February 23, 2021

By Michelle Alexander

Actively participate in Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s (JCPRD) 50 Plus Department’s 50th anniversary celebration by completing 50 Things with 50 Plus. Pick from a long list of things to do that promote engagement through physical, social, mindful, nature oriented, forward thinking and even some passive activities. 

It’s all about making time to take care of yourself and having some fun, too. All that participate and submit a completed “50 Things with 50 Plus” checklist will receive a 50 Plus Superstar button and be entered into a gift card drawing to be held at the end of the year in December, giving everyone plenty of time to join in.

The “50 Things with 50 Plus” checklist and tracking sheet can be accessed four ways.

The first is to visit jcprd.com/50plussuperstars where you can download and print a copy of the activity list and tracking sheet. 

The second way is to email Rachel to have the document emailed directly to you.

Preprinted lists are available for pick up at the following locations:

• Registration Office at Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam.
• 50 Plus Office at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty, Overland Park.
• Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall, Prairie Village.
• Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood.

Last, you can call 913-826-2975 to have the list mailed directly to your home address. 

A sample of some of the activities include:

• Telling a family member about one of our programs you attended.
• Visit the Rose Garden at Antioch Park in the spring or summer.
• Call one of our offices just to say “hello.”
• Watch a sunset at Lexington Lake, Kill Creek or Shawnee Mission Park.
• Visit the Johnson County Museum.
• Be brave and attend a virtual program with your video on.
• Share a picture of yourself from the 1980s or 1990s with our staff via email, Facebook or in person.
• Visit a 50 Plus Program location you’ve never been to before. 

As you see, there are plenty of options to choose from that provide physical distance while staying involved in the amazing world around us. To participate, use the tracking sheet to record the item you’ve completed along with something positive you gained from the activity. Once you’ve filled in all 50 lines, return the completed list with your name, email and phone number to our office via email, postal mail or in person to any of the locations listed above by Dec.1, 2021.

Engaging our mind, body and social connections regularly can provide positive outcomes to overall health and wellness. Anything we can do to help make your day a bit brighter is a win for us. Please help us celebrate 50 years of 50 Plus and thank you for being the best part of the 50 Plus Program!

Michelle Alexander is 50 Plus Department manager for Johnson County Park and Recreation District.