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History 
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Overland Park – Yesterday and Today Overland Park was incorporated as a first-class city on May 20, 1960 with a population of 28,085. Since 1981, the population growth has averaged 3,625 new residents per year. The City now has approximately 170,000 residents, making it the second most populous city in Kansas. Its geographical area includes about 63 square miles of Johnson County, which is located in the Southwest quadrant of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The City of Overland Park traces its roots back to 1905 with the arrival of its founder William B. Strang Jr., who platted subdivisions along a military roadway – naming one of them Overland Park. Strang envisioned a "park-like" community that was self-sustaining and well planned. He also sought strong commerce, quality education, vibrant neighborhoods, convenient transportation and accommodating recreational facilities. Before his death in 1921, Strang established several housing developments, an interurban railroad and an airfield. Remnants from Strang's interurban line remain today. His limestone car barn at 79th Street and Santa Fe Drive is now the site of Traditions Furniture, which offers a photograph museum depicting its historical significance. The Carriage House, located in Santa Fe Commons Park, 8445 Santa Fe Drive, now houses the Overland Park Historical Society. Both buildings are open for tours and are located within the Downtown Overland Park Business District. During the early 1960s, City leaders adopted a comprehensive plan to manage growth in the following areas: land use, parks, schools, zoning and housing. Also considered were industry, shopping districts and expressways. Overland Park experienced a boom in commercial and residential development in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, including Corporate Woods, Metcalf South Shopping Center, Oak Park Mall, a new City Hall and many residential subdivisions. By 1988, the City's population surpassed 100,000. In the early 1990s, City officials focused their efforts on renovating the historic downtown area. The Clock Tower Plaza was dedicated, and the Farmers' Market Pavilion was constructed. |
Today, Overland Park remains a nationally recognized City and has a thriving economy. In 2001, Overland Park was named the "Number One Kid-Friendly City" by Zero Population Group, a "Top Ten City for Women" by Ladies' Home Journal, a "Top Ten City to Do Business" by Business Development Outlook and the "Second Best City in America to Live" by Business Development Outlook Magazine. Expansion Management recognized Overland Park as "One of the Best Places to Live and Work" in 2005 and rated it a 5-star community. Overland Park also ranked sixth on Money Magazine's 2006 annual list of "America's Best Places to Live." In 2007, Overland Park was named one of the "50 Best Places to Live + Play" by National Geographic Adventure, one of the "Top Ten Places to Raise a Family" by Southern Business & Development, named a "Sterling Tree City USA" by the National Arbor Day Foundation, and continues to be ranked as a AAA-rated community for its quality of life index. |
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