OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- What will Overland Park look like in 30 years? Maybe more parks. Or self-driving cars on Metcalf Avenue. Perhaps city services will be more high-tech.
City leaders want you to stump them with ideas they haven't thought of.
On Tuesday, the city is hosting a workshop to gather public input on a strategic vision for the city. The vision is called "Forward OP."
Tuesday's workshop is the first time the public will be able to participate in what will be a 14-month process, led by a hired consultant, to develop the vision.
"Change is going to happen," explained the city's Planning Director Jack Messer. "If you don't capture it, if you don't want to define it, then it is going to define you."
City planners know they’ll need more sidewalks and roads, and they've accounted for a lot of that growth in other city policies. Messer said the vision is a step further, a chance to think outside the box and keep Overland Park on a positive track.
"I hope we hear about something we haven't thought about. I can't imagine what that would be, but I hope it's something that's fantastic," Messer explained. "Give us something that we haven't thought about, give us something we should do. That's what we're asking for."
Tuesday night’s "Imagine Tomorrow" workshop is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd. It’s open to anyone who lives, works or visits the city. RSVP by clicking here.
Author and planner Peter Kageyama will begin the workshop with a presentation. Then, city staff will meet and record ideas in small groups.
