Kick off the new year with what’s happening around Overland Park. January brings fresh starts, winter fun and plenty of ways to connect with your community. From fitness and wellness opportunities to family-friendly events and seasonal activities, this month’s event guide highlights what’s ahead as we begin another year together.
When the holidays are over, bring your real Christmas or holiday tree to one of the City’s drop-off locations for recycling now through Jan. 12. Your tree will be mulched and used at City parks and the Arboretum. Please remove the stands, lights, tinsel and ornaments. Artificial trees are not accepted.
Community Center Annual Membership Sale – Jan. 1-15
Take advantage of our New Year promotion and gain access to a year filled with health, happiness and community! Sign up for an annual community center membership between Jan. 1-15, and enjoy a 15 percent discount on the annual membership price, applicable to both new members and renewals. For more details, stop by one of our community centers or call 913-895-6350.
Future of Art Exhibition at Art at the Center
Celebrate the creativity and talent of local high school artists from Blue Valley, Olathe and Shawnee Mission School Districts. The multi-media show features paintings, photography, drawings, ceramics and more. You can view this exhibit through Jan. 12, any time Tomahawk Ridge Community Center is open.
Thursday, January 1
City offices, including City Hall and Sanders Justice Center, will be closed for the New Year’s Day holiday.
Saturday, January 3
Come join O.P. the Bookworm, Miss Laurel and all your friends for Cottonwood Tales story time at the Gardens! Enjoy interactive, nature-themed stories, fingerplays and musical activities on the first Saturday of every month.
Night at the Arboretum – 5 p.m.
Visit the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in a new light – darkness! Stargaze through giant telescopes, enjoy family-friendly activities and uncover the secrets of nocturnal critters and constellations, all included with regular admission. Glow hikes at 5 and 6:30 p.m. are included with admission. We’ll provide glowing accessories to light up your night, or bring your own! Admission is free with regular Arboretum entry.
Tuesday, January 6
Discovery Day at the Arboretum – 9 a.m.-noon
Each month, a new make-and-take project unfolds on Discovery Day at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Crafting supplies are included, and the projects are available on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 100 participants. The first Tuesday of the month also happens to be Free Admission Day at the Arboretum, so entry into the gardens and this project are all free! The theme for January is “Bird Binoculars.”
Wednesday, January 7
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or City staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall.
Community Development Committee – 7 p.m.
Community Development Committee meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Thursday, January 8
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors with Nature Storytime at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, presented by Stepping Stones KC. Join us for a delightful blend of music, movement, and adventure as we explore the wonders of nature. These gatherings are designed for young nature lovers, ages 1-6. Registration and caregiver presence is required.
Environmental Advisory Council – 6 p.m.
The Environmental Advisory Council studies environmental issues while supporting and promoting new and existing programs, as well as developing educational initiatives that benefit individuals and businesses in our community regarding environmental concerns. This council meets at City Hall on the second Thursday at 6 p.m.
Legacy of Greenery Committee – 6:30 p.m.
The Legacy of Greenery Committee develops strategies to increase, preserve and enhance the city’s tree canopy by promoting, planting and maintaining trees and shrubs in the city. The Legacy of Greenery Committee meets at City Hall on the first Thursday of every month.
Monday, January 12
Ordinance Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Ordinance Review Committee reviews ordinance amendment proposals with staff prior to consideration by the full commission. Ordinance amendments may be proposed by the City Council, the Planning Commission or City staff.
Planning Commission – 1:30 p.m.
The Planning Commission considers all applications for final development plans and plats, holds public hearings and makes recommendations for final action to the Governing Body for rezoning, special use permits and preliminary development plans. It also prepares the Comprehensive Plan and reviews the Capital Improvements Program. Planning Commission meetings are held the second Monday of every month at City Hall in the Council Chamber.
Mayor and Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the council chamber.
Wednesday, January 14
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or City staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall.
Public Information Meeting: 2027 Neighborhood Streets Reconstruction Program – 4:30-6:30 p.m.
The City is hosting an informational meeting about the 2027 ARPA Neighborhood Streets Reconstruction Program, which will take place in the Galway Domains, Arrowhead Acres, Indian Heights Estates, Warrington Estates and Quail Ridge neighborhoods, replacing asphalt streets with concrete. This will be an open house for residents to learn about and ask questions about the project.
Public Safety Committee – 7 p.m.
Public Safety Committee meetings are held every second Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Saturday, January 17
Watercolor Workshop: Meditative Watercolor – 1 p.m.
Join local artist Sarah Ruth Frey at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens watercolor workshop! Learn to sketch and paint in this guided workshop. All materials are provided, along with light refreshments. This workshop is for ages 12 and up.
Monday, January 19
City offices, including City Hall and Sanders Justice Center, will be closed for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.
Wednesday, January 21
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or City staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall.
Finance, Administration + Economic Development Committee – 7 p.m.
Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee business generally includes council rules, procedures and protocol, administrative services, finance, human resources, information technology and more. This committee meets on the third Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Thursday, January 22
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors with Nature Storytime at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, presented by Stepping Stones KC. Join us for a delightful blend of music, movement, and adventure as we explore the wonders of nature. These gatherings are designed for young nature lovers, ages 1-6. Registration and caregiver presence is required.
Mental Health Advisory Committee – noon
The Mental Health Advisory Committee advises the Public Safety Committee and the City Council on issues related to mental health in the community.
Monday, January 26
Independent Citizen Advisory Board for Racial Profiling and Non-Biased Policing – 6:30 p.m.
The Independent Citizen Advisory Board for Racial Profiling and Non-Biased Policing advises and assists in policy development, education and community outreach and communications related to racial profiling and other non-biased policing efforts of the Overland Park Police Department. The board meets quarterly at Sanders Justice Center.
Land Band Board of Trustees – 7 p.m.
The Land Bank Board of Trustees is responsible for acquiring, maintaining and selling abandoned property. The board’s goals are to help with the elimination of blight, the enhancement of neighborhood viability and stability, the creation of opportunities for affordable and mixed-income home ownership and rental, and the encouragement of economic development.
Mayor and Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the council chamber.
Tuesday, January 27
Parks + Recreation Advisory Council – 6:30 p.m.
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Council advises and makes recommendations to the Governing Body and staff on residential parks and recreational needs and wants. It meets the last Tuesday of every month at City Hall.
Wednesday, January 28
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or City staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall.
Public Works Committee – 7 p.m.
Public Works Committee business generally includes streets and highways, public works facilities, traffic signals and signs, infrastructure planning, right of way management, sidewalks and bikeways, public transportation, stormwater management and traffic management systems. Public Works Committee meetings are held every fourth Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Saturday, January 31
Repair Café + Clothing Swap – 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Repair Café is a free meeting place organized by Re.Use.Full to provide tools and materials to help repair a wide variety of items. You’ll find all the tools and materials to fix clothes, furniture, small appliances, computers, lamps, bicycles, jewelry, and more. You will also meet volunteers with a variety of repair skills who can help get your broken items working again. Bring clothing to trade with others at the clothing swap to spruce up your closet the sustainable way!