OCTOBER
- 2007
Three Water Exercise Classes Offered For 50 Plus Beginning Oct. 15 or 16
Three different water exercise classes are being offered in mid-October by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
The programs are: Aquacise, Abyss Bliss (formerly Free Flow), and Total Water Workout. All three programs have classes starting on Oct. 15 or 16 and take place at the Roeland Park Aquatic Center, 4843 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Class cost for any one of these three classes for 11 50-minute sessions is $36 per person for Johnson County residents or $40 for nonresidents. Classes will not meet on Nov. 12, 21, or 22. Search for the keywords "water exercise" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
In Aquacise, instructors guide participants through various exercises. No swimming skills are necessary. This program is offered at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday beginning Oct. 16.
Abyss Bliss is an energizing aqua class held in deep water in order to give participants a great cardiovascular and toning workout. Because flotation belts are used, no swimming skills are necessary. This class meets at 11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday beginning Oct. 16.
Total Water Workout provides a vigorous level of water workout. Participants will use resistance equipment to challenge large and small muscle groups in order to work on flexibility, range of motion, and strengthening. This class is offered at 5:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday beginning Oct. 15.
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.
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Beginning Fly Casting Class For Adults Begins Oct. 16
Experience the exciting sport of fly fishing through a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Beginning Fly Casting is for adults 18 and older. Participants will learn about equipment, how to read water, and fly fishing techniques. Fly rods and reels are provided. Search for the keyword "fishing" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This program will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday starting Oct. 16 at Shawnee Mission Park's John Barkley Visitor Center, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee. The cost for four two-hour sessions is $34 for Johnson County residents or $37 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, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
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50 Plus Plans Fall Adventure Walk on the Konza Prairie on Oct. 17
An opportunity to walk on the Konza Prairie Trail near Manhattan, Kan., is being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in mid-October.
The program is called Konza Prairie Trail Adventure Walk and will take place on Oct. 17.
The Konza Prairie preserves 8,616 acres of prairie winding through the Flint Hills of central Kansas. Participants will have a choice between a 2.8 mile trail or a 4.7 mile loop. There are steep hills involved, but the view is well worth the effort and makes this the most popular destination of the Adventure Walks program.
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 in Manhattan 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.
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Poolates Water Pilates Exercise Class Offered for 50 Plus Beginning Oct. 17
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 mid-October 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 12:30 p.m. Wednesday beginning Oct. 17 at the Rose Estates, 12701 Antioch, Overland Park. The cost for five 50-minute sessions is $30 per person for Johnson County residents or $33 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.
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The Theatre in the Park Announces Demmi Award Nominees
Nominees have been named for the eighth annual Demmi Awards honoring the best productions and performances from Season 2007 at The Theatre in the Park. Winners of the awards will be announced November 10th at the Celebration of Stars event. The Demmi Awards are named for Demmaree Carns, former longtime producer at The Theatre in the Park.
Fourteen different categories of nominations have been chosen by the directors from each production of the Theatre’s five-show season. Award winners are selected by secret ballot by a committee whose representatives are required to see all five shows and who have no family member or relation in any of the productions. The Season 2007 productions were: Fiddler on the Roof, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Music Man, Hello Dolly! and Footloose.
Categories for nominations include Best Show for Season 2007, Best Director, Best Actor and Actress in a Leading Role, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Featured Male and Female Performances, Best Male and Female Dancers, Best Choreographer, Best Vocal Direction, Favorite Orchestra, and Best Costumes.
Show selections for Season 2008 will also be announced that evening. Applications to direct next season will be accepted beginning November 13th and interviews of applicants will be held in mid-December.
The Celebration of Stars will be held November 10th at the Ritz-Charles, 9000 W. 137th St., Overland Park. Reservation forms are available on the Theatre’s website at www.theatreinthepark.org
Season 2007 proved to be another wonderful year of providing quality musical theater to the Kansas City Metro area, drawing an attendance of 46,614. The Theatre in the Park is a program of the Johnson County Park & Recreation District.
And the nominees are…
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Julie O’Rourke – “Tzeitel” in Fiddler on the Roof
Rachel Pallante –“Hodel” in Fiddler on the Roof
Danae DeShazer –“Miss Dorothy” in Thoroughly Modern Millie
MaryAnn James – “Mrs. Meers” in Thoroughly Modern Millie
Julie Ewing – “Mrs. Paroo” in The Music Man
Trudy Hurley – “Eulalie Shinn” in The Music Man
Courtney Halford – “Minnie Fay” in Hello, Dolly!
Christina Reeder – “Irene Malloy” in Hello, Dolly!
Sarah Nickerson – “Vi Moore” in Footloose
Best Female Featured Dancer
Jordan Houghton – Fiddler on the Roof
Pandia Hulse – Thoroughly Modern Millie
Stephanie Cain – The Music Man
Best Actor in a Featured Role
Curt Knupp – “Perchik” in Fiddler on the Roof
Michael Tomlinson – “Fyedka” in Fiddler on the Roof
Bryan LaFave – “Ching Ho” Thoroughly Modern Millie
David Reyes – Translator in Thoroughly Modern Millie
Jeff Fellin – “Charlie Cowell” in The Music Man
Sam Weber – “Winthrop Paroo” in The Music Man
Marty Craft – “Ambrose Kemper” in Hello, Dolly!
David Thompson – “Willard Hewitt” in Footloose
Best Costumes
Julia Ras – Fiddler on the Roof
Katy Freeman – Thoroughly Modern Millie
Pam Blackburn & Ruth Casady – The Music Man
Debbie Pflumm – Hello, Dolly!
Lisa Quinteros – Footloose
Best Male Featured Dancer
Michael Tomlinson – Fiddler on the Roof
Nick Kepley – Thoroughly Modern Millie
Nathan Helming – The Music Man
Brian Duncan – Footloose
Best Vocal Direction
Martha Risser – Fiddler on the Roof
Kevin Bogan – Thoroughly Modern Millie
Pamela Klifar – The Music Man
Joell Ramsdell – Hello, Dolly!
Philip Taylor – Footloose
Best Actress in a Featured Role
Cathy Chapman – “Yente” in Fiddler on the Roof
Jordan Houghton – “Chava” in Fiddler on the Roof
Mary Margaret Archer – “Muzzy” in Thoroughly Modern Millie
Mary Henderson – “Miss Flannery” in Thoroughly Modern Millie
Katie Hall – “Amaryllis” in The Music Man
Libbie Louis – “Gracie Shinn” in The Music Man
Molliann McCulley – “Ermengarde” in Hello, Dolly!
Marsha Plese – “Ernestina Money” in Hello, Dolly!
Christina Hink – “Rusty” in Footloose
Best Actor in a Lead Role
Jack Simpson – “Tevye” in Fiddler on the Roof
Mitch Simmons – “Jimmy Smith” in Thoroughly Modern Millie
Jon Daugharty – “Harold Hill” in The Music Man
Michael Michie – “Horace Vandergelder” in Hello, Dolly!
Jason Murray – “Ren McCormack” in Footloose
Favorite Orchestra
Steven Smith – Fiddler on the Roof
Dustin Cates – Thoroughly Modern Millie
Brady Finch – The Music Man
Randy Schott – Hello, Dolly!
Philip Taylor – Footloose
Best Choreography
Ann McCroskey – Fiddler on the Roof
Roxanne Higbee – Thoroughly Modern Millie
April Hamner – The Music Man
Carolyn Braverman – Hello, Dolly!
Liz Ernst – Footloose
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Curt Crespino – “Motel” in Fiddler on the Roof
David Stelting – “Lazar Wolf” in Fiddler on the Roof
Travis Murray – “Trevor Graydon” in Thoroughly Modern Millie
David Henry – “Mayor Shinn” in The Music Man
James Reves – “Marcellus Washburn” in The Music Man
Joell Ramsdell – “Cornelius Hackl” in Hello, Dolly!
Zak Smith – “Barnaby Tucker” in Hello, Dolly!
Chris Halford – “Rev. Shaw Moore” in Footloose
Best Actress in a Lead Role
Katie Musick – “Golde” in Fiddler on the Roof
Ivy Gagnon – “Millie Dillmount” in Thoroughly Modern Millie
Martha Jensen – “Marian Paroo” in The Music Man
Kat Sodders – “Dolly Levi” in Hello, Dolly!
Whitney Sutton – “Ariel Moore” in Footloose
Best Direction of a Show
Barbara Nichols – Fiddler on the Roof
Philip Kinen – Thoroughly Modern Millie
Tammy Ruder – The Music Man
Hank Koehn – Hello, Dolly!
Greg Shaw – Footloose
Best Show
Fiddler on the Roof
Thoroughly Modern Millie
The Music Man
Hello, Dolly!
Footloose
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Whimsical Woods Program Planned at Ernie Miller Park on Oct. 20
There's nothing scary about a Halloween special event being offered at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Park in late October. The program is called Whimsical Woods and is for ages 11 and younger accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Participants will enjoy a walk on the park's trail with the award-winning staff of the Ernie Miller Nature Center. Costumed storybook characters will delight and entertain audiences of all ages. This program consists of a short trail walk with stations featuring interpreters who interact with participants. Participants will meet the Good Fairy and Forest Friends, as well as Little Miss Muffet and Goldilocks. In addition, there will be live animals, stories, and songs. Search for the keyword "Halloween" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Enchanted Forest will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Ernie Miller Park, 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway. The cost is $3 per person, including adults, and is payable on-site. Please note that reservations are required and can be made by calling (913) 764-7759.
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.
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50 Plus Plans Disney Dreams Party for All Ages on Oct. 21
Grab the grandkids and join the "club" as the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 50 Plus Department Mickey Mouse and the songs that turned the Disney dream into the happiest celebration on earth.
The program is called the Disney Dreams party and will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Activities will include games and entertainment by a special Disney guest. Costumes are options, but participants are free to dress up as a princess, a pirate, or whatever their heart desires. Kid-Friendly treats will be served. The cost for one two-hour session is $10 per person for all ages. Search for the keyword "Disney" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pickup 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.
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Heritage & Shawnee Mission Park Trout Stocking Set for Oct. 24
The public is invited to come watch as rainbow trout are stocked in Shawnee Mission Park and Heritage Park Lakes on Oct. 24. In all, 2,100 pounds of fish will be stocked, including 700 pounds at Heritage Park and 1,400 pounds at Shawnee Mission Park.
Because of a lake drawdown which has reduced the water level by more than eight feet from normal and ongoing construction projects at Shawnee Mission Park Lake, the fall stocking at this location is tentatively planned on or near the dam rather than at its regular location near the boat ramp. Parking on the dam is prohibited and nearby parking will be limited, therefore officials recommend that those wishing to attend fall stocking should go to the Heritage Park event.
The Heritage Park stocking will take place near that park's dam starting at approximately 2:30 p.m. The stocking at Shawnee Mission Park Lake will follow beginning at approximately 3:45 p.m.
Following the stockings, the two lakes will be closed to fishing until the parks' opening at 5 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27.
Search for the keywords "fish stocking" to find this program in the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Before fishing in the lakes, area anglers ages 16 to 64 will need to have a Kansas fishing permit, a Johnson County Park and Recreation District fishing permit and a JCPRD trout fishing permit. District fishing and trout 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.
Shawnee Mission Park is located at 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee, and Heritage Park is located at 16050 Pflumm, Olathe. Both facilities are owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. For more information, call (913) 888-4713.
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Ernie Miller Park Owl Prowl Offered on Oct. 26, Nov. 2 & 3
Great horned, barred, and screech owls make their home in Ernie Miller Park. Come learn more about these fascinating birds during the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Park Owl Prowl offered at three different times this fall.
The District's Interpretive Staff will lead an informative talk featuring two live owls. This will be followed by a hike into the night environment. You never know whooo you might spot! Come dressed for the weather. A cup of hot cider will conclude the hike. The program is for ages 16 and older as well as children ages five and up when accompanied by an adult. Search for the keyword "birding" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This one-session program will take place at Ernie Miller Park, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, beginning at 7:30 p.m. on each of the following dates: Oct. 26, and Nov. 2 and 3. The cost for one 90-minute session is $7 per person for Johnson County residents or $8 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.
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Stories by Fireside Program Offers Thrills for Two Age Groups
Everyone loves a spooky story. A program being offered at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Park in Olathe will carry on this tradition with age-appropriate stories for two age groups at different times.
The program is called Stories by Fireside and will take place on Saturday, Oct. 27 at the amphitheater at Ernie Miller Park, which is located at 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe. From 6 to 7 p.m., Not-So-Scary stories will be presented for ages nine and under. From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Scarier Stories will be presented for ages 10 and older. In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved indoors to the Ernie Miller Natures Center's Bluestem Room, which has an indoor fireplace.
For both sessions, children must by accompanied by an adult parents or guardian. Park naturalists will spark participants' imaginations with tales told by the fireside. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
The cost is $3 per person per session, including adults, paid on-site, but because space is limited, reservations are required. For more information or to make reservations, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759.
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Mildale Farm Fall Fest Set For Oct. 27
A Fall Fest being planned by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District for Oct. 27 will give members of the public an opportunity to explore the Mildale Farm property.
The event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will give interested parties access to the 158-acre site including the 22-acre rental property in southwest Johnson County as well as to about 136 acres which are actually part of the adjacent 578 acres of agricultural property, all of which was purchased by the District in 2005. Visitors will be directed to park in the large parking lot near Mildale Farm's main barn.
A number of fall-related activities are being planned for the event, all of which will be free to the public. A large pumpkin patch will be situated in front of the main barn. Children 12 and under can pick out a pumpkin and decorate it inside the barn with the help of staff from the Childrens Services Department. Cider and hot cocoa will also be provided in the barn, as will information on other District programs and activities. A tractor-drawn shuttle will take visitors to a fire circle in the south-central portion of the Mildale site, where they can roast marshmallows and enjoy storytelling by members of the District's Interpretive Staff. Staff from the Ernie Miller Nature Center will also lead nature walks to see some of the site's prairie habitat. Horse-drawn hayrides along a figure-eight route are also planned.
Catch-and-release fishing in any or all of seven ponds within the 158-acre area will also be offered during Fall Fest. While District fishing permits have been waived for this event, anglers 16 and older will still need to have a Kansas fishing license.
Visitors can also explore and picnic on the grounds. Restrooms will be available, but the property's two homes and other outbuildings will not be open during this event. The centerpiece of the Mildale Farm property is the high-quality equestrian-style barn, which features peg construction and a hand-laid brick floor.
Though designed with an equestrian motif, the barn has never been used for keeping animals and has been utilized as a rental location for social functions, including weddings, family gatherings, and other social and business events. Inquiries regarding information or reservations for Mildale Farm should be directed to Keri Sanborn at (913) 236-1266.
Rules for this event will be posted and will be the same as park rules in place on other District properties. Among them: no alcohol, pets must be on-leash, and vehicles must remain on roadways. Rangers will be on hand to enforce these as well as the catch-and-release fishing provision.
Mildale Farm is located at 35250 W. 199th St.. From the north, take Interstate 35 south to Exit 207. Turn left (south) and drive one mile to 199th Street. Turn right and proceed 3.5 miles to the Mildale Farm entrance. From the south, take Interstate 35 North to Exit 202. Turn left on Sunflower and proceed about two miles. Turn right on East Fourth in Edgerton and follow it for about three blocks. Turn right on Highway 56 Highway and make a second right on 199th Street. The farm entrance will be about a quarter-mile ahead on the left.
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JCPRD Children's Services Department Conducting Halloween-Themed Canned Goods Drive
Students enrolled in the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 25 After School Programs will Trick-or-Treat for canned goods instead of candy again this year. On Halloween they will be going door to door, escorted by staff, into the neighborhoods around their schools to solicit donations for area food pantries. These kids want to do something to stop hunger.
Assistance from the general public is also sought as collections boxes will be placed at two JCPRD office locations from Oct. 22 through 31. Those sites are: Building A, Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam; and the Administrative Offices at Shawnee Mission Park, 7904 Renner Road, Shawnee. According to the Harvesters Community Food Network, the most-needed food items are: canned soup, vegetables, fruit, and meats, boxed meals, peanut butter and jelly and hot and cold cereal.
Afterschool sites in the Shawnee Mission School District will be donating their collections to Harvesters. As Kansas City’s only food bank, Harvesters serves 1,602,593 meals monthly. Afterschool sites in the Gardner and De Soto school districts will be donating their canned goods to their respective local food pantries, which are both in dire need of contributions.
Last year, the children conducted a similar project and were able to collect over 6,800 goods in a one-hour period. The Children’s Services Department hopes to collect even more this year. With public contributions, these kids can make a big impact on our community!
For more information, contact Sunflower Elementary School-Age Program Director Mary Fredley at (913) 888-0133.
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JCPRD Winter Catalog Available After Oct. 22
The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Winter ACTIVITIES catalog will be available the week of Oct. 22. The quarterly publication lists more than 400 programs offered by the District from December though February and beyond. Winter offerings range from arts and crafts to sports to nature activities, and include leagues, classes, seminars, workshops and trips. Included are programs for toddlers through senior adults.
Registration for classes in the Winter catalog will begin immediately after the catalogs arrive. Winter program offerings begin on or about Nov. 1.
ACTIVITIES is mailed out to approximately 28,000 past participants who have taken part in a District program within the last year. Catalogs will also be available at Johnson County Library Branches, community centers, various businesses, and at District locations.
Updated JCPRD program listings and 24-hour online registration are available on the District's website at www.jcprd.com. Look for Winter listings to be online the week of Oct. 22 as well.
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Fourth Annual Children's Haunted House Offered on Oct. 28 at the Athletic Training Center
It will be fun to be scared when the Children's Haunted House at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Athletic Training Center, 9301 W. 73rd St., Merriam, returns for a fourth year.
This event is for children ages six to 12 accompanied by an adult. There will be more treats than tricks, so don't forget the treat bags! The Children's Haunted House will be open from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 28. Admission is $4 per child and adults are free. Search for the keyword "Halloween" 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 call (913) 403-8272. Advance registration is not required.
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New Mid-Day Masquerade Dance for 50 Plus is Oct. 30 at RPCC
Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon masquerade style during a new special event being planned by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
The program is called Mid-Day Masquerade Dance and will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The event will feature live music from KC Swing. Costume and door prizes are planned and participants will get to much on some ghoulish treats. Search for the keyword "dance" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This event will begin at 1:30 p.m. The cost for this two-hour event is $5 per person at the door. To make reservations for this program, call (913) 236-4343.
The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches.
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Winter Hours for JCPRD Parks Begin Nov. 1
Hours of operation for a number of Johnson County Park and Recreation District parks will change for the winter effective Nov. 1.
Winter hours are 7:30 a.m. through 8 p.m. daily. This annual reduction is meant to cut costs during a time when colder temperatures and fewer daylight hours naturally reduce park usage. Summer hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. will be reinstated on March 1, 2008.
District parks impacted by the change in hours are: Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam; Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe; Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee; Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th Street, Overland Park; and Kill Creek Park, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe.
Other District parks with year-round dawn to dusk hours include: Ernie Miller Park, 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe; Sunflower Nature Park, 103rd St. and Edgerton Road, rural De Soto; and Mill, Turkey & Kill Creek Streamway Park access points.
For more information, call (913) 831-3359.
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Public Hayride Offered on Nov. 4 at Shawnee Mission Park
In addition to fall hayrides for organized groups, the Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers an annual opportunity for individuals and family members to enjoy the crisp autumn air from a tractor-drawn hayride without having to worry about reaching minimum numbers or placing a deposit. Advance registration is required.
The public hayride will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4, at Shawnee Mission Park. The cost is $5 per person and advance registration is required. Like the group program, this hayride will last approximately 60 minutes, and will be followed by a 60-minute campfire with apple cider and marshmallows. Participants will meet at "Site A" behind The Theatre in the Park, 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee.
For anyone interested in group hayrides, spaces are still available through Nov. 18 at both Shawnee Mission Park and at Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe. Organized group hayrides also cost $5 per person but require a minimum of $65 and a $30 deposit due at the time the reservation is made.
Search for the keyword "hayrides" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
To sign up for the public ride or to schedule a group ride, call the JCPRD Reservations Department at (913) 831-3359.
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JCPRD Children's Services Department Conducting Halloween-Themed Canned Goods Drive Through Oct. 31
Students enrolled in the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 25 After School Programs will Trick-or-Treat for canned goods instead of candy again this year. On Halloween they will be going door to door, escorted by staff, into the neighborhoods around their schools to solicit donations for area food pantries. These kids want to do something to stop hunger.
Assistance from the general public is also sought as collections boxes will be placed at two JCPRD office locations from Oct. 22 through 31. Those sites are: Building A, Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam; and the Administrative Offices at Shawnee Mission Park, 7904 Renner Road, Shawnee. According to the Harvesters Community Food Network, the most-needed food items are: canned soup, vegetables, fruit, and meats, boxed meals, peanut butter and jelly and hot and cold cereal.
Afterschool sites in the Shawnee Mission School District will be donating their collections to Harvesters. As Kansas City’s only food bank, Harvesters serves 1,602,593 meals monthly. Afterschool sites in the Gardner and De Soto school districts will be donating their canned goods to their respective local food pantries, which are both in dire need of contributions.
Last year, the children conducted a similar project and were able to collect over 6,800 goods in a one-hour period. The Children’s Services Department hopes to collect even more this year. With public contributions, these kids can make a big impact on our community!
For more information, contact Sunflower Elementary School-Age Program Director Mary Fredley at (913) 888-0133.
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Web Site Design Class Offered for adults Starting Nov. 7
An interactive class teaching the basics of building and publishing a web site is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in early November.
The program is called Web Design and Development and is for adults 17 and older. This class utilizes Adobe Dreamweaver, the industry standard for building and maintaining web sites. Students enrolled in this class receive their own personal domain name and hosting for one year. Search for the keyword "computers" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This program will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday on Nov. 7 and 14 at the Blue Valley Middle School, 5001 W. 163rd Terr., Stilwell. The cost for two two-and-one-half hour sessions is $125 per person for Johnson County residents or $138 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, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
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Potter's Delight Adult Beginning Pottery Class Begins Nov. 7
Create original pottery, both functional and fun, in Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Potter's Delight beginning pottery class for adults 16 and older. Participants will learn creative design concepts, hand-building techniques, and wheel-throwing.
This class will take place starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday beginning Nov. 7 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for six two-and-one-half hour lessons is $95 for Johnson County residents or $105 for nonresidents. This includes earthenware clay and kiln firing. Because class size is limited, preregistration is required. Search for the keyword "art" to find this program 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.
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Final Two Animal Tales Storytime Sessions Of Fall Season are Nov. 7 & 21 at Ernie Miller Nature Center
The last two Animal Tales Storytime sessions of the Fall season will take place at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe on Nov. 7 and 21.
The Program is called Animal Tales - Storytime at the Ernie Miller Nature Center and is for ages two to six. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This program will feature stories, songs, and surprises. The theme for the Nov. 7 session is forest friends, while the theme for the Nov. 21 session is Native Americans. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find these programs in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings.
Both programs will be offered at the Nature Center beginning at 10:30 a.m. The cost for one 30-minute session is $1.75 per person, payable at the event. Advance registrations are not necessary. Ernie Miller Nature Center is located at 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759.
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50 Plus Plans Veterans Day Celebration and Writing Contest on Nov. 9
The Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 50 Plus Department is planning a Veteran's Day Celebration and writing contest on Nov. 9 at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty, Overland Park.
Participants in this two -hour special event can join members of the color guard as they raise the flag and honor veterans. Chris Cakes will provide pancakes and sausage. Veterans will eat free, thanks to event sponsor Park Meadows Senior Living of Overland Park. For family members and members of the public, there will be a $4 charge for breakfast.
Entertainment for the event will be provided by the Overland Stage Chorus with music especially for veterans. Search for the keyword "celebration" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
In addition, the winners of a Veterans Day-themed writing contest will share their memories and first second and third prizes will be awarded.
Those wanting to enter the contest should submit their entries by Nov. 2. Writers are asked to submit stories from war times when sugar and other supplies were rationed, when there were no nylons to wear, or when they were stuck in a foxhole for hours at a time. Were you a Rosie the Riveter? How did you keep your spirits up while you were away from home? Do you still have a favorite love letter from those times you would be willing to share? Submit entries to: Overland Park 50 Plus Office, Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty, Overland park, KS 66204 or call (913) 642-6410 for alternate entries.
The JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pickup 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.
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Mill Creek Streamway Park impassable at College Boulevard on Friday, Nov. 2
The Mill Creek Streamway Park's Gary L. Haller Trail will once again be closed under a new bridge being constructed on College Boulevard on Friday, Nov. 2, Johnson County Park and Recreation District officials announced. The trail will be impassible at this point, effectively cutting off traffic between the access points at 119th and Northgate, Olathe, and at 18450 W. 95th St., Lenexa.
Friday's closure follows a similar closure the previous week and is a safety precaution being taken while the City of Olathe installs decking on the new bridge. Streamway Park Manager Eddie Coffey explained that the city poured concrete on one side of the bridge last week and now plans to complete the other side this week. He said city crews anticipate working on the project from 5 a.m. until dark on Friday.
As before, all other access points and sections of the trail will remain open.
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Final Two Fall Adventure Walks for 50 Plus Are Nov. 7 & 15
The Kaw River trail in Lawrence, Kan., and the George Owens Nature Park in Independence will be the final two destinations 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 Lawrence trip is scheduled for Nov. 7, while the Independence trip in Nov. 15.
These walks are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while visiting interesting regional trails. Participants can choose either or both of the walks, which will both 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.
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Tellabration 2007 Set For Nov. 17 At Ernie Miller Nature Center
Want to hear a good story? Come celebrate the International Day of Storytelling at the Ernie Miller Nature Center. This event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 17. The cost is $2 per person, including adults, paid at the site.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., participants can hear stories with live animals. The stories will combine the themes of environmental awareness and ancient myths that will delight, entertain, and involve audiences of all ages. Live animals will be on hand as the stories are being told. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
The Ernie Miller Nature Center is located at 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe and is owned and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Advance registrations are not required for this program. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759.
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