OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Basketball courts, gardens, a farmers market. Everything is on the table as the city of Overland Park considers how to renovate Santa Fe Commons Park.
Consultants the city hired to redesign the park at 81st and Santa Fe Drive want to hear from residents and people who use the park. They are hosting a public input session tonight from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St. They’ll use feedback from the meeting to craft formal proposals.
The city said the park is underutilized and its amenities are past their lifecycles. The 2019 proposed budget sets aside money for renovations.
Among the ideas up for consideration are moving the farmers market from nearby downtown to the park. It’s an idea with mixed reactions.
"I do like where it is just over here a few blocks. But it does seem like there a lot cars in a small space and it's over with too quick. It'd be cool if it's in an open area, you could come out here so long as they're able to stay cool and beat the heat," said Chris Ferraro, who lives in Overland Park.
The Santa Fe Apartment Towers border the park. Residents Association President Cheryl Foster said many people living there consider the park their backyard and don't think the farmer's market is a good fit.
"I think the smells, the noise, the number of people. I just think it would be too much commotion for this area. Not to mention where in the world would they put them to park," she said.
Other people like Charles Henley say they support incorporating the farmers market into the park. Henley said he'd also like to see the city modernize the restrooms, gazebos and barbecue pits at the park. He also said he wouldn't mind seeing a playground or something geared toward children.
Consultants will provide the city with two proposals. One including the farmers market and one without it.
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