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Demographics | Education | Health Care | Workforce & Industry
Public Safety | Recreation | Helpful Information
Demographics ~
Merriam (4.3 square miles) is located in Northeast Johnson County and is only eight miles from metropolitan Kansas City. A central location and relatively small size make Merriam an accessible and convenient place for residence and business. With Interstate 35 running north/south right through the middle of the city and Interstate 70 just a short distance to the north, Merriam is only minutes away from any location in Kansas City.
Merriam, Kansas with its 10,000 plus population (Census 2000) is a truly unique city. With its central location, strong sense of community, and active growing business climate, Merriam enjoys all of the good life and advantages of being in the Kansas City metropolitan area while retaining the small town feeling, friendliness and pride generally found in small Midwestern towns. Excellent schools, attractive neighborhoods, a diverse economic base, reasonable cost of living and an educated work force make Merriam the ideal choice for both individuals looking for a new home and businesses seeking a favorable business climate. |
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Education ~
Merriam is part of the nationally ranked Shawnee Mission School District, a prestigious, public education system. Tthe Shawnee Mission School District has received a Gold medal rating from Expansion Management Magazine putting the district in top four percent of school districts in the nation.
Two elementary, two middle, and one high school serve Merriam residents. The longest distance of travel is to the high school and is less than ten minutes. Grade schools are generally located within the neighborhoods they serve, allowing the majority of children to walk to school if they desire.
Extensive adult education opportunities ranging from community college courses to graduate degree programs are offered through local branches of the University of Kansas, University of Missouri – Kansas City, Johnson County Community College, and a number of other private institutions in the metro area, all of which are within a 20-30 minute drive of Merriam. In fact, there are over 20 institutions of higher learning in the metropolitan area.
Johnson County Community College, with enrollment at more than 34,000 students, is widely recognized as one of the best community colleges in the nation. It offers a wealth of credit and non-credit courses at its campuses in Johnson County. |
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Health Care ~
Merriam is the proud home to Shawnee Mission Medical Center, the first hospital built in Johnson County. This modern, state-of-the-art facility serves not only Merriam but all of northern Johnson County. The medical campus
expanded to include a new emergency department, intensive-care unit, comprehensive cardiac-care unit, and
surgical studies.
Retirement and assisted living facilities, doctor, dentist, chiropractor and other health care practitioner offices, and home health care offices are also located in the area. Quality health care is a top priority in Merriam. Residents have access to a full range of health services and specialization that the metropolitan area has to offer, all within in a short distance of their homes. In addition to Shawnee Mission Medical Center, six other major medical centers – Menorah Medical Center, Overland Park Regional Hospital, Saint Luke’s South, St. Joseph Health Center, Olathe Medical Center and University of Kansas Medical Center – are all located within the area. Each location has a fully staffed 24-hour emergency center and provides a variety of specialized programs. |
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Workforce & Industry ~
Merriam is home to many industrial parks, automobile service providers, office parks, shopping centers, corporate headquarters, a hospital and many small businesses. In fact, nearly 3,400 businesses are located in our part of the county employing over 56,000 people. The diversified economy provides for a stable business environment and Northeast Johnson County has continued to grow right through the past three national recessions. Over 100,000 jobs have been created in our area during the last decade and we boast a highly-educated workforce with one of the highest levels of educational attainment in America . In addition, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, workers in our area miss the least amount of work of any major metro area in the nation. |
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Public Safety ~
Merriam provides both police and fire department protection to its residents and businesses. A Med-Act emergency service unit with trained paramedics operated by the county is also located within the city fire station. The Merriam Fire Department holds the distinction of having the lowest fire insurance rating in Johnson County.
The Merriam Police Department fills several roles in addition to crime prevention and investigation. Community policing efforts, neighborhood watch programs and the nationally acclaimed DARE (Drug Awareness and Resistance Education) program, aimed at stopping crimes before they are committed, are emphasized in their efforts to strengthen neighborhood involvement. According to the FBI and KBI, this part of the county is a safe place to work and raise a family due to the violent crime rate being less than half the national average. |
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Recreation ~
Merriam citizens enjoy a wide range of recreational facilities. The city boasts numerous parks, including the Turkey Creek Streamway walking trail and the Lucyann Vavra Park, which contains the Aquatic Center, tennis courts and playground equipment. These beautiful parks provide neighborhood-based outdoor areas for walking, picnicking and playing. In addition, the 44-acre Antioch Park (a Johnson County park) is within Merriam city limits. Antioch Park has a small fishing lake, large play area and picnic areas with shelters for group activities.
The Irene B. French Community Center provides facilities and services to the residents of Merriam including recreation (daily basketball or volleyball, open gym, etc.); education (art, such as painting, investment classes, etc.); community service (seniors club, 55 alive, mature driving, fitness classes, etc.).
The Merriam Marketplace joined the recreation venue of Merriam in 2002. This large outdoor facility serves Merriam residents and visitors throughout the warmer seasons. Many events are held at the Marketplace throughout the year including the annual Farmers Market season, outdoor concerts, Turkey Creek Car Show and numerous other city functions. It is also available for rental by Merriam residents, businesses and guests.
The metropolitan area of Kansas City provides a strong arts and entertainment menu for Merriam residents. Kansas City is the home of Chiefs football, Royals baseball, Wizards soccer, and Explorers tennis teams. Big 12 college sports are closely followed due to the proximity of Kansas University (30 miles away), Kansas State University and the University of Missouri. In 2001 Kansas International Speedway Corporation joined the Kansas City sports arena by developing a new track in western Wyandotte County, hosting 2 nationally televised races per year!
It is easy to appreciate the culture and the fine arts with excellent facilities and performing artists such as the Missouri Repertory Theatre, the Lyric Opera, the Kansas City Symphony, and the State Ballet of Missouri, all located in central Kansas City. The world-renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is located just east of the County Club Plaza.
The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is located on the campus of Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. JCCC is one of the region’s major providers for the visual and performing arts (Carlsen Center). |
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Helpful Information ~
| MERRIAM VISITORS BUREAU |
913-403-8999 |
| City of Merriam |
913-322-5500 |
| Irene B. French Community Center |
913-322-5550 |
| Merriam Police Department |
913-322-5560
(911 emergency) |
| Merriam Fire Department |
913-322-5530
(911 emergency) |
| Shawnee Mission Medical Center |
913-676-2000 |
| Shawnee Mission School District |
913-993-6200 |
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