Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens [Overland Park, KS] : The arboretum began in 1995 as a modest undertaking of small high quality gardens and a visitor center building.  The new master plan addresses the entire 300-acre site, and promotes an overall sense of clarity, organization, and sustainability while responding to the unique site configuration and characteristics. Arranged along a dramatic north-south axis are a number of key facilities, including a new visitor center, outdoor spaces with fountains and reflecting pools, prominent architectural elements, and a water rill. A variety of conservatories, gardens, and horticultural exhibits are conveniently linked by these axial elements. Ultimately, the arboretum will offer state-of-the-art horticultural and educational exhibits within a dynamic and memorable civic space.

Rick Howell and Brett Payton provided project management, master planning, and site design services for this project while working with GEA.