JANUARY - 2009

South portion of Shawnee Mission Park's loop road to be closed for construction project beginning Jan. 7

A construction project set to begin Jan. 7 is expected to close a portion of the southern main loop road around Shawnee Mission Park for three months or more, Johnson County Park and Recreation District officials announced.

The area of the park's John Barkley Drive to be closed is located between the south Walnut Grove Picnic area and the Radio Controlled (RC) Flying Field. Both of those facilities will be accessible during the closure. During the closure, the picnic area will be accessible only from the east, while the RC Flying Field will be accessible only from the west.

The road closure is required for a stormwater improvement project within the park being undertaken and funded by the city of Lenexa. The portion of the project which will take place within Shawnee Mission Park will involve installing a larger stormwater culvert under Shawnee Mission Park's John Barkley Drive immediately to the east of the turnoff to the parking lot at the south Walnut Grove picnic area. An additional detention basin, or forebay, will also be constructed immediately south of Barkley Drive near Shelter #9, also near the south Walnut Grove parking lot. The work will be completed by Lansing-based Linaweaver Construction.

The city's project will also include culvert work within the Parkhurst subdivision to the south of the park. Access to trails between Parkhurst and Shawnee Mission Park will also be restricted during the project.

The primary goal of the project is to provide increase water flow from the new City Center development near the intersection of Renner Road and 87th Street, and to prevent flooding and improve wildlife habitat and water quality.

This project follows and complements a major water quality improvement project completed by the park district in late 2007. That project involved installation of a wetlands area at the southeast corner of Shawnee Mission Park Lake and installation of a primary forebay west of the north Walnut Grove area.

For more information, contact Lenexa Stormwater Engineer Tom Jacobs at (913) 477-7644.

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New Winter Walkabout program offered on Jan. 22 at Antioch Park

Parents and children are invited to bundle up and enjoy a beautiful winter day on the trials of Antioch Park on Jan. 22..

This program is called Winter Walkabout at Antioch Park and is being presented by the Childrens Services Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The program is for ages three and up with an adult. During this walk, participants will look for clues to help guess the name of a book they will read when the walk concludes at the park's fire ring. Along with the story, participants will enjoy toasting marshmallows and sipping hot cider. Search for the keyword "nature" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

This one-session program will take place at Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam, beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22. The cost for one 60-minute session is $15 per person for Johnson County residents or $17 for nonresidents. Preregistration is required. A second offering of this program will take place on Feb. 19 and will have a different story and theme.

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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Wildlife Presentations offered for groups by JCPRD Interpretive Staff

Scouting and other organized groups looking for educational and fun outdoor activities this Winter can take advantage of group programs offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Arranged by appointment, the JCPRD Interpretive Staff is offering the following programs: Fall Nature Walks and Survival Hike. Search for the keyword "wildlife presentations" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

Programs can be arranged at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe, or at another location.

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 close-up, live examples of these majestic raptors.

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.

Wildlife Who's Who is for grades kindergarten and up. Participants will meet an amphibian, a reptile, a bird, and a mammal and discover their interrelationship with the food chain.

Each program lasts about 45 minutes. The cost for presentations at the Ernie Miller Nature Center for one to 15 people is $30 for Johnson County residents or $33 for nonresidents, while presentations for 16 to 35 people are $37 for Johnson County residents or $41 for nonresidents. Presentations at your location can accommodate up to 35 people and are $51 for Johnson County residents or $56 for nonresidents. Keep in mind that live animal programs are conducted in Kansas only. Additional consecutive sessions are $37 for Johnson County residents or $41 for nonresidents.

For more information or to schedule a program, call the Ernie Miller Nature Center at (913) 764-7759.

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Youth Outdoor Soccer signups now being taken

Jan. 30 is the deadline for signing up for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s Spring Youth Outdoor Soccer program. This program is for boys and girls ages four to 13 and most play will take place at Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th St., Overland Park. Search for the keyword "soccer" to find this program in the JCPRD’s Activities Catalog and online listings.

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 April 4, the Pee Wee League will meet for six Saturdays and/or Sundays for 25 minutes of practice followed by a 25-minute game. The cost is $60 per person for six 50-minute sessions and includes awards. An additional fee of $15 will be added for a jersey for new players or replacement jersey for players from the fall league. After Jan. 30, spaces will be limited. Coaches will notify players of schedules and game times.

Participants in grades one through four will be in the Johnson County Youth Soccer League. These teams will consist of 12 members and will meet weekly tentatively beginning March 21 for eight weeks to play seven-versus-seven games consisting of two 25-minute halves. Teams in grades five and six consist of a maximum of 16 players per team and will play eight-versus-eight games with two 30-minute halves. Team in grades seven and eight consist of a maximum of 18 players and will play 11 versus 11 games with two 35 minute halves. Johnson County Youth Soccer League teams will also (delete also) meet a minimum of once per week to practice. The cost is $69 per person for eight sessions lasting 50 minutes for grades 1-4, 60 minutes for grades 5-6 and 70 minutes for grades 7-8. Awards will be given to grades 1-4. Grades 5-8 will have a tournament incorporated into their 8 game season with awards given to top teams in each division.

Teams for grades 5-8 are sanctioned under U.S.S.S.A. and will play against teams registered with the Shawnee Soccer Club. Some games may take place at offsite locations.

Registrations for this program will be taken by fax (913) 831-6336 and in-person only. Visit the District’s website at www.jcprdsoccer.com 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.

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Feb. 1 is signup deadline for Boys Lacrosse League

Feb. 1 is the deadline for signing up for a Boys Lacrosse League being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District beginning in mid-March.

Lacrosse is currently the fastest-growing team sport in the united States. Blue Valley, Shawnee Mission, and Olathe have a total of six high-school clubs and are continually growing. Through the Great Plain Youth Lacrosse League, prospective players can learn the fundamentals of lacrosse, team play, and sportsmanship. Play is set to begin on Sunday, March 19. Games and practices are tentatively scheduled for Black Bob Park, 14500 West 151st Street, Olathe. Equipment needed includes: a boy's lacrosse stick, mouthpiece, helmet, arm pads, gloves, athletic cup, shoulder pads, and cleats or soccer shoes. Jerseys are included in the registration fee. Search for the keyword "Lacrosse" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

The per-person cost for eight 90-minute sessions is $120 for Johnson County Residents or $132 for nonresidents. Participants must specify their jersey size along with their registration.

For more information, visit www.greatplainslacrosse.com or contact Coach Jason Ford at jason.ford@hoksve.com. The JCPRD’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. For updated program listings, visit the District’s website at www.jcprd.com.

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Beginning Watercolor class for adults begins Feb. 4

Adults 18 and older can explore the relaxing and enjoyable hobby of watercolor painting through a class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

This beginning class will teach various brush stroke techniques, how to mix colors, and how to discover a personal style. Participants should bring a tubed set of watercolors; small, medium, and wide brushes; paper, mounting board; and masking tape. Search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

Beginning Watercolor Painting will take place beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday starting Feb. 4 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for five two-hour sessions is $55 for Johnson County residents or $61 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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Winter Adventure Walks for 50 Plus continue on Feb. 4 and 25

Little Blue Trace and Longview Lake are the final two destinations to be visited this winter as part of Winter Adventure Walks being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

The Little Blue Trace walk will take place on Feb. 4, while the Longview Lake walk will take place on Feb. 25. Both are considered easy walks.

These walks are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while visiting interesting regional scenic trails.

Adventure Walks are led by Instructor Tiffany Glaser. 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 $17 per person for Johnson County residents or $19 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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New PhotoStory class offered for adults on Feb. 4

Learn how to create a PhotoStory and make your memories last for a lifetime through a new program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

The program is called PhotoStory and is for adults 17 and older. Participants should bring their photographs in electronic form and will leave with their PhotoStory burned onto a CD. 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. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at the Blue Valley Middle School, 5001 W. 163rd Terr., Stilwell. The cost for one two-and-one-half-hour session is $35 per person for Johnson County residents or $40 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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Musical Theater program offered for youth beginning Feb. 7

Children will learn to sing favorite showtunes to live piano music during a program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

Designed for ages seven to 11, this program will feature songs from popular musicals. Simple choreography will also be taught for a small performance at the end of the session. Search for the keyword "theater" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

Musical Theater will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday beginning Feb. 7 at the Academy of the Arts, 5413 Martindale, Shawnee. Class cost for four 50-minute lessons is $45 per person for Johnson County residents or $50 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.

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Celebrate Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthday at The Ernie Miller Nature Center on Feb. 7

Celebrating the birthday of Laura Ingalls Wilder, early Kansas Pioneer and author of the beloved "Little House on the Prairie" books, is the purpose of a special event planned at the Ernie Miller Nature Center in early February.

Now in its third year, Laura's Legacy is the name of this event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Ernie Miller Nature Center, at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Participants are encouraged to dress like Laura and wear pioneer clothing. There will be a variety of activities for participants to take part in including making rag dolls, experiencing a lessons from an 1800's school and listening to music from the time period. Refreshments will be served as an interpreter tells Laura's favorite stories of her childhood. 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 paid on-site and is $7 per person for Johnson County residents or $8 per person for nonresidents. Reservations are required and can be obtained by calling (913) 764-7759. Last year's event drew more than 100 girls, so make your reservations early!

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.

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Duncan's Karate Kids, and Family Karate classes begin Feb. 9

Karate classes for youth and families are being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District at Duncan's Karate School, 6009-B Johnson Drive, Mission. The classes are: Karate Kids, and Family Karate. Both programs have classes beginning in early February. Search for the keywords "martial arts" to find these programs in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

Duncan's Karate Kids is for ages six through 12. This class teaches this Korean martial art on a level children will understand and enjoy. Traditional techniques are employed to teach youth to exercise both their bodies and minds to function as one unit and to focus energy to one area of life. This class meets at 4:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday beginning Feb. 9. The cost for eight 40-minute sessions is $48 per person for Johnson County residents or $53 per person for nonresidents.

Duncan's Family Karate is for ages six and older and is meant as an opportunity for family members to spend quality time together learning martial arts from a master with more than 30 years of experience. This class meets at 6:30 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, also beginning Feb. 9. The cost for eight 60-minute sessions is $50 per person for Johnson County residents or $55 per person for nonresidents.

The ACTIVITIES catalog, with information and a registration form, is available for pick-up at all Johnson County Library branches. For more information about any of these classes, call Duncan's Karate School at (913) 262-5900. 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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Color-Colorific class for youth begins Feb. 14

Children ages six through 10 will have an opportunity to explore the artistic possibilities of color through a class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

The class is called Color-Colorific and will give young artists an opportunity to use crayons, markers, and paints in a colorfully new way. Participants will study color and famous pieces of art . All supplies are included. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "art" to find this program in the District's catalog and online listings.

This class will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday beginning Feb. 14 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. Class cost for two 60-minute sessions is $22 per person for Johnson County residents or $24 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.

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Be a Part of Annual National Bird Count at Free Great Backyard Bird Count Event on Feb. 14 at Ernie Miller Nature Center

Love to watch birds? Valentine's Day this year will be a great opportunity to stop by for 15 minutes or sit a spell during a free public birding event which will take place at the Ernie Miller Nature Center on Saturday, Feb. 14. This will be the second time the local nature center is participating in the nationwide birding event, which is now in its 12th year.

The event is called the Great Backyard Bird Count and will take place from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. in the comfort of the Wildlife Viewing Room at the nature center located at 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Participants can learn about birds which spend their winters in northeast Kansas from experienced birders with the Burroughs Audubon Society of Greater Kansas City. Likely candidates for viewing include northern cardinals, black-capped chickadees, American goldfinches, red-tailed hawks, and more. No reservations or registration is required for this event.

"The Great Backyard Bird Count benefits both birds and people" Audubon Education Vice President Judy Braus said in a national release. "It's a great example of citizen science: anyone who can identify even a few species can contribute to the body of knowledge that is used to inform conservation efforts to protect birds and biodiversity. Families, teachers, children, and all those who take part in GBBC get a chance to improve their observation skills, enjoy nature, and have a great time counting for fun, counting for the future."

Count results will contribute information which is valuable for science and conservation and can spotlight changes in bird populations and distribution from year to year. In 2007, a record 80,000 bird checklists were submitted reporting 11 million birds and 613 species. More information on the national count can be found at www.birdcount.org.

For more information, contact Park Naturalist Elaine Giessel at (913) 764-8580 ext. 27. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "birds" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

The nature center also continues to seek donations of supplies for both the animals kept at the center and the wild animals which come to the feeders. Among the items being sought are: black oil sunflower seed; white millet, thistle, or safflower seed (no seed mixes, please); raw unsalted peanuts shelled or unshelled, suet cakes; and dried seed corn on the cob.

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New Intergenerational Geocaching Scavenger Hunt set for Feb. 16 at the Legends at Village West

The Legends at Village West shopping center is the setting for a new intergenerational Geocaching Scavenger Hunt being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District in mid-February.

Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for users of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. With a GPS unit and a few hints, participants will be on their way to finding "treasures" at a number of shops in the Legends at Village West. GPS units will be provided, along with a brief "how to" overview. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "adventure" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

Geocaching Treasure Hunt will take place beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16 in the lobby of the Legends 14 Theatre, 1843 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. The cost for one two-hour adventure $9 per person for Johnson County residents or $11 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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Home Buyers Seminar offered for adults on Feb. 17

First-time home buyers, as well as those who have not bought or sold a home in some time, can benefit from a seminar being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

This program is called Home Buyers Seminar and is for ages 18 and older. Participants can discuss potential credit concerns and learn how to determine how much home they can afford, which loan program is right for them, and how to shop for a home and make sure their best interests are protected. Perform a catalog search for the keyword "financial" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.

This program is offered at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost for one 90-minute session is $18 for Johnson County residents or $20 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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