Confluence of Art & Nature: Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Friends of the Arboretum Chair Dennis Patton discusses some recent changes at the Overland Park Arboretum and what is in store for the 300-acre attraction.

Visitors heading out to the Overland Park Arboretum are now greeted by a big surprise: a ticket charge. After more than two decades as a free attraction, the 300-acre outdoor venue just-off of 179th street and 69 Highway is now charging $3 dollars to enter and a buck for kids.

Stone sign which reads Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Thanks in part to the controversy over a bronze statue of a topless woman, last year was the best ever for the arboretum which is trying to get visitors to think of them as MORE than just a park. Joining us on The Local Show is the Chair of the Friends of the Arboretum Dennis Patton.

Controversial statue of woman with breast exposed