As the county seat of Johnson County, Olathe is a thriving community that is rich in Kansas history. Olathe, the fifth largest city in Kansas, is located just 20 miles southwest of downtown Kansas City. An easy drive from downtown on I-35, Olathe has great access to the many cultural advantages available to residents in a major metropolitan area.Olathe, founded by Dr. John T. Barton in the spring of 1857, is a Shawnee word understood to mean "beautiful." This beautiful town functioned as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail, the Oregon Trail, and the California Trail. Back in the day, supplying travelers was the main source of income for local stores and businesses. A local landmark, the Mahaffie House, was a popular resupply point for wagons headed westward and is a registered historical site maintained by the City of Olathe. Olathe continues to be an important asset to the Kansas City metro area. The city has a thriving business industry that is home to several large corporations, including the headquarters of Garmin. The Olathe School District has compiled many accolades, including receiving 17 National Blue Ribbon School Awards from the U.S. Department of Education and having ACT and SAT scores that are above average to the nation. In addition to public schools, Olathe is also the home to the Kansas School for the Deaf, MidAmerica Nazarene University. There are over 43 neighborhood and community parks in Olathe, hosting a variety of year-round events.
In the summertime, families enjoy swimming, letting the kids romp on the playground equipment, or enjoy a lovely walking path that winds along a fountain-fed pond through the park setting. During colder weather, holiday displays create a festive environment as area residents step in to enjoy warmer events and indoor sports like basketball or exercise classes. Single-use passes for indoor events are around $8. Multi-pass, monthly, and family memberships are also available. There is no charge for enjoying the playground and walking parks. Event rentals are extremely affordable, starting at just $35 per hour! Wedding rates are higher and include several rooms, the patio, the kitchen areas, and lovely settings for photo opportunities. Take a look at some of the photos in our carousel to see some of the outdoor possibilities that are free to everyone. Starting in early May each year, a Saturday morning farmers market has weekly offerings of fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, plants, and more, If you happen to see a group of folks walking together with greyhounds, feel free to stop and visit! REGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets) is a non-profit group that holds monthly meet and greets for socializing and promoting adoptions of their well-behaved, hilarious foster pups.