a hello from us.
President and CEO
Stephanie Meyer
Vice President of Programming & Communications
Taylor Limoges
Vice President of Operations
Alan McGrew
Editor Jean Teller jteller@sunflowerpub.com
Designer/Art Director
Shelly Bryant
Advertising Executive Angie Taylor ataylor@sunflowerpub.com
Copy Editor
Leslie Clugston Andres
Contributing Writers
Jill Dutton
Jackie Hostetler
Beth Kornegay
Bob Luder
Pamela Spradlin Mahajan
Kari Williams
Contributing Photographers
City of Leawood
Kevin Anderson
Brooke Buck
Molly Kuplen
Katie Lewis
Strauss Peyton Portrait Studio
Publisher Bill Uhler
Director Bob Cucciniello
Dear Leawood Community and Business Associates,
As I near the end of my first year serving as mayor of Leawood, I am filled with pride for our progress together. We recently capped off our celebration of Leawood’s 75th anniversary with the dedication of Reaching, a sculpture by Leawood native William Nemitoff.
This year, we look forward to exciting initiatives that will shape our city’s future, including our firstever strategic plan and the first major revision to our comprehensive land-use plan and land development ordinance in 20 years. These efforts guarantee Leawood will continue to grow thoughtfully and sustainably.
By proactively shaping Leawood’s development, we ensure our city remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit—a place that upholds our tradition of living and growing with distinction. Through these plans, we are laying the groundwork for responsible growth that protects the qualities that make Leawood exceptional while embracing innovation and progress.
This thoughtful planning is already reflected in the vibrant energy of some of our thriving spaces across the city. In this issue, we celebrate the businesses that contribute to Leawood’s bright future, each one embodying the dynamic spirit that makes our community unique.
As we look forward to the fall and holiday festivities, I find great joy in seeing our community come together. I wish everyone a safe, happy, and memorable holiday season. I hope you enjoy some of Leawood’s holiday traditions, some of which are highlighted in this issue.
Thank you for your continued trust and support as we build on our city’s successes.
Sincerely,
Marc Elkins Mayor, City of Leawood
Hello, Leawood Residents, Business Partners, and Members,
Is there anything better than fall— and the start of the holiday season? I love the cooler temperatures, cozy sweaters, and wonderful community events that bring all of us in Leawood together after a fun (and hot!) summer. And there are few places with more incredible shopping and family-friendly events than our own Park Place. From world-class dining to inspired local retail, it’s truly a metro-wide attraction—with all of the charm of your favorite main street. We were delighted to host our annual Taste of Leawood there just a few weeks ago (see page 36 for more on that great event), and we look forward to many more!
Beyond Park Place, Leawood continues to attract destination businesses—both on the local and national scale. Look for exciting openings and expansions in Town Center Plaza and Town Center Crossing (including Canadian-based Aritzia coming this fall!) and read more about two new local businesses targeting families in pages ahead. And as we approach the holidays, there’s no shortage of local events to keep everyone entertained.
Lastly, the Leawood Chamber was honored to be named the “Best Chamber in Johnson County” earlier this year by the Johnson County Post—this recognition is a direct testament to each and every one of you, who make Leawood a first-class city (in every sense), a top-tier regional draw, and a joy to represent. We look forward to continuing that work into the coming year and beyond!
Best,
Stephanie Meyer President & CEO, Leawood Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council
On the Cover
A leisurely day at Park Place Leawood. Photo by Strauss Peyton Portrait Studio
8 Experience Aqua Penny’s Chef Penny Mufuka offers a unique blend of flavors at her Park Place restaurant.
16 Calling Young Professionals
Leawood Chamber’s program fosters community, growth and professional development.
20 Welcome to Climbing Rendezvous Gym combines physical activity with social spaces to bring people together.
24 Park Place in Leawood
Outdoor mall has a lot to offer—shops, entertainment, dining, even an ice rink.
28 Little Ones at Little Gym Youngsters and parents alike will find a welcoming place at the new Leawood location.
32 Light Up Leawood City offers holiday events, decorations to foster sense of community.
36 Fun at A Taste of Leawood Chamber event showcases local restaurants and vendors for a foodie’s paradise.
Chef Penny Mufuka at Aqua Penny’s.
leawood
Experience Aqua Penny’s
Chef Penny Mufuka offers a unique blend of flavors at her Park Place restaurant.
By Jill Dutton
Photos by Brooke Buck
When Penny Mufuka arrived in North America 29 years ago with just $800, she had little idea that one day she would own and operate a thriving restaurant empire. From her early days working in Thai kitchens to purchasing her first restaurant, Penny’s journey has been one of perseverance, passion, and innovation. Today, she continues to break new ground with Aqua Penny’s, a fusion of Thai, Cajun, and coastal cuisines, where fresh seafood and a dynamic, ever-evolving menu are at the heart of the dining experience. With plans to open a third restaurant, Penny and her husband, Doug, are seeing their influence on the culinary scene grow, making the couple a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
The ever-evolving menu at Aqua Penny’s features fresh seafood in a fusion of Thai, Cajun, and coastal cuisines.. At left, Penny Mufuka takes a moment to enjoy the sunshine.
Journey to America
Penny arrived in the U.S. from Thailand on a tourist visa. Despite being unfamiliar with the language, she says she was trying to find an opportunity and a fresh start. She brought with her years of experience as a home cook.
“Thai women know how to cook, and I began cooking when I was 12 years old,” she says.
Fueled by raw courage, Penny flew from Baltimore into Kansas City with a layover in Chicago.
“I didn’t speak English, so I was unsure where to go at the airport. Then once I arrived, I had just a few hundred dollars left after purchasing my airline ticket. The only person I knew in Kansas City was my cousin. I came here to live with her but knew I needed to find a job fast.”
Penny says the layover in Chicago was particularly stressful.
Trying to find her connecting gate, she says, “I wanted to cry but had no tears left to come out. I didn’t know what to do, where to go, or how to get to my gate. I just stood there because I didn’t speak English so wasn’t able to ask for help.
to go. A couple of hours later, he found me still standing there, and he grabbed me by the wrist, abandoned the wheelchair, and ran with me to the gate, literally minutes before it closed. I was so thankful for his help.”
Penny says she stayed with her cousin for a couple months until she found her first job at Thai Place.
After years of working at various Thai restaurants—often several at the same time—she found herself ready for ownership when the previous owner of Thai House was preparing to retire. Although Penny and Doug’s first venture was Thai House, located on the south side of Kansas City, Missouri, they sold it to focus more on Bamboo Penny’s, which opened three years ago in Leawood.
Aqua Penny’s
Building on the success of Bamboo Penny’s, Penny launched Aqua Penny’s, with its unique blends of flavors. With a menu influenced by the vibrant culinary scenes of Miami and New
“The food at Aqua Penny’s reflects a little bit of New Orleans Cajun. It’s eclectic, but I guess you could call it coastal. The main focus is on seafood with Thai influences,” Doug says.
“We first went to New Orleans on our anniversary; Penny immediately loved the food. She was just drawn to it. She said, ‘This is where Americans are keeping all the flavor.’”
Regarding the décor at Aqua Penny’s, which Penny designed, Doug says, “Miami’s influence shows up in Penny’s aesthetic when decorating as well.”
The couple wanted to differentiate Aqua Penny’s from other Thai restaurants, so they focused on seafood. Still, customers expect Penny’s signature dishes, so the couple created a section of the menu titled Penny’s Corner.
Doug says Penny’s take on Thai fusion is unique. There are New Orleans influences in her recipes, as well as French and Thai.
“One secret is that some of her sauces are made with butter. They don’t cook with butter in Thailand, but Penny incorporated French cooking into her Thai recipes for true fusion,” Doug says.
Fresh Seafood Daily
One of the cornerstones of Aqua Penny’s success is Penny’s commitment to sourcing fresh seafood daily. The restaurant’s menu changes frequently to reflect the availability of ingredients, ensuring that every meal is crafted with the freshest and highest-quality ingredients.
“Nothing is frozen,” Doug says, “and people enjoy that and can tell the difference in the taste.
“Because we’re flying it in fresh every day, we work with what’s in season. We look at what we received today, and that determines the menu. And once people taste the freshness, such as our raw oyster bar, they appreciate it.”
Aqua Penny’s
For More
Aqua Penny’s
11652 Ash St.
Park Place
Leawood, KS 66211
913-415-2400
www.aquapennys.com
Lunch
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday–Saturday
Brunch/Lunch
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Dinner
4 to 9 p.m. Sunday–Thursday
4 to 10 p.m. Friday–Saturday
Bar and Raw Bar
Open daily
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday–Thursday
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday–Saturday
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
In the three months the restaurant has been open, Doug says they’ve featured three different fish in season and that blue crab will soon be available.
“You just have to go with what’s available now, which keeps the menu interesting,” he says. “We had soft shell crab season just end, so we took that off the menu. And with fish, we’ve had perch, walleye, and grouper in season. The grouper season is over, which you hate to say because it was really popular, but we want to keep offering that fresh catch. Otherwise, to keep it on the menu, we’d have to offer frozen fish as other places do. Instead, we just keep offering whatever’s running now.”
Themed Events
Aqua Penny’s is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary destination offering themed events and educational sessions. These experiences allow patrons to engage with the cuisine on a deeper level, adding another layer to the restaurant’s appeal.
Doug says they try to hold a themed event each month. These educational tasting experiences were incorporated after viewing diners interacting with the staff at the raw bar.
“The raw bar attendants are very knowledgeable and versed in everything. Guests would ask questions, and they’ll start listing the varieties of oysters and what makes them different and why they taste the way they taste. It’s fun, so we decided to schedule some educational events,” Doug says.
Each month brings a different topic, and the couple tries to tie in holidays with the events. For October, Doug says they’re planning a spooky-themed tasting and food pairings served with “cool spooky drinks.”
Find a listing of events on the website at www.aquapennys.com
The food at Aqua Penny’s reflects a little bit of New Orleans Cajun. It’s eclectic, but I guess you could call it coastal. The main focus is on seafood with Thai influences.
—DOUG MUFUKA
Penny and Doug Mufuka celebrate the restaurant’s success.
Brent Blazek of Rockhurst University talking with attendees at a Young Professionals event.
Calling ProfessionalsYoung
Leawood Chamber’s program fosters community, growth and professional development.
By Jackie Hostetler Photos by Charles Nguyen Photography/courtesy Leawood Chamber of Commerce
In the heart of Johnson County, a dynamic group of young professionals is making waves in the business community. The Leawood Young Professionals, affiliated with the Leawood Chamber of Commerce, have become a beacon for ambitious individuals ages 40 and under seeking to connect, grow, and contribute to their local community.
Joining the Leawood Young Professionals begins with a business membership in the Leawood Chamber of Commerce. Companies can then sponsor young professionals to join the network, investing time and resources into the group and its events.
This model ensures the network remains connected to the broader business community while providing a specialized space for young professionals to thrive.
The Leawood Young Professionals experienced a rebirth in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taylor Limoges, vice president of programming and communications at the chamber, played a crucial role in revitalizing the group.
“We relaunched the program and events in late 2021, early 2022,” Limoges says. “When I joined the Leawood Chamber staff in April 2021, we were just starting to come back to in-person events. I kept seeing in the files something about this Young Professionals Committee.”
Limoges asked the then-CEO about the group.
“The obvious answer was COVID happened, and a lot of things disappeared,” she says.
Experiencing a revival
With support from Limoges, the group experienced a revival.
This resurgence breathed new life into the network, attracting young professionals eager to reconnect and establish themselves in the post-
pandemic business landscape.
The Leawood Young Professionals operate under a structured leadership model. A committee of 10 members (see sidebar) meets bimonthly to plan events and initiatives. At the helm is an elected chair, chosen annually by the committee members.
Jackson Clements, the 2024 chair and owner of Clements Chiropractic, brings enthusiasm and fresh ideas to the role.
“We’re doing a lot of different events,” Clements says. “This year, we’ve tried to grow the Young Professionals group even more. We’re alternating every month between a community service event and a networking or professional development meeting.”
The network prides itself on offering a wide variety of events catering to different interests and schedules. Some notable events include a networking event held at Oak Star Bank—which drew more than 80 attendees—a supply drive for the Boys and Girls Club of Kansas City; a Mastersthemed event at Iron Horse Golf Course, complete with driving range activities and themed catering; “Cars and Coffee” morning meetups; volunteer shifts with Soar Special Needs; and happy hours at local boutiques and venues like Pinstripes Bistro.
Gabriella Salinas, a marketing and events associate at Growing Futures Early Education Center and a
I’ve been able to connect with likeminded individuals facing some of the same challenges. This has resulted in business connections and provides a foothold in the entire Leawood Chamber.
—JACKSON CLEMENTS
Planning Committee
A great deal of planning goes into ensuring the Leawood Young Professionals provide high-quality and relevant events for the under-40 professional crowd in the area. This responsibility falls to a committee of 10, each listed below, along with their place of business.
Jackson Clements
Clements Chiropractic
Gabriella Salinas
Growing Futures
Early Education Center
Emily Cole intellicents
Mark Lindsay Everfast Fiber Networks
Nicole Gutesha
Newmark Zimmer
Laura Jaber Nummies
Brent Blazek
Rockhurst University
Megan Keown
Torchy’s Tacos
Milca Aguirre
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City
recent addition to the network, highlights the collaborative nature of event planning.
“I really enjoy the committee that we have. Voices are able to be heard and taken seriously,” Salinas says.
The “Cars and Coffee” event, which Salinas proudly coined the name of and played a key role in creating, demonstrates how member input shapes the group’s activities. The event is sponsored by Molle Auto Group, which is also the 2024 Young Professionals network sponsor, providing a large investment that has enabled the Young Professionals to plan more highcaliber events and programs.
Unique blend
The Leawood Young Professionals network is set apart from other networking groups through its unique blend of professionalism and approachability. Limoges emphasizes this distinction.
“We offer more of a professional setting while still checking the box of that painless networking. When you go outside of the Leawood Young Professionals group, you lose that professional edge. It becomes more of a social hour. Our meetings always have structure and intention behind them,” she says.
Clements echoes this sentiment: “Even with the group being highly professional, ours is probably one of the most welcoming. I’ve been to other local professional groups, and there might be a business development portion, but that’s all it is. People go to it, and then they leave. You don’t get traction the way you do with the Leawood Young Professionals network.”
This balance creates an environment where members can form meaningful connections while advancing their careers and businesses.
The Leawood Young Professionals network maintains a strong local focus while attracting talent from across the Kansas City metro area.
“We are intentionally local to Johnson County with our events and programs,” Limoges says. “This year, we set a goal for ourselves to only have one event outside of Johnson County.”
This local emphasis doesn’t limit the network’s reach, however. As one of three young
professional groups within the Johnson County Chamber network (alongside Overland Park and Northeast Johnson County), the Leawood Young Professionals draws professionals from throughout the metro area.
Invaluable resource
For young professionals like Salinas and Clements, the network offers invaluable benefits. Salinas, new to the Kansas side of the metro, found a sense of community through the network.
“I have found a community, belonging, and purpose,” says Salinas.
Clements highlights the practical advantages.
“I’ve found great resources and relationships. I’ve been able to connect with like-minded individuals facing some of the same challenges. This has resulted in business connections and provides a foothold in the entire Leawood Chamber,” he says.
The Young Professionals network provides not only opportunities to connect with younger peers but also access to mentorship from more established professionals.
Salinas says, “There is some guidance from older professionals as well. They’ve been able to give us tidbits of information.”
As for benefits to the community, regular volunteer events allow members to give back to their community.
With its unique blend of professionalism and approachability, diverse event offerings, and strong community ties, the Leawood Young Professionals network is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the local business landscape.
For young professionals seeking to expand their horizons, build lasting relationships, and make a difference in their community, the Leawood Young Professionals network offers a welcoming and dynamic platform to achieve these goals. As the group moves forward, it continues to adapt and innovate, ensuring it remains a relevant and valuable resource for the next generation of business leaders in Leawood and the greater Kansas City area.
Jovie Holland, 13, carefully descends one of the giant walls at Rendezvous Climbing Gym.
Welcome to Climbing
Rendezvous Gym combines physical activity with social spaces to bring people together.
By Bob Luder
Photos by Kevin Anderson
It took a good month for Mark Messner to come up with a name for his new business. He wanted it to be a positive word that caught the eye and attention. But most important, it needed to be a word that accurately summed up Messner’s overarching mission—bringing people together in a safe and fun space.
He feels he captured all that with rendezvous and Rendezvous Climbing Gym, which recently opened in the village of Seville and combines an exceptional climbing experience with additional social spaces for all to enjoy.
“I feel that rendezvous is a term that determines what we’re doing,” says Messner, a former elementary schoolteacher. “I want to focus on being a place that’s welcoming for people of all ages and abilities, where parents can bring their kids and climb with them.
“It’s all about bringing people together … to be that spot.”
The concept for Rendezvous was born from Messner’s use of sports to connect and inspire students through an after-school running program. As a reward to his program’s “captains,” he arranged a trip to a local climbing gym for team-building.
“That was probably my most fun day of teaching,” he says. “I decided to make my most fun day of teaching into every day.”
Messner left teaching due to the COVID-19 pandemic and began thinking about creating a facility that would create opportunities to introduce climbing with a specific focus on school-aged youngsters.
Climbing for everyone
Walking in the front door of Rendezvous Climbing Gym, it’s impossible not to notice the walls first. Several large vertical sides rise from padded floors at various angles, with more than a thousand small protrusions—known as holds—placed in various patterns and colors.
Rendezvous is a “bouldering” gym. Bouldering is a discipline that keeps climbers relatively close to the ground and does not require ropes or harnesses. Aside
from a pair of climbing shoes, which can be rented at the gym, climbers rely solely on their hands, feet … and some guile and dexterity.
“What’s cool about bouldering is that there’s very little equipment or experience needed,” Messner says. “Anybody can do it.”
A team of setters designed and set up approximately 130 different “routes”—climbing sequences of typically 6 to 8 moves—designed with different styles, types of holds and difficulty levels. Routes, which are reset every 6 to 8 weeks, are distinguished by their degrees of difficulty using different colors for the holds. Cards are also affixed to holds near the bottom, signifying one of six levels on what’s known as the V-scale of difficulty.
“(A good route) has to be aesthetic. It has to have a certain look, a certain rhythm,” says Ethan Fritsche, route setter at Rendezvous. “It has to flow. It has to be challenging within the grade of the route. You hit those spots, you have a five-star route.”
Messner says, “We make sure there’s something for everybody.”
Anyone who comes in to climb at Rendezvous undergoes a strict orientation that includes instruction in proper falling technique, a climbing tutorial, both up and down, and other safety precautions, such as never standing below a climber.
“Even if a grandparent is in here watching, they have to
What
I enjoy most about the gym since we have opened is seeing first-time climbers come in somewhat nervous about trying something new. My staff and I thoroughly enjoy spending time giving first-timers some basic techniques and skills to ensure they have fun and are not intimidated.
—MARK MESSNER
watch our orientation video,” Messner says. “We do everything we can to mitigate risk.”
For More
Rendezvous Climbing Gym
13124 State Line Road
Leawood, KS 66209
913-232-7296
www.rendezvouskc.com
Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday–Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Single-day passes ($18) and rental gear (shoes $5, chalk $3) are available, and youth under 5 receive a discounted rate ($5). Ten-visit punch cards are available for $150. Monthly memberships also are available for individuals ($75 per month) with options for additional adults or youths ($65 or $50, respectively).
Information about pricing for group events can be found at the gym’s website, at www.rendezvouskc.com
Rendezvous has “some really cool features,” Messner says, including several overhanging walls that require climbers to navigate routes from an almost upside-down posture, a cave feature with a large overhang and a wide variety of holds—crimps, jugs, pinches, pockets—that force climbers to use different parts of the hands to climb, including just fingertips.
At the north end of the gym is a shorter wall for beginners and youngsters. It has a platform at the top and an orange spiraling slide, making it easier and more fun to return to ground level.
“We’re longtime climbers, and (Rendezvous) is a really good addition to the Kansas City climbing scene,” says Catherine Satterwhite, a Kansas City resident who has made climbing a family activity. “Their kids’ area with the slide is outstanding. It can sometimes be challenging with the kids, but Rendezvous makes it the best of both worlds. It creates a protected space for them and creates a better balance for families.”
Rendezvous hosts introductory bouldering classes three times a week for those wishing to learn proper climbing skills or polish existing techniques. It also has a youth climbing program that provides coaching sessions for school-aged kids.
“What I enjoy most about the gym since we have opened is seeing first-time climbers
come in somewhat nervous about trying something new,” Messner says. “My staff and I thoroughly enjoy spending time giving firsttimers some basic techniques and skills to ensure they have fun and are not intimidated.”
More than just climbing
Rendezvous Climbing Gym provides other activities and entertainment in addition to climbing. That includes a full-service coffee bar with hot and cold drinks and food options, a game room with foosball, shuffleboard, bumper pool, ping-pong, air hockey and other games as well as a fitness area with cardio and strength training equipment. It also contains an event space that can be reserved for field trips, birthday parties, team building and other social events.
“We have already hosted some groups for team building outings and look forward to hosting many more in the future,” Messner says.
He adds that Rendezvous is working with local school districts as well as nonprofit groups such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Kansas City to provide affordable experiences.
As far as Satterwhite is concerned, Rendezvous is a climbing gym with something for everyone.
“Our family goes to all the gyms in Kansas City, and this is a very nice addition to the area,” she says. “They have really good holds. They’ve invested in good supplies to make a high-quality experience.”
Mark Messner is owner of Rendezvous Climbing Gym in Leawood.
Park Place IN LEAWOOD
Outdoor mall has a lot to offer—shops, entertainment, dining, even an ice rink.
By Pamela Spradlin Mahajan Photos by Molly Kuplen
Park Place in Leawood offers a variety of dining, entertainment, wellness, and shopping options for everyone in the family.
Charming indoor and outdoor spaces make this neighborhood a unique destination for shopping or strolling. Barkley Square, a green space at the heart of Park Place, provides a spot to relax or take in seasonal concerts, children’s events, movies, and more.
Several new stores and restaurants have opened in Park Place this year, including Mother Clucker!, which brings authentic Nashville hot chicken to Kansas City. Owners Kylie and Derrick Foster met while attending the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, and honed their culinary skills at restaurants across the country.
“I grew up between Kansas City and Arkansas and started cooking at a young age,” Derrick says. “After high school, I joined the Marines as a cook and really fell in love with food—especially the way it’s presented in different cultures. Traveling around the world gave me a unique culinary perspective.”
Derrick and Kylie opened their first Mother Clucker! location at Parlor in Kansas City in 2018, their second location in Shawnee in 2022, and their most recent location at Park Place in Leawood this year.
Those dining at Mother Clucker! are treated to classic Nashville hot chicken, tenders, wings, house-made sauces, and original milkshakes. For anyone who prefers less spice, there are a variety of spice levels to choose from.
“[Park Place] is a great spot with many options to eat and shop and a nice little area for the kids to play during summer and ice skating during winter.”
—SUSAN H.
After leaving the Marines, Derrick worked as a line cook at The Rieger in Kansas City, attended the Culinary Institute of America, and worked at several Michelin-starred restaurants in New York and Los Angeles.
“Despite enjoying fine dining, I wanted to return to my roots,” Derrick says. “I started a KC-style barbecue pop-up in Santa Ana, California, and during that time, I began recipe testing what would become Mother Clucker! When we finally got the chance to bring it to Kansas City, we jumped on it, and we haven’t looked back since.”
All for Wellness
Another newly opened business in Park Place is Perspire Sauna Studio, owned by Leena and Premal Bhakta. Leena’s inspiration for opening the franchise comes from her desire to improve her own wellness.
“I was driven by my … struggles with autoimmune disease for over 10 years,” Leena says. “Finally, over the last three, I made a commitment to own my health journey. I made lifestyle changes and saw my body functioning better. My medication was reduced because of those lifestyle changes. The next phase … was to introduce the infrared sauna to help further reduce inflammation in my body and remove toxins as well.”
When Leena could not find what she envisioned—a quick, clean, private studio she could access frequently—she researched possible franchises.
“Perspire was the brand that I felt most connected with,” says Leena. It stood out to her for several reasons. The business combines infrared sauna and red-light therapy, which are ideal for autoimmune diseases. They also partner with research organizations.
“I love the aspect that it’s not just a business, but they’re truly invested in the health of the community,” Leena says.
Perspire has nine private suites, each with an infrared sauna, red-light therapy, a television, and color therapy or chromotherapy. The saunas provide full-spectrum infrared, so the wavelengths are broad—near, mid, and far—for a wider benefit. Some benefits of an infrared sauna and red-light therapy listed by manufacturers include prompting detox, boosting immunity, and burning calories. The studio offers a $20 special for first-time visitors and has several membership options. The
Park Place
11549 Ash St. | Leawood, KS 66211
www.parkplaceleawood.com
Follow on Facebook and Instagram: @parkplaceleawood
Hours
11 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Saturday Noon–5 p.m. Sunday
memberships are month to month, with no long-term commitment required.
Even a Dentist
Another Park Place business that assists visitors with maintaining their overall health is The Smile Line Studio, a dental practice led by Dr. Geoff Kerns.
“My goal with my practice was to create a patient experience that was a little different from the typical dental office,” Kerns says. “We are wellversed in every aspect of dentistry, from cleanings to extractions to cosmetics … we are able to keep all of their treatments in one place and make sure (patients) are receiving comprehensive care.”
Kerns grew up in the area and has seen Park Place change and evolve.
“I liked the idea of being located in Leawood and Park Place because I think it’s a lively place where there is always someone walking by enjoying everything the area has to offer,” he says.
Leena was equally excited about opening a business here. “It’s a place we would come to for anniversaries, for date nights,” she says. “It’s so inviting, the fact that you can grab dinner, walk around and then get some ice cream, it’s so welcoming … the other boutiques that are here provide something that
is so unique and it really fit Perspire because we are providing something unique as well.”
Unique and Vibrant
Derrick is also passionate about Mother Clucker!’s most recent location. “Leawood’s Park Place is a vibrant, growing area with a great mix of businesses and people who really appreciate high-quality food. It’s an ideal fit for us because it’s community-driven and has that energetic, lively atmosphere we love. Leawood felt like the perfect place to continue growing our brand.”
In addition to the high-quality shopping, dining, and wellness offerings at Park Place, a variety of seasonal events are planned for the coming months.
A Halloween Scavenger Hunt will take place on October 12, and Santa Claus will make his official debut during the Holiday Season Premiere on November 23.
The Ice at Park Place, a skating rink, will be open from mid-November through February.
With many locally owned businesses, Park Place is also an ideal spot to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 30.
Even without special events, Park Place has a lot to offer.
Recent visitor Susan H. noted it’s “a great spot with many options to eat and shop and a nice little area for the kids to play during summer and ice skating during winter.”
leawood
Little Gym Little Ones Little Ones Little Gym at
Youngsters and parents alike will find a welcoming place at the new Leawood location.
By Beth Kornegay
Photos by Katie Lewis
Little Gym of Leawood Parkway Plaza
4800 W. 135th St. #300 Leawood, KS 66209 www.thelittlegym.com/ kansas-kansas-cityleawood/
Cost
$105 per month for members joining after the new Leawood location opens and $98 for founding members, which is good only before the opening. Introductory visits are available for $25. Classes are offered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week Instagram @tlgkcleawood
The Little Gym of Kansas City- Leawood
Henry Huggins, 8, demonstrates a front support on the small bars.
Not long after Carolyn Huggins gave birth to her first son in 2016, an acquaintance approached her about a position at a new business. That business, The Little Gym, was a space where children from ages 4 months to 12 years could learn and grow through movementbased learning and imaginative play. As it helps children build confidence and explore an interest in gymnastics, The Little Gym provides a supportive and positive community for parents.
Huggins took a position as gym director at the Prairie Village facility. With a degree in community health from the University of Kansas, she had a passion for working with children. Two years ago, after the birth of her third son, Carolyn purchased that location and is preparing to open a new Little Gym in Leawood.
“Growing up in Kansas City, I love the community we get to serve and be a part of. Our family lives just a block from my childhood home. Providing a rich curriculum to more kids is always my goal. Opening our second location will allow us to reach more kids in the Kansas City community,” she says.
Her sons Henry, Harry, and Harvey have all taken classes at The Little Gym since they were old enough to participate. Carolyn says she has learned so much as a mom working at The Little Gym and that teaching and talking with other new moms has been invaluable. Oldest son, Henry, now 8, has already expressed an interest in owning the gym himself someday and may be spotted “helping” at the gym from time to time. Huggins’ youngest sons can also frequently be found taking classes or running around the gym for fun.
National Franchise
age-appropriate skills and lessons. If siblings come to watch, activities in the lobby keep them busy during class.
Summer camps are also available and typically run Monday through Friday for 2 1/2 hours and include crafts with fun themes such as this year’s Olympics. In addition to classes, The Little Gym also offers birthday parties with the goal of ensuring the birthday child feels special the entire time while parents are able to relax and watch the fun.
As a franchise, The Little Gym receives lesson plans at the home office for franchisees who have partnered with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Classes at the new Leawood location will be the same as those offered in Prairie Village, including three areas of focus: Citizens Kids, Brain Boost, and Get Moving. Each program allows children to move their bodies and have fun at the same time.
Classes offered include parent/child classes for infants aged 4 months to 3 years, a pre-kindergarten gymnastics class for children ages 3 to 6 years, and a class focused on grade school gymnastics for students ages 6 to 12.
The age-based classes are designed to help children thrive. If siblings are not in the same age group, they would be in different classes because those classes are designed for
“We strive to make this as seamless as possible for the grown-ups. I know the hustle and bustle of trying to host a party at home, and I now host all of my kids’ parties at The Little Gym purely for the simplicity of it all. We have already had two of my sons’ parties there this year,” says Huggins.
Parent Survival
For parents wanting a night out without the children, The Little Gym offers one or two “Parent Survival Nights” each month. These evening events are run like a summer camp but include pizza and plenty of fun activities.
The staff at The Little Gym are a diverse group, including retired teachers, moms, high school and college students, and individuals who enjoy the opportunity to work with children and parents while also supporting the community.
Growing up as an athlete, Huggins admits she had a lot of energy, often channeling that energy into playing soccer. She characterizes herself as a big kid herself and loves getting on the children’s level to play and have fun with them. Being able to create that level of trust and bond with the children make The Little Gym special, Huggins says.
When she was in the process of purchasing the original Prairie Village location, her dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. Just over a year later, he passed away. Her dad was an important influence and a business mentor for Huggins. She runs her business to honor him with kindness and love, which are always at the forefront of her mind.
“He was my strength when it came to hard decisions, and we are so excited to be opening a new Little Gym location in Leawood. Born and raised in Leawood, I know how amazing this community is and continues to be. We can’t wait to inspire, educate, and have fun with the youngest members of our community. They are the future of our country,” Huggins says.
The Little Gym is scheduled to open in late October or early November. Watch The Little Gym’s social media accounts for information about grand opening activities.
From top Carolyn’s sons, Henry, 8, and Harry, 6, practice swinging on the high bars. The Huggins family: Harry, Henry, Carolyn, Jeff, and Harvey, 2 1/2. Carolyn’s niece Gracie swings on the rings.
Residents await the Leawood City Hall holiday lighting ceremony. This year, the event takes place November 18.
Leawood Leawood Leawood
LIGHT UP
City offers holiday events, decorations to foster a sense of community.
By Kari Williams Photos courtesy City of Leawood
Stepping into the restored one-room schoolhouse in Ironwoods Park is a return to the 1800s. And this winter season, it will again be awash with holiday cheer, games, crafts of the time, and Christmas tree decorating.
“For me, it’s the smells,” says April Bishop, chair of the Leawood Historic Commission. “The spiced cider and kids having fun … It’s just fun to see kids be creative. For me, that’s special.”
The annual Holiday Traditions on the Prairie event at the Historic Oxford Schoolhouse returns December 7, giving children the opportunity to make crafts “logical for the time period.”
“Think late 1800s, so paper chains were common. (You can) make your own Christmas cards, you can cut snowflakes out of paper,” Bishop says.
Plus, there are always a few snacks. But, again, logical to the time period.
“So no chocolate chip cookies,” Bishop says, noting those weren’t created until 1938.
Leawood Traditions
Those with a hankering for cookies can whet their appetite for the Ironwoods Park Breakfast with Santa, which coincides with Holiday Traditions on the Prairie and the Nature Center Holiday Open House.
As the holiday season approaches, these traditions are among several experiences for Leawood residents and the surrounding communities. From festive light displays to participating in charitable toy drives, the residents have ample opportunity to get into the festive spirit, no matter which holiday they celebrate.
The decorations and other events are great examples of how the city’s neighborhoods come together, whether for city- or neighborhoodinitiated activities, says Beth Breitenstein, Leawood’s strategic communications director.
“I think the holiday season draws out community togetherness and brings that to the forefront,” she says.
On November 18, Mayor Marc Elkins will have his inaugural night at the helm of the City Hall holiday lighting ceremony. The decor will be unveiled as carolers bring Christmas classics to life and attendees enjoy food and refreshments sure to put them in a festive mood.
School choirs and the Leawood Stage Company have provided music and entertainment at past events.
Roughly 200 people typically attend the event, according to former mayor Peggy Dunn.
“It really is a time to come together,” Dunn says. “Town Center Plaza tried to, on a number of occasions, light their center at the same time as we did, and it just kind of sparked that festivity throughout the whole area and gets everyone in the holiday spirit and attitude. It’s a really nice tradition.”
The holiday lighting is an all-handson-deck event across departments, Breitenstein says. Though Dunn, who had served as mayor since 1997, says it’s “driven by the Parks and Rec department.”
“I think we have an exceptional Parks and Recreation Department, and I’m really always grateful to their attention to detail,” Dunn says. “When I was there doing the countdown with all the children who were in the audience I never had a doubt that
(the lights) would turn on … They’re very dedicated to what they do.”
When Dunn would speak to the crowd before the official lighting, typically held the night of a city council meeting, she says she spoke of the myriad holidays being celebrated throughout the season, such as Hanukkah, Kwanza and Thanksgiving.
Sister City
For more than a decade, Leawood has honored its sister city, I-Lan, Taiwan, with a Lunar New Year celebration.
Rebekah Bonde, the I-Lan Sister City Committee’s publicity chair, says she was always interested in the fabric and makeup of a community.
“It’s so important to recognize who is living in our community and these deep relationships that we have … Our sister city relationship is more than ceremonial,” Bonde says.
The draw for people who don’t typically celebrate Lunar New Year, Bonde says, is the intrigue and the thrill of discovering something new.
“For the most part, people are just enjoying the experience and enjoying the exposure,” she says. “We all love Leawood together and all bring a little something special.”
That togetherness also occurs with the Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop organized by Chabad House Center of KC. The Leawood Fire Department provides its platform ladder truck for the event. A date for this year’s event has not yet been announced.
Fire Chief Colin Fitzgerald says the department provides its platform ladder truck for the gelt drop at City Hall.
“That’s always fun and very well attended,” he says.
Leawood also participates in KSHB 41’s Salvation Army Season of Hope Toy Drive, and its three fire stations serve as drop-off locations for donations.
For more information, download the Parks & Rec program guide at www. leawood.org/DocumentCenter/ View/1042/2024-Fall-Winter-ProgramGuide-PDF?bidId=.
Schedule Schedule OF EVENTS
November 18
Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Outside Leawood City Hall
4800 Town Center Drive
6 p.m.
Enjoy caroling, refreshments and other entertainment to kick off the holiday season with City Hall’s annual lighting ceremony.
December 5
Present-Making
Maple Room | Leawood Community Center | 4800 Town Center Drive
6–7:30 p.m.
Ages 6–12
resident $20 / nonresident $25
Make (and wrap!) a photo frame, coffee mug, clay sculpture and ornament for family and friends.
December 7
Breakfast with Santa
The Lodge at Ironwoods
Ironwoods Park | 14701 Mission Road
Three sessions to choose from:
7:45–9 a.m.; 9:30–10:45 a.m.; 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
resident $15 / nonresident $17 / Children 12 months and younger are FREE. Registration required Register by November 27
Meet Santa and enjoy an all-youcare-to-eat pancake and sausage breakfast provided by the Leawood Lions Club. Santa will be available for photos and to hear your Christmas wishes.
December 7
Holiday Traditions on the Prairie
Historic Oxford Schoolhouse
Ironwoods Park
Free admission
8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Enjoy holiday music, crafts and decorating the schoolhouse tree.
December 7
Nature Center Holiday Open House
Prairie Oak Nature Center
Ironwoods Park
Free admission
8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Visit reptiles, amphibians, and fish and see what birds are outside at the feeders. Staff will be available to answer nature and program questions and assist with crafts. Refreshments will be provided.
December 18
Present-making
Maple Room | Leawood Community Center | 4800 Town Center Drive
10–11:30 a.m.
Ages 2–5 | resident $20 / nonresident $25
Make (and wrap!) a photo frame, coffee mug, clay sculpture and ornament for family and friends.
December 19
Old Fashion Holiday: Bake three classic Christmas recipes
Maple Room | Leawood Community Center | 4800 Town Center Drive
Little Chefs of Leawood:
4–7 years | 4:30–5:45 p.m.
Culinary Artists of Leawood: 8–14 years | 6:15–7:45 p.m.
resident $25 / nonresident $30
December 26–January 26
Christmas Tree Recycling
Three locations:
Leawood City Park | 10601 Lee Blvd. Ironwoods Park | 14701 Mission Road
Tomahawk Park fields | 119th & Tomahawk Creek Parkway
Christmas trees only. Must be free of all decorations, lights and stands. Remove trees from plastic bags and discard bags in trash. No artificial trees.
January 31, 2025
I-Lan’s Lunar New Year, the year of the snake
Vista 154 at Ironhorse Golf Club 15400 Mission Road
Begins at 6 p.m.
$40/person
Reservations accepted after December 16
Reservation deadline: January 20, 2025
By Jill Dutton
Fun at Fun at
Photos by Kevin Anderson
The streets
of Park Place Leawood were lined with vendors, and the smells of wagyu beef and street tacos wafted gently, drawing my daughter and me to various tents at this year’s A Taste of Leawood. Live music from The Ragged Heirs played in the background as we excitedly checked out the food vendors.
We started with a donut from Duck Donuts—not a traditional starter, but we couldn’t resist the chocolate- and nutcovered cake donuts. They were tender and fresh and whetted our appetites for more. Next was a slice of Margherita pizza from Dewey’s Pizza, then a rich and savory corned beef hash from Urban Egg. It wasn’t long before we needed to rest and digest before trying more, so we stopped for a bit to listen to the music at Park Place Barkley Square.
A Taste of Leawood is an annual Leawood Chamber festival that has become a beloved tradition for food enthusiasts. Top chefs come prepared to share signature dishes while visitors sample gourmet and specialty small plates throughout the evening.
“A Taste of Leawood serves as the Leawood Chamber’s largest annual fundraiser and the largest community event within Leawood,” says Taylor Limoges, vice president of programming and communications for the Leawood Chamber. “The event showcases the area’s top restaurants (this year, we had 19 participating restaurants). Sponsors and vendors are also spotlighted. With this year’s event being at Park Place, several shops in the center extended their store hours to attract Taste of Leawood attendees.”
The event started in 1997 as a progressive dinner called “Grazing the Trail.” Limoges says event-goers would commute via trolley throughout the night.
“As the years went on and demand grew, a permanent (nonmobile) location was needed, which became Leawood City Hall. After many years at City Hall, the venue moved to Town Center Plaza, which was a wonderful host. As
we continue to showcase Leawood destinations, Park Place was an obvious next choice for both this year and into the future. We’ve added several fun elements to the event throughout the years—a photo bus, caricature artist, live band, glamping amenities to lounge and more.”
The highlight of the event, Limoges says, is the “bottomless food from all the restaurant vendors (and maybe the drink tickets!), along with a sense of community.”
“Whether it’s treated as a date night, a girl’s night out or a networking opportunity, everyone is sure to have a good (and delicious) time. The restaurants love showcasing their menu to folks who may not have tried them otherwise,” she says.
Signature Dishes
Silo Modern Farmhouse, like all of the vendors, brought the best of its best, this year featuring Chef Laura’s Veal Ragu over a bed of Palmetto Farms stone ground grits finished with fresh arugula.
“We thought this dish would be fitting for the transition into the fall season as it encompasses the home-cooked comfort and culinary refinement we strive for here at Silo,” says Taylor Tantillo, food and beverage director for Silo.
“We are always honored to participate in Taste of Leawood and love engaging in the community, showcasing our seasonal menu items and collaborating with other restaurants in the area.”
Rye Leawood event manager India D’Ortona says the restaurant “featured an heirloom squash gazpacho as well as our house-made pumpkin pie tartlets. We wanted to celebrate our fall seasonal menu change as well as our local farmers through modern provisions.”
Of the event, D’Ortona says, “Rye supports locally and we love to be involved with our neighborhood. The Taste of Leawood (event) allows us to showcase just a taste of what Rye brings to our Leawood community. The whole experience is a blast and allows us to get outside of our normal environment. It is always amazing to see a group of people gather over beautiful food.”
A Taste of the Best
Participants in the 2024 Taste of Leawood
801 Chophouse
Andy’s Frozen Custard
Aqua Penny’s
Bamboo Penny’s Booth Creek Wagyu
Bruu Cafe
Dewey’s Pizza
Duck Donuts
Mission Taco Joint
Mother Clucker! Pinstripes
RA Sushi
Rye
Silo Modern Farmhouse
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Torchy’s Tacos
Tuk Thai
Urban Egg
www.atasteofleawood.com
Krystle Shoemaker, assistant general manager for Booth Creek Wagyu, says, “This year’s A Taste of Leawood was definitely one for the books!
“Our company featured the steak bites in our BC20 label, and we used the K.C. Strip End Cut steak. Our Wagyu comes as low as 10% marbling and can go as high as 40% plus, so we wanted to showcase a nice, mid-range steak to better suit all tastes and preferences. We also sampled our Wagyu beef jerky for football season, as it’s a great conversation starter.
“As far as the festival, we were invited to attend by the Leawood Chamber of
Commerce, and we thought it would be a great opportunity to work with local vendors and reach an audience that hadn’t yet heard of our brand.”
Shoemaker says, “Some stand-out moments from the event were how great everyone was and how well we were received by the guests and fellow vendors. It was our first time doing something like this, but we are looking forward to attending similar events in the future.”
Until next year, stay tuned for the 2025 A Taste of Leawood, an evening of libations, food, community and entertainment. Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 6-9pm at Park Place a
Call 913-374-6385 to schedule your tour today and see why active seniors are choosing The Fairways of Ironhorse.
“I’ve found the people here to just be fun to be with. They’re all enjoyable and good neighbors all the way through. It just becomes a family. It’s a great place to live.” - Davis, Fairways of Ironhorse Resident
Pictured: Reaching by William S. Nemitoff
City Resources
City of Leawood
Municipal Government 4800 Town Center Drive
Leawood, KS 66211 913-339-6700 www.leawood.org
Public Works 913-663-9131 publicworks@leawood.org www.leawood.org/207/Public-Works
Home Owners Association
913-339-6700, ext. 103 is@leawood.org www.leawood.org/312/Home-Owners-Association
Animal Licenses
913-663-9123 www.leawood.org/364/Animal-Licenses
UTILITIES
Electric
Evergy 816-471-5275 www.evergy.com
Natural Gas
Kansas Gas Service
800-794-4780 www.kansasgasservice.com
Water
WaterOne 913-895-1800 www.waterone.org
Sewer
Johnson County Wastewater 913-715-8500 www.jocogov.org/department/wastewater
Internet
AT&T
833-404-0279 www.att.com/local/internet/kansas/leawood
Google Fiber
844-363-4237 www.fiber.google.com
Spectrum 855-366-7132
www.spectrum.com/internet-service/kansas/leawood
Home Telephone
AT&T
800-288-2020 www.att.com/home-phone/landline
Spectrum 855-366-7132 www.spectrum.com/home-phone
Cable
AT&T
800-288-2020
Spectrum 855-366-7132
Trash
Home Owners Associations contract and coordinate trash services for residents. Visit the HOA section of the City of Leawood website or call City Hall at 913-339-6700 or Public Works at 913-663-9130.
BY KARI WILLIAMS
Leawood Chamber Staff
Stephanie Meyer President and CEO
Alan McGrew Vice President of Operations
Taylor Limoges Vice President of Programming & Communications
Jacqueline Shrum 2024 Leawood Chamber Board Chair
leawood
DIRECTORY OF Leawood EDC Investors
AdventHealth
www.adventhealth.com/hospital/ adventhealth-shawnee-mission 913-676-2000
Affinis Corp www.affinis.us 913-239-1100
Bank of Blue Valley www.bankbv.com 913-338-1000
BCCM Construction
www.bccmconstruction.com
816-659-9115
Block Real Estate Services LLC
www.blockllc.com
816-756-1400
CBIZ
www.cbiz.com 816-945-5500
City of Leawood www.leawood.org 913-339-6700
Commerce Bank www.commercebank.com 816-234-1759
Contract Furnishings www.contractfurnishings.com 816-931-0900
Country Club Bank
www.ccbfinancial.com/countryclubbank 816-751-4251
CrossFirst Bank
www.crossfirstbank.com 844-261-2548
Cuvee KC www.cuveekc.com
DEMDACO www.demdaco.com 888-336-3226
Evergy www.evergy.com 888-471-5275
JE Dunn Construction www.jedunn.com 816-474-8600
Johnson County Community College www.jccc.edu 913-469-8500
Johnson County Management
www.jcmre.com/wp 913-649-0123
Martin Pringle Attorneys at Law www.martinpringle.com 913-491-5500
Menorah Medical Center www.hcamidwest.com/locations/ menorah-medical-center 913-498-6000
MOD Architecture www.mod-arch.com 816-898-4097
Musselman and Hall Contractors www.musselmanandhall.com 816-861-1234
Oddo Development www.oddodevelopment.com 913-894-6336
Olsson www.olsson.com 913-748-2574
Greg Peppes, DDS www.leawood.dental/landing 913-642-3939 (office) 913-593-6471 (personal)
Polsinelli PC www.polsinelli.com 816-572-4502
Reece Commercial Real Estate www.reececommercial.com 913-652-4300
Saint Luke’s Health System www.saintlukeskc.org 816-932-8160
Security Bank of Kansas City www.securitybankkc.com 913-281-3165
Sunflower Bank www.sunflowerbank.com 913-232-7100
Town Center Plaza • Crossing www.towncenterplaza.com 913-498-1111
UMB Bank www.umb.com 816-860-7000 (KCMO location)
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