Olathe City Council honors Arbor Week and welcomes new board members

The Olathe City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, showcased significant developments in local parks and recreation, highlighted by the introduction of new board members and a proclamation for Arbor Week.

Parks and Recreation Board Chair Greg Foss kicked off the meeting by detailing ongoing projects, including major improvements at Blackbaud Park, where a new playground is set to be dedicated in May. Foss also discussed the feasibility study for a new RecPlex facility, which aims to enhance sports offerings in the community. Renovations at the Olathe Community Center are underway, expected to last until August, while upgrades at the Prairie Center ball fields have recently been completed. Additionally, Foss announced an increase in Park and Rec scholarships, with $2,000 available this year for local students pursuing higher education.

The meeting also welcomed three new board members: Shapri Marshall, Jesse Gillum, and Merlin James, each expressing their commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Olathe.

In a notable proclamation, Mayor John Bacon declared April 21-25 as Arbor Week, recognizing Olathe's longstanding commitment to urban forestry. The city has been honored as a Tree City USA for 42 consecutive years, emphasizing the importance of trees in improving air quality, property values, and community aesthetics. Arborist Supervisor Mike Katzur highlighted the city’s efforts, including the planting of over 750 trees last year, and announced a partnership with Olathe West’s Green Tech Academy to educate students on the benefits of trees.

These discussions reflect Olathe's dedication to community enhancement through recreation and environmental stewardship, setting a positive tone for future initiatives.