Fill your schedule with exciting events happening in Overland Park! From family fun and creative workshops to Governing Body and committee meetings, the City’s event calendar is packed with endless opportunities to get involved in your community and make memories with friends and family:
Community Center Annual Membership Sale – Jan. 1-15
Take advantage of our New Year promotion and access a year filled with health, happiness and community! Sign up for an annual community center membership between Jan. 1-15, 2024, and enjoy a 15 percent discount on the annual membership price, applicable to both new members and renewals or upgrades for current members. For more details, contact [email protected] or 913-895-6350.
Holiday Tree Recycling – Dec. 26-Jan. 9
When the holidays are over, bring your real Christmas tree or holiday tree to one of the City’s drop-off locations for recycling. Your tree will be mulched and used at City parks. Remove the stands, lights, tinsel, ornaments, and any gifts from the tree. Artificial trees are not accepted. Find a list of locations and operating hours at opkansas.org.
Monday, January 1
City offices, including City Hall, Sanders Justice Center and the Recycling Center will be closed for the New Year’s Day holiday. Matt Ross & Tomahawk Ridge Community Center will be open from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m and the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens will be open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
While City offices are closed, residents can access information and services, pay fees or report issues using the City’s online platforms.
New Year’s Day Fit Fest – 10:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Get ready to sweat, smile and start 2024 on the right foot with three exercise classes in one at Matt Ross Community Center. Each class is a power-packed 45 minutes long led by Instructor Rosemarie. New Year’s Day Fit Fest is free with a group exercise membership or $5-$6 for a group exercise day pass. Limited spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tuesday, January 2
Discovery Day at the Arboretum – All Day
Craft time awaits on the first Tuesday of the month at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Little explorers are in for a treat as they immerse themselves in the enchanting world of nature and creativity. Each month, a new make-and-take project unfolds on Discovery Day. Crafting supplies are included, and the projects are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The first Tuesday of the month also happens to be Free Admission Day at the Arboretum, so entry into the gardens and this project are all free! The theme for January is “Enchanted Homes.”
Wednesday, January 3
Community Development Committee – 7 p.m.
Community Development Committee meetings are held every first Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Thursday, January 4
Legacy of Greenery Committee – 6:30 p.m.
The Legacy of Greenery Committee develops strategies to increase, preserve and enhance the city’s tree canopy by promoting, planting and maintaining trees and shrubs in the city. The Legacy of Greenery Committee meets at City Hall on the first Thursday of every month and sponsors many annual activities, including seedling giveaways, poster contests, and landscape excellence awards.
Read, exercise, and converse with other book lovers at Matt Ross Community Center’s monthly book club. Meet other avid readers to discuss a predetermined book. This group meets the first Thursday of the month.
Monday, January 8
Ordinance Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The ordinance review Committee reviews ordinance amendment proposals with staff prior to consideration by the full commission. Ordinance amendments may be proposed by the City Council, the Planning Commission or city staff.
Planning Commission – 1:30 p.m.
The Planning Commission considers all applications for final development plans and plats, and holds public hearings and makes recommendations for final action to the Governing Body for rezoning, special use permits and preliminary development plans. It also prepares the Comprehensive Plan and reviews the Capital Improvements Program. Planning Commission meetings are held the second Monday of every month at City Hall in the Council Chamber.
Committee of the Whole – 2024 Kansas Legislative Program – 6:30 p.m.
The Committee of the Whole meets on an as-needed basis at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Land Bank Board of Trustees – 7:15 p.m.
The Land Bank Board of Trustees is responsible for acquiring, maintaining and selling abandoned property. The board’s goals are to help with the elimination of blight, the enhancement of neighborhood viability and stability, the creation of opportunities for affordable and mixed-income home ownership and rental, and the encouragement of economic development.
Mayor and Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the council chamber.
Tuesday, January 9
Neighborhood Executive Committee – 6 p.m.
The Neighborhood Executive Committee develops and monitors the progress of the neighborhood conservation program, which helps preserve and enhance neighborhoods by promoting community-building by supporting voluntary neighborhood groups and associations, providing a forum for communication between neighbors, residents and City Hall, developing community leadership and advocating for the needs of neighborhood organizations.
Board of Zoning Appeals – 7 p.m.
The Board of Zoning Appeals considers requests for relief from the requirements of the zoning ordinance and meets monthly, generally on the second Tuesday. The Board of Zoning Appeals meets at City Hall.
Wednesday, January 10
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or city staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall.
Public Safety Committee – 7 p.m.
Public Safety Committee meetings are held every second Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Thursday, January 11
Environmental Advisory Council – 6 p.m.
The Environmental Advisory Council studies environmental issues pertaining to the city, supporting and promoting existing and new programs for environmental awareness, solid waste management, and more. This council meets on the second Thursday at 6 p.m.
Environmental Advisory Council Officers Board – 8 p.m.
The regular meeting of the Officers Board is to be held at 8:00 p.m. in Conference Room 2 (upper) of the Myron Scafe Building, 8500 Antioch, Overland Park, KS. The purpose of the Officers Board Meeting is to plan the agenda.
Friday, January 12
Free Concert by The Blake School Music Ensembles – 11:30 a.m.
Enjoy a spectacular morning of music as student musicians from The Blake School in Minneapolis, MN hold a free concert in The Gathering Place at the beautiful LongHouse Visitor Center at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The band, choir and orchestra will showcase their talents in chamber ensembles and full ensembles. All music lovers are invited to be a part of this unforgettable musical experience. No registration required.
Monday, January 15
City Offices Closed – All Day
City offices, including City Hall and Sanders Justice Center, will be closed for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.
Wednesday, January 17
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or city staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall.
Finance, Administration + Economic Development Committee – 7 p.m.
Finance, Administration and Economic Development committee business generally includes council rules, procedures and protocol, administrative services, finance, human resources, information technology and more. This committee meets on the third Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Thursday, January 18
Mental Health Advisory Committee – 12 p.m.
The Mental Health Advisory Committee exists to advise the Public Safety Committee and City Council on issues of mental health in the community. This committee meets on the last Thursday of the month at City Hall.
Monday, January 22
Independent Citizen Advisory Board for Racial Profiling and Non-Biased Policing – 6:30 p.m.
The Independent Citizen Advisory Board for Racial Profiling and Non-Biased Policing advises and assists in policy development, education and community outreach and communications related to racial profiling and other non-biased policing efforts of the Overland Park Police Department. This committee meets quarterly at the Sanders Justice Center.
Wednesday, January 24
Site Plan Review Committee – 11:45 a.m.
The Site Plan Review Committee makes recommendations to the Planning Commission on matters relating to site planning and architectural details of development proposals. Items may be recommended for committee review by the City Council, the Planning Commission or city staff. The Site Plan Review Committee meets at City Hall.
Public Works Committee – 7 p.m.
Public works committee business generally includes streets and highways, public works facilities, traffic signals and signs, infrastructure planning, right of way management, sidewalks and bikeways, public transportation, stormwater management and traffic management systems. Public Works Committee meetings are held every fourth Wednesday of every month at City Hall in Conference Room 1.
Thursday, January 25
Night at the Arboretum – 5-9 p.m.
Join us for a celestial evening as we celebrate the full Wolf Moon. Experience the enchantment of the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens under the moonlit sky and witness the moon cast its luminous glow on the surroundings. The Astronomical Society of Kansas City will provide telescopes for a mesmerizing view, allowing you to explore the lunar landscape in detail. Operation Wildlife will showcase fascinating animals, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the night. Family friendly activities kick off at 6 p.m., and the Arboretum closes at 9 p.m. This experience is free with regular Arboretum admission and is open to star gazers of all ages.
Monday, January 29
City Council – 7:30 p.m.
Mayor and Council meetings are held on the first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall in the council chamber.
Tuesday, January 30
Parks + Recreation Advisory Council – 6:30 p.m.
This Parks & Recreation Advisory Council advises and makes recommendations to the Governing Body and staff on residential parks and recreational needs and wants. It meets the last Tuesday of every month at City Hall.
Wednesday, January 31
Committee of the Whole and Planning Commission Meeting – Comprehensive Plan – 6:30 p.m.
The Committee of the Whole meets on an as-needed basis at City Hall in Conference Room 1.