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

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	JUNE - 2007 Fourth Annual Paws in the Park is June 23 at Heritage Park Does your dog have a special talent? Is he/she the fastest fetcher or maybe the best dressed in town? Come put that talent on display during the Fourth Annual Paws in the Park Dog Contest, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 in the Off-Leash Area at Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm, Olathe. This fun-filled and family-oriented event gives interested parties an opportunity to bring their dogs and compete in contests with a category for every dog. Last's year's contest drew more than 300 people and over 50 dogs, and organizers expect numbers to increase. Planned activities include talented dog demonstrations, a vendor booths featuring a variety of dog-related items, representatives of area animal rescue groups, and much more. The first 50 dogs registered will receive goody bags, and there will be lots of prizes and giveaways. Search for the keywords "dog contest" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. A portion of the proceeds from Paws in the Park will be donated to an area rescue group. The entry cost for this four-hour event is $8 prior to June 22 or $10 on the day of the event. For more information or to enroll, call (913) 236-1241. The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Second Overnight Fishing Opportunity of 2007 at Shawnee Mission Park is June 23 The second of three overnight fishing opportunities planned this summer will take place on June 23 at Shawnee Mission Park Lake, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. After 11 p.m., the park will be open strictly for fishing and park rangers will be on duty throughout the night. All park gates will be open, but access within the park will be limited. The south side of the park will be barricaded east of the 87th Street "Y" and west of the 79th Street "Y" off of Barkley Circle near the main entrance. Fishing will be allowed from the bank or from watercraft. Park safety officials note that state law requires a white light be on at all times on boats on the water after sunset. Before fishing, area anglers ages 16 to 64 will need to have a valid Kansas fishing license, a Johnson County Park and Recreation District fishing permit, and all appropriate boat tags, if applicable. District fishing permits are available at: the JCPRD Registration Office, Building C, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam; the John Barkley Visitor Center at Shawnee Mission Park; and at numerous local bait and tackle shops. Because of plans to draw down water levels in Shawnee Mission Park Lake beginning July 9 to facilitate projects aimed at improving the lake’s water quality and fishery, this year’s overnight fishing opportunities are being limited to three ending in mid-July. The final overnight fishing opportunity is planned for July 14. Officials anticipate it will take two to three weeks to fully lower the lake level. For more information about the overnight fishing program, call Mike Ray, Superintendent of Park Safety & Interpretation, at (913) 438-7275. back to top Johnson County Sailing Society to Conduct Second of Two Events on June 23 All sailors and sailing enthusiasts are invited to join the Johnson County Sailing Society for a special event on June 23 at Shawnee Mission Park Lake, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. This free event is called "Come Sail With Us" and will take place beginning at noon at Shelter No. 3, located near the marina. This will be the second and final Come Sail With Us event this year. Participants should bring a sack lunch and dine with Sailing Society members. Following lunch, there will be an opportunity to sail a variety of vessels while participating in water activities like mock races and a sailing scavenger hunt. For more information, or to participate in Sailing Society races, please contact Nick Hockman at (913) 268-5683. back to top Track and Field Clinic Offered for Youth Beginning June 25 Instruction in track and field events is offered to youth through a Track and Field Clinic being presented by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in late June. The program is called Track and Field Clinic and is for boys and girls who will be in grades one through eight in the fall. Participants will get instruction from area high school track coaches. The program will include group and individual instruction, skill and technique development, conditioning, and the opportunity to compete in intrasquad competition. The program is a one-week clinic which consists of practices on Monday through Thursday and a track meet on Friday. Search for the keywords "track and field clinic" to find this programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. The track and field clinic will take place from June 25-29 at five locations. Camps at the following locations will meeting from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily: Blue Valley High School, 6001 W. 159th, Stilwell; Olathe East High School, 14545 W. 127th St., Olathe; and Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, 12701 W. 67th St., Shawnee. The final session on June 23 will consist of a track meet from 9 to 11 a.m. at Olathe East High School. The cost for five two-hour sessions is $60 per person for Johnson County residents or $66 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, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Grillin’ and Chillin’ With the Grandkids Program Offered at Roeland Park 50 Plus on June 28 Grandparents can have some summertime fun with their grandchildren during an intergenerational program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Now in its second year, the program is called Grillin’ and Chillin’ with the Grandkids and will begin with a morning full of games, including bingo, shuffleboard, and more. Afterwards, participants will enjoy a grilled lunch with their choice of hamburgers or hotdogs and all the fixings that come with a picnic in summer. There will also be a variety of door prizes. Search for the keyword "cookout" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 28 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost is $5 per person (children under three are free) for one two and one-half hour session. 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, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Climbing Camp for Ages 12-15 Offered on June 26-28 Youth can learn to climb, tie knots, and belay during a camp being offered in late June by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Climbing Camp is for ages 12 to 15 and is an opportunity to make new friends, and spend time at the TimberRidge Adventure Center. Participants can expect a very physical experience from this camp as they experience the traverse wall, and climb and team belay the 40-foot Hawk's Nest Climbing Tower. While the focus will be on climbing skills, there will also be time to swim and canoe. Search for the keywords "nature & science" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities catalog and online listings. Climbing Camp will take place Tuesday, June 26 through Thursday, June 28. Activities begin at 9 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. No before or after childcare is available for this program. Participants will need to have a health and liability form signed by a parent or guardian to participate. Campers will meet each day of the program at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. The cost for three seven-hour sessions is $80 per child for Johnson County Residents or $88 for nonresidents. For more information about Climbing Camp, call Lysa Holladay at (913) 856-8849. 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. 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 Open Water Swimming Available Tuesday and Thursday Nights at Shawnee Mission Park Beach Triathletes and others interested in getting some open water swim practice can do so every Tuesday and Thursday night at the Shawnee Mission Park Beach, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee. Beginning June 5 and running through the end of the beach's summer season in late July, Open Water Swimming will be offered from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Swimmers are asked to wear a swim cap and must enter the lake through the beach area. This is a great way to prepare for events such at the Shawnee Mission Triathlon on July 8. The fee for open water swimming is $4 for Johnson County residents or $4.50 for nonresidents. This year's operating season at Shawnee Mission Park Beach will be shorter than usual due to plans to reduce the lake's water level by up to 10 feet beginning July 9 for lake improvements. Officials anticipate the drawdown will take two to three weeks to complete. Although a specific date has not been set, it is expected the beach will be closed in late July after water levels at those facilities become too low for these activities. For more information, call (913) 236-1240. back to top Parent & Child Twilight Hike Offered on June 29 at Ernie Miller Park An intergenerational program being offered in late June at Ernie Miller Park allows children ages two to six with a parent or guardian to explore park trails as the sun sets. The program is called Twilight Hike and will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 29, at the park, which is located at 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Participants will listen for nocturnal songs such as the cricket's chorus and the barred owl's call and then gather around for stories, songs, and a tasty treat. Participants should bring a flashlight. Search for the keyword "hike" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities catalog and online listings. The cost for one 90-minute session is $5 per person for Johnson County residents or $6 per person for nonresidents. 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, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Fourteenth Annual Feed the Need Golf Tournament June 29 at Heritage Park Space is still available for participation in the Fourteenth Annual Feed the Need Golf Tournament on Friday, June 29 at the Heritage Park Golf Course, 16445 Lackman Road, Olathe. 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 New Fishing Camp for Ages 11-15 Offered on July 2 & 3 Children who enjoy fishing but have no one to go with can take advantage of a new two-day fishing camp being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Fishing Camp is for ages 11 to 15 and is an opportunity to make new friends, and spend time at the TimberRidge Adventure Center and other Johnson County park lakes. Participants will learn about different baits, how to identify different species, and hopefully catch lots of fish! No before or after childcare is available for this program. Search for the keywords "nature & science" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities catalog and online listings. Fishing Camp will be offered Monday and Tuesday, July 2 and 3. Activities begin at 8 a.m. and continue until noon. Campers will need to provide their own pole and will meet each day of the program at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. The cost for two four-hour sessions is $30 per child for Johnson County Residents or $33 for nonresidents. 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, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top New July 4 Art Mural Offered for Youth at The Theatre in the Park Youth can join in the fun and create a giant mural to celebrate Independence Day before the July 4 performance of The Music Man at the Theatre in the Park, 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee. The program is called Fourth of July Art Mural and is for age three through 12. Participants will meet at the art table inside the theatre gates and use paint and markers to paint on a giant mural. Search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. before the 8:30 p.m. start of the show. The cost for this 60-minute art event is $2 per child. No advance registration is required and all supplies are included. Participation also requires regular theatre admission, which is $6 for adults, $4 for youth ages four to 10, and children three and under are free. Audience members for the July 4 show will also be treated to front row seats for a spectacular fireworks display during intermission. 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 (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater Programs Offered on July 6 & 13 Bring the family to the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater on Friday evenings during July for educational and entertaining programs. The programs begin at 7 p.m., last about an hour, and are designed for all ages. A charge of $1.75 per person helps cover the cost of the programs; children under two are free. July presentations include: July 6 Wildlife Who's Who The presentation will feature five live animals representing four of the major groups of vertebrate and one group of invertebrates. Children of all ages will enjoy discovering the importance and habits of each animal and its place in nature. July 13 The Good, the Bad, and the Smelly Take a different look at some of the not-so-glamorous animals around such as spiders, snakes, and skunks. These critters may not be lovable to all, but learn why they are important to our lifestyles and environment. Live snakes and spiders will be displayed. For more information on amphitheater programs, call (913) 764-7759. back to top Shawnee Mission Triathlon Registrations Now Being Taken Registration deadlines are approaching for the 23rd Annual Shawnee Mission Triathlon. The event will take place Sunday, July 8, in Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee. Entries will be limited to the first 700 individuals and 60 teams. The event typically fills one week prior to race day. As a result of this event, Shawnee Mission Park will not open for public use until noon on this date. Plans to lower the water level in Shawnee Mission Park Lake by as much as 10 feet will not begin until the day following the triathlon and therefore will not impact the event or open lake training opportunities prior to it. The lake drawdown is meant to facilitate dredging of the lake, the construction of a wetland at the lake's east end, and improvements to the dam and the beach at the Dog Off-Leash area. The Shawnee Mission Triathlon Regular Course consists of a 0.62-mile swim, followed by an 18-mile bike, and a 4.5-mile run inside Shawnee Mission Park with heats beginning at 7 a.m. on the beach. The triathlon is open to all individuals, ages 15 and older with participants competing in five-year age groups from 15 years old to 60 and older. Again this year, the Race Committee will offer a Short Course ideal for novice triathletes as well as the more serious competitor desiring a less strenuous course. Distances for the short course consists of a 0.31-mile swim, followed by a 9-mile bike, and a 2.4-mile run. Heats for this race will begin at 7:45 a.m. on the beach. The Flapjack Fun Run for children 12 and under will also be held again this year near Shelter No. 3,near the transition area. Triathlon participants and spectators may sign their children up on-site for the half-mile Fun Run to be held at 10 a.m. Registration is free and children's T-shirts may be purchased for $5. Registration fees for both the Regular Course and the Short Course are $50 for individuals and $80 for teams if postmarked by June 26. After June 26 the entry fee increases to $60 for individuals and $90 for teams, and increases again to $70 for individuals and $100 for teams after June 29. In addition to the above fees, runners who are not members of United States of America Triathlon (USAT) must pay a $10 daily user fee or purchase an annual membership for $30. Mail-in registrations will not be taken after June 29. As in past years, teams can compete in the Regular or Short course as a family or corporate team in addition to the usual men's, women's or coed team categories. Each Regular and Short course entrant will receive a T-shirt, a swim cap, and a pancake breakfast near Shelter #4. Individual prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female winners. Age group and team awards will be given based on the total number of entrants. Packet pickup for Triathlon participants will take place from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, July 6 at Building A, Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam; and from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 7 under a tent near the Shawnee Mission Park Marina. Race day packet pickup is for out-of-town triathletes only and will take place from 5 to 5:30 a.m. Sunday under a tent near the Shawnee Mission Park Marina. The Shawnee Mission Triathlon is presented by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. For more information, a registration form, or to register, call (913) 831-3355. To register online, go to www.sportkc.org. back to top Drawdown of Shawnee Mission Park Lake Set to Begin July 9 The previously-announced drawdown of Shawnee Mission Park Lake is scheduled to begin on July 9. Johnson County Park and Recreation District officials plan to lower the lake level by as much as 10 feet to facilitate a number of improvement projects. The drawdown is required to allow dredging of the lake to remove accumulated silt and will also facilitate the construction of a wetlands which will use native plants to filter silt and pollutants entering the lake. Also planned while water levels are low are improvements to the lake's dam and the park's Dog Off-Leash Area beach. These projects will impact access to the lake for all water-based recreation activities including swimming, boating, and fishing, and will also alter the view from a number of park shelters. The park's beach and marina operations have announced plans to have shorter seasons this year, which will both conclude in mid-July when lake levels become too low for those activities. Improvements at the Off-Leash area will include re-grading of the dog beach to improve access and safety. Officials expect the project will be bid in July with work beginning in late August. It is anticipated the dog beach area could be closed for up to two months. Efforts will be made to make other portions of the off-leash area available during the project, but they could be closed periodically as well. Lake levels are expected to remain low until at least late spring 2008. Both refilling of the lake and completion of the work will be especially weather-dependant. The lake projects will not affect the 23rd annual Shawnee Mission Triathlon, which will take place on July 8. Since before the first of the year, those purchasing District fishing permits have been notified of the lake drawdown plans and information on the improvement plans was provided in the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Spring and Summer Activities catalogs. A public meeting on the lake plans was conducted on April 25 and a public meeting on the dog beach improvements took place on June 6. More information on the projects can be found at www.jcprd.com/pages/smp.cfm. The Shawnee Mission Park Lake renovation projects are part of the District's 20-year Master Action Plan, MAP 2020, which includes renovations to existing District parks as well as acquisition of additional park land. Shawnee Mission Park is located in Shawnee and Lenexa, with a main entrance at 7900 Renner Road. back to top Three American Girl® Camp Sessions Offered During July Three more sessions of a popular American Girl® Art Camp for girls are being offered during July by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. American Girl® Art Camp allows girls ages seven to ten to step back in history. July sessions are scheduled to begin on July 9, July 23, and July 30. The American Girls Collection® involves engaging stories about girls living at important times in the past which bring history to life for grade-school girls. Campers will explore the past and discover what life was like during the times of these characters. Participants will visit Molly as she lives through World War II, travel to colonial days with Felicity, go to Minnesota with Swedish pioneer girl Kirsten, and join Samantha as she learns what it means to be "a proper young lady" at the turn of the century. Along the way, campers will enjoy stories, craft projects, and other hands-on activities. Search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. This program meets at 10 a.m. Monday through Thursday beginning each of the Mondays above at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for four 90-minute sessions is $55 per girl for Johnson County residents or $61 per girl 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 Youth Outdoor Soccer Signups Now Being Taken Signups are now being taken for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Youth Outdoor Soccer program. This program is for boys and girls ages four to 13 and play will take place at: Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th St., Overland Park; Stump Park, 47th and Woodland, Shawnee; and Swarner Park, 63rd and Lackman, Shawnee. Boys and girls ages four through Kindergarten will be in the Pee Wee Instructional League. Separate boys and girls teams consisting of up to eight members each will play four versus four with no goalie. Beginning Sept. 8, the Pee Wee League will meet for six Saturdays for 25 minutes of practice followed by a 25-minute game. The cost is $55 per person for six 50-minute sessions and includes a jersey and awards. After July 9, spaces will be limited and a $10 late fee will apply. Participants in grades one through eight will be in the Johnson County Youth Soccer League. These teams will consist of 12-member teams and will meet weekly beginning Aug. 25 for eight weeks to play seven-versus-seven games consisting of two 25-minute halves. These teams will also meet once per week to practice. Teams in grades five through eight consist of a maximum of 18 players per team and will play 11 versus 11 games. The cost is $64 per person for eight 50-minute sessions and also includes a jersey and awards. After July 9, spaces will be limited and a $10 late fee will apply. Schedules will be mailed one week prior to the first game. This program is sanctioned under U.S.S.S.A. and will play against teams registered with the Shawnee Soccer Club. Schedules and game times will be mailed to participants one week prior to the start of league play. Search for the keywords "soccer league" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. Registrations for this program will be taken by mail, fax (913) 831-6336, and in-person only. Visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com/activities/sports.cfm where forms will be available for printing in preparation for faxing or mailing. 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 request a registration form, call (913) 831-3359. back to top Animal Tales Storytime Sessions Continue During July at Ernie Miller Nature Center Fish and spiders are the themes of the final two Animal Tales Storytime sessions of the summer planned at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. The popular program gives children ages two to six and their parents an opportunity to listen and learn . All children must be accompanied by an adult. This program will feature stories, songs, and surprises. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings. All programs begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Nature Center, which is located at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. A session on July 11 will discuss fish, while a session on July 25 will focus on spiders. 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. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759. back to top Boys' Session of Let's Get Growing Health Education Program Offered During July An interactive program where parents and their children can learn together about puberty, hygiene, reproduction, and social development is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, in association with the Johnson County Health Department. The program is called Let’s Get Growing! and is for boys ages nine through 12 with a parent. Class sessions will take place at the Mission offices of the Johnson County Public Health Department at 6000 Lamar, Suite 140. Separate sessions for girls took place during June. Through games, videos, and discussions, facilitators will convey factual information in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The class encourages communication within the family, especially in the area of sexuality. Prior to the start of the boys' program, an informational meeting with parents of participating boys will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 5. In the first regular class session, which will take place on July 12, boys and their parent will learn about male anatomy and physiology in addition to the normal changes to expect in puberty. During the second class on July 19, boys will learn about female anatomy, reproduction, and fetal development. Both class sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Mission site. The cost for one one-hour parents session and two two-hour sessions with both parents and their child is $25 for Johnson County residents or $28 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, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Sailboarding Class Offered for Ages 16 and Older Experience the excitement of surfing, combined with the speed of sailing while learning the Olympic sport of sailboarding through a summer class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. A sailboard is similar to a surfboard with a sail attached. The class is called Sailboarding and is for ages 16 and older. Class will take place at the Heritage Park Lake Marina, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe. Instruction manuals and sailboards for the class are provided. Basic swimming skills are required. Master sailboard instructor is Park Ranger Andy Shoman. Search for the keyword "boating" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities catalog and online listings. This class takes place on a consecutive Saturday and Sunday beginning July 14. Participants have a choice between sessions beginning at 8 a.m., and a session which starts at 1 p.m. The cost for two four-hour sessions is $53 per person for Johnson County residents or $58 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, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. back to top Final Overnight Fishing Opportunity of 2007 at Shawnee Mission Park is July 14 The last of three overnight fishing opportunities planned this summer will take place on July 14 at Shawnee Mission Park Lake, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. After 11 p.m., the park will be open strictly for fishing and park rangers will be on duty throughout the night. All park gates will be open, but access within the park will be limited. The south side of the park will be barricaded east of the 87th Street "Y" and west of the 79th Street "Y" off of Barkley Circle near the main entrance. Fishing will be allowed from the bank or from watercraft. Park safety officials note that state law requires a white light be on at all times on boats on the water after sunset. Before fishing, area anglers ages 16 to 64 will need to have a valid Kansas fishing license, a Johnson County Park and Recreation District fishing permit, and all appropriate boat tags, if applicable. District fishing permits are available at: the JCPRD Registration Office, Building C, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam; the John Barkley Visitor Center at Shawnee Mission Park; and at numerous local bait and tackle shops. Because of plans to draw down water levels in Shawnee Mission Park Lake beginning July 9 to facilitate projects aimed at improving the lake’s water quality and fishery, this year’s overnight fishing opportunities are being limited to three. Officials anticipate it will take two to three weeks to fully lower the lake level. For more information about the overnight fishing program, call Mike Ray, Superintendent of Park Safety & Interpretation, at (913) 438-7275. back to top Sarah Reinersten to Participate in Shawnee Mission Triathlon An athlete who runs with a prosthetic leg and whose story has inspired many not to give up on their dreams is among those planning to compete in the 23nd Annual Shawnee Mission Triathlon on July 8, Johnson County Park and Recreation District officials recently announced. The race will take place beginning at 7 a.m. at Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. Sarah Reinersten, 31 is being brought to the Shawnee Mission Triathlon with the assistance of the TriKC Triathlon Club. Born with a condition which caused her left leg to stop growing, she became an amputee at age seven and has gone on to become a more accomplished athlete than most people who walk normally on two legs. She competes around the world as a spokesperson for athletes with disabilities and is also a motivational speaker. Reinersten lost her leg at age seven due to a birth defect. Her leg was deformed with a condition called proximal femoral deficiency. She maneuvered on a stiff leg brace from the age of 11 months to seven years, when the decision was made to amputate the leg. In her grade school years, no one would have considered that she might have the potential to complete triathlons, as she was always last on field day and was the last picked for team activities. Her teachers and coaches did not include her in regular play with other children and instead she would often kick a ball against a wall. She eventually discovered her talents and never looked back. She has dedicated her life to reaching new heights and teaching people not to accept the limitations others place on them. Her motto is "Don't give up on what you believe in. Not once. Not ever." In November 2005, Reinersten became the first female amputee to ever complete the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship. The grueling race requires competitors to swim 2.4 miles in turbulent waters, then bike 112 miles, and end with a 26-mile marathon run. Reinersten finished in 15 hours, five minutes. In December 2005, she was on the cover of Runners World magazine. In 2006, she was a contestant on CBS's Emmy-winning reality series, The Amazing Race where she took on a series of stiff physical challenges in locations throughout the world (her team came in seventh of 12). In July 2006, Reinersten received the Entertainment Sports Premiere Network's (ESPN) Excellence in Sports Performance (ESPY) as the Best Female Athlete with a disability. She was among athletes featured in the June 2006 book, Women Who Run by Shanti Sosienski. In 2004, she was inducted into the San Diego Sports Hall of Fame. Among her many other accomplishments, Reinersten: set world records in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meters in her division; she was the youngest member of the 1992 U.S. Paralympic team to go to Barcelona; and she conquered seven marathons: New York City, 1997 and 1998; Los Angeles, 1998 and 1999; Millennium New Zealand, 2000; London, 2002; and Boston, 2004. She also holds world records in the marathon and half-marathon for above-knee amputee women. In addition to competing in the Shawnee Mission Triathlon, Reinersten will also make an appearance during packet pickup for the event between 3 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 7, under a tent in the transition area near the Shawnee Mission Park Marina. For more information about the Shawnee Mission Triathlon, call (913) 831-3359 or register online at www.sportkc.org through July 2. back to top New Gates, Temporary Closing Procedures Meant to Protect Trails Maintaining high-quality mountain bike trails at Shawnee Mission and Kill Creek parks is the goal of new temporary trail closure procedures recently announced by Johnson County Park and Recreation District officials. Shawnee Mission Park is located at 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa, and Kill Creek Park is located at 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe. When conditions are wet, mountain bikers planning to use the 4.5 miles of trail on the northwest side of Shawnee Mission Park or the 4 miles of trails at Kill Creek Park are encouraged to call the District's existing Park Info line, (913) 312-8833, to learn about possible trail closures. On the ground, closures are enforced by the use of four gates recently installed near the mountain bike trailheads at Shawnee Mission Park. This is consistent with what is already being done at Kill Creek Park with the back country trails, which will use the same information line. "We've just completed a pretty major trail renovation that utilized countless hours of volunteer labor to renovate and put some logic and design principles for modern trail construction into these trails," explained Park Planner II Jim Wilson. "The way the new trails are designed, when they're dry, they'll shed water. When they're wet, they'll shed water. As soon as somebody puts a big rut down the center of that trail tread, it will no longer shed water and then the trail tread starts to absorb water and gets muddy and sloppy and then more people ride through it until you have a giant mess." "The idea of the gates is to work within our existing policies to be able to close and secure those trails to prevent that sort of trail damage," Wilson explained. On one side of the gates it says "Trails Open. Call for trail closings during wet conditions." On the other side, it says "Area closed to prevent trail damage. No trespassing." Both sides also list the park info phone number. "We want to maintain the trails at their narrow single-track configuration which is somewhere between 18 and 24 inches wide," Wilson said. "When you get puddles forming, people start riding around the puddles and you get a trail that's eight feet wide and that's not desirable for these uses." A general message giving park hours is on the Park Info line most of the time, but when an inclement weather event occurs, managers of the two parks can implement prerecorded messages which notify callers that either or both of the parks have closed their trails. In the case of Kill Creek Park, this also includes information about equestrian trails as well. For maps and information on mountain bike trails at Shawnee Mission Park, visit the District's website at http://www.jcprd.com/parks_facilities/map_smp_mountainbiketrail.cfm. back to top