Arts and Recreation Foundation reports $1.8 million grant to city; new director outlines priorities

The Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park presented its annual report to the Community Development Committee, marking the nonprofit’s 30th anniversary and outlining grant dollars, ongoing capital commitments and near-term projects.

Sonia McClellan, the foundation’s new director, said she started April 1 and described it as a ‘‘tremendous honor’’ to follow the foundation’s longtime leader, Vicki Lilly. McClellan said the foundation supports three primary areas: the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead and the city’s public art program.

The foundation reported it granted about $1,800,000 to the City of Overland Park last year, funding program grants and operating support and contributing to capital projects. McClellan said planned program grants for the coming year total about $348,700, including roughly $200,000 earmarked for operating support.

Jeremy Myers, assistant arts and recreation director, thanked the foundation and highlighted community events drawing visitors and volunteers. He noted recent and upcoming fundraisers and signature events, including STEMs, the mayor’s golf tournament, Prince of the Arts events and the Nutcracker Tea Party; Friends groups also run plant sales, beer gardens and Luminary Walk at the Arboretum.

The foundation listed capital commitments and near-term projects that staff stressed to the committee. Among items discussed: the final payment on a multi-year Longhouse visitor center project, a permanent-art acquisition budget of approximately $50,000 (with up to $70,000 available), a remaining investment in the Growing Kindness sculpture and playground and path repairs at the Emily Dickinson Garden.

McClellan also detailed recent and planned grants and donations: a donor-funded playground piece for Beebe Park ($10,600), $90,000 toward a red slide at the Farmstead and about $210,000 for additional playground upgrades, and a $334,000 pledge from a donor group toward a new Arboretum greenhouse (the donor commitment was described as $334,000 of a $350,000 target).

Committee members asked about public-art timelines and the foundation’s work with Friends groups; McClellan said the Growing Kindness sculpture and other pieces are planned for installation this year, but some items are still being finalized with artists and logistics.

The presentation closed with staff and committee members praising the partnership between the city and the foundation and noting the foundation’s role in sustaining and expanding parks, programs and public art across Overland Park.

Ending: The committee had no actions to take on the report; staff said the foundation will return to the committee in a follow-up meeting and that staff will continue coordinating timelines and funding details for the capital items described.