As 2025 comes to a close, we’re pausing to look back on the moments, events and achievements that shaped our year. From innovative projects and community improvements to beloved annual traditions, this year has been full of growth, connection and shared pride.
Let’s celebrate the highlights of the past year!
January
Clock Tower Landing name approved
After taking ideas from the community, the Overland Park City Council approved a new name for the construction project in Downtown Overland Park, including a new farmers’ market pavilion and community gathering space. The area is now called “Clock Tower Landing.”
The selected name expands on an existing, familiar downtown landmark. It includes a playful connection to the area’s history as an early 1900s aviation hub and its future as a community gathering space.
February
Mayor Curt Skogg delivers State of the City address Feb. 4
Mayor Curt Skoog delivered his State of the City address on Feb. 4, 2025 at Johnson County Community College. In his speech, Mayor Skoog highlighted the City’s achievements over the past year and shared his vision for Overland Park’s future. A video of the address is available to watch.
March
The Arboretum proudly unveiled its new LongHouse Community Art Gallery, an exciting addition that merges the beauty of the natural world with the creativity of fine art. Learn about its current exhibit at opkansas.org/Art.
We celebrated Overland Park native Jacob Bartlett’s first home game with Sporting Kansas City
Overland Park cheered on one of our own as he took the field for Sporting Kansas City! Jacob Bartlett made his debut in his first season with the club, proudly representing his hometown. Bartlett will return to the pitch for Sporting Kansas City’s 2026 season.
April
OP named a Tree City USA by Arbor Day Foundation
The Arbor Day Foundation named Overland Park a 2024 Tree City, honoring the City’s commitment to plant, grow and maintain trees to benefit the community. The City also received a Growth Award for demonstrating improved levels of tree care and community engagement. The City’s Legacy of Greenery Committee plays a crucial role in preserving, enhancing and maintaining the city’s tree canopy. Its commitment to public education and outreach helped earn the Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation, highlighting the committee’s dedication to educating the community and promoting the value of the landscape.
On Monday, April 21, the Overland Park City Council approved a new brand for Overland Park.
Graphic devices include a map of the city that is unique to Overland Park, a varsity-like flag to signify local pride and connection, and a red oak tree that represents the City’s park-like feel. The color palette features eight bold colors, allowing for more combinations to highlight different elements of the city.
Learn more about the City’s new brand at opkansas.org/Brand.
May
Farmstead introduced Sensory-Friendly early admission days
Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead began offering sensory-friendly early admission days for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families. We’re proud to create a space where everyone can feel comfortable and connected. Sensory-Friendly Early Admission days will return in 2026!
Overland Park removes outdated restrictive covenants
Restrictive covenants are conditions placed on property use, historically included in legal documents to dictate how land could be used or who could own it. In some cases, these covenants prohibited ownership or residency based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion or other discriminatory characteristics.
Some neighborhoods in Overland Park, particularly those platted between 1922 and 1948, still contained prohibited restrictive covenants in their legal documents. While these covenants are not enforceable, their continued presence contradicts the City’s values of inclusivity.
The City worked with a title research company to identify these neighborhoods within City limits that contain these prohibited, restrictive covenants. The City then prepared and filed documents with the Johnson County Register of Deeds to release the covenants on behalf of the neighborhoods without a homeowners association.
June
OP launched its property tax rebate program
The Overland Park City Council approved plans in March for a new program that will provide property tax relief to residents who need it most. The property tax rebate pilot program offers eligible residents up to 75% of their City property taxes back. Learn more about the program at opkansas.org/Rebate.
OP, Johnson County kicked off FIFA World Cup 2026 preparations
On Monday, June 23, local leaders and community members gathered at the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex to launch Johnson County United, a new initiative to build excitement and celebrate local events leading up to the world’s largest soccer tournament.
A new World Cup countdown clock, located in front of the soccer complex field house, will mark the days, hours and seconds remaining until the tournament kicks off in 2026. You can also keep up with important World Cup information for OP on the City’s website.
July
Parks and Recreation challenged you to a summer bucket list
July is National Park and Recreation Month, and Overland Park is the place to be. We brought the energy all month long with a jam-packed calendar full of fun. From tranquil trail walks and colorful public art to high-energy events and free Fitness in the Park classes. However you like to play, Parks and Recreation has your July covered. OP Parks and Recreation challenged you to check at least 10 activities off of its July Bucket List for a prize and priceless memories.
The Overland Park City Council approved the purchase of 6201 College Blvd., in the “OP Central” district, entering a sale agreement with the building’s ownership group, led by Copaken Brooks. 6201 College Blvd. will provide a civic gathering space with enhanced customer service, improved accessibility and more modern workspaces and meeting areas for City business. This project will consolidate the City’s administrative functions into fewer buildings at the center of Overland Park, and add investment and energy to the OP Central district. Learn more about the project at opkansas.org/CityHall.
August
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may or may not have gotten engaged at the Arboretum
Okay, maybe not. But we had a good time plugging our favorite floral backdrop and celebrating the engagement of Kansas City royalty!
We can’t say whether the famous couple will be tying the not among our gardens, but the Arboretum does host weddings, so check out LongHouse if you’re looking for a venue at opkansas.org/LongHouse.
September
City Council approved new City flag
The new flag features:
- A red oak tree, included in the City brand, which represents Overland Park’s official city tree, its “Tree City USA” designation and the park-like community
- Chevron shapes, which represent Overland Park’s forward-thinking nature and our position as a top city to live
- Chartreuse, representing revitalization, growth, energy and innovation
- Forest green, representing Overland Park’s history, stability and natural resources
Look for the new flag flying proudly outside of City facilities in 2026!
City dedicated its newest park to our sister city
Inspired by Overland Park’s sister city in Germany, Bietigheim-Bissingen Park at 159th and Quivira is a cultural connection brought to life. Designed with nods to German architecture, gardens and storytelling elements, the park includes a bilingual playground, a loop trail with interpretive signs, bocce ball lanes and a nature boardwalk. We celebrated the new park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 29.
The City launched its official TikTok account in September. Follow along and see that local government can be just as fun—and maybe even as trend-worthy—as your favorite viral videos.
October
OPPD launched First Responder Awareness Program
The program aims to improve communication between first responders and the community by providing practical resources that help officers, firefighters, and medical personnel quickly identify and respond appropriately to community members who may require a different approach during an interaction.
OP achieves LEED Gold certification
Overland Park earned LEED Gold certification, becoming the first city in Kansas to achieve this sustainability milestone. LEED for Cities and Communities is designed to measure a city’s performance in key areas of social, economic and environmental sustainability and provide a framework for managing community-wide sustainability efforts.
November
City launched a Comprehensive Solid Waste Study
The City of Overland Park is evaluating the state of trash and recycling services for its residents. The Comprehensive Solid Waste Study will compare existing systems and ordinances with alternative options for both residential and multi-family properties to identify strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs for residents and support environmental sustainability.
The Portfolio Homes program expanded housing options in OP
Overland Park’s new Portfolio Homes program makes it easier and more affordable to build a high-quality home and expand housing choices in your neighborhood. Portfolio Homes offers a selection of home plans at no cost to residents, promoting diverse housing options while using existing infrastructure. The program promotes high-quality design in small-scale housing, such as single-family homes and duplexes, that blend into established neighborhoods. Plans are pre-reviewed by the City’s building safety team, which helps streamline the permitting process and reduce costs. Learn more about the program at opkansas.org/PortfolioHomes.
December
New, returning OP Governing Body members sworn in
Overland Park’s new Governing Body presided over its first City Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 1. City Clerk Elizabeth Kelley swore in the new City Council members and Mayor Curt Skoog at the beginning of the meeting.
New City Council members include:
- Ward 3 Council member Amy Scrivner
- Ward 4 Council member Amy Antrim
- Ward 5 Council member Andrew Payne
- Ward 6 Council member Josh Beck
Kelley also swore in returning Council Members Logan Heley and Melissa Cheatham and returning Mayor Curt Skoog.
Awards + Recognition
From behind-the-scenes efforts to highly visible initiatives, the awards we received highlight the impact of thoughtful leadership and the pride we take in making Overland Park a great place to live, work and visit. Check out some of the awards OP received this year:
- Best Cities for Remote Work, CoworkingCafe
- Safest Cities in America, WalletHub
- Best Cities for Women, WalletHub
- Best Places to Rent in America, WalletHub
- 2025 America’s Best Drivers Report, Allstate
- Top Mid-Sized Cities for Grads in 2025, CoworkingCafe
- Best Cities to Raise a Family, WalletHub
- Cities With the Most Affordable Rent, WalletHub
- Top 100 Best Places to Live, Livability.com
- 50 Best Suburbs to Live in the U.S. for Families Seeking Quality Living, Money, Inc.
- Happiest Cities in America, WalletHub
- Best U.S. Cities for Small Business, B2B Reviews
View a full list at opkansas.org/awards.