Johnson County, Kansas, Homepage - Feature Stories for August 2007

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	AUGUST - 2007 50 Plus Plans Apple Orchard Outing on Aug. 29 Obtaining fresh air and apples is the goal of an outing being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in late August. The program is called An Apple a Day and will take place on Aug. 29. Participants will visit Fieldstone's Apple Orchard in Overbrook, Kan., west of Baldwin City, to pick apples. Lunch will take place at Conrad's in Overbrook (on your own). This will be the fourth year for this popular early fall outing. Search for the keyword "outdoors" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will leave from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam, at 9 a.m. The cost for one five-hour outing, including transportation, is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $16 for nonresidents. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Adult Beginning and Intermediate Golf Lessons Beginning and intermediate golf lessons are being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning in early September. Golf lessons are for adults 18 and older and are instructed by PGA professionals. Beginning golf lessons include an introduction to the basics including stance, grip, etiquette, and rules. Intermediate lessons provide further refining of the fundamentals plus emphasis on the short game and wood shots. Participants should bring a nine iron or pitching wedge. Search for the keyword "golf" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Classes are offered at the Tomahawk Hills Golf Course, 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee, and at the Heritage Park Golf Course, 16445 Lackman, Olathe. All classes take place on Saturday beginning Sept. 1. Beginning courses are offered at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. at Tomahawk Hills and at 3 p.m. at Heritage Park. The intermediate program is offered only at Heritage Park and will take place starting at 2 p.m. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $66 for Johnson County residents or $73 for nonresidents. There is also a fee for range balls, payable at each class. Preregistration is required. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Ernie Miller Nature Center Offers Live Animal Programs for Groups Three nature programs featuring live animals are being offered for groups by the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe, or at your location in Kansas. The programs are called Wildlife Who's Who/ Wildlife Webs, Snakes Alive, and Birds of Prey and are presented by Johnson County Park and Recreation District interpretive staff members. Search for the keywords "wildlife presentations" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities catalog and online listings. Each program lasts approximately 45 minutes and can be presented at the Ernie Miller Nature Center or at another location. Wildlife Who's Who/ Wildlife Webs is for grades kindergarten through third. Participants will meet several native animals and learn about their interrelationship with the food chain. Snakes Alive is a live snake presentation in which participants will explore the facts and fallacies of these legless wonders of the natural world. This program is for grades two and up. Birds of Prey is for grades four and up. Participants will get a close-up look at the special adaptations that make birds of prey some of nature's best hunters. This program will feature live examples of these majestic raptors. Cost for presentation of any of these programs for your group at the Ernie Miller Nature Center for one to 15 people is $29 for Johnson County residents or $32 for nonresidents. For 16 to 35 people, the cost is $36 for Johnson County residents or $40 for nonresidents. Cost for any presentation at your location for one to 35 people is $49 for Johnson County residents or $54 for nonresidents. The center's live animal programs are available in Kansas only. For more information or to schedule a program, call the Ernie Miller Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top New Personal Trainer Program Offered by Appointment for 50 Plus A new program allows 50 Plus participants to schedule a one-on-one session with a personal trainer in Olathe. The program is called Personal Trainer and is being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. During these sessions, the trainer will design a safe and effective exercise program which meet the participant's needs, goals, lifestyle, and fitness level. The trainer will also share essential techniques for achieving total body conditioning, greater cardiovascular endurance, weight loss, strength, and flexibility. Medical clearance and health history forms are required. Search for the keyword "exercise" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Training sessions take place at the Olathe 50 Plus enter, 311 E. Park, Olathe. The cost per 60-minute session is $35 per person for Johnson County residents or $38 for nonresidents. To schedule an appointment, call (913) 782-1878. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Kill Creek Park Beach & Marina Closing for Season on Aug. 12 The summer season for the beach and marina at Kill Creek Park, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe, will conclude on Aug. 12 this year. Until then, both the beach and the marina at Kill Creek Park will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The marina offers boat rentals, including canoes, pedal boats, two-person sailboats, and fishing boats. Rentals rates are listed in the Summer Activities catalog, available now, and on the District's website at www.jcprd.com Fishing permits are also available at the marina. Daily rates at the beach for children 12 and under adults over 50 are $3 for Johnson County residents and $3.50 for nonresidents. Admission for adults is $5 for Johnson County residents and $5.50 for nonresidents. For more information, call (913) 492-2157 for the beach or (913) 888-1990 for the marina. back to top Feed the Need Golf Tournament Rescheduled for Aug. 17 at Heritage Park Golf Course Space is still available for the rescheduled Fourteenth Annual Feed the Need Golf Tournament on Friday, Aug. 17, at the Heritage Park Golf Course, 16445 Lackman Road, Olathe. The event was originally planned in late June, but was rescheduled due to inclement weather. This event benefits the metropolitan-wide Feed the Need Food Drive. The 2006 event raised more than $15,000 which was used to buy food, clothing, and school supplies for individuals in the community. Tournament check-in will take place beginning at 7 a.m. and participants are invited to come early and take advantage of the driving range to help get warmed up. The event will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. and will use four-man scramble rules. Approximately 144 participants are anticipated. The registration fee is $75 per person or $300 per team. In addition to greens fees, cart rental, and unlimited range balls, the registration fees include a grilled lunch, on-course beverages, and registration gifts. There will also be opportunities to win great prizes. For more information or to register for the tournament, call Bill Cobb (913) 894-3340. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available for this event. back to top KCFC Soccer Academy Offered For Ages 4-12 Beginning Aug. 22 Helping young soccer players develop their fundamentals and knowledge of the game is the aim of a program being offered by the KCFC Futbol Club Alliance and the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. KCFC Soccer Academy is for players ages four through 12. Participants will meet once a week. Participants will work on ball handling skills, such as dribbling, passing, first touch, tackling, heading, and shooting. Each session will work on repetitions of the most important skills in soccer This program is ideal for players on existing teams who would like to improve their skill level, or for new players looking to improve their skills before joining a team. Search for the keyword "soccer" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is offered in both four- and eight-session formats. Either way, the program will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday beginning Aug. 22. The cost for four 60-minute sessions is $40 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 per person for nonresidents, while the cost for eight 60-minute sessions is $80 per person for Johnson County residents or $88 per person for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top 50 Plus Plans Aug. 23 Brunch & Bingo Event at RPCC An enjoyable morning of bingo is being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in late August. The event is called Brunch & Bingo and will take place on Aug. 23 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The event will feature a delicious brunch followed by 12 to 15 games of bingo with prizes. Search for the keyword "games" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Brunch & Bingo begins at 9 a.m.. The cost is $5 per person for Johnson County resident or $6 for nonresidents. Advance registration is required. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Sign Up Now for Fall Hayrides at Shawnee Mission and Heritage Parks The heat of Summer hasn't faded away yet, but it's still a great time to plan a group Fall hayride with the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. This year, rides will be offered during September, October, and November between Sept. 21 and Nov. 18. Those who register early are more likely to get their first choice of days and times. Hayrides take place seven days a week during the above timeframe at Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only at Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe. Organized hayrides for groups conclude with a warm campfire where apple cider and marshmallows await! JCPRD hayrides are tractor-drawn, last approximately 60 minutes, and are followed by a 60-minute campfire. The cost is $5 per person and a minimum of $65 required. A $30 deposit is due at the time the reservation is made and is applied toward the full amount due. There is a maximum of 25 people per wagon and one adult per 10 children is required. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance of the date of the hayride. For scheduling and information, call (913) 831-3359. back to top Zumba Exercise Class Offered for 50 Plus at three Locations in Early September Proving that it is possible to have fun while exercising is a goal of an exercise class being offered in early September by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The class is called Zumba and involves an exercise routine using a combination and fast- and slow-paced moves set to Latin music. This program is meant to work the glutes, legs, arms, abdominals, and heart. The easy-to-follow dance steps tone participants' bodies while burning fat and calories. Search for the keyword "exercise" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is offered in two formats at three locations including the Blue Valley Recreation Center, 6545 W. 151st Street, Stanley, the Olathe 50 Plus Center, 311 E. Park, Olathe; and the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. One class format involves 11 50-minute sessions at a cost of $39 for Johnson County residents or $43 for nonresidents. A class in this format is offered at 3 p.m. Monday and Friday beginning Sept. 7 at the Blue Valley Recreation Center. The other class format involves six 50-minute classes at a cost of $21 for Johnson County residents or $23 for nonresidents. At the Olathe 50 Plus Program, a class in this format is offered at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday beginning Sept. 4, while another is offered at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday beginning Sept. 5 at the Roeland Park Community Center. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Poolates Water Pilates Exercise Class Offered for 50 Plus Beginning Sept. 5 Combining the elements of mat and apparatus-based Pilates programs with the resistance provided by water is the goal of a Poolates class being offered in early September by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Poolates participants will learn and apply the basic principles of the Pilates method including: centering, control, precision, fluidity, breathing, and concentration. This effective and challenging program is meant to soothe the mind and spirit. Search for the keyword "water pilates" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday beginning Sept. 5 at the Rose Estates, 12701 Antioch, Overland Park. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $36 per person for Johnson County residents or $40 for nonresidents. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Fall Season of Animal Tales Storytime Sessions Begins Sept. 5 at Ernie Miller Nature Center A new season of Animals Tales Storytime sessions is beginning at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. Young children and their parents are invited to come listen and learn during any or all of the six sessions scheduled between Sept. 5 and Nov. 21. Animal Tales Storytime is for ages two to six. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This program will feature stories, songs, and surprises. Participants are invited to pack a lunch and stay for a picnic. All programs take place on Wednesdays beginning at 10:30 a.m. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The first program of this season will be offered on Sept. 5 when the theme will be "frogs and toads." Other fall storytime sessions are scheduled for Sept. 19 ("Johnny Appleseed "), Oct. 3 ("coyote"), Oct. 17 ("nightlife"), Nov. 7 ("forest friends") and Nov. 21 ("Native Americans"). The cost per 30-minute session is $1.75 per person, including adults, payable at the event. Advance registrations are not necessary for this program. Ernie Miller Nature Center is located at 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top Fall Adventure Walks for 50 Plus Start Sept. 5 with Prairie Trip The tallgrass prairie near Cottonwood Fall, Kan., will be the first of five destinations to be visited this autumn as part of Fall Adventure Walks being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The prairie walk will take place on Sept. 5 and will give participants an opportunity to try out some new trails at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Other Fall walk dates and destinations are: Oct. 3, James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area near Lee's Summit, Mo; Nov. 1, the Overland Park Arboretum; Nov. 7, the Kaw River trail in Lawrence, Kan., and Nov. 15, George Owens Nature Park, Independence, Mo. These walks are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while visiting interesting regional scenic trails, nature sanctuaries, and state parks. Participants can choose one or all of the five summer walks, which will all involve three plus miles of walking on varied terrain. Adventure Walks are led by Instructor Sherry Hughes. All walks depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. In case of rain, the walk will be rescheduled for the following week. The cost for each five-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $16 for nonresidents. Participants should bring a sack lunch. If the weather interferes with plans during the day of the walk, lunch will be at a local restaurant and participants will be responsible for this expense. Search for the keyword "adventure walks" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken.The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Yoga in Nature Program Offered at Ernie Miller Nature Center Beginning Sept. 6 Adults can relax and reflect while participating in yoga in a natural setting through a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at the Ernie Miller Nature Center. 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. The class is called Yoga in Nature and is for ages 16 and older. Instructor Molly Postlewait will help participants learn to energize with the many benefits of nature: flexibility, focus, strength, and endurance. Participants should bring a towel and a mat. Search for the keyword "yoga" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday beginning Sept. 6. The cost for eight 90-minute sessions is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 for nonresidents. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information call Postlewait at (913) 764-8580 ext. 26. To register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Clay Creations & Pottery Throwing Classes Start Sept. 8 Two clay classes for youth are being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning Sept. 8 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The classes are: Clay Creations and Pottery Wheel Throwing. The cost per person per class for five 90-minute sessions is $56 for Johnson County Residents or $62 for nonresidents. All materials, including clay, paints, and kiln firing, are included with the classes. Search for the keyword "art" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. In Clay Creations, children ages six to ten will squish, pinch, pull, and pat clay into fanciful forms, which they will also glaze. This beginning class will start at 9 a.m. Saturday. In Pottery Wheel Throwing, students ages ten to 15 will learn basic wheel-throwing techniques using an electric potter's wheel to create original hand-built pottery. This class will meet at 11 a.m. Saturday. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Introduction to Sports - Outdoor Soccer Begins Sept. 8 Helping parents teach young children the developmental skills needed for soccer is the aim of an instructional program starting Sept. 8. The program is called Introduction to Sports - Outdoor Soccer and is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District for four-year-olds with a parent or guardian. Skills stressed in this program include: kicking, dribbling, passing, and stopping the soccer ball. During the informative and fun sessions, instructors will work with both parents and children along with local high school and college athletic representatives. Search for the keyword "soccer" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program is offered at six different Saturday times all beginning on Sept. 8: 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., Noon, 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sessions run for six consecutive Saturdays. All programs take place at Field G, Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th, Overland Park. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $55 per child for Johnson County residents or $60 per child for nonresidents. A parent or guardian is required to participate with each child. Each child will receive a sports packet including their own soccer ball and T-shirt. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Three T'ai Chi Classes Offered by 50 Plus Program in early September Three specialized classes in the traditional Chinese relaxation exercise of T'ai Chi are being offered in early September by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The programs are: T'ai Chi Chen Style, and T'ai Chi for Arthritis, which will both take place at the Tai Chi Studio, 7941 Santa Fe, Overland Park, and T'ai Chi Yang Style, which is offered at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Search for the keywords "t'ai chi" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. T'ai Chi Yang Style consists of slow movements and postures meant to promote balance, body awareness, deep breathing, and a peaceful sense of well being. This program is a prerequisite for Yang Style II, which will be offered in October. This program will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday beginning Sept. 5. The cost for six 60-minute sessions is $42 per person for Johnson County residents or $46 for nonresidents. Another class is offered at 5:30 p.m. Monday beginning Sept. 10 and will involve five 60-minute classes at a cost of $35 for Johnson County residents or $39 for nonresidents. T'ai Chi Chen Style involves an easy-to-learn 18-movement T'ai Chi form which promotes better body control and a healthier sense of living. Three levels of this program are offered with each being a prerequisite for the next. All three begin on Sept. 6. Chen Style I will meet at 8:30 a.m., while Chen Style II meets at 9:45 a.m. The cost for six 50-minute sessions is $42 per person for Johnson County residents or $46 for nonresidents. A Chen Style III class meets at 11 a.m. and will involve six 25-minute classes at a cost of $21 for Johnson County residents or $23 for nonresidents. T'ai Chi for Arthritis is particularly effective for people with this ailment as it includes agile steps and exercises meant to improve mobility, breathing and relaxation. This program is offered at noon on Friday beginning Sept. 7. The cost for six 60-minute sessions is $42 per person for Johnson County residents or $46 for nonresidents. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Library to host series of Local Government Made Easy programs The Johnson County Library will host a series of programs this fall developed by the League of Women Voters entitled Local Government Made Easy at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. The sessions will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will provide information on how local government works and how to become an engaged citizen. Each session will cover a separate topic and be led by a teacher experienced in local government. The schedule of topics for the Local Government Made Easy series is: Monday, September 10 County Government Monday, September 24 City Government Monday, October 8 School Boards Monday, October 22 Judicial System Monday, November 5 Meet the Press: Role of Media in Local Government Reservations are requested. Register by phone by calling (913) 495-7514 or register online at https://calendar.jocolibrary.org. For more information contact Jennifer Mahnken at 913-495-2466. Library Programs are free and open to the public. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the program. back to top Rare Conversations – an Evening with Authors - full story back to top Homework Help At four library locations and online - full story back to top Library welcomes Artist Kelly Buntin Johnson - full story back to top Playground near Wilder Road Access Point Closing Aug. 28 for Replacement Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 28, the playground near the Wilder Road access point to the Mill Creek Streamway Park will be closed for dismantling and replacement, Johnson County Park and Recreation District officials announced. Streamway Park Manager Eddie Coffey said the project, which will replace playground equipment which is at least 12 years old, would make the playground unavailable for about 60 days. The updated playground will retain the existing swing set and will include a pour-in-place safety surface. Little Tykes brand equipment will be featured in the new playground including two slides, and three climbing walls. The Wilder Road Access Point is the northernmost access point to the Mill Creek Streamway Park and is located at 4731 Wilder Road, Shawnee, near the intersection with Holliday Drive. back to top Shawnee Mission Park Off-leash Improvements Set to Begin Sept. 4 Improvements to the Off-Leash Area at Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa, are scheduled to begin on Sept. 4 and will make the facility unavailable until 4 p.m. weekdays through December, Johnson County Park and Recreation District officials announced. The Off-Leash Area, excluding the beach and lake, will be open daily after 4 p.m. on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday. The dog beach area and lake access will remain closed until the project is substantially complete. Work on the project is being completed by Mill Valley Excavating, which was selected as the contractor during the District Board's Aug. 15 meeting. While the Off-Leash Area is closed, the softball field in the park's Walnut Grove east of the lake along 80th Terrace area will be available as an temporary off-leash area. The District also operates three other off-leash areas in other parks. These are located at: Heritage Park, 16000 Pflumm Road, Olathe; Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th St., Overland Park; and the Kill Creek Streamway Park, 33460 W 95th St., De Soto. Over time, the off-leash beach and beach access at Shawnee Mission Park have degraded and do not meet current Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards. The improvements will involve re-grading the off-leash area’s dog beach to improve access and safety. The project will include construction of a paved maintenance road as well as a concrete sidewalk built to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for recreational trails. The beach will be regraded and covered with river gravel and new trees will be planted to give shade in the upper area of the beach, which will be slightly larger than it is now. A public informational meeting on the off-leash area improvements was conducted on June 6. The improvements are taking place now to take advantage of reduced water levels in Shawnee Mission Park Lake, which were lowered by approximately 8.5 feet beginning July 9 to facilitate the construction of wetlands at the southeast end of the lake. Improvements are also planned for the lake dam to improve fishing access and to repair the rip-rap on the face of the structure. back to top Wedding Bows and Decoration Workshops Offered on Sept. 13 Wedding bows and table decorations are the subjects of separate programs being offered for adults 18 and older by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Both programs will emphasize ways in which participants can save money by doing things themselves and will take place on Thursday, Sept. 13 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Wedding Table Flair will show participants how they can cut costs for table decorations through unique and different ideas. This program is offered at 7 p.m. Wedding Bows will teach participants to make beautiful bows for the church, cake table, and more. Participants should bring spools of their favorite ribbons. This program is offered at 8:30 p.m. The cost for either 60-minute program is $12 per person for Johnson County residents or $13 for nonresidents. Search for the keyword "decorations" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Two Theater Classes offered for youth Beginning Sept. 15 Children can get an introduction to the theater through new classes offered in late September by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The classes are: Basic Drama for ages nine to 14 and Acting It Out for ages six to eight. Both classes will take place at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The last session of each program will include a short program for parents. The cost for either program for four 60-minute sessions is $40 per person for Johnson County residents or $44 per person for nonresidents. Search for the keyword "theater" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Basic Drama will provide instruction in basic theater skills of movement, voice, diction, improvisation, and script readings. The goal is to improve participants' self esteem and make them more comfortable speaking in front of a group. This program meets at 10:30 a.m. Saturday beginning Sept. 15. For ages six to eight, Acting It Out will include games and exercises meant to increase self-esteem and awareness, as well as introduce basic gestures and theater skills. This program meets at 9 a.m Saturday, also beginning Sept. 15. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District’s website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Butterflies and Wildflowers Walk Planned For Sept. 15 at Ernie Miller Park Adults 16 and older and children ages 10 to 15 accompanied by a parent or guardian are invited to hike Ernie Miller Park in mid-September with a park naturalist to see nature's display of wildflowers and butterflies. This two-hour program is called the Butterflies and Wildflowers Walk and will take place on Saturday, Sept. 15 beginning at 1 p.m. Ernie Miller Park is located at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Participants will have a chance to catch a butterfly in a net for up-close observation. Participants may be walking on rough terrain and should bring a pair of binoculars if they have them, sturdy walking shoes, and wear long pants. Search for the keyword "butterflies" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings. The cost for one two-hour session is $11 for Johnson County residents or $12 for nonresidents. Handouts are included. Preregistration is required. Drawn by late-blooming flowers in a prairie remnant which was restored in the park about five years ago, hundreds of butterflies have made stops from their southern migration at Ernie Miller Park during early September for the past several years. About 80 percent of these visitors have been monarchs, but there have been other species as well, including painted ladies and sulfur butterflies. The butterflies are being drawn by the tall purple blooms of the gayfeather plant, as well as by other prairie plants including goldenrod and sunflowers. Many of these plants have come up naturally following prairie restoration projects completed in late 2002 in conjunction with Kansas City Wildlands. Those projects removed a number of large eastern red cedar trees which previously choked out the sun-loving prairie plants. The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more about the Butterflies and Wildflowers Walk, call Park Naturalist Andrea Johnson at (913) 764-8580 ext. 27. To register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District’s website at www.jcprd.com. back to top 50 Plus Plans Fall Adventure Walk on the Katy Trail on Sept. 19 An opportunity to walk on a portion of Missouri's Katy trail is being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in late September. The program is called Katy Trail Adventure Walk and will take place on Sept. 19. This walk will involve a walk of about three miles on a smooth trail. Participants will walk on a section of the trail located near the Rocheport (Mo.) trailhead, which is considered one of the most engaging portions of this trail which stretches a total of 225 miles across Missouri from St. Charles to Clinton, Mo. This area is a perfect place to find beautiful scenery, solitude, nature and a chance to spend time along the Missouri river. 50 plus walks are led by Instructor Sherry Hughes. This program will depart at 8 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. The cost for this eight -hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $20 per person for Johnson County residents or $22 for nonresidents. Lunch will be at the nearby Les Bourgeois winery and is not included in the fee. Search for the keywords "adventure walks" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. While the JCPRD's 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the District's Registration Department at (913) 831-3359, and if space is available without forfeiting the place of a person over 50, their registration can be taken. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Kansas Pioneer Girl Day to Take Place Sept. 22 at Ernie Miller Park Celebrating the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder, whose "Little House on the Prairie" books were inspired by her childhood experiences in Kansas, is the aim of a special event at Ernie Miller Park that will allow participants to step back in time to pioneer days. Kansas Pioneer Girl Day is the name of the event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept., 22, at Ernie Miller Park, at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Participants are encouraged to dress like Laura and wear pioneer clothing. There will be a variety of different stations featuring old-fashioned games and other activities that are sure to delight and intrigue. These will include making rag dolls, finger knitting, hair braiding, and using feather quills. Music from the time period and stories of Laura's adventures will also be featured. Search for the keyword "history" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Admission for this two-hour event is $3 per person, paid on-site, but reservations are required. Last year's event filled quickly. For reservations or more information, call (913) 764-7759. The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District’s website at www.jcprd.com. back to top