Thompson Park
Park Overview
Thompson Park is a 4.8-acre community park with spaces for gathering, playing, relaxing, working, and more, right in the heart of Downtown Overland Park.
Address
8045 Santa Fe Drive
Overland Park, Kansas 66204
Phone
913-327-6630
Hours
5 a.m.-10 p.m.
Park Photos
The City updated Thompson Park in 2019 and 2020 after receiving feedback from neighbors and park visitors. Thompson Park was renamed in honor of Downtown Overland Park business owners and philanthropists Frank and Evangeline Thompson.
Improvements include:
- Two open-air shelters,
- New restrooms,
- A performance stage,
- Seating areas,
- Outdoor working space with Wi-Fi,
- A playground, including a crawl tunnel, climbing structure, spinner, swings, musical instruments and a water play area.
Playground + Splash Pad
Strang Carriage House
Originally built in the early 1900s to store carriages and automobiles for Overland Park founder William Strang, the Thompson Park Carriage House is a modern industrial space that includes remnants of the past, perfect for an intimate event.
Renovations at the Carriage House in 2020 included refurbishing the building’s tile roof and limestone walls; the addition of cedar beams reminiscent of carriage houses of the era; updating the interior with walnut bartops sourced from nearby Sapling Gove Park, a cedar wall backdrop and industrial finishings; and the addition festoon and warm industrial lighting to provide a warm ambiance for your event. Refurbished original carriage house doors allow your event to remain private to the Carriage House, or flow into the park.
The Carriage House is available for reservations. The Carriage House is $50 per hour to rent, with a four-hour minimum. Call 913-895-6390 or visit Matt Ross Community Center to make a reservation.
Large Shelter
The large shelter is available for reservations. It is available on a first-come, first-serve basis when it is not reserved.
Call 913-895-6390 or visit Matt Ross Community Center to make a reservation.
Small Shelter
The small shelter at Thompson Park is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Park Amenities
Bike parking
Carriage House
The Strang Carriage House was built in 1915 and was one of many buildings located in the area when Downtown Overland Park included an aviation park, airfield and grandstand for barnstorming performances.
Drinking fountain
Grill
Historical feature
Overland Park founder William Strang built his carriage house on the property that is now Santa Fe Commons Park in the early 1900s to house his carriages and cars, and serve as a residence for his driver. The building’s interior was renovated in 2019 and 2020 and it will be available to rent for special occasions.
Loop trail
Outdoor Work Space
Wi-Fi is available throughout the park. The outdoor work space includes power to plug devices in and seating and tables for meetings or working.
Parking
Playground
Restroom
Restrooms at this part are open year-round.
Splash Pad
Splash pads are free to use and are open May 1-Sept. 30 during normal park hours, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Splash pads may occasionally be closed for weather or maintenance.
Activate the splash pad by pressing the button on the nearby pole.
Swings
Performance venue
Public art
Restrooms
Small shelter
Reservable shelter
Learn more about making a shelter reservation, or call 913-895-6390 to reserve a park shelter.