The renovation project at Thompson Park, 8045 Santa Fe Drive, is catching the attention of regional professional organizations.
In late 2020, the Associated Builders and Contractors Heart of America chapter recognized the park improvement project and contractor Mega KC with its “Excellence in Construction” Award. This recognition features construction projects that demonstrate a commitment to innovation, quality, and safety.
Last month, the Prairie Gateway Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects honored the project and contractor RDG Planning & Design with its “superior professional accomplishment” award.
The park improvement project began with a community planning effort in 2018. After several months of public meetings and design planning, the City Council approved plans to begin construction at Santa Fe Commons Park.
Prior to the project, park conditions were in major need of improvement. The central plaza cobblestones needed levelling, the performance stage was at the end of its usable life and there was little opportunity to program events at the park.
The City, neighbors and contractors created and implemented a design that honors the area’s aviation history, activates an urban green and provides opportunities for events and programming. New amenities 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.
A combination of funding from City funds and the County Courthouse Sales Tax contributed to the City’s share of the renovation expenses. Frank and Evangeline Thompson, long-time Overland Park residents and business owners provided a generous private donation to invest in the vitality of Downtown Overland Park.
City staff, neighbors and project consultants celebrated the park improvements with a dedication and renaming ceremony in the summer of 2020.
Learn more about Thompson Park.