A New Court for Black Bob Park
The Olathe City Council gave the green light to a $228,000 project that will replace the aging basketball court at Black Bob Park with a brand‑new facility, with construction slated to begin immediately and finish before the end of the season.
The decision followed a lively discussion in an online Olathe Facebook group, where about 110 residents voted that the court was not a priority and suggested alternative uses for the money, ranging from baseball training tools to an expanded farmer’s market.
One participant went further, proposing that the funds could be directed toward soccer experiences, outdoor workout equipment, or other community amenities, reflecting a broader desire for diverse recreational investments.
City officials, however, argue that the existing court has become both damaged and underused, making a replacement a practical necessity, as noted by Olathe Chief Communications Officer Cody Kennedy, who described the structure as “an aging facility that needed to be replaced.”
The council’s unanimous vote on May 19 authorized the use of post‑tensioned concrete, a durable material chosen to extend the lifespan of the new courts, and the project is now part of a series of park upgrades planned across Olathe.
While some residents remain skeptical about the allocation of resources, city leaders hope the upgraded court will revitalize the park and provide a modern venue for youth sports and community events.