OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS It is the second densely inhabited city in the U.S. state of Kansas. Situated in Johnson County and considered as a satellite city of Kansas City, Missouri and is sited near to Olathe, Lenexa, Prairie Village and Leawood. About 173,250 are living in 2008 census data. According to CNN/Money and Money Magazine’s 100 Best Cities to Live in the US, Overland Park ranked in the 10th spot. In 2010, Overland Park, Kansas is the 7th best city in the United States based on Money Magazine. On top of that, the city is one of the “Best Places to Raise Your Kids in 2009” and also ranked 3rd as “America’s 10 Best Places to Grow Up”. History In 1905, the founder William B. Strang Jr. designed a subdivision along a military road on 600 acres and bought that is now a part of the old downtown area. One of the subdivisions is Overland Park and the site of the first airplane flight with shows by the Wright brothers, supported by Strang in December 24, 1090.Overland Park was included as “first class city” on May 20, 1960 and being one of the youngest district in Johnson County. Geography and climate Total area of the city is 56.8 square miles with 56.8 square miles of land and 0.1 square miles of water. In terms of climate the city has a humid continental climate that is cold-dry winters and hot and humid summers. During Spring and Autumn season, the climate is very mild with sporadic thunderstorms. The coldest month is in January and July is the warmest month. Religion Overland Park is exceedingly inhabited by Protestants. Congregation Beth Israel Abraham Voliner and Orthodox synagogue are located in Overland Park and created in 1894. Catholics has a significant numbers in Overland Park. Holy Trinity, Holy Cross, Holy Spirit and Queen of the Holy Rosary serve Catholics. Attractions Deanna Rode Children’s Farmstead is among the top 10 tourist destinations is Kansas City area. This is the home for 200 animals, fishing pond, hay rides, early 1900s century school house and a lot more. This attraction is one of the top “family” attractions in Kansas City by the Nickelodeon Channel in August 2008. Overland Park Convention Center can be found in the city. A clocktower plaza and a statue of the founder of Overland Park City, William B. Strang Jr. is in Downtown Overland Park. Overland offers more than 1800 park land and open space. 72 parks can found in Overland Park that has hiking and biking trails, playgrounds tennis and basketball courts and even shelter reservations. Economy Overland Park is the home for Sprint Nextel Corporation. The company occupies 240 acres of the city and hires about 18,500 individual. Overland park is also the home of Oak Park Mall that has 200 stores and establishments which is the largest mall in Kansas City Metro Area. Headquarters of Fortune 500 companies YRC Worldwide and Embarq and even Black and Veatch Corporation are in Overland Park. |