Overland Park plans to enhance park, but turns down farmers market
A recent proposal to merge Overland Park's downtown park with the Farmers’ Market has been rejected after a series of public forums held over the summer.
On September 6, the city council's community development committee voted unanimously to keep the Farmers’ Market in its current location on Marty Street. Instead, Santa Fe Commons will receive a number of new facilities and a new name. The plan will still have to be approved by the full council on October 1.
Under the new plan, Santa Fe Commons Park will be renamed Thompson Park once a series of upgrades are completed. These new additions will include an open-air performance venue, a new children's playground complete with water features, and enhanced green space. The $3m revitalization plan, dubbed ‘Park Stroll’, was developed in consultation with locals, such as those of the Santa Fe Towers apartments who see the park as their ‘front lawn’, by RDG Planning & Design.
As for the farmers’ market, vendors and customers also expressed concerns with the proposed merger, which would have limited their room, especially parking space. Many farmers’ markets around the country are growing, both because of increased consumer interest in local produce and ingredients and creative marketing efforts by small vendors. These efforts can include social media as well as flyer printing and other products of print services.
The Overland Park Farmers’ Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the growing season.
On September 6, the city council's community development committee voted unanimously to keep the Farmers’ Market in its current location on Marty Street. Instead, Santa Fe Commons will receive a number of new facilities and a new name. The plan will still have to be approved by the full council on October 1.
Under the new plan, Santa Fe Commons Park will be renamed Thompson Park once a series of upgrades are completed. These new additions will include an open-air performance venue, a new children's playground complete with water features, and enhanced green space. The $3m revitalization plan, dubbed ‘Park Stroll’, was developed in consultation with locals, such as those of the Santa Fe Towers apartments who see the park as their ‘front lawn’, by RDG Planning & Design.
As for the farmers’ market, vendors and customers also expressed concerns with the proposed merger, which would have limited their room, especially parking space. Many farmers’ markets around the country are growing, both because of increased consumer interest in local produce and ingredients and creative marketing efforts by small vendors. These efforts can include social media as well as flyer printing and other products of print services.
The Overland Park Farmers’ Market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the growing season.