Park & Om Rolls Out in Downtown KC
Jackson County officials quietly unveiled Park & Om, a first-in-the-Midwest initiative installing meditation pods inside three county parking garages. The program, funded by leftover road-repair dollars and a surprise Johnson County grant, aims to turn stop-and-go traffic stress into stop-and-breathe bliss. Sited near the Jackson County Courthouse, the pods boast eucalyptus diffusers, Himalayan salt lamps (voted “most Instagrammable” by local influencers), and gentle chimes imported from Overland Park.
Features Fit for a Side Hustle
Participants will find features tailored to the modern multitasker:
- Sound-cancelling walls tuned to drown out honking taxis and late-night karaoke from 39th Street
- A selection of pre-recorded affirmations: “I am enough,” “My potholes are proof of character,” and “I release my need for spare change”
- Free sample vials of CBD-infused hand sanitizer—because why not?
- A QR code linking to a playlist curated by DJ Namaste (Sage’s rescue cat), promising “Vibrations to Elevate Your Vehicular Vibes”
Community Reactions (Mostly Zen)
“I parked in the #2 spot on the fourth level, did a ten-minute guided breathing session, and still made my meeting,” said one early adopter, who wished to remain anonymous as “Just Another Busy Bee.”
“I haven’t felt this centered since that time I accidentally drank kombucha at Loose Park,” quipped Midtown yoga instructor Dana P.
Skeptics and Sage’s Take
While some critics—particularly the local asphalt union—warn that mindfulness won’t fill potholes, Sage (née Sarah Chen) sees promise: “Sure, it’s a bit extra to meditate where your car might weep oil, but if you’ve ever tried selling $89 intention candles to stressed-out suburban moms, you’ll know that context is everything.” She predicts a spin-off: “Park & Om for cyclists,” featuring glow-in-the-dark socks and motivational mantras about never running out of lycra.