One Friday evening in 2000, a small group of Olatheans met at the American Legion Post 153. After discussing several military heroes from Olathe, including Medal of Honor recipient Stanley T. Adams, the group brainstormed to build a monument to honor all Veterans. Bob Millbern had a dream for the park, and a committee was formed. The eight-acre Olathe Veterans Memorial Park was constructed and dedicated in 2001. The park was completed through partnership arrangements with the American Legion Post 153.
Special thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Veterans Memorial Park Committee; Bob Millbern, Dan Roberson, Loren Drews, Dave House, and Richard Scott, whose labor of love helped fulfill the dream of creating a memorial park to honor the men and women who loved their country and stood in harm’s way as sentinels of our freedom.
The Trees of Veterans Memorial Park
The City of Olathe and the Olathe Garden & Civic Club pioneered the Veteran’s Memorial Park Tree Tour, spotlighting 23 trees that call this park “home.” The trees are identified for park visitors.
Over 23 varieties of Oak trees are growing in this park. They were planted to represent the strength in our American military men and women and to honor their service to our country.
City Arborist, Rick Spurgeon, and the City parks staff provided their knowledge and assistance to development the Tree Tour.
Olathe Garden & Civic Club members Tressa Pitts, Pat Davis, and Eleanor Carse brought many years of commitment to this project.
Olathe is also home to the award winning National Champion Soapberry Tree. This magnificent tree is located southeast of the intersection of Ridgeview Road and 106th Street.
Additional Resources
Memorial Brick Order Form
Veterans Memorial Park Tree Descriptions
Veterans Memorial Park Geocaching
Gold Star Families Memorial Monument
