Overland Park committee approves 10-year "Playbook OP" parks plan after adding stronger universal-design language

The Overland Park Committee of the Whole on Sept. 28 approved Playbook OP, a 10-year parks and recreation plan that updates the city's 2013 master plan and sets six goals for park investments. The motion, approved after an amendment, will be forwarded to the city council for consideration.

Mayor (Speaker 1) framed the plan as the product of extensive public engagement and staff work, saying the document will "provide green space, recreational amenities, and programs that make Overland Park a great place to live, work, and play." Staff told the committee the plan includes new park opportunities, trail linkages, regional pool priorities and a listing of projects in appendix F.

The committee adopted an amendment to the plan's universal-design appendix clarifying how "inclusive play" should be implemented, then voted to approve the plan as amended. Councilmembers debated parts of the plan, especially aquatics, with some expressing support and two members saying they would not back the plan because they objected to the aquatics approach.

The amended plan lists priorities for maintenance and capital investments, updates an earlier $276 million deficit to a revised roughly $248 million funding gap after changes to the aquatics strategy, and identifies a mix of potential funding sources including impact fees, grants, private contributions and a possible dedicated sales tax.

The committee approved the motion by voice vote and will continue the funding discussion at a future Committee of the Whole meeting; staff recommended additional steps and potential ballot language if the governing body directs them to pursue a sales tax measure.

Provenance:
Topic intro: SEG 010; Topic finish: SEG 671