After two neighborhood meetings and an online survey, Overland locals have settled on how to spend money they received for their role in the short-lived Grandoozy festival that took over Overland Park Golf Course in 2018.
Councilman Jolon Clark’s office confirmed neighbors voted to fund a pollinator-friendly landscape — plants and flowers that attract bees, birds, bats and butterflies to name a few — along Sanderson Gulch between between Zuni and Raritan streets.
The Grandoozy bucks will also fund bicycle and crossing improvements on West Florida Avenue near Ruby Hill Park.
Each project will cost roughly $137,000. Festival producer Superfly gave $1 from every ticket sold to the neighborhood to thank Overlanders for their cooperation.
“I think the process of working through the community and what they wanted to spend the money on was amazing,” Clark said.
Roughly $130,000 was allocated for the Overland Park Golf Course. The money will be used for upgrades, including new restrooms at the course.
District 7 City Council aide Tate E. Carpenter said the office received some 50 ideas, both big and small, during their initial meeting. With help from local input and the city’s Parks and Rec and Public Works departments, they were able to narrow down the list based on feasibility.
Residents picked the projects in July to ensure they would be included in the new city budget.
And as far bringing the festival back after announcing a hiatus this year, Clark said he hasn’t hear anything from organizers.
“I wouldn’t hold my breath,” Clark said.
