A community fixture in downtown since 1991, the Overland Park, Kan., farmers market is set to receive nearly $40 million in improvements aimed at enriching the visitor experience and supporting local vendors.
The pavilion has been home to the farmers market, but the city said in a news release that it recognized additional opportunities for the area, including “options that allow for the farmers market to grow and increase comfort for vendors and shoppers, and additional programming in the space.”
Current challenges presented within the existing pavilion space include rain and weather penetration making it not possible for year-round operation. In addition, the asphalt parking lot surface traps heat and rain runoff, creating a less comfortable environment for attendees, the release said. The third challenge was the insufficient electrical capacity to accommodate vendors that require refrigeration.
In July, the Overland Park Governing Body approved a plan to proceed with the improvement project to:
- Create an indoor market space.
- Improve the existing outdoor market space with shade structures and a gentler, more accessible ground slope.
- Add access to utilities like power and water for vendors.
- Increase access to restrooms for vendors, staff and shoppers.
- Allow for the possible expansion of existing market operations.
- Maintain parking spaces during non-market hours.
The city first began considering options to improve the market pavilion in 2017 and 2018, and it conducted a study that indicated residents overwhelmingly wanted the market to stay in downtown Overland Park, the release said.
“This major investment in our downtown is a result of talking with the community and delivering on community visions,” said Mayor Curt Skoog. “I am looking forward to visiting our new market that brings an even better gathering space to our community.”
Since 2018, the city and its project partners have created conceptual plans, shared plans with a number of groups involved at the market, including vendors, shoppers, downtown area residents and downtown Overland Park merchants, the release said. The project team held pop-up events at the market, town hall meetings, issued community surveys, hosted focus groups and interviewed those closest to the market.
City staff amended the Capital Improvement Plan to budget for the project, which is expected to cost $33.9 million, the release said.
Construction on the farmers market pavilion site and downtown Overland Park gathering space began in December after the 2024 farmers market season ended Nov. 23. The city said it expects the construction on the pavilion site and gathering space to take approximately 18 months; the 2025 season will be held temporarily at the Matt Ross Community Center.
Construction on the updated market pavilion and gathering space is expected to be done by the spring 2026, the release said.
When the project is complete, the space will house the Overland Park Farmers’ Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays during market season. The project will also bring:
- Permanent shade structures in outdoor spaces.
- Additional seating for market visitors.
- Expanded restroom access.
- Improvements to spaces adjacent to the market structure, including the Clock Tower Plaza, Overland Park Drive and Marty Street.
- Continued access to parking during nonmarket days.
- A gathering space for watch parties, concerts and other public events in downtown Overland Park adjacent to future private development in downtown Overland Park and more.
The city said it has donated the pavilion structure to the city of Garnett to use for its farmers market. Garnett staff and contractors will begin dismantling the building and moving it off the downtown Overland Park site.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a priority for the city and the farmers market, the release said. When complete, the market will feature:
- Solar panels on the pavilion roof.
- Electric vehicle charging stations.
- Pavement colors and solar shade structures intended to reduce the temperature of the outdoor space.
- LED lighting and solar-powered exterior lighting.
- Native landscaping.
- Recycling, composting and more.
Where possible, the release said, construction crews will use locally sourced, low-carbon and recycled construction materials. Additionally, the farmers market operations close down Marty Street on market days, improving walkability and bikeability in downtown Overland Park. The project will include bike and scooter parking.
A&H Farm, a fourth-generation family farm, is a vendor at the Overland Park Farmers’ Market. Owned by Andrea and Hugo DeJesus, the farm offers a variety of fresh, locally grown produce including seasonal fruits and vegetables.
“We’ve become known for our homegrown peaches ‘n cream sweet corn, our homegrown cantaloupe and our famous homegrown Black Diamond watermelon,” Andrea DeJesus said. “Everything is grown or made with care on our family farm or friends’ family farm, and we pride ourselves on providing high-quality, sustainable products.”
The couple says they’ve been vendors at the Overland Park’s Farmers’ Market for 10 years.
“It’s been an incredible experience, and we’ve loved seeing the market grow in popularity and diversity over the years,” Andrea DeJesus said.
“The Overland Park Farmers’ Market has always been a perfect fit for us,” she added. “It’s known for its strong community atmosphere, and we feel that our values align with the market’s mission of supporting local farmers and offering customers access to fresh, high-quality food. The loyal customer base and the welcoming environment for vendors make it a standout market.”
The future renovations will make a big difference, creating a more inviting space for both vendors and customers, Andrea DeJesus said.
“The expanded layout will give us more room to display our products, and the improved facilities will ensure a more comfortable shopping experience. We’re excited to be part of the market’s growth and look forward to seeing the positive impact on the local community,” she said.
Learn more about improvements coming to the Overland Park Farmers’ Market and downtown Overland Park at opkansas.org/FarmersMarket.
