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Category: Parks + Recreation

Found 156 Results

Saturday Swim returns to Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center June 10

Summer fun for everyone! People with disabilities can enjoy the Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center with their families before the pool opens to the public on Saturday mornings this summer. Saturday Swim returns June 10 from 9-11 a.m. With additional swimming support and early access to the pool, Saturday Swim provides a safe and inclusive environment […]

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Summer Concert Series returns to Thompson Park

Get ready to listen to some of your favorite songs under the stars! Concert in the Park returns to the Thompson Park stage beginning June 8. Bring your lawn chair, blanket and dancing shoes to Thompson Park on the second Thursday of each month this summer for an evening of free live music and entertainment.  […]

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Farmer’s Market Wednesdays begin June 7

Browse aisles of fresh produce, meats, cheeses and specialty products at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market twice each week as Farmers’ Market Wednesdays return June 7.  On Wednesdays, the Farmers’ Market, located at 7950 Marty St., features a condensed layout between 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Beat the Saturday crowd and enjoy a weekday morning […]

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Bluejacket Pool opens for summer swim season June 2

Bluejacket Pool opens Friday, June 2 at noon, welcoming swimmers for the summer pool season.  Overland Park’s three other outdoor pools opened Sunday, May 28, while the Bluejacket Pool opening was delayed due to the discovery of a water leak.  After diligent efforts by Parks and Recreation Department staff, additional testing and necessary repairs and […]

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New floating wetlands installed at South Lake Park

Have you found yourself “pond”ering what’s new at South Lake Park? The City installed 10 new floating wetlands on South Lake to clear and filter the water.  Floating wetlands are buoyant structures that allow natural wetland plants to grow on the lake surface. Constructed from recycled plastic water bottles, each 100-square-foot floating wetland at South […]

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Lifeguards needed for City pools to open May 28

The City of Overland Park continues to hire lifeguards for Stonegate Pool, Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center and Young’s Pool. Lifeguard positions must be staffed in order for pools to open for the season May 28. Bluejacket Pool is staffed.  In February, the Parks and Recreation Department announced that the starting pay for lifeguards increased to […]

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Celebrate National Volunteer Month by getting involved in Overland Park

Get involved and celebrate National Volunteer Month in your own backyard! The City of Overland Park is grateful for the many volunteers who donate their time to the success of countless events and programs. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available throughout the year: Arboretum & Botanical Gardens If you have a green thumb […]

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New park coming to 159th and Quivira; Provide your input April 12

The City will hold a Plan Your Park public meeting on Wednesday, April 12 to gather input on design concepts for Bietigheim-Bissingen Park, named in honor of Overland Park’s sister city in Germany. The new park will be located at the northeast corner of 159th Street and Quivira Road.  Overland Park residents are invited to […]

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City staff, students work together to clear invasive species

City of Overland Park staff and Shawnee Mission South High School students teamed up this week to clear invasive plants from the Shawnee Mission Environmental Science Lab along Indian Creek. The City’s forestry and horticulture crews are constantly working to remove invasive species, especially along stream corridors and watersheds. Teams of staff and students worked […]

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Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead opens for the season April 1

Make endless memories with friends, family and more than 250 animals and birds as Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead opens for the season on Saturday, April 1. Explore the Farmstead’s newest features and return to the many farm favorites. Your ticket offers access to many attractions, including petting pens, animal exhibits and the Dairy Barn, featuring […]

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Fees increase for some Parks and Recreation amenities

Visitors to some Overland Park Parks and Recreation amenities may notice an increase in fee prices beginning in April 2023. Fees will be increasing for services at the following facilities: Thompson Park – stage rentals Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead – admission prices, birthday parties and pavilion rental Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – admission […]

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Farmstead opens soon; Buy your tickets online this year

Get ready for fun on the farm as Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead prepares to open for the season on Saturday, April 1 with a new online ticketing option. Visitors can skip the line when they arrive at the Farmstead by purchasing tickets online in advance. To purchase tickets online: Visit opkansas.org/farmstead. Select “Farmstead Tickets.”  Choose […]

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10 Spring Activities for the Family

Spring is officially in the air. If you are looking for family-friendly activities near home, here are ten opportunities available throughout Overland Park. Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors. Breathe in the fresh air when you visit one of the City’s more than 80 parks and open spaces. Pack a picnic and take […]

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Lifeguard pay increases to $15

Lifeguards can now earn more than ever with a summer job at Overland Park’s outdoor pools. This week, the Parks and Recreation Department announced that lifeguard pay will start at $15 per hour, effective immediately. Lifeguards must have completed 8th grade and be 15 years old. There is no Overland Park residency requirement. The City […]

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Save 15% on community center memberships in 2023

Run, lift or zumba your way into a more fit 2023 with annual memberships to Matt Ross Community Center and Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Sign up for a community center membership Jan. 1-15, 2023, and get 15 percent off the membership price. The promotion includes new memberships, and renewal and upgrade memberships for current members. […]

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Landscape awards highlight excellence in design, preservation

Eight local businesses are the 2022 recipients of the Overland Park Legacy of Greenery Committee landscape excellence awards. The committee’s annual award recognizes community organizations for their landscaping based on design, continued maintenance and preservation of existing landscape features. New winners this year include: The Colonial Apartments – 7201-7221 W. 78th Street Dairy Queen – […]

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Strang Park reopens Friday with community celebration

Strang Park will officially open Friday, Oct. 14 with a reopening celebration for neighbors, City staff, elected officials and the community. The City completely renovated the 11-acre park at 89th and Farley, which has been closed since last fall. Park improvements include: Overland Park’s first inclusive playground, featuring a 30-foot tower and slide, a sensory […]

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Farmstead closing temporarily to protect animals, visitors

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead will be closed starting at 3 p.m. today, and all day tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 6, after the deaths of five birds at the facility were believed to have been caused by avian flu. Animal care specialists discovered a sudden death of four geese in the Farmstead’s flock, and one wild duck […]

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Overland Park Farmers’ Market top in the nation

The Overland Park Farmers’ Market is the top Farmers’ Market in the country, according to the 14th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration. Each year, the American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition highlight the important role farmers markets play in communities across the nation while celebrating the farmers, staff, and volunteers that make markets […]

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Public SaveStation available soon at Thompson Park

The City of Overland Park will unveil its first outdoor, publicly-accessible automated external defibrillator on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 10 a.m. in Thompson Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive in Downtown Overland Park. The AED is housed in a specially designed, climate controlled cabinet known as a “SaveStation.” It can tolerate extreme weather and will be […]

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Explore the Parade of Hearts for prizes

Get out and explore Overland Park one heart at a time and you could win a prize! Overland Park is hosting nine hearts from the Parade of Hearts public art experience. The sculptures are engraved with the initials KC and were painted by local artists. 155 hearts are displayed throughout the Kansas City metro. Residents […]

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Overland Park’s outdoor pool plans for 2022

Overland Park will open three of its five outdoor pools this summer amid a lifeguard staffing shortage. Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center, Young’s Pool and Stonegate Pool will open on Sunday, May 29 during Memorial Day weekend. Bluejacket Pool and Marty Pool will not open this summer. City staff is in the process of hiring more […]

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Parade of Hearts in Overland Park

The Parade of Hearts is a public art experience in which 156 heart sculptures, engraved with the initials KC, have been painted and displayed throughout the Kansas City Metro. Overland Park is hosting nine hearts, which can be found at the locations listed below, or by navigating the interactive map. InterUrban ArtHouse, 8001 Newton St […]

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Farmers’ Market returns to expanded pavilion site

The Overland Park Farmers’ Market will return to 7950 Marty Street this year, but you may notice some changes for continued safe operations. The 2022 market layout will expand the footprint of the overall market out from under the Farmers’ Market pavilion and into nearby parking lots and onto Marty Street. Portions of Marty Street […]

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Save big on community center discounts in 2022

Hit the ground (or the treadmill) running in 2022 with annual memberships to Matt Ross Community Center and Tomahawk Ridge Community Center. Sign up for a community center membership Jan. 1-15, 2022 and get 15 percent off the membership price. The promotion includes new memberships, and renewal and upgrade memberships for current members. You can […]

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‘Tis the season to be jolly at Thompson Park

With strings of lights, strands of garlands, and a giant Christmas tree, Thompson Park is a picturesque place to be during the holiday season. The park, located at 8045 Santa Fe Drive, has a new festive look this time of year, and it’s a can’t-miss destination for holiday lovers of all ages. This Friday, Nov. […]

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Your fall shopping guide for the Overland Park Farmers’ Market

As the weather cools down, the kitchen is the perfect place to warm up. Fall means breaking out the family recipes, whether you’re staying cozy with tasty soups and stews, cooking up festive treats, or preparing holiday feasts for the whole family. Plus, having the oven on heats up the whole house. The Overland Park […]

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Your input needed for Farmers’ Market site improvement project

Sept. 29, 2021 Update You can now weigh in on the improvement project virtually via our online feedback form. Sept. 1, 2021 The City of Overland Park is taking the next step in the Farmers’ Market site improvement project and we want to hear from you. Residents, Farmers’ Market shoppers and vendors, and others are […]

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OP plans July 4 fireworks show

The Overland Park Star Spangled Spectacular will go on this year, but the fourth of July celebration may look a little different than in past years. The fireworks show will begin around 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 4 at Corporate Woods Founders’ Park, 9711 W. 109th Street. In past years, the City has hosted entertainment […]

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Arboretum visitor center project moves forward

The City of Overland Park will begin construction on a new visitor center at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens this summer. The new visitor center will add 22,000 square feet of community space at the Arboretum. It will include a cafe, gift shop, exhibits and hands-on learning, and rental spaces for weddings, corporate […]

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Overland Park’s outdoor pool plans for 2021

Overland Park’s outdoor pools will open this summer, Parks and Recreation Department officials said, but lifeguard staffing shortages may present a challenge. City staff provided an update on 2021 summer aquatics operations to the City Council’s Community Development Committee on Wednesday night. Officials are hopeful that Stonegate Pool, Young’s Pool and Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center […]

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Thompson Park is award-winning fun

The renovation project at Thompson Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive, is catching the attention of regional professional organizations. In late 2020, the Associated Builders and Contractors Heart of America chapter recognized the park improvement project and contractor Mega KC with its “Excellence in Construction” Award. This recognition features construction projects that demonstrate a commitment to […]

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Farmstead to reopen in May

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead will welcome guests back on Tuesday, May 4. The Farmstead will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesdays through Sundays, beginning May 4. It will be closed on Mondays for additional cleaning. Timed Ticketing Reservations During the 2021 season, guests will make timed reservations online prior to arriving at the Farmstead. […]

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Kids, submit your Arbor Day artwork

This contest was held in 2021. No contest is being held in 2022. Overland Park’s young artists have a chance for their artwork to be featured and recognized by Mayor Carl Gerlach. The Overland Park Parks and Recreation Department invites students to submit a drawing or painting for this year’s Arbor Day Poster Contest. Kindergarteners […]

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Open-air Farmers’ Market to return in April

The Overland Park Farmers’ Market will reopen for the 2021 season on Saturday, April 17, as an essential food provider. The City is proud to bring the open-air, distanced, walk-up market concept back to Matt Ross Community Center this spring.  Safe, popular market option While the coronavirus pandemic prompted many changes in market operations in […]

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Kick off healthy habits in 2021 with 15% off community center memberships

Exercise can improve your physical health and your mental health, and an annual promotion at Matt Ross Community Center and Tomahawk Ridge Community Center can improve your financial health. Save 15% when you purchase an annual community center membership, annual group exercise membership, or annual total fit membership during the first 15 days of 2021. […]

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PGA recognizes OP golf pros

Take a lesson at Sykes Lady Overland Park Golf Club or St. Andrews Overland Park Golf Club, and you’ll be learning from the best in the midwest. The PGA Midwest recognizes golf pros from the region every year with its Special Awards. In 2019 and 2020, the PGA Midwest Section recognized three Overland Park golf […]

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Improvements completed at Young’s Park

Grab your racket or paddle and head on down to the new and improved Young’s Park. Parks and Recreation crews recently completed improvements to the east side of the park, which include new pickleball courts. The park, at 7701 Antioch, underwent construction on the improvements this fall. Crews constructed new pickleball courts next to the […]

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Thompson Park receives Excellence in Construction award

The recently revamped Thompson Park is the recipient of a prestigious construction award. The Associated Builders and Contractors of America has honored the park with an Excellence in Construction award for the park improvement project. Associated Builders and Contractors of America’s Heart of America Chapter in Kansas City, Mo. presented the recognition at its regional […]

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Overland Park announces new Parks + Recreation Director

Jermel Stevenson finds that the word “park” in Overland Park’s name is absolutely appropriate. Stevenson will be the city’s new Director of Parks and Recreation beginning Monday, Oct. 5. Prior to moving to Overland Park, Stevenson was the Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Corpus Christi, Texas. He also worked in Garland, […]

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Community centers to expand hours of service

Beginning October 1, Matt Ross Community Center and Tomahawk Ridge Community Center will expand their hours of operation. Both community centers reopened with limited hours after coronavirus stay-at-home orders lifted in June. Matt Ross Community Center was closed Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and Tomahawk Ridge Community Center was closed Thursday and Sunday mornings to allow […]

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Fall Festival canceled for 2020

After careful consideration, the City of Overland Park has canceled the Overland Park Fall Festival for 2020. The Fall Festival, which typically takes place the final weekend in September, draws visitors from across the Kansas City metropolitan area. Public health and safety are a priority for the City. To help limit the spread of coronavirus, […]

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Pilot program invites e-bikes to City’s bike and hike trails

Overland Park’s bike and hike trails are now even more accessible, thanks to an e-bike pilot program. E-bikes are bicycles with small electric motors integrated into the frame. Riders can pedal e-bikes like a regular bicycle, or use the motor to ride farther, faster, and up challenging hills. Until this summer, e-bikes, along with other […]

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Outdoor pools to remain closed for 2020 season

In the interest of public health and safety, Overland Park’s five outdoor public pools will not open for the 2020 summer season. The Overland Park City Council voted Monday night to keep Bluejacket, Marty, Stonegate, and Young’s Pools and Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center closed. All five outdoor pools were scheduled to be open Memorial Day […]

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Overland Park Drive-Thru Farmers’ Market to open as essential food source

The Overland Park Drive-Thru Farmers’ Market will open April 25 at the parking lot of the Overland Park Convention Center. A drive-thru format will provide minimal to no-contact shopping, minimizing the risk of spreading coronavirus to vendors and customers. Vehicles will follow a one-way path through the parking lot to the north of the convention center. Shoppers […]

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Club 27 named Golden Fork Award winner

The restaurant at Sykes/Lady Overland Park Golf Club‘s has a menu worth its weight in gold, according to Golf Inc. Magazine. The magazine named Club 27 first-place winner in its 2020 international Golden Fork Award competition. The competition highlights the best of the best dining facilities at public and private golf clubs around the world. “What a great […]

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Save on community center memberships in 2020

Save 15 percent on a community center membership for 2020 when you purchase it during the first 15 days of the year. From January 1 through 15, 2020, Matt Ross Community Center and Tomahawk Ridge Community Center will offer discounts on annual facility and group exercise memberships. That’s a near $50 savings on an adult […]

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Holiday tree recycling locations now open

For an even greener holiday season, drop off your real holiday tree at one of the City’s drop-off recycling locations. Remove all decorations and equipment, including the tree stand, tinsel, lights, and ornaments. Leave your tree at one of four designated locations in Overland Park: Young’s Park – 7701 Antioch Indian Creek Recreation Center – 10308 Marty […]

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Turkey Creek Trail to remain open without repairs

A one-mile stretch of bike and hike trail along Turkey Creek will remain partially open, for now. The trail, which runs parallel to and south of I-35, north of the Cunningham Heights neighborhood, was damaged by a rock slide during major rain events in 2016 and 2017. Since then, an area of the trail surrounding […]

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Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead open for 2019 season

The 2019 season at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead begins April 1. Visit the Farmstead to see what’s new for the season: Pollinator garden plants, meant to attract bees and other pollinators as part of the Bayer Feed a Bee Initiative Bio-gen, a new hydroponic “grow deck” that will allow Farmstead staff to grow their own feed […]

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