The city of Overland Park is a unique blend of metropolitan amenities and suburban hospitality within a contemporary setting. Located less than 15 minutes from downtown Kansas City, those moving to Overland Park will discover an abundance of attractions, a self-sustaining, well planned "park-like" community with quality education, vibrant neighborhoods, and all the amenities to make Overland Park one of the best places to live and grow up.
History:
The city of Overland Park, Kansas was incorporated 1960. The city traces its roots back to 1905 with the arrival of its founder William B. Strang Jr., who platted subdivisions along a military roadway, and named one of them Overland Park. Strang envisioned a "park-like" community that was self-sufficient and well planned. He also imagined a place for sturdy commerce, quality education, vibrant neighborhoods and accommodating recreational facilities. Before Strang's death in 1921, he established several housing developments, an interurban railroad and an airfield. During the early 1960s, city leaders adopted a comprehensive plan to manage growth in land use, parks, schools, zoning and housing. Also, measured were shopping districts, industry and expressways. Overland Park experienced an increase in commercial and residential development in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, including Oak Park Mall, Corporate Woods, a new City Hall and many residential subdivisions. By the late 1980s, Overland Parks' population exceeded 100,000. And in the early 1990s, city officials focused their efforts on renovating the historic downtown area. Today, Overland Park remains a nationally recognized city with a flourishing economy. In 2007, the city was named one of the "50 Best Places to Live and Play" by National Geographic Adventure.
Economy:
The city of Overland Park is well known for its high percentage of citizens with bachelor or advanced degrees; making education a growth industry for the area. Professional service professions make up a considerable portion of employment in the area. Retail trade accounts for another large part of the local workforce, and transportation services and products also contributors to the Overland Park economy. Overland Park is the home of Sprint World Headquarters, which is the largest local employer and a key supporter of the Overland Park community. Sprint provides telecommunication services and technology globally to businesses and the public. The cattle industry also remains powerful and influential in nearby Kansas City, which undoubtedly has an impact on Overland Park and other surrounding communities.
Tourism:
The city offers a unique blend of metropolitan facilities and suburban hospitality, all within a bright, contemporary setting. Located only 15 minutes from downtown Kansas City, Overland Park offers an abundance engaging attractions including over 250 restaurants, shopping, theatres and more than 80 public parks. Check out the 300-acre Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, which was founded to keep the city at the forefront of environmental and ecological issues. If you are looking for a family adventure, head over to the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. Designed to portray a turn-of-the-century family farm, the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead has almost 200 animals and birds, vegetable and flower gardens, a one-room country schoolhouse, an old-time fishing pond, pony rides and more. For the outdoor enthusiast, Overland Park has 83 parks and 4 small lakes where visitors can run, walk, bike, play and fish. At night, the city provides all the opportunities to get you recharged. Enjoy everything from music, restaurants, theatre and pubs.