With the Kansas Family Farm slowly disappearing, the Children's Farmstead was established in 1976, and was re-named in 1985 in honor of the first Overland Park Police Officer killed in the line of duty as the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. Deanna Rose’s Legacy is to preserve the Farm Legacy so children in the city can learn facts of life from the charm of the farm. Children treasure such memories as gathering eggs, the sweet smell of hay, and learning first hand where milk comes from.

Today, the Farmstead is twelve acres of family fun, education and entertainment. Each season it has in excess of 350,000 visitors a year and is free to all.

The Farmstead depicts a turn-of-the-century farm that includes:

• Petting zoo
• Picturesque gardens
• Authentic one-room schoolhouse
• Kwanza Indian Encampment
• Authentic mining exhibit
• Fishing pond
• Pony rides and much, much more.

Visitors of all ages enjoy old-fashioned hayrides as well as the modern conveniences of a concession stand and picnic areas.

The City of Overland Park (www.opkansas.org) and the Friends of the Farmstead are continually looking to the future to enhance the educational opportunities for children, maintain the charm, and insure that the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead will be around for many years to come. The newest addition to the Farmstead is a new Dairy Barn that opened April 1, 2007 along with an in-house 'moovie' with authentic tractor seating. The Friends of the Farmstead also work throughout the year to promote and support the Farmstead with fundraising efforts and excellent community events. Patrons are encouraged to check out this site's Join and Support page to learn how to become a part of the most exciting place to visit in Johnson County!