Olathe families and nature lovers have a unique invitation this fall: join the Johnson County Parks and Recreation Department (JCPRD) for a special Wiffle ball game that doubles as a prairie‑restoration demonstration at Cedar Niles Park.
Art and natural‑resource residency brings play to the prairie
Artists Rena Detrixhe and Casey Whittier, the 2026 JCPRD Art and Natural Resources Residents, have spent the season exploring how recreation can serve as an act of care for the land. Their project, titled “Seeds of Change,” places native seeds and reclaimed materials into everyday play objects—Wiffle balls, badminton rackets, jump ropes and even a kite.
Three custom display cases line the trail near the 119th Street access point. Inside, visitors will find Wiffle balls woven from plant material and filled with native seeds, bats crafted from wild bergamot and big bluestem, and badminton rackets made from locally sourced walnut. Each item is designed to disperse seeds as it is used, turning a simple game into a living seed‑planting experiment.
Special Wiffle ball engagement, Oct. 24
On Saturday, Oct. 24, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the park will host a friendly match pitting the “Tap Roots” team against “The Rhizomes,” with musical guests Sass‑A‑Brass adding a festive touch. The diamond itself was built with prairie restoration in mind: the bases, home plate and pitcher’s mound are made of unfired clay embedded with native seeds. As the game proceeds, players and spectators alike help scatter those seeds across the field.
Detrixhe and Whittier envision the unremarkable field transforming by next spring into a blooming native‑plant meadow. By the time the installation concludes in May 2027, visitors may be able to point to new prairie growth that began with a tossed Wiffle ball.
How to experience the project
Those planning to attend should bring a lawn chair for comfortable viewing and consider applying a light layer of bug spray before heading out. After the game, a short stroll along the trail leads to the first display case, followed by a second case featuring a handmade kite, and a third case showcasing jump ropes and a surprise seed drawer.
Along the way, look for the reclaimed materials that make up the play objects—walnut, redbud, big bluestem, rattlesnake master and wild bergamot—all harvested from Johnson County parks and nearby natural areas. The installation encourages visitors to pause, notice the seeds, and appreciate how everyday recreation can support wildlife and plant life.
Why this matters for our community
The project underscores a core belief shared by many Johnson County families: caring for the land begins with awareness and intentional action. By linking a beloved pastime to ecological stewardship, the artists provide a tangible example of how parents and children can teach one another about the value of native habitats.
“Could getting to know our natural areas more intimately help us care for them?” the residency’s guiding question invites Olathe residents to consider that very idea. The answer, it seems, is a playful yes.
Visitors are encouraged to return throughout the season—winter, early spring and late spring—to observe how the prairie evolves. Each return offers a chance to see new growth, spot seed‑dispersal evidence and enjoy the evolving artwork.
About the Seeds of Change residency
The 2026 Seeds of Change project marks the fifth year of JCPRD’s Art and Natural Resources Residency, a program launched in 2022 to pair artists with natural‑resource professionals. The residency aims to spark fresh conversations about conservation and to inspire creative ways for the public to engage with Kansas’ natural heritage.
For more information about this year’s residency and to explore past projects, visit JCPRD.com/PublicArt.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
