Next up in my Kansas City Parks series is one of my family’s favorite parks in Overland Park Kansas — Verhaeghe Park in south OP! Verhaeghe Park is a great place to play and explore with the entire family, as it includes both play structures and trails.
Arthur & Betty Verhaeghe Park is located just east of the intersection of 167th & Quivira in Overland Park, Kansas. It is adjacent to the Mills Farm neighborhood in south Overland Park. For GPS purposes, the exact address is 11401 W. 167th St., Overland Park, KS 66221.
One of the reasons why this is one of my family’s favorite parks in Overland Park Kansas is because it has both small and large play structures. The photo above shows Blair and Alexis playing on the smaller structure. Because my kids range in age from 1 to 9, it’s often difficult to find a spot that will entertain them all. This park has plenty of safe things for Alexis to do, plus some bigger and more exciting options for my older kids. (Colton was on a playdate this day, so he’s not in these photos–but he does love this park!)
Above are photos of the larger of the 2 play structures.
You’ll notice there is farm theming throughout the park. This is a nod to Arthur and Betty Verhaeghe, who donated the land for the park. Their family’s history of farming in southern Overland Park spans 100+ years.
Alexis’ favorite part of the park was the slides! She especially loved when Blair would slide with her.
You may have noticed how swings seems to be a rarity at a lot of parks in Overland Park Kansas — but not Verhaeghe Park! There are 4 swings at this park: 1 toddler swing (which Alexis loved!), 1 inclusive swing, and 2 “big kid” swings (not pictured, since other kids were using them at the time).
Another amenity that I always appreciate from parks in Overland Park Kansas is shade! Because this park is quite new (it opened just a few years ago in 2020), there are not a lot of mature trees near the play structures. However, the additional shade structure near the large playground is great! There are also several benches around to sit and watch your kids play.
You can also find shade at the park shelter. There is only one park shelter at Verhaeghe Park, so I recommend reserving it through Johnson County Parks & Rec if you are wanting to use the park for a birthday party or other event. Otherwise, the shelter may not be available.
The bathroom situation at Verhaeghe Park is a port-a-potty near the shelter, which you can see in the photo above. Obviously, it’s not the best restroom situation for parks in Overland Park Kansas (for example, this park has a much better bathrooom!), but it’s better than nothing.
You’ll notice the trails behind the shelter in the photo above as well. Verhaeghe Park connects to the Coffee Creek Streamway Trail, and you can use these trails to walk to the park from several locations in south Overland Park. The trail is about 3.4 miles total.
Of course, you’ll also find plenty of vehicle parking at Verhaeghe Park. I’ve never had an issue finding a parking spot in the dedicated lot for the park. But, if it was a particularly busy day, you could park in the nearby Mills Farm neighborhood and cross 167th at the crosswalk, which has flashing lights for pedestrian safety.
One feature of Verhaeghe Park that you won’t find at most parks in Overland Park Kansas is the community garden. Johnson County Parks & Rec maintains a lottery system for local residents to have their own plots within the community garden.
My kids love to play at Verhaeghe Park! I am so glad we have this gem in south Overland Park.
Verhaeghe Park is rarely crowded and always a fun time!
I hope you enjoyed this look into one of my favorite parks in Overland Park Kansas — if you have any suggestions for other parks to feature, feel free to send me a message on Instagram with your ideas! I love to hear from you!
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