10 minute read
Public Safety
Birthday Parades Merriam police officers participated in more than 80 birthday parades to help kids enjoy their birthdays during the COVID-19 pandemic. Good news – they'll continue driving in birthday parades post COVID-19! If your child has a birthday coming up and you live in Merriam, let us help you celebrate! Officers will drive by your home with their lights and sirens blaring! Contact Capt. Chris Brokaw at 913-322-5566 or cbrokaw@merriam.org to schedule a police parade.
National Night Out Join us for a night of neighborly connections as we celebrate National Night CANCELED Out at the Merriam Community Center on Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 6-8 p.m. Bring your family and enjoy games to play with our City's finest. We’ll have a drone demonstration and a new patrol car for your kiddos to explore. Ask questions and get to know your friendly Merriam police officers.
Join the Citizens Police Academy The Merriam Police Department is accepting applications for its 2020 Citizens Police Academy. The 10-week program starts Sept. 9 and runs through Nov. 11. Sessions are held on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. at the Merriam Community Center located at 6040 Slater St. There are five spots still open. Apply online at merriam.org/ citizensacademy or call the Merriam Police Department at 913-322-5560.
New Police Officer
Kyle Person
Graduating from the police Turn in Unused Prescriptions
academy on Aug. 21 Oct. 24 // 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Walgreens
8701 Johnson Drive
National Coffee with a Cop
Have coffee with Merriam’s finest! Oct. 7 // 9–11 a.m.
McDonald's
Internet Exchange Parking We now have a safe spot for you to do internet exchanges! There are two designated parking spots near the Merriam Police Department that are monitored by a video camera 24/7. Look for the sign and green parking spaces in the front parking lot. Happy selling and buying!
Be Careful with Fall Fires As temperatures fall, many will gather around recreational fires with their friends and family. Others will want to burn leaves. Both are allowed in Merriam, but here’s what you need to know to stay safe this fall:
Recreational Fires
No permit is required for fire pits or recreational fires smaller than 3 feet by 2 feet.
Open Burning Fires
A permit is required for open burns on public streets and public or private property. They can be no larger than 5 feet by 5 feet. Remember for recreational and open burning fires: ▶ Only burn seasoned, dry firewood. ▶ Fire pits must be at least 15 feet away from a combustible structure. ▶ Never burn when wind speed exceeds 15 mph or during a burn ban. ▶ Don’t burn on overly cloudy days when clouds can hold down smoke. ▶ Keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby and attend to your fire until it’s safely put out.
Burning Leaves
A permit is required to burn leaves. The Overland Park Fire Department will review your permit request, and first-time requests require an on-site visit from a fire inspector. If you want to get rid of your leaves without burning, visit jocogov.org for a list of disposal options. Apply for a burn permit online using the ePlace portal found on merriam.org/fire.
U.S. Census Brings in Millions to Johnson County Merriam could miss out on $45,000 in federal funding over the next 10 years for each household that doesn’t fill out the 2020 Census. Right now, our City has a nearly 75% response rate – let’s keep it up! Fill out your census today by phone, online, or the paper census. Participation is mandatory, but your answers are confidential. You'll have to count everyone who lives in your home, including kids and extended family. Federal funding is distributed to Kansas communities based on data collected from the census. It's your once-in-a-decade chance to shape the future of your family and neighbors. Everyone counts for the 2020 Census! Find more information at 2020census.gov.
Name: Stoney Bogan
Stoney Bogan moved to Merriam in 2002 from Kansas City, Kansas, with his son and daughter. For that last decade, Bogan has served as the Downtown Merriam Partnership president. He’s also the director of business development at the Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce. You’ll recognize him around town – he’s known for wearing orange sunglasses everywhere he goes, owning more than 50 pairs.
What do you like best about Merriam? I know all my neighbors and city staff, and our city government is very approachable about ideas and requests.
What do you like to do in Merriam? I like being involved with its growth and policies. And, we love the trails, parks, and the festivities – like Party in YOUR Park – that the Parks and Rec staff provides to the residents. You recently put a par-3 golf course in your backyard, why? We were all getting cabin fever and needed to do something outside. The young kids were all playing together doing their thing, and I wanted to create an activity for us parents to do. So, we turned it into a fundraiser for the Community Veterans Project.
What’s the Downtown Merriam Partnership, and what do you do for the organization? I have been the president of this organization for almost 10 years. The purpose of the Downtown Merriam Partnership is to ensure the continuation and the revitalization of Downtown Merriam. In 2018, the DMP won the KRPA Distinguished Public Service Award for all things the organization did for the City of Merriam and its residents.
What’s your favorite part about working for the NEJC Chamber of Commerce? Representing hundreds of businesses in the area and the 10 cities in Northeast Johnson County, especially the city I live in – Merriam.
What’s a favorite memory you have? Of course, the birth of my children, but throwing out the first pitch at a Kansas City Royals baseball game is a close second.
SATURDAYS
MAY 23 – SEPT. 26
7 a.m. TO 1 p.m. *
* 7 A.M.–8 A.M. RESERVED FOR AT-RISK SHOPPERS
Nature Photos in Merriam
Teri B.
Teri B.
Teri B.
Jim R.
Trish R.
Jenna G.
Teach a Class! Are you talented at tap dancing? Maybe you're a meal prep master? Or, are you an ace at alliteration? Whatever your passion is, consider turning it into a class at the new community center. Call 913-322-5550 or email Renee Nagle at rnagle@merriam.org to discuss your idea for a new program.
EVENTS
Family Game Night CANCELED Friday, Oct. 2 // 6–8:30 p.m. Merriam Community Center // 6040 Slater St.
$5 (includes pizza and drinks) #312001B0
Enjoy a night of family bonding while you play board games. Grow your relationships over pizza with your family and friends.
Merriam Drive Live CANCELED Saturday, Oct. 3 // 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Merriam Marketplace // 5740 Merriam Drive
FREE
Downtown Merriam will transform into a street and lawn party full of music, kids activities, food trucks, adult beverages, and our second annual Cornhole Tournament. Featuring live music throughout the day. Start your morning with the MDL 5K run at 8 a.m. Learn more at merriam.org/MDL.
FREE
Join us for a night of neighborly connections as we celebrate National Night Out. Bring your family and enjoy games to play with our City's finest. We’ll have a drone demonstration and a new patrol car for your kiddos to explore. Ask questions and get to know your friendly Merriam police officers.
FREE // Ages 10 and under
“October brings us Halloween, a spooky time, it's true. Be careful or, before you know, a ghost will scare you... BOO!” Join us at Merriam Marketplace for spooky fun that includes games, photo booth, and other great activities.
Christmas in the Courtyard Friday, Dec. 4 // 6:30–8 p.m. Merriam Community Center // 6040 Slater St.
$1 per person OR a new toy or can food item
It’s that magical time of year when Mayor Ken Sissom flips a switch, lights glow, and Santa visits Merriam! Join us for our NEW annual tradition of lighting Merriam Municipal Plaza. Activities include time with Santa, live music, games, and more!
Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 5 // 9–10:30 a.m. Merriam Community Center // 6040 Slater St.
$5 per adult. Children FREE with paying adult; parents must be in attendance. Registration deadline: Thursday, Dec. 3 #312002A0
Breakfast with Santa is a popular community event in Merriam. The morning is full of holiday fun. Activities include storytime, a holiday craft, games, breakfast, and, best of all, Santa!
Cruise Night and the Turkey Creek Car & Motorcycle Show are canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. All special events are subject to cancellation. Visit merriam.org/covid19 for all updates.
Find all event details at merriam.org/events.
Call for Musicians/Bands Throughout the year, Merriam Parks and Recreation hosts several special events with live music such as the Turkey Creek Festival, Party in YOUR Park at three locations, Cruise Night, Merriam Drive Live, and the ever-popular Merriam Farmers’ Market. Visit merriam.org/events for the 2021 special event season application, which will be available starting Oct. 9. For more information, contact Renee Nagle at 913-322-5550 or rnagle@merriam.org. Submission deadline: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020
Merriam Community Center – Now Open! 6040 Slater St. Families, friends, couples, individuals... whoever you are, whatever your fitness goals, the new Merriam Community Center is Just Right!
The City of Merriam opened our new 66,000-square-foot community center in July. Membership provides full access to the facility, including an indoor pool with slides, lazy river, lap lanes, and a warm water therapy pool; outdoor pool with lap lanes, diving boards, and zip line; industryleading fitness equipment; walking/jogging track; full-size gym with options for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball; and space to host events. Find more information at merriam.org/mcc. The indoor pool, which had significant COVID-related delays, is scheduled to be completed by Labor Day. Aquatic classes begin in September, and open swim is scheduled to start in October. The MCC participates in Silver Sneakers, Prime Fitness, and UHC Renew Active. Call Parks and Recreation at 913-322-5550 for more information. Membership isn't required to take a class or participate in other activities and events. See our expanded options, and find something that's just right for you!
All patrons will be required to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing a mask. A summary of these protocols are listed on page 16. More detailed information can be found at merriam.org/mcc.
Building Hours Monday – Thursday
5 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday
5 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Child Watch*
For children 6 months to 8 years old
Monday – Thursday
8 a.m. – Noon 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday – Saturday
8 a.m. – Noon $3/hour Resident $4/hour Non-Resident Discounts available for bulk purchases. *Not available until the State of Kansas enters the Phase Out stage of the Ad Astra Reopening Plan.
