Climb to the top level of observation tower for a peek at this countryside
The Russell and Helen Means Observation Tower, which is 58 feet high, has opened to the public at Kill Creek Park between De Soto and Olathe.
The structure was built near the park entrance at 11670 Homestead Lane. An elevator or stairs can take visitors to the top level for a peek at the countryside.
Designed by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District and SFS Architecture, the tower has a parking lot and trail connections. The elevator meets requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
The tower is named for Russell and Helen Means, who had owned the land since 1960 and donated 355 acres to create the park. An installment purchase agreement allowed the county to buy 285 more acres for the park. The couple also bequeathed assets now valued at about $1 million for the observation tower and other improvements.
Helen Means died in 2011 at age 89. Her husband died the following year at age 92.
Census beginning household visits
Johnson County officials say federal census officials have set Aug. 11 as the date for workers to start visiting households that have not yet completed the 2020 census.
To verify the identity of someone claiming to be from the census, residents should ask to see a valid ID badge, which will have the person’s photo, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. Anyone still concerned can call 844-330-2020 to speak with someone from the Census Bureau.
Residents should contact their local police department to report someone who is impersonating a census worker.
SM Park extends beach/marina season
The Johnson County parks system has extended the season for the beach and marina at Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road.
A closing date for the beach had not been announced by press time, but the marina will be open daily through Sept. 7 with rentals that include canoes, pedal boats, kayaks and paddle boards. The marina is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily except for Sept. 7, when it closes at 4 p.m.
The beach is open Thursdays through Sundays. To limit the spread of the coronavirus, visitors can sign up for one of two time blocks: noon to 2 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. The number of visitors are capped for each session to allow physical distancing.
To make beach reservations, go to JCPRD.com/1485/Admission. Boat rentals must be made online — up to one hour before the rental time — at JCPRD.com/marinas. The facilities previously were set to close for the season on Aug. 9.
Olathe North takes top theater awards
The Olathe North High School production of “Bright Star” won a coveted honor in the 18th annual Blue Star Awards program presented by Starlight Theatre, as did the production’s lead actress.
“Bright Star” took home the Blue Star Award for Outstanding Overall Production, and Hannah Guzman won Outstanding Actress in a Lead Role for her portrayal of Alice Murphy in the production.
Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards, the Blue Star Awards recognize excellence in high school musical theater. All high schools within 60 miles of Starlight are invited to participate. Adjudicators are professionals in the field who attend each participating school’s musical.
Other awards earned by Johnson County schools:
▪ Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role: Olathe East High School’s Willa Walberg as Sandra in “All Shook Up.”
▪ Outstanding Actor in a Featured Role: Olathe East’s Jeremiah Valenzuela as Jim Haller in “All Shook Up.”
▪ Outstanding Actress in an Ensemble Role: Olivia Wells of Blue Valley High School as Havana Dancer/Hot Box Dancer in “Guys and Dolls.”
▪ Technical Achievement Award: Summer Sperke of Olathe West High School, for stage management of “Xanadu.”
▪ Outstanding Scenic Design and Construction, Tier II ($2,000+): Olathe East for “All Shook Up.”
▪ Outstanding Lighting Design: Olathe West for “Xanadu.”
▪ Outstanding Costume Design and Construction, Tier I (up to $1,199): Olathe West for “Xanadu.”
Roeland Park’s pool upgrades
Royal Construction Services of Kansas City will be the lead contractor on a project to upgrade the Roeland Park Aquatic Center before the 2021 swim season.
Amenities will include a new sprayground, two new in-pool float features, a toddler slide and new tube and flume slides, shade structures, ramps for people with disabilities and privacy improvements to the men’s locker room. The project also includes destruction of the existing baby pool, slides and vortex pool.
The City Council approved Royal’s bid, for just under $1.6 million, on July 20.
Merriam to raze Irene French center
Now that its new community center has opened in Vavra Park, the city of Merriam has agreed to tear down the Irene B. French Community Center starting this month.
Some of the building materials, including a stone mosaic and 40 cubic yards of stone from the 1911 portion of the building, will be preserved for future city projects. Denton Excavating will be paid $100,475 for the work.
Once the building is razed and grass planted, the site at 5701 Merriam Drive will remain a green space while officials and residents discuss how the land ultimately should be used.
Olathe ReUse Facility is open again
When Olathe collects household hazardous waste, it tries to recirculate materials to others who can use it.
That’s what the city’s ReUse facility is all about, and it reopened on Aug. 3 after being shut down because of the coronavirus. Shoppers can find items like household cleaners, paint, furniture strippers, stains, caulk, antifreeze, brake fluid and aerosol sprays.
For safety reasons, only four shoppers will be allowed at a time, and they must wear masks. Visits will be limited to 10 minutes if others are waiting.
The facility, at 1436 S. Robinson Road, is open to all Johnson County residents from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m weekdays except holidays. No appointment is necessary.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Shawnee
Shawnee is seeking volunteers for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a program that helps eligible residents with maintenance so they can stay in their homes. The work can include trash and snow removal, lawn mowing, leaf raking, exterior painting, minor repairs and other household tasks.
To volunteer or request assistance, go to cityofshawnee.org/nhn.
This story was originally published August 6, 2020 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Climb to the top level of observation tower for a peek at this countryside."