Karen Minks, Membership/Orientation Chair, Overland Park Kiwanis

The Overland Park Kiwanis Club Repose Garden at Deanna Rose Farmstead, located at 135^th & Switzer in Overland Park, Kansas, was dedicated June 25, 2005.  Kansas Division 9 Lt. Governor Cynthia Sdano and dignitaries from the City of Overland Park and Deanna Rose Farmstead assisted with the ribbon cutting ceremony.  The Overland Park Kiwanis Club donated funds and labor to establish the Repose Garden, and contributes annually to assist in the maintenance of the garden.  The Repose Garden has seating areas that blend in with the natural surroundings to allow visitors to the Farmstead to sit and rest and enjoy the scenery  which includes many natural plants and flowers native to eastern Kansas.  In addition to sponsoring the Repose Garden, the club assists with various other activities during the year, including helping with demonstrations at the annual Farmstead Fall Apple Fest, and assisting with the annual Halloween party.

The Farmstead was established in 1976 and dedicated to the memory of Deanna Rose, an Overland Park police officer killed in 1985.  The Farmstead is eight acres of family fun and entertainment. Designed to depict a turn-of-the-century farm, the Farmstead includes a petting zoo, a silo with slides, a 'tot-lot' for the younger children, a farmhouse, and picture-box gardens. The Farmstead is free and open to the public.  The Farmstead relies on donations of visitors and assistance from many area civic groups such as the Overland Park Kiwanis Club.

Many educational opportunities exist at the Farmstead, and will continue be a priority in the future. The intention is to create an environment where people of all ages can experience a bit of early 1900s farm life. Because the family farm is quickly disappearing from modern culture, it is especially important that today's children have an opportunity to learn about this rich heritage.   Educational opportunities will be built into the design of the Farmstead expansion. New facilities will be designed for interactive learning and many will feature hands-on activities.

To foster an appreciation of 1900s farm life, the Farmstead will allow visitors to get involved in the daily activities of the farm. From morning chores like milking the cows, to seasonal activities like harvesting a crop, various demonstrations and hands-on activities will enable visitors to walk away with a greater understanding of what farm life was all about. 

The Kiwanis Club of Overland Park is proud to be a part of this wonderful facility and hope you will plan to visit the Farmstead on your next trip to the Overland Park area.  It is truly an amazing experience.