Looking Back: The 1990s

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society

 
Where to begin? Grain Valley saw many changes during the decade of the 1990's. While some people view change as an opportunity for growth, others view change as threating and disorientating. Grain Valley was no different in the 1990's. If you are a fan of “growth,” our little town certainly grew from 1,901 in 1990 to just over 9,100 in 2000, again depending on which census you look at for this information. 

Back in 1988 when Grain Valley added 1,100 acres from the original Sni-A-Bar Farms, the size of our town more than doubled. So, it makes sense that many homes and businesses, AND PEOPLE were also added. Some residents thought this was a good thing; others fought the growth. We defeated a jail being built in our town and when Adams Dairy Parkway was being constructed, we allowed Blue Springs to have the land for commercial growth and we got the land for homes; more people, less taxes.

Some major happenings and highlights from the 1990s included:

• The Middle School moved to AA Highway, later renamed Eagles Parkway.
• In 1991, the Grain Valley Historical Society was established.
• In 1993, citizens and some businesses fought the Metropolitan Calling Plan from Southwestern Bell which would have allow toll free calls to the KC Metro area.  Some people didn’t want to change their phone number.  I assume they didn’t have friends to call throughout the metro!
• In 1994, the City of Grain Valley converted to computerized water billing!
• Also in June 1994, the East Kansas City Airport Annual Air Show was held. The event celebrated its’ 32nd year and attracted a few thousand people.
• In 1994, the city discussed buying the Valley Golf Course and turning it into a city golf course, aquatic and entertainment center.  Unfortunately, it didn’t happen!
• In 1995, the Middle School moved to Ryan Road and the second phase of the building was added to become GVHS.
• In 1995, CJC Fire Protection District began their move to a new Station on Eagles Parkway.
• In 1996, the first senior class graduated from the NEW high school on Eagles Parkway.

 
By the end of the 90's the Millennials were busy with the latest Sony game PlayStation, while their parents were learning to “surf the web.”

After all, in the decade that began with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the end of the Cold War and the Persian Gulf War in Kuwait, the decade of the 90's ended with cable TV and satellite dishes. And somewhere in between we also got the OJ trial, President Bill Clinton, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, Blockbuster, and cell phones! And don’t forget, “Home Alone”, “Dances with Wolves,” “Pretty Woman,” alternative music, sitcoms and the latest fashion, grunge!
 
 
We also learned Blackberrys weren’t just a fruit!