CITY OF DE SOTO NEWSLETTER

Tomorrow – Halloween Event

Tomorrow, October 17th @ 4pm-6pm

Get ready for a frightfully fun (and free) evening at our Halloween at the 'Fest event tomorrow, October 17th, from 4pm-6pm at Riverfest Park!

• Forest Trick-or-Treat Trail
• Face Painting
• Pumpkin Patch
• Bounce Houses
• Free Hamburgers & Hot Dogs
• Fall Photo Ops

Kill Creek Road Resurfacing

2026 Mill & Overlay Program

A major stretch of Kill Creek Road is getting a new surface as part of the City’s 2026 Mill & Overlay Program!

The contracted project includes resurfacing Kill Creek Road from 83rd Street to K-10, along with a few streets near downtown. Improvements along Kill Creek Road will include pavement repairs, milling, a new layer of asphalt, sections of curb and gutter improvements, and new pavement striping to improve driving conditions and extend the life of the roadway.

The program also includes:

• W. 83rd Street: Resurfacing from Penner Avenue to High Street
• High Street: Resurfacing from W. 83rd Street to W. 82nd Street
• W. 82nd Street: Resurfacing from High Street to the end of the street

A start date has not yet been finalized, but construction is expected to take approximately two to three months once work begins.

View the project locations on our interactive map.

New Public Art in De Soto

De Soto has scored some new public heART!

One of the 2026 Parade of Hearts pieces, Goals in the Sky – A Kansas City Dreamscape, created by Carol Waller, is officially ours!

For now, you can catch it outside City Hall — but it won’t be sitting on the sidelines for long. Once work wraps up at the new soccer complex later this fall, Goals in the Sky will head to its home field at Riverfest Park.

The piece was selected for De Soto’s public art collection in partnership with the De Soto Arts Council and purchased through the City’s Public Art Fund, and we think it’s a pretty perfect match.

Industrial Noise Study

With new industrial development, including data centers, planned throughout De Soto, the City is taking a closer look at its noise regulations to ensure they remain appropriate for the community.

The City Council has approved an agreement with Black & Veatch to conduct an independent Industrial Noise and Acoustical Standards Study. The study will evaluate the City's existing noise ordinance, zoning regulations, and development standards, along with best practices from other communities.

The study will be completed in two phases:

• Phase 1 (Through January 2027): Review existing regulations, compare standards in other communities, and evaluate methods for measuring noise, including low-frequency noise.
• Phase 2 (Through March 2027): Identify potential regulatory approaches and provide recommendations based on the findings.

The study will also include presentations to the Planning Commission, City Council, and the public.



The goal is to provide an independent, technical assessment of the City's current regulations and determine what updates, if any, may be warranted.

Comprehensive Plan Workshop

Wednesday, October 21st @ 6pm-7:30pm

We’re updating De Soto’s long-range Comprehensive Plan, and we want to hear from you!

Join us for a public workshop next Wednesday, October 21st, from 6pm-7:30pm at the De Soto Senior Center. Learn more about Comprehensive Plan 2057 and share your ideas for De Soto’s next 30 years through interactive activities focused on land use, mobility, community character, and more.

You can also share your input online now! In about 15 minutes, you can add ideas and concerns to an interactive map, complete a brief community survey, and post your ideas for De Soto’s future on the idea wall.

Whether you’ve lived in De Soto for decades or are new to the community, we hope you’ll get involved as we look ahead to our 200th year in 2057.

Hometown Table

Saturday, October 31st @ 10am

Pull up a chair — the next Hometown Table is Saturday, October 31st, at 10am! This month’s gathering will be held downstairs at City Hall in Home Room (001). 

Hometown Tables offer a chance to connect with Council outside the formal meeting structure. Each session begins with a brief update on what’s happening in the City, followed by open conversation. 

No gavel. No formal motions. No countdown clock. Because some of the best conversations happen around a table.

Water Monitoring Notice

We're notifying water customers of a 2025 monitoring violation involving two required samples for disinfection byproducts that were not collected within the designated timeframe. Once the missed requirement was identified, our staff collected and submitted the samples, and the results met applicable drinking water standards.

This was a monitoring compliance issue, not a finding that our drinking water exceeded water quality standards. We're also providing notice directly to water customers. You can review the full public notice, including additional information about the violation and corrective actions, on our website.

Contain the Rain Grants

Last Call for 2026 Grants!

October 31st is the last day De Soto residents can apply to save on sustainable landscaping projects!

The Contain the Rain program, offered by the City of De Soto and Johnson County, is a cost-share program that reimburses residents for up to 50% of eligible project costs.

Eligible upgrades include:

• Planting native flowers
• Adding native trees
• Installing a rain barrel
• Creating a rain garden

The De Soto City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, October 15th, at City Hall. View the agenda here. Quick rundown:

• Approved a temporary use permit for Reach Church Community Trunk-or-Treat
• Approved an agreement for community center restroom floor replacement
• Approved the purchase of Riverfest Soccer Field owner-furnished equipment
• Approved a donation request from the Johnson County Chapter of the NAACP
• Approved a quote from Sargent Drilling for cleaning of Well #17
• Approved a bid for the 2026 Mill & Overlay Program
• Approved a task order with GBA for Riverfest Sports Complex restrooms
• Approved MOU with NWCFD for a shared employee
• Approved the purchase of AquaZip'N for the Aquatic Center
• Approved a revised resolution relating to eminent domain proceedings for the 99th Street water line project
• Approved four rezonings at K-10 and Kill Creek Road for GRATA Development
• Approved issuance of industrial revenue bonds for Geiger Ready Mix
• Approved issuance of special obligation property assessment revenue bonds for the Evening Star Road Improvement District
• Approved issuance of special obligation property assessment revenue bonds for the Sunflower Improvement District sanitary sewer improvements
• Approved a Construction Manager at Risk contract with Garney Construction
• Approved an agreement with Black & Veatch for the industrial noise and acoustical standards study

Street Sealing Project Update

The City's 2026 Pavement Preservation Program is heading into its final stretch, with a slight schedule change due to the rainy weather.

Contractor crews have completed crack sealing in the Oak Country neighborhood. Microsurfacing, the final phase of the program, is now scheduled to begin Monday, October 19th, with completion anticipated Tuesday, October 20th. Both treatments help protect the pavement from deterioration and extend the life of the roads.

Microsurfacing will take place along W. 88th Street, Shorewood Drive, Lynne Road, Oak Country Lane, and W. 91st Street.

Crews will work through the neighborhood one lane at a time, with traffic control in place. Take a closer look at the project area on our interactive map.

In-House Asphalt Complete

City Public Works crews have officially wrapped up the 2026 In-House Asphalt Program, which included overlays on three stretches of roadway:

• Kickapoo Street from W. 83rd Street to its northern end
• Waverly Road from W. 89th Street to Explorers Trail
• Waverly Road from W. 95th Street to W. 99th Street

In addition to the overlays, crews completed approximately 1,900 feet of asphalt edge work in several areas throughout De Soto following recent curb repairs.

Check out the project map for a closer look at the roadway improvements included in this year's program.

Diamond Art Workshop

Monday, October 19th @ 6pm-7pm

Add a little sparkle to your evening (and your art) at our October Diamond Art Workshop! 

• Where: Home Room (001)
• Cost: $15/person
• Register by: Sunday, October 18th @ 4pm

Kinusaiga Art Workshop

Tuesday, October 20th @ 6pm-8pm

Explore kinusaiga, a Japanese art form that uses fabric pieces to create colorful, textured designs.

Participants will learn the basic process and create a fall-themed project of their own! No sewing or previous art experience is required, and all supplies will be provided.

• Where: Home Room (001)
• Cost: $15/person
• Register by: Monday, October 19th @ 4pm

Beginner Sourdough Class

Wednesday, October 21st @ 6:30pm-8pm

Learn the basics of starting, maintaining, and baking with sourdough during this beginner-friendly class!

Participants are asked to bring four cups of bread flour and a medium-sized bowl. All other materials and instructions will be provided during class.

• Where: Home Room (001)
• Cost: $25/person
• Register by: Monday, October 19th @ 4pm

Last Call: Youth Basketball

Youth Basketball Clinic

November 7th, 14th, & 21st

Open to boys and girls in Kindergarten through 6th grade, the clinic helps young players build their basketball skills while focusing on teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun! Sessions begin at 8:30am, 9:30am, or 10:30am, depending on grade level.

• Where: City Hall Gymnasium
• Cost: $30 per participant (All 3 Sessions)
• Register by: Sunday, October 18th, to receive a clinic shirt

Tiny Basketball League

January 2027

• Grades: 1st & 2nd Grade
• Cost: $35 (Includes Team Shirt)
• Register by: Sunday, November 1st

Youth Basketball League

January 2027

• Grades: 3rd-6th Grade
• Cost: $40 (Includes Team Shirt)
• Register by: Sunday, November 1st

Senior Programs

Board Games

Last Wednesdays @ 1pm-2pm

• Upcoming: October 28th
• Where: Senior Center
• Cost: Free

Bingo

Second Wednesdays @ 1pm-2pm

• Next Date: December 9th
• Where: Senior Center
• Cost: Free

Schedule note: Neither program will take place in November due to Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.

Evening Yoga Classes

Tuesdays/Thursdays @ 6:30pm-7:30pm

We've got a new lineup of yoga classes, held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Fitness Room.

November Classes:

• Tuesdays: Nov. 3rd-17th | $9
• Thursdays: Nov. 5th-19th | $9

December Classes:

• Tuesdays: Dec. 1st-15th | $9
• Thursdays: Dec. 3rd-17th | $9

USD 232 Ranks #2 in Kansas

De Soto Unified School District 232

Congratulations to USD 232 for once again being ranked as the #2 Best School District in Kansas; the district also placed in the top 4% nationwide in the 2027 Niche rankings!

We're proud to have such a strong district as part of our community. Keep up the fantastic work!

Restoration Advisory Board

October 22nd, U.S. Army, KDHE, & U.S. EPA

The U.S. Army is hosting a Former Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant Restoration Advisory Board meeting on Thursday, October 22nd, at 6pm in the Senior Center at City Hall. 

Representatives from the U.S. Army, Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be there to answer questions at the conclusion of the board meeting.

DEA Drug Take Back Day

October 24th, JoCo Sheriff, NWCFD, & Harps

National Drug Take Back Day is next Saturday, October 24th!

• Time: 10am-2pm
• Where: Harps Grocery - De Soto

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Northwest Consolidated Fire District, and Harps Grocery host this event to help provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. They will accept unused or expired prescription drugs, vet medications, and over-the-counter medications.

Harps will also be supplying free burgers and hot dogs as a customer appreciation event. (You don’t have to bring any meds in to get free food!)

Fall Harvest Festival

October 24th, The Barn at Kill Creek Farm

The Fall Harvest Festival at The Barn at Kill Creek Farm will take place on Saturday, October 24th, from 10am to 4pm. The event began with the farm’s early pumpkin sales and has since expanded to include a variety of family-friendly activities.

This free community festival will feature hay slide fun, hands-on rope making, an old-fashioned cake walk, rustic hayrides, unique items from local crafters, and a complimentary lunch. The festival highlights local artisans, agricultural activities, and traditional farm experiences.

De Soto Trick-or-Treat Events

De Soto United Methodist Church

• Date: October 25th, 3pm-5pm
• Location: 8760 Kill Creek Rd.

De Soto Baptist Church

• Date: October 25th, 5pm
• Location: 8655 Copeland Way

Hillside Village of De Soto

• Date: October 31st, 1pm-3pm
• Location: 33600 W. 85th St.

Reach Church De Soto

• Date: October 31st, 3:30pm-5:30pm
• Location: 33085 W. 83rd St.

Olaf's Winter Workshop

October 25th, De Soto High School Theatre

Join De Soto High School Theatre for Olaf’s Winter Workshop on Sunday, October 25th, from 2pm-3:30pm! Families with children in 5th grade and younger are invited to enjoy an afternoon of singing, dancing, games, and treats at four Frozen-themed activity stations. The fun continues afterward with Trunk or Treat in the DHS parking lot!

Registration is $25 per child, and an adult must attend with each child at no additional cost. Costumes are welcome! All proceeds support DHS Theatre’s fall production of Frozen.

Register here.