Committee reviews Playbook OP trails and sidewalks chapter; staff to return with revisions in September

City staff presented the final Committee of the Whole discussion on Playbook OP’s trails and sidewalks chapter, outlining system goals, inventory metrics and a schedule for adoption. Kate (staff) told the committee this is the final discussion before the plan is revised and returned for formal action in September.

Brian Tobin summarized the city’s trail system and connectivity goals, defining greenways and linkages and describing how new multiuse trails, loop trails and trailheads will be used to connect parks, neighborhoods and community destinations. "This is considered goal 2, in Playbook OP," Tobin said as he walked the committee through the proposed language.

Staff provided system statistics and maintenance context: Overland Park has approximately 101 miles of mixed-use trail (excluding arboretum internal trails), about 26 miles of trails in floodplains, 55 bridges and roughly 673 acres of greenway linkage property. Tobin described maintenance needs and recommended replacing some asphalt trails with concrete to increase lifespan and reduce future maintenance.

The mayor and several council members expressed broad support for the direction but asked staff to return with refined language and materials. Kate said staff will incorporate the committee’s recommended changes and bring the revised Playbook OP back to the governing body in September for final review and action.