2023 Merriam Community & Visitor's Guide

Povitica Cheesecakes Coffee Cakes & More

Drake Development is under construction on an exciting, new mixed-use community in Merriam, Kansas. The development will include two apartment buildings comprising of 362 Class-A apartment units, two full-service restaurants, multiple retail/restaurant outparcels and a large vibrant civic activity space for residents, patrons and the public.

Welcome!

A MESSAGE FROM THE

MAYOR OF

On behalf of the City Council, staff, residents, and businesses in this hospitable Midwestern city, welcome! Whether you’re here for business, a vacation, an event, or just passing through, we want you to feel the warmth and sense of community Merriam has embodied since our founding more than 150 years ago!

MERRIAM

I’m honored to be the Mayor of Merriam. We’re a city of just over 11,000 people, ideally located in northeast Johnson County, Kansas, and just minutes from everywhere in the Kansas City metro region. Merriam is just right, and I encourage you to explore our local businesses, stay for the weekend, or make Merriam your forever home!

To accompany your visit, be sure to refer back to this guide, as you’ll find a great sampling of fun, seasonal events like the Turkey Creek Festival, Turkey Creek Car & Motorcycle Show, and Merriam Drive Live. You can explore places to shop, like Slater St. Antiques, Sunflower Market, or the highly popular IKEA. If you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat at Hurricane Allie’s, El Pulgarcito, or Anita’s. Learn about Merriam’s history using the Otocast app, or stop by Merriam Historic Plaza to view the historic markers. From food to events, history to shopping, you’ll find something to do around every corner in Merriam!

regards, Bob Pape

Mayor, City of Merriam

Warm

Staff Point of View

City of Merriam staffers invite you to enjoy their favorite local adventures! Check out these recommendations by Team Merriam.

Dave

Smothers Assistant Parks & Rec. Director

“Are you ready for a Saturday adventure?! Get on your bike and start riding along the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail. First stop is the Merriam Farmers’ Market, home to over 30 vendors offering fresh produce, honey, crafts, and more. Continue south on the trail to visit Campbell and Chaitlain parks –both with unique playgrounds and amenities. If water sports are your preference, check out the Merriam Community Center, which offers both an indoor and outdoor pool.”

#teammerriam

Juli Pinnick

City Clerk

“Antioch Park is one of Merriam’s greatest treasures and one of my favorite places in Merriam! I love to visit in spring and see all the flowers beginning to bloom. You can hear the frogs around the lakes and might even catch a glimpse of a turtle basking in the sun. I often grab my lunch and head to the park to enjoy some fresh air and take a quick walk on the trails!”

Jennifer Chowning

Community Service Officer

“I love visiting Russell Stover with the family to pick out tasty items to give as gifts for birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions! You can always find something unique and delicious!”

Andrea Fair City Planner

“I love spending time at the Merriam Community Center. There is such a wide variety of fitness classes and activities that I’m never bored!”

Randy Fine

Public Works Superintendent

“Let’s start the morning off with some breakfast burritos from Anita’s Cuisine, grab some lunch at Grandstand Burgers, then finish the day with dinner and drinks at Hurricane Allie’s. We can stay and join in on the karaoke or just sit back and watch.”

#exploremerriam

Meet the Locals

We’re not the only ones who love our city! Our residents do, too. This year we're featuring Len Pfifer, a resident who has called Merriam home for 50 years! The locals are the very best people to ask about Merriam, so enjoy this sampling of Len's local favorites!

Len Pfeifer

Tell us a little about yourself:

I grew up in Aurora, a small town in north central Kansas, and graduated from high school in 1961. I moved to Salina and met and married Liz in 1965. We had a daughter and moved to the metro area in 1969, where I worked at Nazarene Publishing House. I retired from there after 40 years. Our son came along in 1971.

I enjoy volunteering at church, working on my 1931 Chevy street rod, and spending time with my kids, their spouses, and five grandkids. I like my grandkids to see where their mom and dad grew up. I also enjoy visiting with people in our neighborhood.

Your top three words to describe Merriam? Convenient, friendly, home.

How long have you lived in Merriam?

My wife and I, and our two kids, moved to Merriam in December 1972. The kids were 5 1/2 and 1 1/2. My wife passed in 2016, but I continue to live in the same house today.

What makes Merriam so special?

The friendly people. I know people at the community center by name — those working at the desk and others who come to exercise. I also enjoy the neighborhood I live in.

Memorable Merriam moments in your lifetime:

• Four of my five grandkids were born in Merriam.

• When my wife passed in 2016, the hearse and funeral procession drove past our house on the way to the cemetery. Some of the neighbors put a red balloon in their driveway to honor her memory and show me support. One of the neighbors put a small bouquet of white balloons on our driveway. Many neighbors stood in their driveways and waved as we drove past. It was very special.

Convenient,Friendly,Home

Len’s favorites in Merriam:

Restaurant: I have lunch at the Merriam Community Center about five days a week. A group of us also have breakfast together on Saturday mornings. Two of the restaurants in Merriam we frequent are Denny’s on Shawnee Mission Parkway and IHOP in Merriam Town Center.

Activity/Events:

• Fourth of July: We go over to Flags 4 Freedom at the Merriam Marketplace. The grandkids enjoy walking through the flags and throwing pebbles in the creek.

• Tim Murphy Art Gallery: I enjoy seeing the different art displays each month inside the Merriam Community Center. I’m partial to country scenes.

• Turkey Creek Car Show: The show in 2009 was memorable. I had just painted my car, and a couple of car friends came over the night before to help put the car back together so I could drive to the car show. We didn’t have time to put the seats in, so I sat on a cement block to drive over to the event the next morning.

We know you are a car enthusiast! How about you share a little about your restored car and what happened this year at the car show?

I purchased my 1931 Chevy in 1964 when I was 20 years old. I was living in Salina and bought the car for $25 from a farmer. The car didn’t run and had no interior.

We swapped out the engine under a tree in my buddy’s backyard. I started restoring my car in the 90s. I put a primer sealer on the car and drove it that way until 2013 when I painted it yellow. The interior was finished by early 2021.

My car won an award at the 2022 Turkey Creek Car & Motorcycle show. I was very surprised.

VALENTINE BALL

Feb. 4 | MCC

Come enjoy an enchanted evening of tasty treats and dancing. Each couple receives a keepsake photo and a surprise treat to take home!

BRUNCH WITH THE BUNNY

April 1 | MCC

The Easter Bunny’s on the way to bring you goodies! Join this fun event where you’ll make great memories with an egg hunt, games, a pancake breakfast, and a keepsake photo op.

FARMERS’ MARKET

May – September | MMP

Find fresh produce, garden staples, home-baked goods, handmade crafts, and other local items each Saturday at the Merriam Farmers’ Market.

TURKEY CREEK FESTIVAL May 20

|

Antioch Park

The Turkey Creek Festival is the place for family fun! Enjoy kids activities, carnival-inspired concessions, art and craft vendors, live music, and much more. Antioch Park will be bustling with tons to see and do. For extra Turkey Creek fun, join the 5K run/walk in downtown Merriam.

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY

June 9 | Brown Park

Enjoy lawn games, hot dogs, face painting, and live music!

DIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT

June 23 | MCC

Catch a movie while relaxing in the MCC outdoor pool.

FLAGS 4 FREEDOM

July 1 – 8 | MMP

Merriam’s most patriotic event, Flags 4 Freedom, transforms downtown Merriam into a beautiful display of red, white,

and blue as more than a thousand flags fly in perfect rows to honor our nation. Find more information at flags4freedom.org.

CRUISE NIGHT

July 8 & Aug. 12 | MMP

Shine up your ride and head to downtown Merriam for the 2023 Cruise Nights. Enjoy live music and plenty of miles cruising up and down Merriam Drive.

MCC BIRTHDAY POOL PARTY

July 28 | MCC

Jump in the pool and celebrate the Merriam Community Center’s third birthday! Don’t miss this fun evening swim with a DJ and prizes!

CONCERT IN THE COURTYARD

Aug. 18 | MCC

Enjoy food trucks, games, face painting, caricature and balloon artists, a photo booth, and live music.

TURKEY CREEK CAR & MOTORCYCLE SHOW

Sept. 9 | MMP

This annual show features music, food trucks, and more than 300 beautiful cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display.

MERRIAM DRIVE LIVE

Oct. 7 | MMP

Live musicians, a beer garden, vendors, kids activities, cornhole with cash prizes, and more take over Merriam Drive for this annual fall music festival.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Oct. 10 | Waterfall Park

Meet Merriam police officers at this event promoting neighborhood spirit. This popular gathering is great for families, neighbors, and visitors to connect with the community and our police department.

Find more event details at exploremerriam.com.

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

Oct. 21 | MMP

Gather your ghosts and goblins for an afternoon of Halloween games, treats, and a photo booth.

CHRISTMAS IN THE COURTYARD

Dec. 1 | MCC

Join Mayor Bob Pape as he lights the beautiful Christmas tree at the Merriam Community Center –then stay for a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

Dec. 2 | MCC

The morning is full of holiday spirit, storytime with Johnson County Library staff, elf crafts, and a visit with Santa!

MMP

Merriam Marketplace 5740 Merriam Drive

MCC

Merriam Community Center 6040 Slater St.

Historic Merriam: ANTIOCH PARK

Nestled into Merriam’s landscape is Antioch Park, one of the most beautiful and popular parks in Johnson County. In the early 1950s, Johnson County’s population was about 65,000 and concentrated in small suburban cities in the northeast portion of the county. With an abundance of room to grow south and west, the county was primed to become one of the main areas of growth in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Led by members of the Shawnee Mission Sertoma Club, a group of community leaders took steps to buy and develop the parkland to meet the community’s growing and future open space needs.

Realizing the importance of acquiring public park sites in advance of rapidly increasing land values and the spread of homes, apartments, and commercial areas, the group approached the Kansas state legislature to create a special park district in Johnson County. As a result of their efforts, enabling legislation was passed in 1953, which would allow a district to be formed upon petition to the county by 5,000 fullyqualified electors.

With the help of several parent-teacher groups and other civic-minded organizations, the Sertoma Club presented 7,309 petition signatures to the Board of County Commissioners in November 1954. Special legislation also was obtained from the Kansas state legislature for a ¾ mill levy for park operation and maintenance.

On Jan. 12, 1955, the county commissioners formally created the Shawnee Mission Park District. A few weeks later, on Feb. 7, the commissioners appointed a seven-member park board to govern the district. The following year, a bond issue of $1,100,000 for land purchase and development was passed.

The lands for Antioch Park and Shawnee Mission Park were purchased. Antioch Park, the first to be fully developed, was dedicated on May 25, 1958.

Antioch Park was the first major park to be established in Johnson County. The 44-acre park functions today as one of the most popular parks operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

Visit Antioch Park at 6501 Antioch Road. Learn more at jcprd.com.

Did You Know?

▶ Kid’s favorite Dodge Town has been rebuilt three times since originally opening in 1961, the latest in 2018.

▶ 700,000 visitors come to Antioch Park annually.

▶ Merriam’s very own Turkey Creek Festival is held at Antioch Park on the third Saturday in May.

▶ The park has three playgrounds, two stocked fishing lakes, the Helen Cuddy Rose Garden (a renovation ribbon cutting will be held in spring 2023), a bocce ball court, tennis court, basketball court, and horseshoe pits.

▶ In the 1960s, a WWII corsair aircraft was delivered to Antioch Park and remained on display until the mid-1970s.

▶ At one time, all of Johnson County Park and Recreation District offices served out of Antioch Park.

▶ Three miles of walking trails weaving in and out of shaded areas offer parkgoers beautiful views of nature, including plants, flowers, wildlife, and trees.

▶ The park has four shelters that can be reserved online at JCPRD.com.

REASONS TO VISIT MERRIAM

Shop

View an exhibit on display at the Tim Murphy Art Gallery.

Catch a game and grab a beer at Blondie’s in downtown Merriam.

Snap a reflective selfie at Planting the Seeds near Merriam Marketplace.

Grab a sweet treat at Strawberry Hill Bakery–the cheesecake is new and amazing!

at Merriam’s newest retro spot – Slater St. Antiques!

Jump the stepping stones at Antioch Park.

Sip some coffee in the Merriam Community Center courtyard.

Attend a community event –try Merriam Drive Live for tunes, food trucks, and fun.

Visit the newly renovated butterfly garden along the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail.

Take the Merriam History tour on the free Otocast app.

What’s your type?

No matter your travel personality, there’s room for you in Merriam. If you prefer a solo visit with rest, relaxation, and nature, we’ve got it. Maybe you crave packing your itinerary full of family fun – we’ve got that, too! Check out our travel types below to discover how you fit right in!

Fresh Air Finder

If outdoor exploration is your vibe and fresh air is your friend, you’ll love Merriam’s lineup of options to explore. Recharge and renew in the great outdoors as you take in the beauty of a brisk walk along the 4-mile paved Turkey Creek Streamway Trail. Appreciate delicate winged creatures at the newly renovated butterfly garden. Visit any one (or all) of Merriam’s 10 parks. Sit outside under the twinkle lights of the Merriam Community Center with a great book and cup of coffee. Breathe it all in because Merriam offers plenty of fresh air finds!

History Hunter

As a world explorer, you search for historic happenings. You strive to understand the history and culture of others. During your travels, you often seek the freedom to observe and learn at your own pace and revel in the remnants of the past. A peek into Merriam’s history is full of notable markers and sites, including the Shawnee Friends Mission Historic Marker, Merriam Historic Plaza, the Merriam History Tour on Otocast, the Campbell House, the former Walker School, and more.

Learn more at exploremerriam.com/History.

Family Funster

Do you rock a minivan and carry crayons in your bag? Can you pack a suitcase like nobody’s business while making sure everyone has all they need for a weekend trip? From fun-filled parks to family-friendly events, a nearby skating rink, a wild-west-themed play area, and funfor-the-whole-fam fitness options at the MCC, Merriam believes that the family who plays together, stays together. Check out Merriam’s attractions on page 27.

Kitchen Sinker

No itinerary? That’s no problem in Merriam! We’ve got all you need to make happy memories during your travels here. If you prefer exploring at your own pace, we recommend cool places like Gemini, where you can immerse yourself in all things zen. Choose a new-toyou antique at Slater St. Antiques, dine on something different as you sink your teeth into Anita’s famous pupusas, or wander the aisles of IKEA for inspiration, treasures, and meatballs.

Merriam

MUST SEE SITES

TURKEY CREEK STREAMWAY TRAIL

This 4-mile paved trail is a great option for a lunchtime walk, leisure bike ride, or a wildlife sighting excursion. You’ll trek through established residential neighborhoods with tucked-away parks, commercial areas along downtown Merriam, and beautiful natural landscapes. Be sure to stop at the newly renovated butterfly garden along the trail route.

MERRIAM FARMERS’ MARKET

This award-winning market is the place to be on Saturday mornings, May through September. The market draws over 11,500 people to downtown Merriam every summer, with 36 vendors offering farm-fresh fruits and veggies, home-baked goods, crafts, honey, sauces, and more!

SHAWNEE MISSION PARKWAY

CHATLAIN PARK

Nestled along the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail, Chatlain Park is one of Merriam's most active and beautiful parks consisting of 5.25 acres. This park recently became the first park in the world to have a We-Go-Swing, an all-inclusive swing that allows people in wheelchairs to remain in their chair while swinging with their friends. Pack a picnic, take a stroll, enjoy some Vitamin D, and relax in the beautiful outdoors.

STRAWBERRY HILL BAKERY

If you like cake and chocolate with your coffee, this is the coffee cake for you. Strawberry Hill bakes a fudgy chocolate mocha cake with a hint of espresso and tops it with chocolate chunks, just to make sure you remember it’s chocolate. Is it dessert or breakfast? Why not both?

SHOPPING IN MERRIAM

If you fancy a day of shopping in Merriam, you absolutely must try our newest spot to shop at Slater St. Antiques, explore the aisles of Scandinavian-inspired items at IKEA, pop in and out of local storefronts on Merriam Drive, or get some retail therapy at Merriam Town Center. With furniture, apparel, home decor, pet care, gifts, and more, we’ve got plenty of places to shop ‘til you drop right here in Merriam!

BASK SCULPTURE

This beautiful circular sculpture, designed by artist Blessing Hancock, is just one piece of art among many in Merriam, but certainly, one not to miss. BASK is a unique and interactive sculpture located in the Merriam Community Center courtyard. Featuring words collected from Merriam residents describing their community, BASK comes alive with color-changing lights at night.

MERRIAM HISTORIC PLAZA

Check out the history of Merriam at this roadside plaza at the entrance to our city. Located along Shawnee Mission Parkway, just east of I-35, Merriam Historic Plaza offers a small walking path lined with moments of Merriam’s history on 12 signage stations. While catching a glimpse of Merriam’s fascinating past, you can also download the Otocast app and learn more on the virtual “Merriam History Tour.”

VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL

Located in the center of Antioch Park is a memorial honoring the 57 Johnson County service men and women who lost their lives or are still reported Missing in Action from the Vietnam War. The bronze plaque memorial is the first Vietnam War Memorial placed in the Kansas City metro region and is mounted onto a sculpted boulder, which also bears a map outline of Vietnam.

Outdoor Guide

Come experience your own outdoor adventures in Merriam’s parks. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and spy butterflies on the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail. Cast a line in the lake at Antioch Park. Look for a northern cardinal on a snowy branch. Find a geocache tucked away. For any reason and any season, enjoy miles of trails, abundant green space, and endless opportunities for recreation and exploration!

Named for Esther Brown, a civil rights activist who helped desegregate South Park Elementary in Merriam, Brown Park offers a historic marker for visitors to read about this pivotal moment in Merriam’s history.

Happy Hour, Games,and Music

TIME TO Dine

Sink your teeth into a juicy burger, order a plate of saucy wings, catch the daily special, or enjoy a cold beer with friends during happy hour. Merriam’s got 25+ spots for you to satisfy those hunger pangs!

ANITA’S CUISINE 5816 Merriam Drive BLONDIE’S CORNER CLUB BAR & GRILL 5831 Merriam Drive CARIBOU COFFEE 8722 Shawnee Mission Parkway

IKEA RESTAURANT 6000 IKEA Way JACK IN THE BOX 9101 Johnson Drive

JIMMY JOHN’S 5935 IKEA Way

Looking for a happy hour with friends? Check out the patio at Hurricane Allie’s for seasonal live music, or sip a cold beer while watching a Chiefs or Royals game at Blondie’s. With delicious food specials, a fun vibe, and a convenient location, there’s a seat for you in downtown Merriam! =Local Spots

KC’S NEIGHBORHOOD BAR & GRILL 10201 W. 47th St. KRISPY KREME 8805 Shawnee Mission Parkway LONG JOHN SILVER’S / A&W 9900 Shawnee Mission Parkway MCDONALD’S 8915 Johnson Drive QT KITCHEN 9025 Johnson Drive SCOOTERS COFFEE 9100 W. 74th St. Inside Advent Health Shawnee Mission

SONIC DRIVE-IN 5440 Merriam Drive

SUBWAY 8801 Johnson Drive TACO BELL 5930 IKEA Way WENDY’S 10006 W. 75th St.

READY, SET,

Shop!

Merriam’s assortment of shopping will delight anyone looking to browse or buy! Whether you prefer local shops with boutique finds, apparel from popular retailers, or furniture for a new room or an entire house, we’ve got an excellent selection of shopping options sprinkled throughout town.

3 WISHES 5031 Merriam Drive

Promoting local authors, artists, and musicians. Shop for books, paintings, pottery, musical instruments, jewelry, and more.

GEMINI 5807 Merriam Drive

Find holistic products, crystals, salt lamps, and more! Perfect for the zen you’ve been looking for. Come absorb the natural healing properties in the new salt spa room.

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.

K.C. STRINGS 5842 Merriam Drive

Full-service violin, viola, cello, and bass shop – largest in the Midwest.

MERRIAM TOWN CENTER Johnson Drive & Antioch Road Old Navy, Marshalls, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lakeshore Learning, Party City, Office Max, PetSmart, Famous Footwear, Home Depot, Bob’s Discount Furniture, ROSS Dress for Less, restaurants, and Cinemark movie theater.

MIXTURE 9325 W. 53rd St. Handmade candles and bath and body products made in dozens of splendid fragrances are sold online at madebymixture.com.

RUSSELL STOVER CANDIES 10100 Shawnee Mission Parkway

Chocolate, handmade confections, and ice cream.

SLATER ST. ANTIQUES 5905 Slater St.

Located in a historic Merriam property, Slater St. Antiques offers an eclectic mix of dealers featuring all types of great vintage and antique merchandise for your home or office.

SUNFLOWER MARKET 5847 Merriam Drive

Custom t-shirts and locally handmade items, from home decor to soaps and lotions.

STRAWBERRY HILL BAKING CO. 7226 W. Frontage Road

Handmade European sweet bread, coffee cake, and cheesecake made at this favorite bakery, offering free samples and hot coffee daily.

Take it with you...

Sunflower Market

Keep your keys handy with these colorful and functional bracelet-style key rings.

Slater St. Antiques

New or new to you, find a vintage treasure, take a class, or attend a special event at this delightful shop in a historic Merriam home.

Don’t Hold the Cheese

If you love the Povitica, you’ll obsess over the newest selection of dessert at Strawberry Hill Bakery – the cheesecakes! Bet you can’t buy just one!

Local Honey

Add some sweetness to your life with adorable honey bears full of locally sourced honey from Nowachek Apiaries at the Saturday morning Farmers’ Market.

Open May-Sept.

Build in some time to explore Merriam's attractions. From historic sites to parks and playgrounds, there's fun for all in Merriam.

ANTIOCH PARK – DODGE TOWN 6501 Antioch Road | 913.831.3359

BASK SCULPTURE 6040 Slater St. | 913.322.5550

BELLER’S DANCE & GYMNASTICS 7230 W. Frontage Road | 913.648.2626

CINEMARK THEATERS 5500 Antioch Road | 913.789.7038

HAPPY FEET SOCCER 9701 W. 67th St. | 913.851.9898

HMMM... SCULPTURE 5191 Merriam Drive

MERRIAM COMMUNITY CENTER 6040 Slater St. | 913.322.5550

MERRIAM HISTORIC PLAZA 6304 E. Frontage Road | 913.322.5533

MERRIAM HISTORY TOUR Download the Otocast app!

MOTHERHOOD SCULPTURE 6304 E. Frontage Road | 913.322.5533

PLANTING THE SEEDS SCULPTURE 5740 Merriam Drive

SKATE CITY 9800 W. 62nd Terrace | 913.262.0711

STILL TIME SCULPTURE Johnson & Merriam Drives

TIM MURPHY ART GALLERY 6040 Slater St. | 913.322.5550

VIETNAM VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road | 913.831.3359

WOOF’S PLAY & STAY 6465 E. Frontage Road | 913.403.9663

Welcome to Extended Stay America - Kansas City - Shawnee Mission. Nearby delicious barbecue and a lively jazz scene, the Extended Stay offers spacious suites that feature fullyequipped kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and premium cable. On-site guest laundry and pet-friendly rooms are also available. No matter if you’re staying a few nights, weeks, or longer, you’ll feel right at home at the Extended Stay America in Merriam.

HAMPTON INN & SUITES

7400 W. Frontage Road 913.236.0465 | hamptoninn.com

The Hampton Inn & Suites in Merriam is located right off I-35, across from Advent Health Shawnee Mission, and minutes from downtown Kansas City, the Country Club Plaza, and the airport. Relax in the indoor saltwater pool and whirlpool spa. Enjoy spacious rooms with complimentary hot breakfast and Wi-Fi. Or, plan a company retreat in the 800+ square-foot meeting room ideal for small and mediumsized events.

QUALITY INN

6401 E. Frontage Road | 913.262.2622 | qualityinn.com

The Quality Inn® in Merriam is near a variety of great attractions and conveniently located just off I-35. You’ll get more value for your money starting with the free, hot and healthy breakfast, the fitness center, on-site guest laundry, micro-fridge and microwave in every room, free Wi-Fi, a business center, and more. Your favorite four-legged friend can come along on your vacation, too, because Quality Inn is pet-friendly.

WALNUT GROVE RV PARK

10218 Johnson Drive | 913.262.3023 | walnutgroverv.com

If you prefer to bring your own bed, Walnut Grove RV Park is the perfect spot to park, unwind, and relax. Tucked away near the heart of the Merriam downtown business district, Walnut Grove RV Park offers a total of 50 lots. Both 30 and 50 amps sites are available with full hook-ups at each lot.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, hot showers, clean restrooms, a laundromat, dump station, dog area, and a general store inside the friendly park office.

Meetings & Groups

Check out Merriam’s meeting facilities - we’ve got a space that’s Just Right for your meeting and event needs! With space for groups of two to 200+, come and meet in Merriam! Learn more at exploremerriam.com/meet.

MERRIAM HISTORIC PLAZA

6304 E. Frontage Road | 913-322-5533

Meeting space for up to 24 people with layouts for board meetings, trainings, or small groups. With affordable rates, open catering, and stateof-the-art technology, we can custom-design a meeting package perfect for your needs. Nearby hotels partner with MHP to offer discounted rooms for meeting rentals also looking for overnight accommodations.

COMMUNITY TRAINING ROOM

9001 W 62nd St. | 913-322-5508

Located inside Merriam City Hall, the Community Training Room can accommodate up to 112 people with a nearby kitchen for food and beverage preparation, plenty of parking, an elevator to the meeting room, and a convenient location in the metro region.

MERRIAM COMMUNITY CENTER

6040 Slater St. | 913-322-5550

Located just east of I-35 and across from IKEA, the MCC offers rental spaces for up to 224 people. The perfect space for a baby shower, birthday party, wedding reception, or business meeting, the Merriam Community Center is an ideal location for leisure or corporate functions year-round!

HAMPTON INN & SUITES

7400 W. Frontage Rd. | 913-236-0465

Meetings done well...that’s the Hampton commitment to your special event. Check out the 800-square-foot meeting space with fantastic new improvements. From a personalized group web page to a full-service wedding site, Hampton’s team is standing by to host you and your guests!

Looking for more to do with your group while in town?

Watch craftsmen make a beautiful string instrument, sample delicious dessert bread while bakers create it before your eyes, and see how the famous Guitar Lamp is made! The Made in Merriam tour makes an excellent excursion for groups! Find tour details at exploremerriam.com/tour.