Why RodrockLife at Rodrock

An abundance of family-friendly activities are planned thanks to the Council, including spring egg hunts, Memorial weekend pool-opening parties, July 4th bike-a-thons, and pumpkin-carving contests, depending upon the community. In December, families adore the holiday hayride and caroling event, which features huge Belgian draft horses pulling wagons down decorated streets.

These gatherings help new neighbors get to know each other and have fun, but they also build a strong sense of community and help provide families—and importantly children—a safe place to grow up. Such community-building efforts forge friendships and build a true sense of togetherness, which resonates deeply with families:

“In our neighborhood, we have more than just neighbors—we have great friends! And our kids have made great friends, too. The Moms’ Council is a wonderful way to stay connected with your neighbors and community.” – Lori Anderson of Stonebridge Trails

“The Moms’ Council is such a great way to not only engage with your neighbors but to help create memories for your children that will last a lifetime.” – Aubree Barbosa of Grayson Place.

“Growing our children takes a village. The Rodrock Moms’ Council is encouraging that fellowship. Events for families encourage lifelong relationships in our neighborhood, and we’re able to incorporate elements into our events such as food drives and working with Operation Gratitude that allow our children to learn to give to others.” – Krista Suozzo of Forest View

Created in 1997, the Rodrock Vision Scholarship prides itself on being “a worthwhile investment in a brighter future for us all.” The scholarships are offered to graduating seniors who’ve demonstrated a commitment to their communities, the ability to set goals and achieve them, and the capacity to assume responsibility. 

The scholarship requires applicants be a member of that year’s high-school graduating class, live within a Rodrock community, and have plans to continue their education beyond high school. Each finalist is carefully chosen after completing a thorough application process that included written statements, character references, and interviews. More than 135 scholarships have been gifted over the last 20-plus years.

It’s yet another way Rodrock gives back to the community and imbibes its neighborhoods with goodwill. And what a difference it’s made in many young lives:

“It meant the world to me that an amazing development company like Rodrock, which developed the home my family lived in, would help provide financial means for me to obtain an amazing college education,” says Brie Stingley, who earned the Rodrock Vision Scholarship in 2008. “I decided to go to a small, private (but expensive) college in Chicago. Rodrock Development helped provide me the means to do this.”

“I will be attending Pittsburg State University as a member of the Honors College program,” says Rylee McElroy, a 2020 scholarship recipient. “I will be pursuing degrees in both Nursing and Spanish. Although I hope my future is full of service and giving back, it still comes with a price. I have seen how easy it is to get lost in the complications of life, especially financial obstacles. This scholarship lifts a portion of that burden off of my shoulders and gets me one step closer to achieving my goals. I am thankful Rodrock has willingly invested in my future by giving me the means to look past those obstacles and focus on my purpose!”

Arbor Lake, Arbor Woods, Forest View, and Grayson Place feed into the Olathe School District, which has more than 30,000 students in some 51 schools. With a vision that states, “Students prepared for THEIR future,” Olathe has some 17 Blue Ribbon School Awards, more than any other district in the state.

Three communities—including Riverstone, Mission Ranch, and Sundance Ridge—are in the highly coveted Blue Valley School District. This award-winning district has more than 22,500 students, spread across 35 campuses. With a mission of “unprecedented academic success and unparalleled personal growth for every student,” Blue Valley’s strong schools are a draw for families all over the area.

In fact, all five Blue Valley high schools were named to the Washington Post’s 2015 most challenging high schools list, Newsweek’s 2014 top public high schools list, and The Daily Beast’s 2014 list of America’s top high schools. Meanwhile, Stonebridge Meadows, Stonebridge Trails, Stonebridge Park all feed into the Spring Hill School District, which welcomes more than 3,000 students into some seven schools. In fact, paved trails within these communities lead directly to Prairie Creek Elementary School, which has repeatedly won the Governor’s Award, and the newly opened Woodland Middle School.

Finally, the Greens of Chapel Creek is in the De Soto School District, which welcomes 7,000 students through the doors of its 12 campuses, with seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools. The district states it “has built a record of achievement in instructional program quality, policy development, efficiency of operation and student co-curricular activities...”

With such exceptional educational choices, children are equipped for success—from Kindergarten all the way through high school. These fantastic institutions are part of what makes Rodrock communities absolute havens for families of all shapes and sizes.

Zero-entry pools allow little ones to wade safely into waters just the right depth for their comfort level, while the deeper end is ready for experienced swimmers. Meanwhile, cabanas provide plenty of space for comfortable changing. 

But pools and slides are just the beginning: In communal green space, pergola-covered grills and ample picnic areas are perfectly situated for
neighborhood get-togethers. Families flock to the well-equipped children’s playgrounds, where kids burn off extra energy. Some neighborhoods even offer hard-surface sports courts for basketball, tennis, bocce ball, and volleyball.

Another incredibly popular amenity is the richly appointed clubhouses, complete with workout facilities, found in many Rodrock communities. Not only are the clubhouses stocked with fine workout equipment, but there’s also room for entertaining. Homeowners love to book these spaces for birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, and more – enjoying the convenience of parties in a great event space without the work of entertaining in their homes. 

Many communities are linked with paved trails, which offer residents an easy way to visit friends and make use of the neighborhood’s pools, playgrounds, and more. Residents appreciate having a safe place for strolls, bike rides, runs, and more.

At every turn, a sense of community is fostered and families are put first!

In 2010, the same list placed Shawnee at number 17, and in 2008 the magazine ranked Olathe 11th. Among the perks of Johnson County residency, Money listed can’t-miss local attractions including the 96-acre, tournament-level Overland Park Soccer Complex, the Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, the 300 acres of the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, and the Museum at Prairie Fire. As well, there are a great number of golf courses, country clubs, fine libraries, high-end shopping areas, and more within minutes.

And with easy access to a number of highways, Johnson County is a short distance from all the shows and attractions of downtown Kansas City, Lawrence, and countless other locales. Johnson County offers beautiful land, healthy cities, unparalleled educational systems, and the friendliness and values for which the Midwest is famous. Why would Rodrock look anywhere else to build better communities?