Overland Park planning commission unanimously approves controversial arboretum expansion

The Overland Park city planning commission unanimously approved a controversial plan to significantly expand the city’s arboretum.

The commission welcomed a packed house to Monday’s meeting. Those supporting the arboretum’s expansion plans see the proposal as critical to growing what’s considered a jewel of Johnson County.

“Think about the future to think about all the people that come to the arboretum and what they take away about the city of Overland Park because of it,” one woman supporting the plan said.

Although it’s a popular attraction, many who live near the arboretum do have frustrations, especially with its large-scale events.