Regardless of your lifestyle or interests, Overland Park is the community you’ve been looking for. Overland Park is a nationally recognized city that has a multitude of features, including a low crime rate, excellent schools, and multiple local attractions. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Kansas City and 35 minutes from the Kansas City International Airport, Overland Park is a great place to work, play, and raise a family. Overland Park was initially established as a subdivision in 1905 by William B. Strange Jr. and was incorporated on May 20, 1960 with a population of 28,085. The city now covers just over 73 square miles of Johnson County and has more than 175,000 residents, making it the second most populous city in Kansas.Overland Park boasts many national honors and in 2012 was rated as one of the top 10 Best Places to Live by CNN Money Magazine. Overland Park has a thriving business industry that is home to several large corporations, including Sprint, as well as the full-service Overland Park Convention Center. If you like to shop, there are many choices ranging from the local flavor of the quaint shops in the recently renovated Clock Tower Plaza in Downtown Overland Park to the many name-brand stores located in Oak Park Mall. The Farmer’s Market located in downtown Overland Park is open from April through September and features over 70 vendors who provide farm-fresh produce to the local community. When it’s time to play, you will find activities to suit a variety of choices for you and your family. Overland Park has more than 1,800 acres of park land and open space. Many of the city's 72 parks feature activities that include hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, tennis courts, and basketball courts. The 300-acre Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is an educational, recreational and cultural resource that was founded to keep the city on the cutting edge of environmental issues. If you prefer a livelier form of recreation, you might prefer the 96-acre Overland Park Soccer Complex which was named the top soccer facility in the nation by Livability. Additionally, Overland Park features three public community centers, a 911 memorial, and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art located on the campus of Johnson County Community College.
McLain's Market in Overland Park is the perfect spot for a quick bite or a casual coffee date. During my most recent visit on Valentine’s Day, I was in need of last-minute treats and a sandwich to go—and it turned out to be a total home run. The treats I picked up were absolute winners. The Chocolate Lovers Box, featuring combination of flourless chocolate truffles & peanut butter bites made with gluten-friendly ingredients, both are rich and indulgent and balanced in flavor. They’re the kind of treats that make you want to savor every bite! For my savory craving, I went with the popular chicken salad sandwich. The sandwich was as satisfying as it was delicious, and it came with a side of house-made chips, crispy and light, making for a perfect snack to go with the meal. What really sets McLain’s apart is the fantastic service. The staff is friendly and helpful, and everything was served up quickly. Whether you’re in the mood for a meal, a quick snack, or just a coffee to relax with, McLain’s in Overland Park is a great choice. It’s a cozy, convenient spot with food that hits the mark every time!