[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6690427,"mediaKeyId","2091774-c881c8e095461753215fa4444e36ff35","parentId",2091774,"title","Committee approves playground contract for Bietigheim‑Bissingen sister‑city park; $271,870 awarded to Aspire to Play LLC","audioSeconds",767,"startMs",3794000,"endMs",4561000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2091774-c881c8e095461753215fa4444e36ff35&start=3794&end=4561","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2091774-c881c8e095461753215fa4444e36ff35/thumbnail_3794000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6690427/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Committee-approves-playground-contract-for-BietigheimBissingen-sistercity-park-271870-awarded-to-Aspire-to-Play-LLC","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690427-ba45914b7a3fa0fa4c30f24c7caccf22/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440202&Signature=Zg2CBmkqlUFYn2OwSsCbpXUMVaDcgyZoBjOgEGEsImgd5TC0bB8m7xlMrssBDOc5YUJ73eIYHXsmEQIrtptm3~832Czh7MMMKBexLr45gJ4volcW41GHl7ZzpQ-rOmWO4PKJL7tNQ8MU7v8L93qlFFl3cTYslDD6~UEGCr~5EwJ9SF04fs1fHqPrFtExBkBeSfmWzmrCmjph2PMpJTy2gDFQqgSZyMu6dSCi97xOJenxi4WDXnZANo9CvgQtWi5VWTXiQw5ZOuWNPp5-usL6VOGe2YIpxlmKid-FB6ALB-BBVdZDf2~kgPxHYm-MgpsQC37HUGizcfh4M-2gpUlnmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Overland Park","date","2025-01-08T00:00:00Z","article","The Parks and Recreation Committee voted unanimously to recommend City Council approval of a contract with Aspire to Play LLC for construction of the playground at the Bietigheim‑Bissingen Park project, PR-1875, in the amount of $271,870.

City staff described a multi-step selection process that included a request for qualifications, manufacturer submissions, an open house at Wilshire by the Lake where residents cast dots to indicate preferences, and an accessibility assessment. Staff said 48 people attended the open house and cast a total of 144 votes; the winning design received 62 votes.

\"This playground not only does it meet [accessibility requirements], but it exceeds it,\" a staff presenter said, outlining elevated events, transfer stations, ramped access and a high number of ground-level accessible play components in the selected design. Staff highlighted interactive panels, movement slides and custom elements referencing the city’s sister-city relationship with Bietigheim‑Bissingen, including bilingual and heritage panels.

Councilmembers asked about swings and age ranges. Staff said the selected playground does not include swings because the available site fall zone would have consumed a disproportionate share of the overall play area; staff confirmed the equipment is designed primarily for ages 2–12. The playground is intended to be constructed with green-energy interactive features and an elevated boardwalk edge that protects an adjoining streamway corridor.

A motion to recommend City Council approval of the contract for PR-1875 to Aspire to Play LLC in the amount of $271,870 was made by Councilmember Muñoz and seconded by Councilmember Mosher; the committee recorded the vote as unanimous and the motion passed.

Why it matters: The playground is part of a broader park construction effort tied to Overland Park’s sister‑city relationship; the chosen design emphasizes universal access, cultural elements and on-site learning panels that staff will develop with Bietigheim‑Bissingen representatives. Staff estimated a summer 2025 completion window and said they plan a dedication when sister-city delegates visit in the fall.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Overland Park - Community Development - Jan 08, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After public voting and accessibility review, the committee recommended approval of Aspire to Play LLC’s design and $271,870 contract for the playground at the Bietigheim‑Bissingen Park project; the motion passed unanimously.","taxTitle","Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas","taxId",4679,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6690432,"Committee approves name ‘Clock Tower Landing’ for Overland Park farmers market pavilion; some council members say name should include “farmers market”",1424,2341000,3765000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2091774-c881c8e095461753215fa4444e36ff35&start=2341&end=3765","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2091774-c881c8e095461753215fa4444e36ff35/thumbnail_2341000.jpg","/articles/6690432/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Committee-approves-name-Clock-Tower-Landing-for-Overland-Park-farmers-market-pavilion-some-council-members-say-name-should-include-farmers-market","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690432-99b2abe1236fc84eb1f8ec369347b6ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440202&Signature=hw~JUvto8vobcUbfrau8LAk7hPa965hFZmOljXde-6SzeEaR0uqwQUBue~xHIXeWy~u--dNf~1wIf2DFCDCBbCMOnUHzhn06Jhg7EPH2DcZMdJGtOQEZCv34hLIzBOo4eVE~EBXWdoDpVMvGko1AE-yD0UNo8GYBJRp5xcI20Me43pJMXQrOOSGP9epzTncKNnOGsoGtPmLybmw5CJj~PCcVRYjx0IBDqCYJPFPH9TbP3ewvgRowY9Colzh4Xmx5-NDDIJ02rc9TN2~uIovwoyfJz112iOTtepJdyv5FZHO43JyELHZKLOc5Mli9JFmWCYprNrnmeEcM7a1LpSS6Hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Overland Park Parks and Recreation Committee voted unanimously to recommend City Council approval of the name Clock Tower Landing for the new farmers market pavilion and adjacent downtown gathering space.

Meg (communications director) presented the naming process, saying staff sought suggestions via an online form and public outreach and that the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee had unanimously endorsed the staff recommendation. \"We had 216 suggestions,\" Meg said, and the staff recommendation — Clock Tower Landing — was developed to reference the existing downtown clock tower landmark while allowing the space to host a broader range of activities beyond the farmers market.

Some council members objected to dropping the words \"farmers market\" from the official project name. Councilmember Mosher said the market’s identity might be obscured for visitors if the name does not mention the farmers market: \"If I were an out-of-town visitor, would it say 'farmers market'?\" Mosher said she feared the space could be perceived primarily as an event center rather than the city’s signature farmers market.

Meg and other council members responded that the farmers market would remain branded as the Overland Park Farmers Market and that marketing and signage on the pavilion itself will continue to identify the market and its Wednesday and Saturday vendor events. Staff also noted that the \"landing\" language nods to the aviation history of downtown Overland Park and provides a flexible name for future development or multiple subspaces within the overall project area.

A motion to recommend that City Council approve the project name — \"move to recommend city council approval of the named Clock Tower Landing for the Future Farmers Market Improvement Project and Downtown Gathering Space Project\" — was made and seconded. The motion passed \"aye\" and was recorded as unanimous by the committee.

Why it matters: The name will be used for the $34 million-plus public investment in the downtown block that includes the pavilion, clock tower plaza and related public space improvements; how the city brands the project affects marketing, wayfinding and public perception of the farmers market and downtown programming.

The committee did not amend the recommendation; it proceeded to recommend City Council approval.","The Parks and Recreation Committee recommended the name Clock Tower Landing for the new farmers market pavilion and downtown gathering space after staff-led outreach; the motion passed unanimously despite some council members urging inclusion of “farmers market” in the name.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6690435,"Overland Park aquatics: all four outdoor pools opened in 2024; operating cost recovery around one-third",784,1074000,1858000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2091774-c881c8e095461753215fa4444e36ff35&start=1074&end=1858","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2091774-c881c8e095461753215fa4444e36ff35/thumbnail_1074000.jpg","/articles/6690435/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Overland-Park-aquatics-all-four-outdoor-pools-opened-in-2024-operating-cost-recovery-around-one-third","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690435-096bd5e505318cf85f36e901ecf9263f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440202&Signature=dxRJXHWGdXlGwiuSzYlgzBD9cbhGHqNKtmny20AGIh5pfsYgzekRhd6EfzEqqxSl~106VCgvlX-N2qWuC5lWxwKPg4Mq-mdoUFJr4LTGXY7S0vXtrHH8g2NkffN4ckarHnnY5ned2FhO8ibH3ztvTZGpwhmQRJ5DhkWhmv4nAQ4TycegBrlrgmzrNk9gwRP3T9lJlzLemFRAFRZ85~vtUCZBRXbg9jfJ1It8RLLHmP9CBSAbaRXHh4JQNp7ronSCtuvdVqm3wdEo4yE4kkz4Pb5xwZgKWrflAZHV-xKdZ3wNKkvcXuz6xkLlC16l2HnGUn0vYsVi1hniut8CaQruKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City aquatics staff told the Overland Park Parks and Recreation Committee that all four outdoor pools opened in 2024, attendance and overall revenue rose versus 2023, but operating cost recovery remained low at roughly one-third.

\"We were able to open all four outdoor pools,\" said an aquatics manager identified as Kat during the committee's annual pools briefing. Staff reported that swim lessons and swim-and-dive participation declined slightly in 2024 while daily admissions and overall pool revenue increased. Kat said the department earned two 5-star StarGuard audit scores in 2024, the highest rating the program awards.

Staff described one safety-related closure: Stonegate pool was drained June 13–18 after staff discovered broken glass in the bottom of the pool. The manager said the cleanup required a full drain, power wash and refill to ensure visitor safety.

On cost recovery, committee members were told the pools recouped about 34% of operating costs through fees and admissions. \"That means that we're only recouping 34% of the cost running the pools based off our admissions and a revenue perspective,\" a staff member said, noting that the figure covers operating costs (staffing, chemicals, supplies) but not bond payments. Staff said the department's fee-recovery target range is 25%–50% under the current fee schedule and that no fee increases were recommended for 2025–26.

Discussion also covered staffing pressures and rising operating expenses, including wages and consumable items, and the committee discussed potential amenities and programming changes to increase attendance. Staff said they are recruiting lifeguards and cashiers for summer hiring and are evaluating options for concessions, including vending machines and partnerships with volunteer groups to run temporary concession sales at events.

Committee members asked about long-term capital needs for older pools. Staff noted that Young’s and Blue Jacket pools retain original concrete shells from earlier construction phases and that larger renovations tend to produce attendance spikes. The committee’s Playbook OP planning process is expected to evaluate a broader strategy for pool amenities and investments.

The committee received the report; no formal action was taken.","City staff reported higher overall pool attendance and revenue in 2024, but operating cost recovery averaged about 34%; staff discussed staffing, a glass-incident closure and options for concessions and amenities.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6690437,"Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead reports nearly 395,000 visitors, expands programs and accessibility for 2025",504,166000,670000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2091774-c881c8e095461753215fa4444e36ff35&start=166&end=670","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2091774-c881c8e095461753215fa4444e36ff35/thumbnail_166000.jpg","/articles/6690437/Overland-Park/Johnson-County/Kansas/Deanna-Rose-Childrens-Farmstead-reports-nearly-395000-visitors-expands-programs-and-accessibility-for-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6690437-2a67976fd721b34dec8a95eafac5be08/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440202&Signature=kneT7sw1dKBqJsA98IQKtZF8BvpjlZ-9hi7cuziK5byqOY0cKG4dX2GwZOd~LWkhramj7xe1xHi78n9CSf5oX9s-1UQr3~Jkbqp1hPf85myBVq2Bb5nxDPGUwVShps2rOqNU8nCZqDqa1zaJWDX8XHPqR1S9L6dbEfJFKCiv~FTg1ZkcUPxYwIRF9q~0DeQ7v8TT11q1A8v7Q4KfIONgkgT1mblq-thk5maRoo7bfXY6mTV9qn33P5Hlldh3P~oXP5touo2y9wJNbFntraVBsDxHEZqkzTj7SV1S08Lst27333Dazbih6vndfsaBM8KmWD0x-dJrwjOwbagKluiHzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead drew nearly 395,000 paid visits in 2024 and recorded 18,719 volunteer hours, staff told the Overland Park Parks and Recreation Committee on Wednesday.

Scott Gammeral, manager of the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, told the committee the farmstead’s total paid admission for 2024 was 394,891 and that volunteer hours — valued at $33.49 per hour by the Independent Sector — amounted to more than $621,000 in in-kind value. \"Our total admission this year was 394,891,\" Gammeral said.

The report indicated several revenue and program trends: concession and activity sales reached multi-year highs, membership use accounted for about 16% of admissions, and free or special-admission days made up roughly 11.7% of visits. Gammeral said concessions and program revenue increases have helped offset rising costs, and that the farmstead has not raised fees since a 2023 change (from $3 to $5) that the department plans to evaluate again in 2026.

Why it matters: The farmstead is a city-operated amenity that combines education, animal care and community programming; changes in visitation, revenue and volunteer support affect the city’s parks budget and outreach planning.

Committee members and residents highlighted program growth and community value. Gammeral said public programming — including goat yoga, special events such as movie nights and safety day, and a heritage arts series — has expanded in the last three to four years and contributed to the visitor increase. The farmstead served 69 schools with 99 guided tours in 2024 and reported more than 10,000 hours of history education and interpretation.\"We will be adding more in 2025, as well as some signage,\" Gammeral said, describing the new building that opened in 2024 and noting a 27% increase in ridership after that addition.

The presentation included animal-care statistics: staff reported taking care of more than 300 animals during the year and nine piglets born on the farmstead in 2024. Gammeral also described a new heritage arts program that will bring period artists to teach wool work, candle making and leather working.

Looking ahead, staff said the farmstead plans to open for the season on April 1, 2025, begin monthly sensory-friendly hours for visitors with sensory needs, replace an asphalt loop with concrete that will connect the Amanda Edmond building and install a new tube play slide and play features. Gammeral said accessibility and interpretive signage — including wayfinding and historical interpretation — are part of the 2025 work plan.

Committee members asked about pricing and whether the admission increases reflected fee changes; Jeremy Myers, assistant parks and recreation director, clarified the most recent fee change was in 2023 and that the department has no immediate plans to raise fees through 2026. Residents at the meeting praised the farmstead’s family-oriented programs and volunteer corps.

The committee did not take a formal action on the farmstead report; the presentation was received for information.","Overland Park staff reported 394,891 paid admissions and 18,719 volunteer hours at the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead in 2024, highlighted new programs and announced April 1 opening and several 2025 improvements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves playground contract for Bietigheim‑Bissingen sister‑city park; $271,870 awarded to Aspire to Play LLC

Committee approves name ‘Clock Tower Landing’ for Overland Park farmers market pavilion; some council members say name should include “farmers market”

Overland Park aquatics: all four outdoor pools opened in 2024; operating cost recovery around one-third

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead reports nearly 395,000 visitors, expands programs and accessibility for 2025