it builds character, brings people together, stretches limits, teaches perseverance. “We’re so excited that Drue and Minsky’s are able to provide that for the kids,” she said.

Behind the project are partners: Minsky’s Pizza, the Hunt Family Foundation, Drue Tranquill and his family. Together, they hope Zone 23 will be ready by this fall. When children run freely, climb, laugh, and strategize moves on a giant chessboard, this space will do more than entertain—it will affirm. Operation Breakthrough is building dreams, one court, one playset, one moment at a time.

For more information, visit Operation Breakthrough.

Underwriting for this feature was provided by the Horn Law Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to both support and highlight Kansas City non-profit organizations that provide services to individuals and families who are facing a crisis.

Want to help underwrite features appearing in the Metro Voice and partner in our work supporting the local community? Contact me at dwight @ metrovoicenews.com or call 816-524-4522.

–Metro Voice