The City of Overland Park established a formal sister city relationship with Bietigheim-Bissingen,
Germany in 1999.
Since then, Overland Park and German officials have been working together to establish economic development opportunities for the two communities, in addition to furthering cultural and educational ties.
Bietigheim-Bissingen
In 1975, the two cities of Bietigheim and Bissingen joined together as one city, Bietigheim-Bissingen. It is located 15.5 miles north of Stuttgart, the capital of Baden-Wuerttemberg, one of 16 states in Germany. Approximately 42,500 people call Bietigheim-Bissingen home.
Bietigheim-Bissingen's town hall was built in the 17th Century (A United States flag was put on display to honor Overland Park following the sister city signing).
The city is led by Mayor Juergen Kessing and 32 councilmembers. The mayor serves an eight-year term and can seek re-election following his term.
A redeveloped, historic city, Bietigheim-Bissingen is known for its:
- 500 year old city tower;
- Old wine growing tradition;
- Many sculptures, including the "Tower of Grey Horses" (Turm der grauen Pferde) and pedestrian areas; and
- Gallery of art and public libraries.
Relationship with Shawnee Mission South
The signing in 1999 marked the 20th anniversary
of exchanges between students in the Shawnee Mission School District and the Bietigheim-Bissingen School District. About
70 members of the Shawnee Mission South High School band were in Germany
to perform during the official ceremonies.
For more information about our sister city, call 913/895-6000 or email city@opkansas.org.