My JCPRD activities - 50 Plus edition - May-June 2021

The Best Times Digital Edition

April 27, 2021

My JCPRD activities - 50 Plus edition - May-June 2021

Welcome to the new home of listings for the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. Our program listings are also always available at JCPRD.com/50Plus. In 2021, 50 Plus is marking its 50th anniversary and invites you to celebrate with us by participating in programs marked with (50!).

Enrichment & Special Interests

Cards: Bridge Workshops
Become an in-demand partner. Fun and easy classes help you master a new subject each week. Purchase each workshop individually or take them all! Handouts included.
1 - 1 ½ hr. session - $10 / $11 nonresidents
9787 MRCC Rule of 15 6/15 Tue 4 pm
9788 MRCC Rule of 20 6/22 Tue 4 pm
9789 MRCC Law of Total Tricks 6/29 Tue 4 pm

Cooking: Air Fryer Demonstration
An air fryer is a useful kitchen gadget to put a new spin on meals. Our instructor will explain how to use the air fryer and demonstrate a few favorite recipes via Zoom.
1 - 1 ½ hr. class - $10 / $11 nonresidents
9537 Virtual Program 5/15 Sat 11 am

NEW! Cooking: Baklava - A Sweet Delight
Welcome, or Ahlaan, in Arabic! Watch a demonstration of how to make an age-old beloved middle eastern dessert as well as a breakfast bread. Samples available to pick up at Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse to enjoy during the program.
1 - 1 hr. class - $15/ $17 nonresidents
9229 Virtual Program 5/6 Thu 10 am

NEW! Cooking: Fish 101: Salmon
Learn to prepare this popular fish in delicious ways over Zoom with Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Department. Includes cooking booklet and some ingredients/supplies.
1 - 2 hr. class - $37 / $41 nonresidents
9539 Virtual Program 5/26 Wed 2 pm

Crafts: Craft Savvy - Coasters
It’s fun and easy to change out your table décor with coasters that coordinate with the season. Create a set of your own coasters or give them as a gift. Supplies available for pick up at Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse.
1 - 1 hr. session - $7 / $9 nonresidents
9218 Virtual Program 6/3 Thu 1:30 pm

Games: Intro to Mah Jongg
Learn the basics of this classic tabletop game from an experienced instructor. Each player receives a current Mah Jongg card to take home. No class on 5/31 or 7/5.
4 - 2 hr. sessions - $42 / $46 nonresidents
9887 MBPC 5/10 Mon 10 am
9590 MBPC 6/14 Mon 10 am

Reading: Wanderlust Virtual Book Club
Each month enjoy the selected book from the list and conclude the month in a group virtual discussion about the read, how it relates to your travel, and how it may inspire your wanderlust. May’s book is “A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail,” while June’s is “Four Seasons in Rome.”
2 - 1 hr. classes - $10
9227 Virtual Program 5/25 Tue 1:30 pm
6/25 Fri 1:30 pm

NEW! Special Interest: Porch Planters Workshop
(Ages 18 & older)
Get creative and hands on while designing a planter to spruce up your porch or deck. Plants and soil included.
1 - 1 hr. class - $40 / $44 nonresidents (planter included) $25 /
$28 nonresidents (bring your own planter)
9778 MBPC 5/21 Fri 10 am

NEW! Special Interest: Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Designed to help the family caregiver learn how to take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, or someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country.
6 - 1 ½ hr. classes - Free
9242 Virtual Program 6/17 Thu 1:30 pm

Technology: Various Courses
Increase your knowledge and proficiency in this fast-moving tech world. Courses on Facebook and Zoom as well as the best ways to keep your information safe with passwords, taking great photos, or how to sell your stuff online are all available.
1 - 1 hr. class - $10 / $11 nonresidents
9551 RPCC Zoom 101 5/25 Tue 10 am
9552 RPCC Zoom 101 6/19 Sat 10 am
1 - 2 hr. class - $20 / $22 nonresidents
9801 MRCC Smartphone Photos 5/6 Thu 10 am
9616 RPCC Selling Online 5/18 Tue 6 pm
9612 RPCC Password Protection 5/25 Tue 12 pm
9799 MRCC Facebook 101 6/10 Thu 10 am
9613 RPCC Password Protection 6/19 Sat 12 pm

Technology: One-on-One Computer or Cell Phone Tutoring
Get specific training and questions answered by our patient and knowledgeable instructor. Participant is required to bring personal laptop, tablet, or cell phone to tutoring session. Call (913) 826-3160 to set up your appointment.
1 - 2 hr. class - $60 / $66 nonresidents
9600 RPCC By Appt.

Technology: Smartphone Workshops
Is your smartphone smarter than you? Learn the basic fundamentals of your device through these helpful workshops. Purchase individually or take them all! Handouts included.
1 - 1 ½ hr. session - $17 / $19 nonresidents
Android®
9802 MRCC Contacts & Calling 6/8 Tue 10 am
9804 MRCC Settings & Alerts 6/15 Tue 10 am
9805 MRCC Text & Email 6/22 Tue 10 am
9806 MRCC All About Apps 6/29 Tue 10 am

Fine & Performing Arts

Art: Painter’s Palette
Techniques, styles, and tips taught with pastel, watercolor, acrylic, or oil. Individual instruction and peer assistance provided. Punch cards expire three months from date of purchase.
5 Punch Art Card - $55 / $61 nonresidents
10 Punch Art Card - $107 / $118 nonresidents
TRCC 5/3-8/30 Mon 9:30 am
MRCC 5/6-8/26 Thu 1:30 pm
TRCC 5/7-8/27 Fri 9:30 am

Art: Plein Air
Explore the beauty of the outdoors at Antioch Park and learn how to translate it to paper or canvas by painting outdoors. Learn color mixing, light representation, and more.
6 - 2 ½ hr. sessions - $65 / $72 nonresidents
9811 Antioch Park 6/16 Wed 9 am

Art: Watercolor Painting
Learn techniques, styles and tips. Individual instruction and peer assistance provided. Start anytime with a punch card. Punch cards expire three months from date of purchase. 5 Punch Art Card - $55 / $61 nonresidents 10 Punch Art Card - $107 / $118 nonresidents MRCC 5/4-8/31 Tue 1:30 pm

Art: Woodcarving - Drop-In
Join fellow carvers as you work on individual projects and share ideas with others in this drop-in session. No instructor present, but plenty of carvers are willing to help.
18 - 2 ½ hr. sessions - $3 pay at the door
TRCC 5/4-8/31 Tue 9 am

Dance: Tap - Advanced
Stomp, shuffle, and stamp to the next level of tap dance. Test out of Beginning Tap and build upon the fundamentals. Tap dance experience necessary. No class 7/5.
8 - 50 min. sessions - $61 / $67 nonresidents
10152 MRCC 6/7 Mon 3 pm

Dance: Tap - Beginning
Learn basic tap fundamentals such as the Waltz, Clog, and Rhythm Time Steps. Hard-soled or tap dance shoes required. No previous tap dance necessary. No class 7/5.
8 - 50 min. sessions - $61 / $67 nonresidents
9813 MRCC 6/8 Tue 2 pm

Dance: Tap - Intermediate
Stomp, shuffle, and stamp to the next level of tap dance. Test out of Beginning Tap and build upon the fundamentals. Tap dance experience necessary. No class 7/5.
8 - 50 min. sessions - $61 / $67 nonresidents
9815 MRCC 6/7 Mon 2 pm

Fitness & Health

Exercise: AEA Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP)
This recreational chair-based exercise class includes range of motion exercises suitable for every fitness level and ability.
1 - 45 min. workout - $3 pay at the door
Merriam Community Center M,W 10 am
Spring Hill Civic Center T,Th 1 pm
New Century Fieldhouse W,F 10:15 am
Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse Wed 1 pm
Matt Ross Community Center Fri 10:45 am
1 - 45 min workout - $3 online pay option during class
8899 Virtual Program Wed 11 am

Exercise: Chair Yoga
Take yoga off the mat and onto the chair, incorporating breathing with movement while retaining all the benefits of yoga. Use the chair for support if needed during standing poses.
Both virtual and in-person classes available.
5 - 50 min. sessions - $30 / $33 nonresidents
9703 Virtual Program 5/20 Thu 11:30 am
5 - 50 min. sessions - $40 / $44 nonresidents
9601 MBPC 5/18 Tue 10:30 am
9602 MBPC 5/20 Thu 10:30 am
6 - 50 min. sessions - $36 / $40 nonresidents
9704 Virtual Program 6/24 Thu 11:30 am
6 - 50 min. sessions - $47 / $52 nonresidents
9603 MBPC 6/22 Tue 10:30 am
9604 MBPC 6/24 Thu 10:30 am

Exercise: Outdoor Classical Stretch
Classical Stretch, or Essentrics, is a dynamic, full-body workout that simultaneously combines stretching and strengthening, while engaging all 650 muscles. No class on 5/31 and 7/5.
4 - 50 min. sessions - $32 / $35 nonresidents
9632 MBPC 5/17 Mon 5 pm
5 - 50 min. sessions - $40 / $44 nonresidents
9633 MBPC 6/21 Mon 5 pm

Exercise: Sunset Yoga
Increase flexibility and coordination by practicing yoga on the park lawn. Must bring your own yoga mat and equipment.
5 - 50 min. sessions - $40 / $44 nonresidents
9727 MBPC 5/19 Wed 6 pm
6 - 50 min. sessions - $47 / $52 nonresidents
9728 MBPC 6/23 Wed 6 pm

Exercise: Tai Chi
Tai Chi offers a slow and gentle exercise with benefits in endurance, flexibility, and muscle strengthening.
4 - 50 min. sessions - $36 / $40 nonresidents
9863 RPCC 5/13 Thu 5 pm
9864 RPCC 6/17 Thu 5 pm

Exercise: Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
Safe and easy to learn movements for those with arthritis or just starting a wellness routine. Improve muscular strength, flexibility and fitness.
1 - 45 min. workout - $3 pay at the door
Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse (Int) Mon 1 pm
Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse (Beg) Mon 2 pm
1 - 30 min workout - $3 online pay option during class
8898 Virtual Program Wed 12:15 pm

Exercise: Virtual Strength and Stretching
A stretching and strengthening class designed to increase strength and range of motion helping with activities of daily living.
5 - 50 min. sessions - $30 / $33 nonresidents
9703 Virtual Program 5/20 Thu 11:30 am
6 - 50 min. sessions - $36 / $40 nonresidents
9704 Virtual Program 6/24 Thu 11:30 am

NEW! Exercise: Walk with Ease
This Arthritis Foundation program is proven to reduce the pain of arthritis and improve overall health. Learn to exercise safely and begin each session with pre-walk discussions related to exercise and arthritis, followed by 10-40 minute walk.
12- 60 min. sessions - FREE
9498 Lenexa Community Center 5/25 T,Th 1:30 pm

Yoga: Hatha (Gentle) Yoga Punch Card (Ages 18 & Older)
Strengthen your body, calm your mind and improve your flexibility and balance. Participants are encouraged to bring yoga mats. No class 5/31, 7/5.
5 Punch Card - $45 / $50 nonresidents (valid for 3 months)
10 Punch Card - $90 / $99 nonresidents (valid for 3 months)
20 Punch Card - $180 / $198 nonresidents (valid for 4 months)
Roeland Park Community Center M,Th 4 pm

Zumba: Zumba Gold
This class introduces easy-to-follow choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination.
5 - 50 min. sessions - $39 / $43 nonresidents
10243 RPCC 5/15 Sat 10 am
10240 RPCC 5/19 Wed 6:30 pm
10244 RPCC 6/19 Sat 10 am
10241 RPCC 6/23 Wed 6:30 pm

Nature & Outdoors

Social Walks: Spring Strolling
Make friends while exploring the great outdoors. Please register at least one week prior to departure. For specific trail terrain and meeting location information call (913) 826-2833.
1 - 1 hr. class - $5 / $6 nonresidents
9015 Offsite OP Arboretum 5/7 Fri 9 am
1 - 1 hr. class - $2 / $3 nonresidents
10114 Offsite Shawnee Mission Park 5/28 Fri 9 am
10115 Offsite Stoll Park 6/9 Fri 9 am

Special Events

Games: Anniversary Special - Gameshows of the 80’s (50!)
Join in on this silly rendition of television game shows. Everyone gets a chance to play. Refreshments will be served.
1 - 1 ½ hr. event - $10 / $11 nonresidents
9626 RPCC 5/20 Thu 1:30 pm

NEW! Games: Anniversary Special - Totally 80’s Music Bingo (50!)
It’s a totally tubular afternoon of music bingo. Score some radical prizes and enjoy refreshments as you walk like an Egyptian to your favorite tunes of the 80s.
1 - 1 ½ hr. event - $10 / $11 nonresidents; $13 / $14 nonresidents week-of registration; cost of admission covers food and staff time to administer the bingo program. No additional charge for bingo.
9817 MRCC 6/30 Wed 1:30 pm

NEW! Social Event: Picnic in the Park
Join us for lunch, lawn games, and more. Learn about the park and what goes on behind the scenes to make it a beautiful destination.
1 - 1 ½ hr. event - $10 / $11 nonresidents; $11 / $12 nonresidents for registrations starting one week before event.
9709 MBPC 5/26 Wed 11:30 am

Travel: Travel Show
Spend the afternoon meeting your 50 Plus Travel Professionals while previewing our scheduled destinations and beautiful vacation spots. Please RSVP to (913) 826-2975.
1 - 3 hr. event - FREE
MBPC 6/29 Tue 1 pm

Sports

NEW! Tennis: 50 Plus Tennis for Beginners
The beginners’ class covers the rules, fundamentals, and basic strategies to this classic sport, taught by an experienced tennis provider.
6 - 50 min. lessons - $65 / $71 nonresidents
9631 R Park 6/7 Mon 11:30 am

Pickleball: Drop-in Play
Join fellow pickleball enthusiasts for play and practice! Times and days are subject to change due to indoor court availability. Equipment available.
$3 per person per day
MRCC 5/5-8/25 Wed Noon-4 pm
TRCC 5/3-8/31 M,T,Th,F Times vary
10 Punch Card - $35 or 20 Punch Card - $70
Or Drop-in Fee: $4 per person per day
New Century Fieldhouse 5/4-8/31 T,W,Th 9 am-1 pm

Pickleball: Outdoor Pickleball Summer League
Doubles gender and mixed convenience league for beginning, intermediate and advanced players. Offering two leagues for different age ranges. For questions and registration, call (913) 826-2975. Registration opens 5/3.
$30 per player, per division
9730 Meadowbrook Park 6/6 Sun 7 am

Pickleball: Pickleball Beginning Lessons
Learn how to play the game all your friends are talking about! Equipment provided and space is limited.
1 - 2 hr. lesson - $14 / $15 nonresidents
9826 NCF 5/5 Wed 10 am
9818 MRCC 5/26 Wed 1 pm
9827 NCF 6/2 Wed 10 am
9819 MRCC 6/23 Wed 1 pm

Travel

For more 50 Plus travel opportunities, full itinerary brochures and pricing of the trips listed below call (913) 826-2975, or visit JCPRD.com/169/Travel (All prices include airfare)

Extended Trip: Spotlight on New York City Holiday Dec. 13-17, 2021 - 5 Days, 5 Meals
Registration deadline: July 13, 2021
$2,998 per person, double occupancy
$3,748 per person, single occupancy

Extended Trip: Tropical Costa Rica Jan. 12-20, 2022 - 9 Days, 14 Meals
Registration deadline: July 12, 2021
$2,298 per person, double occupancy
$3,798 per person, single occupancy

Extended Trip: Sunny Portugal Feb. 15-24, 2022 - 10 Days, 12 Meals
Registration deadline: August 16, 2021
$2,398 per person, double occupancy
$2,898 per person, single occupancy

May & June Special Events For All Ages

Visit JCPRD.com/Activities for details and registration information.

  • Enchanted Fairytale Forest- May 1, Ernie Miller Nature Center
  • Family Bingo Night-  May 7, Roeland Park Community Center
  • HP3 5K, 10K, & 15K-  May 8, Heritage Park
  • S’mores Family Geocaching-  May 21, Shawnee Mission Park
  • Shawnee Mission Park Adventure Race-  May 22, Shawnee Mission Park
  • A Day in the Park-  June 5, Shawnee Mission and Kill Creek parks
  • The Great American Family Campout-  June 5, Shawnee Mission Park
  • Free Fishing, Boating, Archery Weekend-  June 5 & 6, JCPRD parks where activities are permissible
  • Treasure Tails Geocaching-  June 6, Meadowbrook Park
  • Flag Day Family Geocaching-  June 14, R Park
  • Summer Solstice Party-  June 19, Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse

Below are additional programs of interest to 50 Plus participants

Boating: Sailing I (Ages 18 & Older)
Learn the basic skill of sailing. Types of boats, launching techniques, docking, maintenance, and safety will be examined and studied in this class. If you wish to use your own boat, please call Seth Salmans at (913) 826-3491. Basic swimming skills required.
2 - 2 hr. indoor lessons & 4 - 2 hr. outdoor lessons - $78 / $85 nonresidents
9566 JCPRD Admin Bldg. 6/8 T,Th 7 pm
Shawnee Mission Park Lake 6/12 Sat 9 am

Museum Exhibit: Paul McCobb: America’s Designer (All Ages)
Paul McCobb designed furniture and furnishings for post-war America, sold in department stores across the country. This groundbreaking exhibit explores his popularity and legacy.
Ongoing - Museum admission rates apply
Johnson County Museum 5/22 - 1/2022

Museum: Virtual Program - Cold War in the Heartland
Join Erik Scott, history professor at KU, who has launched a research site about the Cold War in the Heartland, as he shares stories from the Kansas City area.
1 - 1 hr. program - FREE virtual program. Must register to receive program link. Call (913) 831-3359 to register.
9652 Virtual Program 5/13 Thu 6 pm

Nature Programs: Friday Amphitheater Programs (All Ages) 7 pm, Ernie Miller Nature Center
Bring the family to the new outdoor amphitheater this summer for entertainment and educational experiences. For more information, call (913) 826-2800. Each program is approximately 45 minutes to one hour in length. In case of inclement weather, including extreme heat, program will be held indoors. These programs will continue on Fridays in July.
1 - 45 min. program - $3.50 per person. Advanced Registration Required. Children age two and under are free but must register for a spot.

  • June 4: Owls - Eyes of the Night - 9639
  • June 11: Voices in the Wild - Nature Writers of Note - 9640
  • June 18: Stories in the Park - 9641
  • June 25: Bats - 9642

Program Locations

  • Antioch Park-  6501 Antioch Rd., Merriam
  • (EMNC) Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center- 909 N. K-7 Highway, Olathe
  • JCPRD Admin Building & Shawnee Mission Park- 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee Mission
  • Johnson County Museum- 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park
  • Lenexa Community Center- 13420 Oak St., Lenexa
  • (MRCC) Matt Ross Community Center- 8101 Marty St., Overland Park
  • (MBPC) Meadowbrook Park & Clubhouse- 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village
  • Merriam Community Center- 6040 Slater St., Merriam
  • (NCF) New Century Fieldhouse- 551 New Century Parkway, New Century
  • Overland Park Arboretum- 8909 W. 179th St., OP
  • (RPCC) Roeland Park Community Center- 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park
  • R Park- 5535 Juniper Dr., Roeland Park
  • Spring Hill Civic Center 401 N. Madison St., Spring Hill
  • Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park- 12500 W. 119th St., Overland Park
  • (TRCC) Tomahawk Ridge Community Center- 11902 Lowell, Overland Park

Staying Safe! 

Plan to attend a class in person?

Expect to always be spaced at a minimum of six feet apart from other participants and reduced class sizes. Staff, instructors, and patrons are masked. All food, snacks or supplies are individually wrapped ready for you at your own personal table. Equipment and supplies are sanitized after each use. Your wellbeing is important to us so we are taking every precaution to provide a safe environment for learning and social engagement.

Purchase JCPRD fishing, boating, and archery permits online at JCPRD.com/permits.

Looking for at home recreation opportunities?

We offer virtual programs weekly. It’s a fun, easy way to engage! See what’s available and sign up at JCPRD.com/50plusvirtual.

Visit JCPRD.com/activities or call (913) 831-3359 for information and/or to register.