Despite floodplain challenges, Merriam has continued investing in downtown to improve the quality of life for our community. Years of planning and community input provide a strong foundation for the Downtown Master Plan, which unified past ideas into a clear strategy for the next chapter of Downtown Merriam.
1977: The Johnson Drive Bridge over Turkey Creek was closed after a flood. The bridge was reconstructed in 1980. The flood was classified as a 100-year flood. Watch this video to learn more about the history of flooding in Merriam.
1989: Purchased the former Merriam School and invested roughly $1.2 million to create the Irene B. French Community Center.
1993: Construction of Turkey Creek Streamway Trail begins.
1993: The Great Flood of 1993 causes significant damage and prompted disaster declarations. Businesses in Merriam along Turkey Creek reported $2.3 million in losses. That’s more than $5 million today. The flood was classified as a 100-year flood. Watch this video to learn more about the history of flooding in Merriam.
1998 - April: Community Visioning meeting for the future of Downtown hosted by the City and the Chamber of Commerce.
1998 - June: Developed an economic enhancement strategy to further strengthen Downtown and guide its future development.
1998 - October: Significant damage from the Oct. 4 flood prompted another disaster declaration. City documents confirm that 183 properties took on water that night — from soaked floors to rooms filled several feet deep. The flash flood put homes and businesses under water in minutes. Homes and businesses in Merriam suffered $10 million in damage. That’s more than $20 million today. Four bridges in Merriam over Turkey Creek were damaged, and railroad tracks were washed out. Recovery was not an option for 33 homes in the Quail Creek neighborhood. The homes were demolished and Quail Creek Park was established. The flood was classified as a 100-year flood. Watch this video to learn more about the history of flooding in Merriam.
1998 - October. 29: The Downtown Merriam Economic Enhancement Strategy Committee transitions to become the new Downtown Merriam Partnership.
2000: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) begins studying the Turkey Creek basin.
2000: Merriam voters approve sales tax for improvements to downtown and streets.
2001: Using voter approved sales-tax funds, the City built Merriam Marketplace and Werner Park.
2001: Completed Merriam Comprehensive Plan 2020.
2004: Downtown Merriam Revitalization Project, with street, safety, and beautification improvements, including a road diet and traffic calming.
2015: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Completes Upper Turkey Creek flood mitigation feasibility study.
2017: Merriam voters approve sales tax to build a new community center.
2016-2019: Public Art Committee begins placemaking initiative and adds Still Time, Planting the Seeds, and Hmmm... sculptures along Merriam Drive.
2019: The 5701 Steering Committee considered future use of 5701 Merriam Drive after the new Merriam Community Center opened. The City engaged residents in planning for the future of 5701 Merriam Drive (formerly the Irene B. French Community Center). Ultimately, the City preserved elements of the old community center building, seeded the site as green space, and continues to seek community input for the long-term vision of this important property.
2021: Community Satisfaction Survey results show 68% of Merriam residents agreed that Merriam should focus on revitalization & redevelopment of Downtown corridor between Johnson Drive and 55th St.
2021: Completed Comprehensive Plan 2040, guiding the City's land use, housing, development, sustainability, transportation and mobility, parks and recreation, and facilities and services across our community for the next 20 years.
2021: Partnered with Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) on two Planning Sustainable Places (PSP) grants. The first project studied the Downtown Merriam Corridor and recommends future land uses, redevelopment ideas, and a “complete street” design. The second project, led by Overland Park, reviewed the entire Merriam Drive corridor from 51st St. to Southwest Boulevard. The project studied ways to improve transportation, development, and connections between nearby communities. Both projects built off of the work of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and included input from residents, businesses, property owners, and neighboring cities.
2021: Launched the Historic Downtown Revitalization Grant, awarding up to $10,000 per business for upgrades.
2022: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers receives funding to begin design work on Turkey Creek flood mitigation.
2022: Completed the Mobile Merriam: Bike + Pedestrian Improvement Study.
2022: Completed the Downtown Merriam Corridor Plan and Merriam Connected Corridor Plan through a MARC Planning Sustainable Places grant, creating a long-term vision for the area. The plans improve the Merriam Drive corridor by supporting better transportation options, encouraging thoughtful redevelopment, and strengthening connections between nearby communities.
2023: Merriam Drive Street Improvement project recommended by the Downtown Merriam Drive Corridor Plan does not move forward after opposition by Downtown businesses and USACE beginning design work on Upper Turkey Creek flood mitigation.
2023: Reformed the 5701 Steering Committee to explore options for the future use of 5701 Merriam Drive.
2024: Community Satisfaction Survey results show 82% of residents agreed that downtown Merriam should move in a considerably different direction than today.
2025: Flash flood on Merriam Drive causes road closures, water rescues, and damage to businesses and property. The flood was classified as a 25-year flood. Watch this video to learn more about the history of flooding in Merriam.
2026: City launches Downtown Master Plan process to create a shared vision and provide a roadmap for the future of downtown.
Ongoing Efforts
- Partnered on the Turkey Creek Streamway Trail
- Established downtown design guidelines
- Advanced code compliance programs
- Conducted regular Merriam Business Surveys
- Supported the Downtown Merriam Partnership for 25 years
- Invested in streetscapes (street trees, trash cans, and pedestrian improvements)
- Maintained consistent business outreach and economic development visits
- Supported historic preservation efforts
The City also hosts signature downtown events, including:
- Turkey Creek Festival 5K (Since 1990)
- Merriam Farmers’ Market (2000 - brings 13,000 visitors each season)
- Turkey Creek Car & Motorcycle Show (2000)
- Cruise Nights (2000)
- Halloween Happenings/Scramble (2004)
- Flags 4 Freedom (2006)
- Merriam Drive Live (2018)
Merriam Drive Corridor Improvements
As part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan 2040, City leaders secured two Planning Sustainable Places (PSP) grants with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) to improve the Merriam Drive Corridor. These projects are currently on hold until the USACE provides more information about these areas.
Johnson Drive to 55th St.
- New street plans to improve vehicle, bike, and pedestrian travel
- Green infrastructure to enhance sustainability
- Updated crosswalks and lighting
- New downtown gateway monument
Downtown Merriam Corridor Plan(PDF, 27MB)
55th St. to City Limits (with Overland Park)
- Regional connection improvements for transportation and street design
- Community engagement along the corridor
- Coordinated investments to strengthen Merriam, Rosedale, Overland Park, and Mission.
Connected Corridor Plan(PDF, 45MB)