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Overland Park was incorporated as a first-class city May 20, 1960 with a population of 28,085. The city now has approximately 170,000 residents, making it the second most populous city in Kansas. Our geographical area includes 73.33 square miles of Johnson County, which is located in the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Prior to incorporation, Overland Park was part of the Mission Urban Township, which included the cities of Mission and Prairie Village. Overland Park's formation was based on land other communities shunned.
The City of Overland Park traces its roots back to 1905 with the arrival of its founder William B. Strang Jr., who platted subdivisions along a military roadway. Strang envisioned a "park-like" community that was self-sustaining and well planned. He also sought strong commerce, quality education, vibrant neighborhoods, convenient transportation and accommodating recreational facilities.
Strang platted several subdivisions and named one "Overland Park." Many of his other subdivisions had Overland in their names, too. There soon were more than 21 homes and plenty of businesses.
His limestone car barn at 79th and Santa Fe Drive is now the site of Traditions
Furniture. The Carriage House at Santa Fe Commons Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive,
is the site of the Overland Park Historical Society. Each building is open
for tours and located within the downtown Overland Park business district.
Before Strang's death in 1921, he established several housing developments, an interurban railroad and an airfield. Remnants of his interurban line remain today.
During the early 1960s, city leaders adopted a comprehensive plan to manage growth
in the following areas: land use, parks, schools, zoning and housing. Also considered
were industry, shopping districts and expressways.
The 1960s and 1970s brought the city Corporate Woods, Metcalf South Shopping Center, Oak Park Mall, a new City Hall and many residential subdivisions. In the 1980s Overland Park experienced a boom in commercial and residential development. By 1988, the city's population surpassed 100,000.
In the early 1990s, city officials focused their efforts on renovating the historic downtown area. The Clock Tower Plaza was dedicated and the Farmers' Market Pavilion was constructed.
In 1993, Overland Park earned a spot in the book 50 Fabulous Places to Raise a Family. Criteria considered included excellent education, low crime rate, good health facilities and well-planned developments. Overland Park was named again in the 1997 edition.
In 1996, the County Economic Research Institute ranked Overland Park number one among 13 AAA rated communities in the nation in a quality of life index. Factors measured included: education, local government cost, economic growth, infrastructure, crime, housing costs and population growth.
Other honors include:
- One of the top 50 cities to live and play by National Geographic Adventure magazine - 2007
- One of the top 10 best places to live in America - 2006
- One of the 20 best places to live and work - 2003
- Third "hottest town" to live in the central region - 2003
- No. 1 kid-friendly city in the nation - 2001
- Second best city to live in America - 2001
- Top 10 list of "America's Best Cities for Women" - 2001
- Second smartest city in the nation - 2000
- 10th best city in the United States for doing business - 2000
- Sixth kid-friendly city in the nation - 1999
- Sixth best city in America to live - 1999
Today, Overland Park remains a nationally recognized city and has a thriving economy.
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History of Overland Park (.pdf file 1.4mb, created Aug. 1979)