Olathe, Kansas Information
Friendly people, charming neighborhoods, and a growing, diverse economic base – it’s all a part of Olathe. You’ve just found the best of small town values nestled in the boundaries of a dynamic city. And you haven’t even heard about the incredible school systems, strong family values and recreational possibilities yet.
Olathe offers year-round arts and cultural events. With the help of the city’s community theater, civic band, chorus and exhibits, the arts remain a vital part of Olathe’s identity. The Buddy Rogers Family Playhouse continues the 20-year tradition of Olathe’s community theater, a wonderful afternoon getaway. In addition, the city is known for its festivals. As summer gets underway, Bullwacker Days begins the celebration of Olathe’s Santa Fe Trail heritage. Venture back in time to the 1860s as you step onto the Mahaffie Farmstead. The Mahaffie Farmstead remains the last existing stagecoach stop on the Santa Fe Trail. Stretching over 23 acres, the stone house and wood peg barn represent an era gone by. This farmstead continues to embrace the past in its living museum. But that’s not all; the annual Johnson County Old Settlers Days festival is a local favorite for old and young alike. Enjoy the music, rides, antique car show and don’t forget the food.
But you can’t call Olathe home without a taste of its good ole’ recreation. Just outside of town, Prairie Center provides 300 acres of pure, tall grass prairie beauty, perfect for a little overindulgence in hiking or camping out under the stars. And if you really like the outdoors, you’ll also want to visit Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center, Olathe’s 113-acre nature park. Wander along the paths under the falling crimson and orange leaves, and stop for a while at the outdoor amphitheater where you can sometimes catch a show about hawks and other wildlife. You’ll also enjoy Olathe Lake and the combined total of 727 acres of sparkling water throughout the city. If shopping is more your idea of a good time, you won’t want to miss The Great Mall of the Great Plains. With more than 160 specialty food shops, a food court seating more than 700, and a 16-screen movie theater, you won’t ever want to leave. That’s right, The Great Mall has over 24 football fields worth of shopping and entertainment, and it’s all under one roof! Olathe also has over 30 more shopping centers scattered about the city, so believe us when we say you’ve just found the shopper’s paradise.
Providing for the health needs of Olathe’s community is Olathe Medical Center. Now with over 200 beds and a medical staff of more than 350, you’ll find that this full-service hospital will offer you the most exceptional care around. Of course, there are also numerous physicians, dentists and nursing homes throughout the area.
And as far as your personal safety goes, the Olathe Police Department is one of the finest in the state. Together with the help of the community and its dedicated staff, the Olathe Police are able to keep the crime rate below the national average. Many crime prevention programs have been implemented throughout the city, including the McGruff House, Neighborhood Watch, D.A.R.E. and the Citizen Volunteer Program. Olathe is also one of the approximately 100 cities in the country to become a “City of Character,” a grassroots effort to promote good character qualities in its families and businesses by education and by recognition of those citizens who make a difference through their actions and attitudes. With these combined efforts of the community and the city, Olathe remains a safe and secure community in which to live.
Looking for a church? Olathe’s faith-based community is alive and growing with a desire to serve others as well as provide places of worship. As you can see, Olathe is a city bursting with possibilities. And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. In fact, with a population growing to more than 100,000, Olathe is the fastest-growing city in Kansas. So come be a part of a community that cares, not only about your cultural and recreational needs, but also about building strong family values and maintaining a quality of living that just can’t be beat.