2019 Merriam Visitors Guide

“One of the most tourist-friendly cities in the U.S.” - Expedia

KANSAS

MERRIAM 2 0 1 9 Com munity & Visitor Guide

Downtown

Year-Round

Sunshine

Scavenger Hunt

Building

Community exploremerriam.com | 1

THE

CROWN CENTER DISTRICT

is Va ca t ion Centra l

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n Crown Center District. Located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, the Crown Center District is the destination for vacation fun in Kansas City. With one-of-a-kind attractions, museums, theatres, shopping, dining and more, you will fill your days. Stay right in the center of things with our two hotels, Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center and The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Consider a package featuring tickets to our district attractions.

KANSAS CITY, MO • MAIN & GRAND AT PERSHING ROAD

n The Coterie Theatre

n LEGOLANDÂŽ Discovery Center

n SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium

n Crown Center

n Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of KC

n Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center

n Hallmark Visitors Center

n National WWI Museum and Memorial

n Union Station Kansas City

n Kaleidoscope

n Science City

n The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center

thecoterie.org

crowncenter.com hallmarkvisitorscenter.com hallmarkkaleidoscope.com

KansasCity.LegolandDiscoveryCenter.com

KansasCityFed.org/MoneyMuseum theworldwar.org sciencecity.com

visitsealife.com/kansas-city marriott.com/mcicr unionstation.org

marriott.com/mciwi

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WELCOME TO MERRIAM, KANSAS!

What’s Inside 6 EVENTS 8 DOWNTOWN

YEAR-ROUND

10 WOMEN OF MERRIAM HISTORY

12 PET-FRIENDLY MERRIAM 13 SUNSHINE SCAVENGER

HUNT

15 METRO MUST SEE 16 BUILDING COMMUNITY 17 VISITOR LISTINGS 23 MERRIAM MASTERPIECES

Welcome! It’s my privilege as Mayor to invite you to explore all that Merriam has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for a prime business location, considering a visit or move to Merriam, or wanting to learn more about the city you already call home, I think you’ll be impressed when browsing the 2019 Community & Visitor Guide.

Located in the heart of the Midwest and just minutes from downtown Kansas City, Merriam offers welcoming neighborhoods, nationally-ranked schools, an affordable cost of living, dozens of recreational experiences, and an abundance of dining, shopping, and attractions. From art to history, bus tours to pocket parks, Merriam is Just Right for the day-trip visitor, overnight explorer, or new resident seeking a forever home.

Our vibrant and growing city’s charm is only exceeded by the remarkable people who have called Merriam home since the late 1800s. Times have changed since our founding, but the authentic friendliness and hospitality remain. Stop by our Visitors Bureau office on East Frontage Road, and they’ll give you a quick peek inside our community – and a free cup of coffee! I hope you enjoy this very special place that we call Merriam, Kansas!

Ken Sissom Mayor, City of Merriam

MERRIAM VISITORS BUREAU 6304 East Frontage Road Merriam, KS 66202 913.403.8999 / 866.707.6534 exploremerriam.com

The 2019 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide is produced in-house by the Merriam Visitors Bureau for the benefit of our residents and the visiting public. The guide is funded by paid advertisements and a portion of the transient guest tax collected from Merriam hotel visitors. No residential tax dollars are used in support of this publication. exploremerriam.com | 3

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Merriam Historic Plaza & Visitors Bureau

Merriam Historic Plaza serves as the gateway to the City of Merriam. It's a welcome respite along a heavily-traveled interstate that connects Merriam to the heart of Kansas City.

Designed to pay homage to Merriam Park in 1880, Merriam Historic Plaza was built in 2006. It features a 12-station paved walking path outlining the history of Merriam from pre-settlement to current day. The building houses the Merriam Visitors Bureau with additional space for event and meeting rentals. Merriam Historic Plaza and Visitors Bureau is funded by transient guest tax paid by Merriam hotel visitors. Stop by during your visit and...

...sip a cup of coffee

...grab a map or a postcard, and plan your day's itinerary

...reserve the meeting room (fees apply)

...snap a selfie with our bears #ExploreMerriam

Connect With Us @exploremerriam

#MerriamKS #ExploreMerriam ...learn about Merriam's history 4 | 2019 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide

6304 E. Frontage Road Merriam, Kansas 66202

Building hours: 8–4:30 p.m. M–F

All About

Kansas

Merriam Just the Facts ▶ FOUNDED IN 1864

▶ POPULATION: 11,232

▶ 4.3 SQUARE MILES

▶ 15 HISTORIC LANDMARKS & SITES

▶ 4 HOTELS

▶ 10 PARKS WITH 6.5 MILES OF TRAILS

Rave Reviews “ONE OF THE MOST TOURIST-FRIENDLY CITIES IN THE U.S.” – Expedia “A TOP 100 BEST SMALL TOWN” – Livability “THE BEST PLACE TO START A BUSINESS IN KANSAS” – Nerdwallet “#1 TAX-FRIENDLY RETIREMENT SPOT IN KANSAS” – SmartAsset “#24 SAFEST CITY IN KANSAS” – National Council for Home Safety and Security “TOP 20 BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN KANSAS” — Niche

Helpful Numbers

MERRIAM VISITORS BUREAU 913.403.8999 MERRIAM CITY HALL 913.322.5500 IRENE B. FRENCH COMMUNITY CENTER 913.322.5550 POLICE NON-EMERGENCY: 913.782.0720 | 913.322.5560 ADVENT HEALTH 913.676.2000 NEJC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 913.262.2141 SHAWNEE MISSION SCHOOL DISTRICT 913.993.6200 JOHNSON COUNTY LIBRARY (ANTIOCH) 913.826.4600 POST OFFICE 800.275.8777

Getting Around

KC INT’L. AIRPORT (MCI) 816.243.5237 / flykci.com RIDEKC (BUS) 816.221.0660 / ridekc.org KC STREETCAR 816.221.0660 / kcstreetcar.org AMTRAK 800.872.7245 / amtrak.com AVIS 913.722.1730 / avis.com ENTERPRISE 913.262.8888 / enterprise.com 10/10 TAXI 913.647.0010 / 1010taxi.com SANTA FE TOW SERVICE 913.894.5201 / santafetowservice.com VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS: Baron BMW, Hendrick Nissan,

Antioch Park, Shawnee Mission Medical Center

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S T N E EV we Love Grab your calendar and make plans to attend all of Merriam’s fun and familyfriendly events.

HEARTLAND ARTIST EXHIBITION March 2–30 Now in its 23rd year, this juried art show features works from across the nation and is Merriam’s largest annual event at the Tim Murphy Art Gallery.

Sunshine Scavenger Hunt Kicking off in May, you’ll have fun discovering clues and finding hidden Just Right sunshines throughout Merriam! Check out page 13 to learn more about Merriam’s Sunshine Scavenger Hunt.

2019

Food Truck Sightings

6 | 2019 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide

TURKEY CREEK FESTIVAL May 18 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Turkey Creek Festival is the place for family fun. Enjoy kids activities, plenty of carnival inspired eats, a wide assortment of vendor booths, live music, paddle boats, and much more.

Antioch Park will be bustling with tons to see and do. For extra Turkey Creek fun, join the 5K run in downtown Merriam at 8 a.m.

PARTY IN YOUR PARK June – August | 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Exploring Merriam’s parks has never been easier, or more fun! Join the Party in Your Park events hosted on June 21 (Quail Creek Park), July 19 (Campbell Park), and Aug. 6 (Waterfall Park). Good food, live music, and great people = fantastic family fun. See page 17 for park addresses.

From savory to sweet, food trucks are always cooking up festive fare in Merriam! Delight your tastebuds at any of these May – September FARMERS MARKET Merriam events.

Select Saturdays

FLAGS 4 FREEDOM June 29–July 6 Merriam’s most patriotic event, Flags 4 Freedom transforms downtown into a beautiful display of red, white, and blue as 1,500+ flags fly in perfect rows to honor our nation. Visit flags4freedom.org to view the schedule of events.

CRUISE NIGHT August 10 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Shine up your snazzy car or truck and head to downtown Merriam for the 2019 Cruise Night. Enjoy live music and plenty of miles up and down Merriam Drive.

TURKEY CREEK CAR & MOTORCYCLE SHOW September 14 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

This annual show features music, food, and plenty of beautiful cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display in downtown Merriam on the second Saturday in September.

MERRIAM DRIVE LIVE October 5 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Live local musicians, a beer garden, kids activities, vendors, and more take over Merriam Drive for this day-long music festival in downtown Merriam.

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS October 26 | 2–3:30 p.m.

Gather your ghosts and witches in costume for an afternoon of Halloween games, crafts, story time, and a photo booth, in addition to the annual parade and costume contest.

HIGH SCHOOL VISUAL ART COMPETITION December 5–28 Discover the most talented young artists in the Kansas City region at this annual juried art exhibition.

MAYOR’S TREE LIGHTING December 6 | 6:30 p.m.

Join the Mayor as he lights the beautiful Christmas tree in downtown Merriam and stay for a visit with Santa!

All events take place at Merriam Marketplace, 5740 Merriam Drive, except when noted otherwise.

Ongoing Activities FARMERS’ MARKET 5740 MERRIAM DRIVE Garden staples, home baked goods, and other local finds are available for purchase each Saturday at the Merriam Farmers’ Market. Open May to September on Saturdays, the market is a great place to grab fresh, local ingredients.

TIM MURPHY ART GALLERY 5701 MERRIAM DRIVE Located inside the Irene B. French Community Center, the Tim Murphy Art Gallery features 11 monthly exhibits throughout the year with receptions held on opening nights.

Check out the 2019 exhibit schedule at merriam.org/artgallery.

Find more events and details at exploremerriam.com

May 18

TURKEY CREEK FESTIVAL

July 4

FLAGS 4 FREEDOM

September 14

TURKEY CREEK CAR SHOW

October 5

MERRIAM DRIVE LIVE

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Anita’s Cuisine

5816 Merriam Drive

”Anita’s serves delicious Central American food with an emphasis on freshness and quality. I recommend Anita’s for anyone willing to try the cuisine of El Salvador. You can tell the food is prepared with love.”

– WESLEY H.

Downtown

YEAR-ROUND

Downtown Merriam has been the hub of commerce in our community since the late 1800s. From the early days of buying freshly baked bread at the Merriam Bakery, or filling a prescription at Whitfield’s Drug Store, today, Merriam’s downtown is still sprinkled with great restaurants, familyowned businesses, service repair shops, recreational offerings and much more. Here’s a glimpse at year-round fun and exploration in downtown Merriam!

5-STAR PUPUSAS

Turkey Creek Streamway Trail is almost five miles end to end in Merriam!

Two addresses in downtown Merriam are busy, lunch-hour hot spots with diners seeking the delicious menu item known as pupusas. This traditional, thick corn tortilla stuffed with a savory filling will definitely add Anita’s Cuisine and El Pulgarcito to your list of Salvadoran foodie faves. ”This is one of the best restaurants in KC, bottom line, end of story...unless you haven’t eaten here, then it’s the beginning.

El Pulgarcito Salvadoran food ROCKS! (If you haven’t 5921 Merriam Drive had a pupusa, you haven’t lived yet).”

– AARON P.

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THIS TRAIL WAS MADE FOR WALKIN’

And biking, and skating, and scootering, and running and... you get the idea! Turkey Creek Streamway Trail is Merriam’s yearround outdoor fitness favorite for locals and visitors. Spanning nearly five miles of paved pathway, this trail connects users through the downtown corridor all the way to Waterfall Park to the north or the 75th Street Access Point to the south. Whichever direction you choose to navigate, you’ll be sure to explore Merriam’s great outdoors from the meandering creek to wooded neighborhoods and pocket parks. In the summertime, be sure to linger a little longer at the butterfly garden at 69th St. & Knox Ave.

MERRIAM MARKETPLACE FUN

From May to September, the Merriam Marketplace becomes the Saturday morning home to the Farmers Market in downtown Merriam. In addition to the weekly staples of farm-fresh fruits and veggies, you’ll find weekly entertainment, games, crafts, and local products from friendly vendors. The Marketplace is also home to other events throughout the year – Turkey Creek Car Show, Cruise Night, Merriam Drive Live, Mayor’s Tree Lighting, and more, plus the marketplace serves as a great access point to the trail.

ARTFULLY DESIGNED

Merriam’s downtown has been widely historic and industrial for much of its incorporated life.

Many businesses call this corridor home, and Merriam Drive is a bustling street day and night. Take some time when you’re visiting downtown Merriam to see the new public art pieces on display. Still Time and Planting the Seeds are within a block’s walk of each other, and they bring a cool, vibey, and fun feel to the typical downtown landscape.

See page 23 for more Merriam masterpieces!

SWEET TREATS

Nothing is better than a local spot to belly up to the bar and grab a...milkshake? That’s right, Georgetown Pharmacy & Soda Shop is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth with a soda, shake, or other specialty item. Remember the egg and cream or the brown cow from the days of yesteryear? Milkshakes – frothy combinations of milk and fountain syrup flavoring – were a refreshingly frosty beverage sold at ice cream parlors and soda fountains in the 1950s, and you can still enjoy one today in downtown Merriam!

The highly reflective surface of Planting the Seeds by Colorado artist Christopher Weed recalls the wildly popular sculpture in Chicago by artist Anish Kapoor titled Cloud Gate – perhaps better known as “The Bean.”

Did you know you can rent the Marketplace? What a great spot for a family reunion!

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WOMEN OF MERRIAM HISTORY:

ESTHER BROWN

Before Brown v. Board of Education Many people know about the monumental 1954 Supreme Court decision removing segregation in public schools across America.

But few know the activist behind the movement that spurred this landmark case into the National spotlight. Even fewer know it all began five years earlier in the 1949 case led by Esther Brown, a suburban housewife from the South Park neighborhood in Merriam, Kansas.

Brown married Paul Brown in 1943 and later moved to Merriam in 1946 with their two children. After hiring help to assist with her children and home, Brown’s maid, Helen Swan, began to share her concerns over the

unequal and inferior conditions her children had to endure at the all-black Walker School, while white children were admitted to the newly opened and publicly funded South Park School. Brown began to research the school’s conditions and was appalled at her findings. No heat, outhouses, bad lighting, and a flooded basement where the children ate lunch were common in this run-down building, which served 44 children from first to eighth grade with only two teachers.

Black parents were forced to pay the same taxes white parents paid, yet their own children couldn’t enter the new school. Brown attended a school board meeting where she began to speak up for the black families of the South Park neighborhood. Met with horrendous treatment, lewd comments, death threats, and even a burning cross in her yard, Brown continued her plight to allow black

Brown's Crusade Esther Brown is born on September 19 in Kansas City, MO. 1917

▶Brown ▶ begins fight for racial justice in Merriam, Kansas ▶Organizes ▶ local chapter of the NAACP ▶With ▶ the assistance of two teachers, Corinthian Nutter and Hazel McCray Weddington, organizes the “Walker School Walkout” until lawmakers agreed that children should have equality in education.

1948

Brown helps organize efforts which led to the 1954 landmark case Brown v. Board of Education that outlawed segregation in all American public schools.

1954 1957

1947 1943

Marries Paul Brown, a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps.

School board builds a new, modern $90,000 school to educate 222 white children while 44 black families were forced to attend the dilapidated Walker School.

10 | 2019 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide

1949

▶June ▶ 11: Kansas Supreme Court rules that black children have the right to attend South Park School (Webb v. School District No. 90). ▶September ▶ 12: First day of classes for all children in the district.

Brown organizes the Panel of Women, serving as the National Coordinator.

students a clean and safe environment to learn, just as the white children were openly afforded.

Brown helped black families start an NAACP chapter, hired an attorney, and went door-to-door for donations. In May 1948, black students sued the school district, and, in September, Brown spoke at the NAACP convention, saying “desegregation should be top priority.”

While her crusade to end desegregation was dangerous and linked her as a communist, she was relentless in her pursuit. On June 11, 1949, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled in favor of the black students in Merriam. The justices ordered the district to not only improve Walker School, but to allow black students to attend either school.

When asked why she took on such a controversial case, Brown downplayed her role saying, “It was simply the right thing to do.” That fall, black students enrolled at South Park without incident.

Five years later, Brown helped organize the effort for Brown v. Board of Education, which ultimately led to the nationally-known

Esther Brown dies of cancer on May 24 in Buffalo, NY. 1970

ruling that helped end segregation in all American public schools. In her remaining years, she tirelessly advocated for social justice, including successfully challenging segregated swimming at Swope Park and instituting the Panel of American Women.

On May 24, 1970, Brown died of cancer in Buffalo, New York. A rabbi at her funeral stated, “We must carry on her work.

If we would honor her memory, we must find the strength to continue the work to which she was so devoted.”

In Merriam, we honor the legacy and memory of Esther Brown in Brown Park at 5040 Booker Drive. We invite you to visit and enjoy the space we’ve created in Merriam to celebrate this remarkable woman’s achievements.

COMING SOON: Download Merriam’s Interactive Historic Tour on Otocast (android or iOS) and listen to the documentary “Lighting the Dark Places: Esther Brown and the School District No. 90 Case.”

(Summer 2019)

Brown Park in Merriam, KS (5040 Booker) is dedicated by NAACP Chapter President Julius McFarlin in honor of Esther Brown.

1974

1976

Richard Cohen, reporter for the Washington Post, writes: “Around the corner from the park was the old black school and nearby was the former allwhite school, and in between was the park named after Esther Brown because she managed to make the two schools one.”

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Doggie Approved

Delights

Check out this puppy approved sweet potato bites recipe from Proud Dog Mom, prouddogmom.com.

1 c cooked, peeled, and mashed sweet potato 1 c finely shredded carrot 2 eggs ½ tsp ground ginger ½ tsp ground cinnamon Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease the mini muffin pans with coconut oil.

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir.

Fill muffin spaces to the top and bake for 30 minutes.

Let cool and pop out bites into an airtight container. Store in refrigerator for best results (typically 3-5 days).

Yields 24 mini muffin bites.

12 | 2019 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide

Pet

Friendly

Merriam is not only one of the most tourist-friendly cities in the U.S., but we also welcome your pets with open arms and hearts! In fact, Merriam houses one of the metro’s largest no-kill shelters; we love seeing your tail-waggers on the Turkey Creek Trail; we’ve recently installed pet waste stations at all of our City parks; and, your furry friend can even accompany you to City Hall (or the Visitors Bureau office) for a treat!

Check out these fun places to bring (or adopt) your pets across Merriam!

TURKEY CREEK TRAIL | Great for a leisurely walk.

CHATLAIN PARK | Perfect for throwing a frisbee, all of Merriam’s parks are pet-friendly!

GREAT PLAINS SPCA | Ideal for those wishing to adopt.

WOOF’S PLAY & STAY | A fun outing for your pup to play all day.

JENNY’S PET CARE | Primp your pet or grab grooming supplies.

MERRIAM HOTELS | Pet-friendly and awaiting your reservation.

PETSMART | Need a treat, a toy, or a vet check – here’s the place!

Merriam’s

Sunshine

Scavenger Hunt May 1 – September 30

1

“No garden truly blooms until butterflies have danced upon it.”

2

Tasty samples will tempt your palate at this fruityinspired locale on the West Frontage Road.

Bring on the Just Right sunshine! Starting May 1, Merriam will launch the Sunshine Scavenger Hunt for the summer. You can seek and find eight sunshines all across town. It’s easy to play along – just look for the sunshine icon

by following these

clues to the locations. Use this handy tracker to check off your sunshines and

3

Howdy pardner – enjoy Wild West play here, but don’t squat with your spurs on.

4 Maps and guides and bears, oh my!

have fun exploring all that Merriam has to offer! For an added bonus, snap a pic and tag @ExploreMerriam on

maybe the Merriam sunshine squad will pick your pic and send you a sunshiney surprise! Learn more at exploremerriam.com/sunshine.

Founder David Gee Campbell resided here.

6

Peruse the monthly exhibit of talented artists in this quaint space on Merriam Drive.

Shiny spheres of three.

Look at your reflection, what do you see?

8

5

. Who knows,

7

A former space for education, this location is now a church and famous for its historic “walkout” in 1948.

Look for this sunshine! exploremerriam.com/sunshine exploremerriam.com | 13

14 | 2019 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide

KC Trips Looking for something cool to

Metro Must See Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center

The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center is the premier place to experience history, theatre, and the arts in the county. Home to the award-winning Johnson County Museum, the Theatre in the Park-Indoor, fine and performing arts classes, and event rental space, this new facility has something for everyone!

Unpack the story of suburbia in the museum’s signature exhibition Becoming Johnson County, which traces the region’s history from Native Americans to today’s diverse suburban communities. A centerpiece of the exhibit is the 1950s AllElectric House. This “house of the future” exemplifies the American Dream many hoped to find in Johnson County. The museum also offers changing exhibits and the popular children’s exhibit KidScape.

do across Kansas City? Check out the all-new KC Trips offered by KC Destinations. To participate, visit kctrips.org. Choose a trip, create a profile, then visit locations across the metro to answer a question and unlock that location. Visit five or more spots, unlock those locations, and you’ve just earned yourself a little prize.

2019 marks the 50th season of community theatre produced by the Theatre in the Park. The Theatre and Fine & Performing Arts departments offer a full line of art and dance classes for all ages as well as youth theatre camps in the state-of-the art Black Box performance space.

All presented under the management of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, there is something for everyone to explore at this spectacular center!

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center 8788 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66212 jocoahc.com | jocomuseum.org | 913-826-2787 Hours: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Friday. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday.

Johnson County Museum Admission $5 adults | $4 seniors, ages 60 plus | $3 children, ages 1–17 | Under 1 free $20 Family Maximum Daily Fee Guided tours available daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for no additional fee.

Museum Hours: 9 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. Monday–Saturday. Closed Sundays.

exploremerriam.com | 15

Building

Community

Faced with a decision of how to shape the future of recreation in Merriam, residents voted to construct a new community center with indoor and outdoor pools in 2017. Construction is now underway with an expected opening in summer 2020.

Amenities will include: ▶▶ Walking/jogging track ▶▶ Full-size gymnasium ▶▶ Fitness center ▶▶ Group exercise classroom ▶▶ Multi-purpose classroom ▶▶ Meeting and event space

(room for a 250-person banquet)

▶▶ Child watch ▶▶ Art gallery ▶▶ Lounge area with coffee service ▶▶ Catering kitchen ▶▶ Two birthday party rooms ▶▶ Outdoor courtyard and plaza event and gathering space

▶▶ Free social gathering spaces with WiFi ▶▶ Indoor aquatics, featuring: four 25-yard lap lanes, tall slide and family slide, lazy river, zero-depth entry, splash and play features, and therapy pool

▶▶ Outdoor aquatics, featuring: eight

25-meter lap lanes, two one-meter diving boards, zero-depth entry, splash and play features, shade structures, and on-deck concession cart

▶▶ Parks and Recreation Department staff offices and facility support space

LEARN MORE: Visit merriam.org/buildingcommunity.

16 | 2019 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide

PARKS & Trails Did you hear that? It’s the

great outdoors calling and asking you to visit any of Merriam’s 10 parks for a little fresh-air fun.

Brown Park

Featured Park: Brown Park is a 3.68-acre park located at 5040

Booker Drive in northern Merriam. Over the last three years, the city has spent $300,000 to rejuvenate and update this park, including new play equipment, a new pavilion, new grills, picnic tables, improved signage, a drinking fountain and waste/ recycling receptacles.

The park is named in honor and memory of civil rights activist Esther Brown, a local resident who organized citizen support for Webb v. School District Number 90 (1949). This case set the background for Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which helped end segregation in all American public schools.

Learn more about Esther Brown on pages 10 and 11.

Near downtown Merriam and close to the popular Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, this neighborhood park is a beloved gathering location in the metro. We invite you to explore Brown Park and enjoy a brief outdoor respite in a place you’ll want to visit time and time again.

Merriam Parks Open sunrise to sunset

ANTIOCH PARK 6501 Antioch Road BROWN MEMORIAL PARK 5040 Booker Drive CAMPBELL PARK 9674 W. 61st Street CHATLAIN PARK 6300 Carter Avenue MERRIAM HISTORIC PLAZA 6304 E. Frontage Road MERRIAM MARKETPLACE 5740 Merriam Drive QUAIL CREEK PARK 7024 Grandview Avenue TURKEY CREEK STREAMWAY TRAIL 75th Street to Antioch Road WATERFALL PARK 5191 Merriam Drive WERNER PARK 5750 Merriam Drive

Party Time!

Party like it’s 2019 at any one of Merriam’s Party in Your Park events.

June 21 – QUAIL CREEK PARK July 19 – CAMPBELL PARK August 6 – WATERFALL PARK 6:30–8:30 P.M.

Yard games, hot dogs, live music, and a bounce house for the kiddos.

Learn more at merriam.org/events.

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DINE & Sip

Food is essential to life, so you might as well live it up!

Dine well in Merriam with more than 20 options to feast on.

To market, to market If your mouth is watering for farmfresh delights, plan a Saturday visit to Merriam Marketplace to discover the offerings at the Farmers’ Market. With chef demos, musical entertainment, and special programs, you’ll find a bounty of locally grown produce and artisanmade products each Saturday morning, May through September.

Pegah’s

ANITA’S CUISINE 5816 Merriam Drive

9101 Johnson Drive

BILSKI’S BAR & GRILL

JIMMY JOHN’S

5831 Merriam Drive

5935 IKEA Way

CARIBOU COFFEE

KC’S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR & GRILL

8722 Shawnee Mission Parkway

CHILI’S 5880 Antioch Road

CHINA GARDEN BUFFET 5860 Antioch Road

DENNY’S 9001 Shawnee Mission Parkway

DOMINO’S PIZZA 10240 W. 75th Street

EL PULGARCITO

10201 W. 47th Street

KRISPY KREME

8805 Shawnee Mission Parkway

LONG JOHN SILVER’S / A&W 9900 Shawnee Mission Parkway

MCDONALD’S 8915 Johnson Drive

PEGAH’S 8701 Shawnee Mission Parkway

5921 Merriam Drive

QT KITCHEN

GEORGETOWN PHARMACY & SODA SHOP

SONIC DRIVE-IN

5605 Merriam Drive

HURRICANE ALLIE’S 5541 Merriam Drive

IHOP

5870 Antioch Road

IKEA RESTAURANT 18 | 2019 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide

JACK IN THE BOX

6000 IKEA Way

9025 Johnson Drive 5440 Merriam Drive

SUBWAY

8801 Johnson Drive

TACO BELL

5930 IKEA Way

WENDY’S

10006 W. 75th Street

=Local Spots

SHOP & Save

From one-of-a-kind finds to purposeful items for your home or office, Merriam is the place to shop and save.

IKEA Merriam

Merriam offers plenty of shopping for you to indulge in yearround. Whether you’re buying or browsing, we’ve got lots of great products, brands, and take-home options just for you.

3 WISHES 5031 Merriam Drive Paintings, books, pottery, musical instruments, jewelry, and more.

DOWNTOWN MERRIAM Johnson Drive & Merriam Drive Boutiques, restaurants, automotive, specialty stores, and more.

HOBBY LOBBY 5945 IKEA Way Arts and crafts materials, party supplies, fabric, and home-decor.

IKEA MERRIAM 6000 IKEA Way Scandinavian-inspired home furnishings, accessories, and decor.

Sample the Sweetness Sample the sweetness at Merriam’s Strawberry Hill Povitica. These delectable little nuggets of happiness come in over a dozen flavors and are available in-store for sampling.

Take home a loaf of Povitica for $19.99 with the code VB2017.

MERRIAM TOWN CENTER Johnson Drive & Antioch Road Old Navy, Marshall’s, Famous Footwear, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Party City, Office Max, PetSmart, Home Depot, restaurants, movie theater, and more.

RUSSELL STOVER CANDIES 10100 Shawnee Mission Parkway Chocolate, handmade confections, and ice cream.

SHUT UP & FLY 5911 Merriam Drive Vintage treasures, handmade items, and repurposed finds.

STRAWBERRY HILL POVITICA 7226 W. Frontage Road Handmade European sweet bread offered at this favorite !

Merriam bakery!

Fre e samples daily Shop Merriam and save money!

Find great deals at exploremerriam.com/specialoffers exploremerriam.com | 19

STAY the Night

Stay

Rest easy with 400+ affordably priced hotel rooms in Merriam.

All conveniently located and loaded with amenities, your sweet dreams are waiting for you at check-in.

Hampton Inn & Suites

5-Star Lodging “Clean, modern rooms. Nice hot breakfast buffet, large comfortable seating area just off the lobby.

Pool and hot tub area is clean and comfortable. Staff was very friendly and helpful, evening desk clerk attitude and helpfulness exceeded our expectations. Would recommend to anybody.“ – DAVID B., HAMPTON INN & SUITES GUEST

DRURY INN & SUITES 9009 Shawnee Mission Parkway | 913.236.9200 | druryhotels.com

Free hot breakfast, free 5:30 p.m. kickback snacks, free Wi-Fi, free soda and popcorn (3–10 p.m.), free long distance, free local calls, free parking, new indoor pool and fitness center, business center, guest laundry, pet-friendly, and same-day dry cleaning available.

EXTENDED STAY AMERICA 6451 E. Frontage Road | 913.236.6006 | extendedstay.com

Fully equipped kitchen/suite rooms, onsite laundry, pet-friendly, internet access, free grab-n-go breakfast, and 100% smoke-free.

HAMPTON INN & SUITES

Newly renovated!

7400 W. Frontage Road | 913.722.0800 | hamptoninn.com

Hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, indoor pool and hot tub, onsite guest laundry, and same-day laundry service. Suites and meeting room available.

QUALITY INN

6401 E. Frontage Road | 913.262.2622 | qualityinn.com

Deluxe continental breakfast, business center, pet-friendly, 100% non-smoking, free parking, high speed internet, and seasonal outdoor pool.

WALNUT GROVE RV PARK 10218 Johnson Drive | 913.262.3023 | walnutgroverv.com

Free Wi-Fi, free coffee, ATM available, RV store, snack and pop machines, Good Sam Park, military discounts, hot showers, clean restrooms, full hook-up sites, laundromat, dump station, petfriendly, 20/30/50 amp sites, mail forward, community room, fax and copies, and notary public.

20 | 2019 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide

VE HA some Fun !

Merriam is the place to be

with plentiful attractions for everyone.

Dodge Town at Antioch Park

Research shows that incorporating a bit more play as a grownup

Did you know?

can have some seriously positive side effects. Let us help you carve out a little time to whittle away the responsibilities at home and work, so you can play until your heart’s content. Here are a few suggestions in Merriam: AFTERSHOCK LIVE MUSIC VENUE 5240 Merriam Drive | 913. 384.5646 ANTIOCH PARK – DODGE TOWN 6501 Antioch Road | 913.831.3359 CINEMARK THEATRES 5500 Antioch Road | 913.789.7038

Merriam is near dozens of attractions in the Kansas City metro region. From amusement parks to museums, gardens to escape rooms, you’re always just minutes from fun when staying in Merriam.

HAPPY FEET SOCCER 9701 W. 67th Street | 913.851.9898 MERRIAM HISTORIC PLAZA

6304 E. Frontage Road | 913.403.8999

MOTHERHOOD SCULPTURE 6304 E. Frontage Road | 913.403.8999 PLANTING THE SEEDS SCULPTURE 5740 Merriam Drive PUMP IT UP 7230 W. Frontage Road | 913.236.7867 SKATE CITY 9800 W. 62nd Terrace | 913.262.0711 STILL TIME SCULPTURE Johnson & Merriam Drives TIM MURPHY ART GALLERY 5701 Merriam Drive | 913.322.5550 VIETNAM VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL

Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road | 913.831.3359

Find more fun online at exploremerriam.com exploremerriam.com | 21

Tour roups

S G N I T E ME

an d

G

Tour operators and motor

coach groups are pleasantly surprised with Merriam’s itinerary of unique and eclectic tour offerings.

Meet in Merriam Looking for meeting space in the metro? Merriam’s the perfect fit for small- to medium-size functions including corporate trainings, board meetings, staff retreats, sales presentations, planning sessions, and more!

With rates starting at only $40 per hour, Merriam Historic Plaza offers convenience to all of Kansas City with open catering, free Wi-Fi, affordable rates, and a friendly and helpful staff to assist you. Call to schedule a site tour today or learn more at exploremerriam.com/meet.

22 | 2019 Merriam Community & Visitor Guide

Schedule a Tour...

Strawberry Hill Povitica

K.C. Strings Violin Shop GuitarLamp

Mixture Georgetown Soda Fountain

RITA MADISON Primetime Senior Coordinator for Security Bank of KC

I appreciate the helpfulness and coordination the Merriam CVB provided in setting up my trip to KC Strings, Strawberry Hill Povitica, and Mixture. They have done a great job in working with local businesses in allowing bus groups to tour their companies. My groups always enjoy the opportunities to go ‘behind the scenes.’ Thanks to the Merriam CVB for an enjoyable and informative day!

5

MERRIAM

2

PLANTING THE SEEDS

Keep trekking north along Merriam Drive and visit Planting the Seeds

by Christopher Weed. These three, brilliant mirror-finished spheres look like cherries, but they represent sprouting seeds with a goal to provide an opportunity to reflect, if only for a moment.

Say cheese: snap a seed selfie and share with @ExploreMerriam

MASTERPIECES

Discover fascinating art across Merriam – from sculptures to murals to various collections at our Tim Murphy Art Gallery.

You’ll experience something new with each piece you encounter across our city.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Check out more opportunities to view public art at exploremerriam.com/art.

1 STILL TIME

3

TIM MURPHY ART GALLERY

Now cross the street and enter the Irene B. French Community Center.

The building houses the Tim Murphy Art Gallery on the third floor.

Here you can tour the latest monthly exhibit featuring works of art from various artists and in many different forms of media.

No.4

MOTHERHOOD

Stop by the corner of Merriam and Johnson drives and listen to the sounds of Still Time designed by Dan Maginn with DRAW Architecture + Urban Design.

This sculpture features a tall, stone tower with a large wind chime inside. The sounds counterpoint the busy intersection with a sense of calm.

Listen to Merriam’s “placemaking” art initiative conversation with KCUR 89.3 at https://bit.ly/2GRs9Is

Then “bear” with us as you stop along Shawnee Mission Parkway at Merriam Historic Plaza. Motherhood by Kwan Wu features a mother bear and her two cubs frolicking in a water fountain.

The bronze sculpture was dedicated in 2006. It celebrates one of the most popular attractions from the 1880s – Merriam Park, a 40-acre amusement park once located in the city.

5 HISTORIC MERRIAM MURAL

Finally, walk across the street north to Merriam City Hall. There you can view the Historic Merriam Mural by Charles Goslin.

The painting depicts much of Merriam’s past, including Merriam Park, Quaker Mission Indians, and many other Merriam homes and businesses from the 1860s to the 1930s. exploremerriam.com | 23

Just Right for

You A “Best Small Town” in the U.S. Merriam is a welcoming, peaceful, tight-knit community that is small in size but big at heart. Our treelined neighborhoods, walking trails, beautiful parks, public art and plentiful events offer something for kids and adults alike. Wherever you’re from, whatever you do, Merriam is just right … for all the best reasons. merriam.org/justright