PRESS  RELEASE

For immediate release                                                                                                                              June 5, 2005

 

 

Overbrook Dignitaries view city park possibilities

 

         The Overbrook City Park Committee entertained area business and government leaders at the park location on Thursday, June first with a sandwich lunch furnished by Overbrook Pride, from which the Park Committee originated.  The group met at 10:00 am at the Overbrook Rotary Shelter near the proposed children’s fishing pond.  Thirty people were present.  Committee Chairman Ken Krause addressed some of the ideas which have been suggested for consideration for park development, such as a fishing pier for the handicapped, memorial circle, interpretive nature trail, concert pavilion, picnic complex, children’s fishing pond, historical community, RV area, and community center. 

         Kim Bomberger, Community District Forester, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas State University, then presented concepts for planning and coordinating development of the projects, including tree planting and landscaping, identifying realities and priorities, and the importance of long-term planning—to include a formal 5- or 10-year plan, without which grant funding would be difficult to acquire. 

         Leonard Jirak, Fisheries Biologist, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, who was in charge of the development and construction of the Overbrook City Lake, addressed the recently completed creel survey, which revealed 742 fishing trips, which, with an average expenditure of $14 per trip, projects an annual economic impact of over $144,000.00.  Further this study showed that 56% of this activity came from outside the Overbrook community.  He presented possibilities for further development, including a dedicated children’s fishing pond—which could be funded in part by a combination of grants—and other nature-oriented projects, such as butterfly garden within an interpretive trail, all containing native plants and grasses.  He also addressed the need for maintenance of the existing features, such semi-annual burning of the dam to preserve the native grasses and wildflowers sown there at the completion of the Lake’s construction.

       Roger Harmon of Overbrook, Engineer, Kansas University, who was responsible for the construction of the concrete walking trail with grant funding from the National Trail Act, US Department of Transportation, talked about the need to complete top-soil edging and seeding of the walk in order to be eligible for the funding to complete the concrete walk around the lake.  Don Schultz, Overbrook, announced a work day to complete this is planned for Saturday, June 10th, beginning at 8:00 am.  Anyone interested in the project is encouraged to participate.

       Leonard Jirak then led the group on a golf-cart tour of the area on the walking trail—both the completed walk and the proposed, mowed trail east of the lake.

       The meeting was completed by Ed Harmison, Overbrook Police of Chief, who is an authority on the history of the area.  He talked about possibilities to include historical presentations in the park.

       Out of the meeting, several priorities were identified: the need for a survey to define park boundaries; the importance of coordinating with all groups who use the facility, such as the Athletic and Tennis Associations; and the essentiality of working with City government throughout the process.

       Anyone wanting more information about the Overbrook City Park project should contact Ken Krause at 785-665-7643.

 

 

For information about this release:       Beth Pankratz:  785-665-7050

 


PRESS  RELEASE

For immediate release                                                                                                                             May 24, 2005

 

Overbrook City Park Development concepts presented to City Council

 

       A group of community and business leaders and interested area residents is forming to look into the potential of the Overbrook City Lake and surrounding property for development as a city park.  Members of this group were present at the Overbrook City Council meeting on Wednesday, May 10th to present preliminary concepts about the project and to seek the Council’s approval to continue working toward a development plan.  Jon Wilhite, president of Overbrook Pride, introduced group members Don Schultz (who made the presentation), Ken Krause, Pride vice president, Marcia Elliott, Overbrook Rotary president-elect, Pat Martin, Ira Allen, and Beth Pankratz. 

       Schultz said benefits of a City Park include preserving the community by providing a place for families to meet and play, enriching family life through education and events, and positively impacting the local economy.  He said the group has consulted with Kim Bomberger, Community District Forester, Kansas Forest Service, Kansas State University, who prepared a preliminary plan for planting and landscape development, and Leonard Jirak, Fisheries Biologist, Kansas Department of Wildlilfe and Parks, who made several suggestions, as well as preparing an economic study of the impact of present lake use for fishing.  This study revealed lake use in April 2006 produced $10,388.00, based on expenditures of $14.00 for each of 742 fishing trips, which projects an annual benefit of over $144,000.00.  Further this study showed that 56% of this activity came from outside the Overbrook community.

       The City Council approved the group to proceed with forming a group to plan for city park development, in anticipation of future presentations, and assuming coordinating with the Overbrook Recreation Commission.  Overbrook is the only city in Osage County currently without a city park.

       The group plans to conduct a survey of Overbrook area residents to incorporate the wishes of the community in its planning wherever possible.  Some future projects might include a nature and wildlife pathway, educational horticulture clusters, community center, children’s fishing pond, and the like, and there will be opportunities for recognition and memorials for those who might want to participate in any of the various projects financially.  The group will also facilitate identifying and developing financing and other resources to support the park development.

       Anyone wanting more information about the Overbrook City Park project should contact Ken Krause at 785-665-7643.

 

 

For information about this release:       Beth Pankratz:  785-665-7050