Commission approves expansion, storm shelter and parking increase at Blue Valley Recreation Activity Center

The Overland Park Planning Commission on Jan. 13 approved Special Use Permit SUP2024‑0022 for the Blue Valley Recreation Activity Center, allowing a two‑story, 8,988‑square‑foot addition on the north end of the building that will provide a storm shelter and classroom space. The commission approved the permit for an indefinite period subject to stipulations A through T; the vote was 9–0.

Why it matters: The expansion adds program space and emergency shelter capacity to a community facility while adjusting parking and sidewalks to meet access and ADA requirements.

Key project details

- Addition: two stories, 8,988 square feet on the north end of the existing recreation center.
- Program: storm shelter and classroom space; entrance modification at the northwest corner.
- Parking: the site currently has 143 parking spaces; the proposal adds 12 spaces to reach a total of 155 spaces, which staff supports.
- Sidewalks and setbacks: the applicant proposed shifting the public sidewalk so that it follows a new right‑of‑way line; staff planned a 10‑foot parking setback on the east parcel and a wider 6‑foot sidewalk on the thoroughfare to reduce vehicle overhang into the pedestrian path.
- ADA parking: Unified Development Ordinance §18.430.30 typically requires accessible spaces to avoid crossing drive aisles; staff recommended allowing the proposed accessible spaces across a drive aisle because there is an accessible path and the area functions as a high‑volume drop‑off area.

At the hearing

Staff presented the plan and recommended approval with stipulations. Eric Kilgore, the applicant representative, confirmed agreement with stipulations A–T. Commissioners asked technical questions about sidewalk width and parking overhang; an engineering representative said the streetscape sidewalk is being increased from 5 to 6 feet in one location to reduce overhang impacts.

Outcome and next steps

Commissioner Mazzolonis moved to approve SUP2024‑0022 for an indefinite period subject to stipulations A–T; the motion passed 9–0. City Council will consider the request on Feb. 3, 2025; staff will work with the applicant on final design and permit review.

Ending: The approval allows the recreation center to expand program and shelter capacity while requiring staff and the applicant to resolve final site design details under the stipulated conditions.