Lenexa Things to Do

After dining at one of the neighborhood restaurants I have recommended, take a walk on the trails at Sar-Ko-Par. Many stop to ponder these bicycles in the lake. The trails here are a favorite for my dog, Melody, and me. She gets real excited when we meet other Shetland Sheepdogs out for a walk.

Sar-Ko-Par Trails is host to several of Lenexa's outstanding yearly events such as the Lenexa Spinach Festival and a barbecue contest.

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Strategically placed in a scenic area of west Lenexa amongst the hills, stone outcroppings, and forest (yes, this IS in Kansas), the dam and spillway project has transformed a storm water runoff problem caused by rapid and excessive suburban growth into an important community recreational asset. The 35 acre lake and its surrounding park will offer, when totally completed, fishing, non-motorized boating, wetlands, trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and boardwalks.

Already this project has become an award winner for its unique design and excellence in construction. I am fascinated by the contemporary and visually appealing design of the dam and spillway, and recommend a visit to this site for that reason. The pleasing and eco-friendly design (engineered by Black & Veatch, a Kansas City firm) incorporates fountains, walkways, and plantings.

"According to legend, Lenexa is derived from the name of Shawnee Chief Thomas Blackhoof's wife, who was variously recorded on census records as Na-Nex-Se and Len-Ag-See. The chief and his wife had been educated in Ohio before they traveled to the Shawnee lands in present-day Johnson County. She is reported to have been a respected Christian woman. By 1870 Na-Nex-Se, was no longer listed on any Johnson County census and is presumed to have died by that date." - courtesy Lenexa Historical Society web pages.

This statue, located on the Lenexa City Hall grounds is dedicated to NaNexSe (Lenexa) and to Joan Bowman, mayor of the city during time of unprecedented growth and prosperity.

As you compare this picture with that above, you can see what a marvelous job has been done by the Lenexa Historical Society in preserving this historic old barn. It is now a fine museum documenting the early days of Lenexa and the trails.

The Legler Barn was built in 1864 along the Santa Fe Trail. It has since been moved, restored and made into Lenexa's historical museum.