Waterworks Lake South — Attraction in Olathe

Wonderful place to go for a walk or to fish!!! Unfortunately, it is constantly overcrowded. I also can't take my family there without feeling like an outsider. There has also been a major uptick in gang graffiti all around within the past year. Currently, as of 4/28/24, there has been black spray painted letters on the walking path of the small pond for over 2 months and the playground contains alot usually as well. People are sleeping there half the time, either on the playground or in the portable toilet. One day at around 1 PM, I walked there, and as I approached I could hear some sort of screaming. Talking w my wife on the phone thinking someone might be in trouble, I look to see a person was standing on the dock by the swing screaming constant profanities which then turned towards me, as I caught glimpse of them -unfortunately-, for no reason. This seemingly drugged out early 20's looking individual proceeded to scream at me for more than a 1/4 mile around the big pond of me trying to ignore them never once having even looked at them after the initial noticing, while still talking to my wife on the phone, now nervous to be halfway around the big pond w nowhere to go.... luckily I walk a lot so I started speed walking til they thankfully gave up. That's one of quite a few unfortunate instances I could give and wished there were none. Place was pleasant and was always a great place. Been going here since 1994 and it saddens me to see it in it's current state. If there were more lighting around to help control the "homeless activities" and possibly around the whole trail, tables without staples embedded everywhere and possibly a dock at the south end where the hatchery used to be, A+ for a small in-town park!!! Until safety is dealt with, I unfortunately have to give 3 instead of 5 stars and it kills me to say it. I won't even attempt to take my children there anymore. Pointless. Nowhere to park anyway. People always double park while never leaving the basketball hoop area open so it is pointless and hardly any "elbow room" anymore even to fish. Find it on a empty day (good luck) and it's a diamond...

Nice walking trail around a small body of water. There are plenty of trees for shade in the summer. Some of the trees grow berries that you can pick and take home. It's been a while since I've been but they at least used to have a portable bathroom, not sure if they still have that. It's not usually crowded so it's...

Nice little unused lake. Great for quiet time. Water...