INFOCUS

DESTINATIONS LANDING IN SOUTHWEST JOHNSON COUNTY

OPPORTUNITIES ARE ON THE RISE IN EDGERTON

WRITTEN BY ALLISON GIBESON / PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN

In the past, spending a weekend getaway in Edgerton was not typically something top-of-mind for many. That’s changing as development is gaining momentum in southwest Johnson County as the area continues to grow into a destination to eat, sleep, work, and play.

Sites like Big Bull Creek Park and Milldale Farm, as well as businesses such as White Tail Run Winery, Lewis Indoor Athletics, and The Village Shop KC are just some of the opportunities for shopping, sports, recreation, and dining in Edgerton.

James Oltman, president of Elevate Edgerton!, said historically there hasn’t been much of a selection for people looking to stay if they are visiting Edgerton, but that will be changing soon. He said the city recently approved an agreement for a 40-acre development that will include a new hotel and conference center slated to be completed by 2025.

“This will be a great addition to the community and not only provide travelers visiting Edgerton a place to stay, but also a lodging options for all the different events held at Milldale Farm,” Oltman says.

Milldale Farm and its 8,672 squarefoot barn is frequently used as a wedding venue. Big Bull Creek Park has a disc golf course, youth campgrounds, a playground, trails, and shelters. It’s the largest park in Johnson County and includes more than 2,000 acres. Other recreational areas include Edgerton City Lake with its kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing options. Additionally, Manor Park was recently updated, and Glendell Acres Park will soon be renovated as well.

White Tail Run Winery is family-owned, has won awards for their wine, and offers both a tasting room and curbside pickup. Other dining options include the recently renovated Full Draw Bar and Grill with its array of burgers, tacos, pizza, chicken fried steak, and the like.

This past year Edgerton Frontier Days celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“There are a wealth of unique amenities our community provides to the county that a lot of people don’t realize.”

Every year this festival includes carnival rides, wood carving demonstrations, craft booths, food trucks, and live music.

For families living in Edgerton, schools, parks, and athletic and employment opportunities have been a continued focus. In terms of education, Edgerton Elementary School has received the “Challenge Award,” “Standards of Excellence Award,” and the “Governor’s Achievement Award.”

Josh Lewis opened Lewis Indoor Athletics about a year ago and offers 8,000 square feet for indoor athletic training. Previously, local athletes didn’t have a place for indoor training, and would have needed to travel for such an opportunity.

“I wanted to provide a place for the community—especially the youth—to be able to practice and get better at baseball, softball, or whatever they are working on,” Lewis says.

When it comes to job possibilities, people used to only think of Logistics Park KC when considering Edgerton. While this brought great industrial growth to town, the options are expanding. Oltman says since 2013 the city has seen the creation of about 4,800 jobs in the community, and most employers that are hiring are offering good wages, hiring bonuses, and even benefits packages that include education incentives for employees who want to get their college degree at no cost.

Elevate Edgerton! has played a significant role in helping recruit this development to the city. This public-private partnership has three main priorities: commercial and retail business recruitment, housing development recruitment, and workforce development, explains Oltman. While they receive a small amount of funding from the city, they are a separate entity, and most of their funding comes from the private business community.

“We are innovative and creative, and we think outside the box,” Oltman says. “We don’t box ourselves into the traditional norms of what economic development has been in the past. The longterm fit and compatibility weighs very heavily on projects, even if it means we don’t see as much development in the short-term.”

Oltman says development has built on itself over time. The city recently welcomed its first truck stop travel center, and not long after that the city was able to secure the development agreement for another truck stop in addition the hotel and conference center.

“There are a wealth of unique amenities our community provides to the county that a lot of people don’t realize,” Oltman says. “If you haven’t been to Edgerton, it’s time to explore.”

ElevateEdgerton! • 30750 West 193rd Street, Edgerton, KS • 913.882.2500 • elevateedgerton.com