The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park
About the Foundation
The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park was founded in 1995 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions as allowed by law. Its purposes include development and promotion of recreational, aesthetic, educational, scientific and cultural potential of the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Overland Park, Kansas. Since its inception, the Foundation has produced signature community events and raised funds and accepted donations for capital improvements at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, and the Public Art Master Plan.
With the help of the Foundation’s “Friends” membership groups and their Advisory Boards, the Foundation raises funds for capital projects, educational and cultural programs, exhibits and community events.
Community Impact
The foundation’s fundraising efforts combined with contributions from the community leave an impressive legacy of enhancements that impact the future of the Arboretum, the Farmstead, and public art spaces in Overland Park. See below for more information about our most important improvement projects:
At the Overland Park Arboretum
Byrd’s Grove offers a quiet place from which to view Margaret’s Pond and the Amphitheater from the west side. Large, lavishly filled planters will give you ideas for your own containers at home.At the Overland Park Arboretum
The Cohen Iris Garden is a veritable showcase of many iris varieties and a colorful garden throughout the year. We are indebted to the Greater Kansas City Iris Society for their guidance in making the Iris Garden a wonderful place to enjoy the beauty of iris from early bloomers in April to late bloomers in June.At the Overland Park Arboretum
Coming in 2024At the Overland Park Arboretum
Located just beyond the entrance to the Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, the environmental education visitors center is the starting point for guests and includes its own seasonal plantings and pots. Stop in to learn more about everything the Arboretum has to offer, then grab some shade and a snack.At the Overland Park Arboretum
The Erickson Water Garden was one of the first gardens established at the Arboretum in the 1990's. It is home to bird and butterfly plants (including a Buddleia collection), wildflowers and ornamental grasses. Color peaks here in mid-summer. Enjoy the sound of the falls and meandering brooks throughout the garden.At the Overland Park Arboretum
At the Overland Park Arboretum
At the Overland Park Arboretum
The Legacy Garden showcases plants that may have been seen on Kansas homesteads. Nestled within the garden, Ailie's Glade offers quiet spot to enjoy the garden next to a babbling brook. Josh's Story is a serene, secret space, tucked into the garden. The Ritter Retreat offers a quiet spot to enjoy the dogwoods, redbuds and a developing grove of bald cypress.At the Overland Park Arboretum
At the Overland Park Arboretum
Marder Garden is a shady walk – after leaving the Legacy Garden to the south. It has a burbling brook, and several tree and many native plant species, including Paw-paw, ferns, Dogwood, Hickory, Jack–in-the-pulpit, Mayapple and much more. Several areas can be reserved here, and one can enjoy the Master Pergola – a tree covered arbor with views into the garden to the north and south; the Koi Pond and small waterfall, adorned by fern beds.At the Overland Park Arboretum
Margie's Serenity Point is a beautiful place to overlook the west side of the Arboretum property and woodsAt the Overland Park Arboretum
As you enter the grounds of the Arboretum you pass through one of the premier garden experiences in the Kansas City area - The Monet Garden. It is unique among all of the gardens in the Arboretum because it is operated as a cooperative effort between the Arboretum and Johnson County Extension Master Gardeners (EMGs).It all started in 2003, when the Arboretum provided the space and materials and the Extension Office agreed to design and maintain the Monet Garden in the style of Monet's garden in Giverny, France. EMG Nancy Branum developed the original design and has worked on numerous enhancements over the years. Each Wednesday morning 35-40 EMGs work together to keep the garden in tip-top condition. Another group meets on Saturday mornings. Last year EMGs in the Monet Garden planted over 8,400 annuals, 3,600 bulbs and 244 perennials; and contributed over 4,400 volunteer hours.
The centerpiece of the Garden is the gracefully arched bridge painted the signature Monet green, the color used for all of the garden structures in the Garden. Six garden sections make up the Monet Garden, each demonstrating various features of Monet's garden in France. They are the Allee, Keyhole, South Walk, Sunset, Woodland Edge and Water gardens.
At the Overland Park Arboretum
The Overland Park Arboretum and the adjacent 320 acres known as Kemper Farm are the ideal location for a unique sculpture garden for the Midwest. The concept began in 2011 when The Arts & Recreation Foundation entered into a partnership with the International Sculpture Foundation and noted sculptor Kwan Wu and accepted gifts of 24 sculptures as part of a cultural exchange with China. These sculptures are currently on a 1/2 mile path that begins just outside the visitor center and east of the Monet Garden. Plans are for the sculptures to move to their permanent home in 2020 and become the centerpiece of the Sculpture Garden envisioned for 250 acres of Kemper Farms. The sculpture garden master plan and concept emphasizes the relationship between art and nature. Read more about plans for this exciting development.At the Overland Park Arboretum
This garden is a whimsical and educational experience for young visitors. Children can climb to the top of the Sky Watch, walk through the vine-covered Shrinking Tunnel, explore the Nature Play structures and check out the Frog Pond inhabitants.At the Overland Park Arboretum
The Stous Promenade is home to an extensive collection of trees. All are labeled and provide an introduction to the trees of our area within a very short walk. Watch for announcement of "tree tours" led by knowledgeable staff and volunteers. You are sure to learn something and understand how fortunate that our facility is both a botanical garden and an arboretum. The Lakeside Amphitheater – in the Stous Promenade and overlooking Margaret's Pond – is a beautiful location for a wedding or celebration. It is available to reserve.At the Overland Park Arboretum
This year-round Train Garden includes a life-size caboose and a full-size railroad crossing gate. G-Scale (1/22nd of the actual size) model trains wind through bluffs, over lake and streams, and through model villages. It is a favorite of visitors of all ages. The first railroad layout, The Leaky Roof Line, was completed in 2012. Soon the Leatherwood Depot – a sheltered area with picnic tables was constructed in 2013. The Arboretum's version of Old Downtown Overland Park and the Strang Line Trolley was opened in 2014. Plantings are native prairie types of improved varieties such as Little Bluestem and Big Bluestem, Black-eyed Susans and more. The trains are operated by volunteers and will run from 10 a.m. to close, except during wet, extreme cold, high heat and windy conditions.At the Overland Park Arboretum
This garden is at the entrance of the Arboretum on 179th Street. It beckons visitors with a colorful array of shrubs, ornamental grasses and flowers gracing our beautiful hackett and limestone walls.At the Farmstead
At the Farmstead
At the Farmstead
Set among the apple orchard, just east of the Mining Camp, is a replica of a 1900 one-room country schoolhouse.
While the construction materials are new, they capture the architectural features of the past. For example, when suitable windows and doors couldn't be found, they were custom made to duplicate those used in 1900. The interior is a blend of re-creations and antiques. The slate blackboard and coat hooks came from an abandoned school in Kansas City, Kansas. The desks came from all over the United States and show signs of years of learning. Another great find is our working pot-bellied stove. If these antiques could talk, what stories we would hear! The one-room country schoolhouse is closed during history tours, which are generally during the week, in the morning. The Regnier Family Foundation named the Schoolhouse in honor of their mother Helen Regnier.
At the Farmstead
The 5,000 square foot Dairy Barn has an open truss system with an all rough cedar interior, a stamped and stained concrete floor to simulate wood, a concession stand, the Cinemoo Moovie Theater and restrooms. Staff care for calves of the major dairy breeds in and around the barn.
At the Farmstead
At the Farmstead
There's no waiting here. Cast your old-fashioned cane pole into Grandpa Bob's Fishing Pond and pull out a fish from our well-stocked pond. The pond has an abundant amount of fish, including sunfish, hybrid bluegill and catfish, and is perfect for children of all ages.
At the Farmstead
With bleacher seating, Gayle’s exploration outpost is a great family gathering spot during the day. The Farmstead hosts a number of concerts, shows, camps, and events at the outpost.At the Farmstead
As many as 60 chickens call the Farmstead home. The chickens often greet visitors in the yard at Georgia’s Chicken Coop. Or, walk through and see the inside of the coop where the variety of breeds stay safe and lay their eggs.At the Farmstead
The Indian Encampment and earthen log lodge is a historically accurate, culturally sensitive replica of a small Kanza Indian village.
The Kanza, now known as the Kaw Indian Nation, were indigenous to northeast Kansas when the first European explorers arrived. They built permanent earthen lodges clustered in villages. They used teepees during their semi-annual bison hunts. The primary structure is an earthen lodge with an interior diameter of 40 feet. It is constructed entirely of wood from tree trunks for support and covered with smaller trees and thatched grasses with a top layer of soil. The center structure is constructed of cottonwood trees 14 feet tall and 14 inches thick. The outer ring of the lodge is constructed with mostly hedge and hackberry tree trunks 10 feet tall, 8 inches thick. The lodge, which is flanked by two 18-foot-tall teepees, is used as an instructional facility for group tours, historians and guests of all ages. The Indian Encampment is closed during history tours, which is generally in the morning on weekdays.
At the Farmstead
Vic’s General Store
The Regnier Family Foundation named the General Store after their father, Vic Regnier. Modeled after the Conser General Store that originally operated in this area, the new general store features historically correct interior fixtures and finishes. These include shelves, display racks and sales counters that showcase merchandise as would be found in the early 1900s. In addition to being a replica of an actual early 1900s general store, this facility will also feature an area of nostalgic items for sale such as- Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead merchandise
- old-fashioned wooden toys
- plush farm animals and John Deere apparel
- old-time candy and taffy
- and more
Alex & Emily's Ice Cream Parlor
The Hoffman Family Foundation named "Alex and Emily's Ice Cream Parlor" in honor of their grandchildren. Visitors will go back in time when experiencing the parlor's 1900s back bar which was originally located in Spring Hill, Kan., along with additional furnishings that include period artifacts.Ray's Barbershop
The Hoffman family funded construction of the barbershop. Stop by to see artifacts from an early 20th Century barbershop featuring barber chairs and utensils. Knowledgeable guides will point out the interesting tools of the trade.Ben's Bank
Ben's Bank was a new addition to the Farmstead in 2010. This historic bank, dubbed "Ben's Bank," is in honor of former Metcalf Bank President Ben Craig's father - also "Ben." Stepping inside the bank is like stepping back in time with the building's tin ceilings, old-fashioned tellers cage, and cannon ball safe. A docent works inside the bank teaching visitors about banking at the turn-of-the-century. Ben's Bank provides the Farmstead with the capacity to increase educational programs while also providing families with more to see and do including the Passbook Program.
John's Blacksmith Shop
John's Blacksmith Shop is named in honor of John Deere, founder of the company bearing his name, who began his career as a blacksmith. Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead is home to a demonstration blacksmith shop where a blacksmith is there to show all who stop to watch what it takes to turn metal into utensils or art. You're sure to learn something!Pat's Photography Parlor
Step back in time and see how photos were taken in the old days.At the Farmstead
Named for eight-year-old Mackenzie Coyne, Mackenzie’s Island features a quaint water wheel and gazebo over the fishing pond. On Mackenzie’s Island, be sure to look down to experience the effect of an oculus on the sundial flooring inlay of the gazebo.At the Farmstead
The prairie pavilion is the perfect space to host a large event at the Farmstead. Learn more about renting the pavilion for your next event.At the Farmstead
Walk through a variety of gardens, featuring plants, trees, flowers and even vegetables.At the Farmstead
This farm-themed playground includes a fort, a fountain, a miniature log cabin, a sandbox with sand shovels, ride-on plastic animals, slides, a climbing tractor and a seating area with sun and shade shelters.At the Farmstead
This windmill was dedicated in loving memory of Megan Kersting, the daughter of Overland Park employee Bert Kersting.by Mike Christianer
Built entirely with private donations, the 9/11 Memorial was built to remember and honor the victims and educate visitors about the tragic events and heroic efforts of Sept. 11, 2001, a day in the nation's history that will forever be remembered.Various sculptures have been donated to display and enhance the beauty of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, such as, the Chinese-US Sculpture Garden, Corazon II, Geometric Stratum, Monet, Pod Forms, and Red Tail Hawk. Pictured here is Monet by Gary Lee Price, donated by Clay Blair. Media: Bronze.
PERMANENT COLLECTIONSby Gary Kahle
This sculpture of stylized birds in flight marks the entrance to downtown and the site of a historic airfield. Media: Stainless Steel. Donated in part by Friends of OP Arts.by Larry Young
Blackbird landed at City Hall in 2011, created by Larry Young of Columbia, Missouri, a former Olympic medalist and preeminent sculptor.
City Hall hosts a small but interesting series of sketches showing scenes from old Overland Park, art from our sister city and more (pictured is Marbles by M. Alfie).
by Steven Richardson
Meant to celebrate the purpose of the Convention Center where people come together, this piece by Steven Richardson is mounted in the central circle drive. Media: Stainless Steel and Cor-ten Steel.
Commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who served in the Korean War at this memorial at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center.