The word “park” is integral to Overland Park’s name, and residents care deeply about their public spaces.
That was obvious Thursday night when about 100 people showed up for an open house to explore the future of Santa Fe Commons Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive, in downtown Overland Park.
“I want it to stay the way it is,” said Joan Norman, who lives on 80th Street and loves the 3.8-acre park’s trees and pastoral setting. “We need the green space. It’s the only green space we have in downtown.” The city is working with a consulting firm, Omaha-based RDG Planning and Design, on conceptual plans for the park. Thursday was the first opportunity for the public to give its ideas.
The Portland, Maine-based Market Ventures, another consulting firm, has suggested moving the nearby farmers’ market to the park, and that idea is still under review, but it was not getting much traction Thursday night.
(Read more: KC Star Local News)