By Melissa Bribiesca

Spring is a season of renewal, and the Johnson County Park and Recreation 50 Plus Department is celebrating with a variety of special events designed for fun, engagement and activity. From outdoor adventures to social gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The spring season kicks off with a Gamin’ with the Grandkids program at 9:30 a.m. March 19 at Matt Ross Community Center. Grandparents can bring their grandchildren, ages 5 and older, for an afternoon of games, dance-offs, a photo booth and light refreshments. The cost is $8/ $9 for nonresidents.

If getting outdoors is more your style, the Hooked-on Fishing event at Meadowbrook Park on April 12 offers a fun morning of fishing for children ages 4-12, accompanied by an adult. Participants are asked to bring their own fishing poles. The event starts at 9 a.m. and costs $10/$11 for nonresidents.

Puzzle enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Team up to race against the clock in a 500-piece puzzle challenge along with light refreshments. The top three teams with the fastest completion times will win prizes. Puzzle Palooza is for ages 18 and older and will be at 6 p.m. April 17 at Meadowbrook Park. The cost is $10/ $11 for nonresidents. Participants can sign up individually or as a team of four.

Who says kids get to have all the fun? Adults ages 50 and older can join in the fun with our modern-day scavenger hunt at Antioch Park. Teams will be given a GPS device and instructions to find hidden caches filled with Easter Eggs! Afterward, they can enjoy a light snack and roasted Peeps over the campfire and a photo opportunity with a furry friend. This event takes place at 1 p.m. Friday, April 18. The cost is $13/$14 for nonresidents.

April showers bring a Mah Jongg Tiles & Flowers tournament at New Century Fieldhouse! Players rotate tables, track wins and engage in strategic play. Compete for prizes awarded to the top five players and enjoy a catered lunch. This event takes place at 9:30 a.m. April 22. The cost is $17/ $19 for nonresidents.

Single adults can mingle at the Spring Fling Singles Mixer event at the Matt Ross Community Center at 2:30 p.m. April 25. Enjoy icebreaker games, meet new people and socialize over light refreshments. The cost is $15/$16 for nonresidents.

Spring is the perfect time to embrace new experiences and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on these exciting events – call 913-831-3359 to register or visit JCPRD.com/50plus and join the fun!

Melissa Bribiesca is a 50 Plus recreation coordinator at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.