Committee endorses Washed Ashore exhibit agreements for Overland Park Arboretum in 2028

Committee members endorsed agreements to bring the Washed Ashore traveling exhibit to the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in 2028, citing educational value and the potential to drive visitation.

"We are here today asking for your endorsement," Jeremy Myers, assistant parks and recreation director, said during the staff presentation describing partner endorsements and prior rehearsal exhibits. Staff described the exhibit's conservation-focused model: volunteer beach cleanups, conversion of recovered debris into large marine sculptures, interpretive materials and volunteer engagement tied to education programs.

The committee voted to recommend a $230,000 agreement with the Artula Institute for Arts and Environmental Education to present the exhibit and separately recommended up to $250,000 from the Arts & Recreation Foundation to support installation, marketing and repairs. Staff said the exhibit typically arrives on two semi trucks and includes about 11 major pieces that are placed both indoors and outdoors as logistics allow.

Council members asked about educational curriculum, field-trip applicability and whether the exhibit has produced measurable regional draw at other sites; staff said some interpretive materials and curriculum exist and that they will collect follow-up data and coordinate with Visit Overland Park and partners on promotion.