OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- With its fresh produce and homemade treats growing in popularity, city leaders worry the Overland Park Farmers' Market is getting too big for its current location.
Monday night, the city and a consultant it hired will host two open houses to share concepts for expanding the market. The city says improvements could include moving the market.
There are four ideas that range in cost and scope of work.
The first involves simply renovating the existing pavilion near Marty and 80th Street.
The second calls for building a split-level concept on the current site. It would have a parking garage on one level, with the market on top.
The third would extend the market in an "L" shape, adding more booths for vendors along Marty Street.
The fourth idea for consideration is the most extreme. It calls for building a brand new market near Sante Fe Commons Park, which is two blocks south of the current site on Sante Fe Drive.
The city says the slope of the current market site creates drainage issues.
Monday's open house takes place in back-to-back meetings. First at 5 p.m., the city will meet with vendors. At 7 p.m., the general public is invited to view the ideas and provide feedback.
Both meetings take place at the Matt Ross Community Center located at 8101 Marty Street.
The last market of the 2017 fall season is November 18.
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