Legacy Garden in early April The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is one of the best kept secrets in metropolitan Kansas City. It is located in Johnson County at the far south edge of the metro area, on 175th Street, 1/2 mile west of US-69. Still under development, large portions of the 300 acre park are being dedicated to the preservation and restoration of natural ecosystems. The traditional gardens began in 1996 with The Erickson Water Garden and additional major gardens have been opened nearly every year. There are now 10 gardens and 8 arboretum ecosystems with 5 miles of trails. Some are paved and wheel chair friendly. One of the newest gardens at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is the lovely Monet garden inspired by the gardens in Giverny. 14 sculptures are set throughout the gardens which blend willow trees, perennials and annuals around ponds.
Water moves through many of the gardens and helps to create an environment apart from the hustle of everyday life in the city.
Admission to the park was free for many years, but is now $3 for visitors 13 and over and $1 for visitors 6 to 12. The only time the Overland Park Arboretum is free is the first Tuesday of the month.
copyright 2005-2023 by Keith Stokes |
