Planning Community Connectivity

Project Overview

Phase I | Oz Commons (2020 - 2021)

In 2020, the City of Osawatomie, KS received a grant through the MARC Planning Sustainable Places (PSP) Program. The PSP grant is part of the Creating Sustainable Places initiative and the region’s long-range plan Connected 2050. The City of Osawatomie was selected among other regional applicants to further Vibrant, Connected & Green places. This project marked the largest planning efforts undertaken by the City and community of Osawatomie since the 1990s. This was an exciting time to plan for the future of the community, and the outpouring of community engagement was critical to its success. This first phase project, titled "Oz Commons Osawatomie Downtown Redevelopment" or simply "Oz Commons," focused on the downtown district, connecting key transportation corridors and trails, and enhancing the community’s identity and role in the region. This community-driven plan enlisted the help of key stakeholders and the community to create a guided redevelopment plan for the City and elected officials. The final recommendations can be found here.

Phase II | The Hub (2022 - 2023)

In 2022, City officials applied for and were awarded an Implementation grant through the PSP program, which allowed the community to reengage again, this time with a much narrower focus into the downtown corridor. A bustling and transformative community "hub" was the core component of our Phase II grant award, as well as a concentration on primary active transportation networks (sidewalks, trails, and pathways for people and non-motorized traffic). The final recommendations for this planning study can be found here.

Phase III | Trailhead Master Plan (2024-2025)

City officials applied for a third round of Planning Sustainable Places in 2024 with a focus on creating a long-term development master plan for the Mile Zero Trailhead for the Flint Hills Trail State Park, as well as additional studies of our community's pedestrian network and neighborhood connections. The final recommendations for this planning study can be found here.