Arboretum

Venues

Building Excitement at the Arboretum

Earlier this week, the Arts & Recreation Foundation’s Board of Directors and members of the Overland Park City Council enjoyed an exclusive sneak peek of LongHouse, the long-awaited new visitor center, at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Our tour began at the impressive new driveway leading us to new parking areas and the … Read More

Friends of the Arboretum April 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friends,  “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit in.” While we don’t know the author, nor perhaps the true intent of these thoughtful words, I am reminded of the countless volunteers who give of their time and talents to support our mission. While their efforts … Read More

Friends of the Arboretum March 2022 Newsletter

Dear Friends,  In recent days, my inbox, social media feeds, and local gardening publications have all started to come alive with the latest news about the awakening of spring. There is no shortage of inspiring quotes, garden prep ideas, products that the gardener cannot live without, and stunning photos of the earliest spring flowers making … Read More

Friends of the Arboretum February 2022 Newsletter

  Chair’s Corner Dear Friends, It’s a cold and snowy day as I pen my February Chair’s Corner message—makes for a nice break from shoveling the driveway. Last fall, with the goal of enjoying some early spring color, I started the process of forcing bulbs to bloom in the house. To start, I placed a couple of pots … Read More

Gnome Villages Offer Whimsical Creativity this Winter

  Mystical Village 2020 from ArtsandRecreationOverlandPark on Vimeo.   Winter Whimsy at the Arboretum Looking for whimsy, playfulness, and a little magic? Join us at the Arboretum to explore the Fairy and Gnome Villages along the sculpture loop! This delightful display was designed by four talented artists and one dedicated volunteer. You may recall visiting … Read More

Slow Down and Reconnect with Nature at the Arboretum

  Slowing Down These are trying times. However, there’s still plenty to be grateful for. Certainly, the pandemic gives us an opportunity to slow down. Having more time to get out and appreciate nature has done wonders for our sanity! Visiting the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a wonderful refresher. Use the opportunity … Read More

Luminary Walk Interview – Irene Parsons

The annual Luminary Walk at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is a holiday tradition for many families as well as being the largest fundraiser for the Friends of the Arboretum. We couldn’t do it without the dedicated group of volunteers headed up by Irene Parsons. Here are Irene’s thoughts about this great event: … Read More

FOTA by the Numbers

We don’t often talk about the business side of FOTA, so I thought I’d give you a taste of that this month, as your FOTA Advisory Board just finished our 2020 budget and goals. We set an ambitious fundraising goal this year of $500,000, and events are a big part of that. It’s not too … Read More

Reasons to Approve the Arboretum Visitor Center Preliminary Development Plan

Building out the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens has been the dream of thousands for over 30 years. In the late 80’s, the Legacy of Greenery Committee and the City’s Governing Body made a commitment to develop a truly signature destination for the people of Overland Park by purchasing 300 acres on 179th Street. (The … Read More

Friends of the Arboretum August 2019 Newsletter

Chair’s Corner Summer’s End at the ArboretumAlas, summer is winding down and the kids are already back at school. But as the temperatures moderate to something more pleasant, now is a perfect time to come out to the Arb! Walk the trails, delight in the gardens still in full bloom, and enjoy these upcoming events … Read More

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