LongHouse Visitor Center Project
LongHouse Visitor Center Project
The City of Overland Park’s new visitor center built to provide community and learning spaces and more opportunities to enjoy nature at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens celebrated its grand opening on September 9, 2023.
It is the next step in the community’s long-term plan to create a world-class Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Address
9209 W. 179th Street
Overland Park, KS 66013
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About the Visitor Center
The new LongHouse Visitor Center expands access to much of the Arboretum’s natural spaces and beauty for all visitors.
Modern Design + Expanded Access
The LongHouse Visitor Center features a modern stone building with metal and wood accents and a zinc-colored metal roof. The contemporary design of the building provides panoramic views to the outdoor areas of the Arboretum.
Inviting Interior
Construction of the new building provides more than 21,000 additional square feet of interior space for exhibits, hands-on learning, a cafe, gift shop, office and administration space, and rental spaces for weddings, corporate meetings and community events.
Additional Spaces to Connect With Nature
Exterior spaces include new entry gardens, a reflecting pool, a great lawn and additional parking.
Historical, Honorary Name
The visitor center known as “LongHouse,” honors Janet Long, a private contributor to the project. The name is reminiscent of longhouses of Native Americans and Scandinavian cultures, which used these buildings as community gathering spaces.
Location
The area where the new visitors center is located was previously open green space primarily used for a nearby service road. The additional building and gardens expands visitor access to the property and natural beauty of the Arboretum.
Use the round slider to move the image comparison divider left to right to see the placement of the new building on the property.
Take a Tour
This Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park video gives visitors an idea of what they will experience at the new visitor center.
Guests arrive at a circle drive that flows from the front lawn and new additional parking spaces. Visitors can enjoy the great pond before entering the building, which provides a full view through to gardens on the west side of the building.
Inside the building is a gift shop, ticketing booth, classrooms, meeting spaces, offices and restrooms, all along a common corridor. To the south, there is a cafe with space to host events and gatherings, facing out onto a terrace along the water and leading out into additional gardens.
Project Schedule
The following are key dates for the planning, approval and construction of this project.
- 2006 – Overland Park City Council approves Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Master Plan, including ideas for expansion beyond existing gardens.
- 2016 – The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park began fundraising private donations to contribute to the project.
- 2018 – Overland Park City Council approves funding of the visitor center through the 2018-2022 Capital Improvements Program.
- January 11, 2021 – Overland Park Planning Commission approves final development plan for the visitor center.
- February 1, 2021 – Overland Park City Council approves final development plan for the visitor center.
- July 31, 2021 – Groundbreaking
- Winter 2021 – Construction begins
- Mid 2023 – Estimated Construction completion date
- September 9, 2023 – Grand Opening
Frequently Asked Questions
- What will happen to the existing visitor center when the new one is built?
The existing facility will be remodeled to focus on environmental education opportunities for the community.
- How much will the project cost?
The completed project will cost approximately $22.7 million, which includes the acquisition of 20 acres of land, and design, construction and operating equipment.
The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park donated $11 million through generous community individuals and organizations. The rest is funded by the City’s Capital Improvements Program.
- I've heard discussion about an amphitheater, chapel and other amenities. Are those part of this project?
The master plan for the Arboretum includes a great lawn, a sculpture garden trail, a chapel, a small outdoor theater and more.
Later phases of the master plan, including these additional amenities, are not funded at this time and are not part of this construction project.
The City is always looking for opportunities to bring additional programs and services to the Arboretum and all its facilities. When the time is right we hope to continue developing the master plan. We’ll continue to engage with the neighbors and community as these plans move forward.
- Where can I donate?
The Arts & Recreation Foundation of Overland Park is fundraising for this project. You can make a donation online or by check.
- Who can I contact for more information about this project?
The City of Overland Park owns and operates the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. City staff from the Parks and Recreation Department operate the facility. City staff from the Public Works Department are managing the construction of the new visitor center.
If you have a questions about the construction project or process of the new visitor center, please contact:
Kyle Dieckmann
[email protected]
913-895-6053If you have a question about programming, renting a space at the new visitor center or other Arboretum operations, please contact:
Drew Ibarra
[email protected]
913-890-1759