Johnson County Park & Recreation District: Calendar of Events

March 29 - Oct 31	Kansas City’s Passport to Adventure 2010 Gather your family and friends of all ages, and pick up your free Kansas City Passport to Adventure at the Ernie Miller Nature Center. Visit participating Kansas City area natural and historical sites, and get your passport stamped each time. Answer the question on the sites’ passport page, and receive a special gift too! Once you have completed the passport, turn it in to the last site visited by September 30th, and you will receive a special prize via mail. Passports to Adventure 2010 may be acquired and stamped by visiting any of these participating sites. For participating sites please visit our Kansas City Passport to Adventure web catalog page. Address: Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Highway 7, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 764-7759

Jun 7 - Sept 6	Triathletes: Monday Open Water Swimming at Kill Creek Beach JCPRD will have open water swimming Monday's ONLY at Kill Creek Beach. Triathletes and others interested in getting open water swim practice are welcome to do so. Swimmers are asked to wear a swimsuit. This is a great way to prepare for events such as the Olathe Medical Center Women's Triathlon on September 11. Open water swimming fees do apply for Johnson County and non-residents. Time: 06:00 PM To 07:30 PM Address: Kill Creek Beach, 11670 Homestead Lane, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 312-8847

September 3-6	Patriot Golf Day at Both JCPRD Golf Courses Golfers who visit either of the JPCRD golf courses - Tomahawk Hills Golf Course or Heritage Park Golf Course - on Friday, September 3, Saturday, September 4, Sunday, September 5, and Monday, September 6 will be asked to consider giving a donation to help ensure the future of families of wounded or fallen soldiers. A minimum donation of $1 per person will be asked, with all proceeds going to The Folds of Honor Foundation, which awards scholarships to the children of military members who were either seriously disabled or have given their lives in service to this country in Afghanistan or Iraq. This event began in 2007 and was hugely successful, raising more than $1.1 million from 3,200 golf facilities nationwide, including more than $500 collected from these two local golf courses. Feel free to contact the pro shops for a tee time. Address: Tomahawk Hills Golf Course 17501 Midland Drive, Shawnee , Heritage Park Golf Course, 16445 Lackman, Olathe Phone Number: THGC (913) 631-8000 / HPGC (913) 829-4653

September 4	KC Symphony’s Annual “Pops in the Park” Concert at The Theatre in the Park Come and enjoy a relaxing evening at one of our most beautiful outdoor venues - The Theatre in the Park, for JCPRD's annual Labor Day weekend concert featuring The Kansas City Symphony! This FREE event, featuring the symphony's associate conductor, Steven Jarvi, will celebrate great American music - from West Side Story, South Pacific to Star Trek and even Superman! Feel free to bring your family and friends, plus blankets and lawn chairs to the park. There will also be an Instrument Petting Zoo beginning at 5:30 p.m. so youngsters can experience a pre-concert activity where trained musicians help them try their hands at a variety of orchestral instruments. It will be a night to remember! The parking lot opens at 4:30 p.m.; gates open at 5:00 p.m.; concert starts at 7:00 p.m. For more information contact our registration office. Time: 07:00 PM Address: The Theatre in the Park, 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee, Kansas, 66219 Phone Number: (913) 831-3359

September 8	JCPRD Park Safety & Interp. and Golf Courses Comm. Meeting The JCPRD Park Safety & Interpretation (PS&I) and the Parks & Golf Committees will meet in the District Administration Building Boardroom at Shawnee Mission Park. Feel free to view updates about the meeting Agenda and/or Board Report. Time: 09:00 AM Address: JCPRD Administration Building, 7904 Renner Rd, Shawnee, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 438-7275

September 9-12	The 7th Annual 50 Plus Games of Greater Kansas City Whether you are a seasoned athlete who has been competing for years or a rookie who is ready to get off the couch, the 50 Plus Games of Greater Kansas City welcomes your participation. Local events provide amateur athletes 50 years of age and older an opportunity to compete against each other in sports and games for individuals, doubles and teams. Please join us for opening ceremonies at 5:00 pm Thursday, September 9 at Antioch Park. Visit our web page or call for more information. Address: Various KC Locations Phone Number: (913) 236-1269

September 11	Old Settler’s Day Pancake Breakfast at Olathe Millcreek Center Come celebrate the 112th Anniversary of Old Settler’s Day at the Olathe Millcreek Center with us! Join us for a pancake breakfast by Chris Cakes before the parade begins. Treat yourself to a plate of piping hot pancakes, play games and explore some fascinating facts about pancakes! This is a pay at the door event. Time: 08:00 AM To 09:00 AM Address: Olathe Millcreek Center, 311 E. Park St., Olathe, Kansas, 66061 Phone Number: (913) 831-3359

September 11	FULL - Olathe Medical Center Women’s Triathlon at Kill Creek The 3rd annual Women’s Triathlon at Kill Creek Park will consist of a 0.31 mile (500 meter) swim, followed by a 10.6 mile bike and a 2.6 mile run. Teams can consist of two or three person teams in these categories, family, friends, corporate, and club. This event is limited to 400 participants so early registration is strongly encouraged. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering for this event. For details about the event including registration forms, event brochures and on-line registration, please visit our Olathe Medical Center Triathlon race web page or contact our registration department or race coordinator, Chad Tower. Time: 07:30 AM Address: Kill Creek Park, 33159 W. 117th Street, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 831-3359 or (913) 236-1231

September 15	JCPRD Regular Board Meeting The JCPRD Regular Board Meeting is scheduled to meet in the District Administration Building Boardroom at Shawnee Mission Park. Feel free to view the meeting Agenda and/or Board Report or call for details. Time: 07:00 PM Address: JCPRD Administration Building, 7904 Renner Rd, Shawnee, Kansas, 66219 Phone Number: (913) 438-7275

September 18	Ernie Miller Nature Center 25th Birthday Free Celebration Bring the family or scout group and help us celebrate the Nature Center’s 25th birthday! For years this has been a place for the young and young-at-heart to make memories, enjoy nature and have fun. Visit different stations for stories, animal presentations, crafts and more. This 2 hour event is free. Call for more information. Time: 01:00 PM Address: Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North K-7 Highway, Olathe, KS, 66061 Phone Number: (913) 764-7759

September 18	Educators Open House - Ernie Miller Nature Center For 25 years the Nature Center has been making memories for children and adults through field trips and outreach programs. This school year make your field trip a hit by booking it with our award winning Park Naturalists and/or Park Police Officers. We often hear from adults who remember their field trips to our park. What will your kids remember? See examples of the different programs we offer and get your program scheduled that day! Light snacks will be served. Reservations required. For more information and reservations please call. Time: 10:00 AM To 11:30 AM Address: Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Highway 7, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 764-7759

Sept 18 - Nov 21	Hayrides For Fall Groups at Shawnee Mission Park & Heritage Park Enjoy the crisp autumn air by taking a hayride through either scenic Shawnee Mission Park or Heritage Park. Our hayrides conclude with a warm campfire where marshmallows and apple cider await you. Call now to reserve a date and time for your group. Hayrides available during September, October and November. Two weeks advance registration is required. Address: Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Rd & Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm Rd Phone Number: (913) 831-3359

September 25	FREE - T.A.K.E. Self Defense Program at Kauffman Stadium Sign-up and join a great Kansas City self-defense seminar! The goal of this great program is to raise awareness and to give women ages 12 and older the self-protection skills. These skills can assist them in becoming possible victims of violent crime. The seminars will be held on the baseball field at Kauffman Stadium. The Kansas City Royals, 98.1 KUDL, and JCPRD have teamed-up to present this FREE program. Participants are being asked to complete a registration form located online via the KC Royals Take Defense web page. Walk-in participants will also be accepted on the day of the event. Participants should bring sunglasses and suntan lotion. Bottled water will be provided. Call for details. Time: 10:00 AM To 12:00 PM Address: Kauffman Stadium (KC Royals), I-70 & Blue Ridge Cut Off, Kansas City, Missouri Phone Number: (913) 236-1290

Sept 26 & Nov 7	Fall Public Hayride at JCPRD's Theatre in the Park In addition to fall hayrides for organized groups, JCPRD 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. 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. Advance registration is required. These one hour rides and one hour campfires events are only $5.50 per person. Advanced registration is required. Please contact us with any questions. Time: 02:30 PM To 04:30 PM Address: Shawnee Mission Park / Theatre in the Park, 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 831-3355

October 1	Friends for Parks and Recreation Sunrise Scramble Charity Golf Tournament The Sunrise Scramble charity golf tournament is hosted by Friends for Parks and Recreation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving, growing and enhance our region's parks and recreational resources. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit a very unique and valuable project - the Oak Ridge Lodge & Parklands at Shawnee Mission Park. Visit our Sunrise Scramble web page for details. Time: 08:00 AM Address: Tomahawk Hill Golf Course, 17501 Midland Dr., Shawnee, Kansas, 66217 Phone Number: (913) 894-3329

October 9	Whimsical Woods at Ernie Miller Nature Center There’s nothing scary about this enchanted forest. Enjoy a walk on the trail with the award-winning Nature Center staff. Costumed storybook characters will delight and entertain audiences of all ages. Meet with the Good Fairy and Forest Friends. Live animals, stories, songs, and surprises will highlight childhood favorites. Reservations are required. Group sessions begin every 15 minutes with program length approximately 1 hour. In case of inclement weather, program will be held indoors. This three hour event is only $4 per person (including adults). Registration and payment will be taken at the Ernie Miller Nature Center the day of the event. Time: 01:00 PM To 04:00 PM Address: Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 North K-7 Highway, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 764-7759

October 9	Green Day Festival at Roeland Park Come one, come all! Join us for a wonderful day filled with fun activities and information. Enjoy a full stage of entertainment including a production of a StoneLion Puppet show to great music and exciting dance. Try your hand at a make it and take it table, see electric vehicles, enjoy the exhibits of many vendors showcasing their green efforts and find out ways to make your home more environmentally friendly. Information shared on how to reuse and recycle almost everything from computers to glass. Door prizes, food vendors, free puppet show-we’ve got it all! Time: 10:00 AM Address: Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Drive, Roeland Park, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 831-3359

October 15	Spook-N-Splash Pool Party at Roeland Park Aquatics Center Join us for a morning of scary swimming and frightening fun. Adults and kids alike are certain to be entertained by ghostly games and free time to swim in the pool. You can even jump off the haunted high dive…if you dare! Come in your costume for the costume contest. Lunch will be served. RSVP to (913) 826-3160 by 10/8. We’d love to have you for lunch. This three hour event is only $5 for adults and children 3 and over 3, and FREE for children under 3. Time: 09:00 PM To 12:00 PM Address: Roeland Park Aquatic Center, 4843 Rosewood Drive, Roeland Park, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 826-3160

October 15	Journey with the Dinosaurs Mad Science© and Science City Join us at Antioch Park for a Mad Science© Dinosaur Party, then eat your bag lunch before riding the van to Union Station’s Science City. Explore the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit with 24 full size animatronic models and see the 62 foot long dinosaur skeleton. Watch the special Dinosaurs Alive! 3-D Movie on the Extreme Screen, then spend the rest of the day in the Science City Museum! Please bring a sack lunch and a drink. Pre-registration by October 8 is required. Space is limited and this day trip will fill quickly. Time: 10:00 AM To 05:00 PM Address: Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 831-3359

October 23	Haunted Kansas at Ernie Miller Nature Park As darkness falls, walk through the trails of Ernie Miller Park and listen to the stories of long ago. Characters from the past will share legends around the campfire. Expect a shiver down the spine and a mild case of goose bumps for those who dare enter the forest on this autumn evening. Group sessions begin every 20 minutes and program is approximately 1 hour. This is an outdoor event, dress appropriately. Call for information and reservations. Reservations are required for this 2.5 hour event with a cost of only $5 per person with fees paid at the site. In case of inclement weather, program will be held indoors. Time: 06:30 PM Address: Ernie Miller Nature Park, 909 North K-7 Highway, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 764-7759

October 23	Free - Jack-O-Lantern Contest at Ernie Miller Nature Center Can you carve the best looking pumpkin? Get your family, scout, home school, or classroom group together and carve away! Jack-O-Lanterns must be turned in at Ernie Miller Nature Center October 23 from 1-4 pm. They will be on display for the Haunted Kansas event that night. Pumpkins can then be picked up on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 1-5 pm. 1st place receives a free group program at Ernie Miller Nature Center. Choose between a Nature Walk, Archery Clinic, Survival Hike, or Wildlife Program. 2nd place gets a $20 gift certificate to the Nature Center gift shop. 3rd place award is a $10 Nature Center gift shop certificate. Time: 04:00 PM Address: Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Highway 7, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 764-7759

October 23	The Big Bad Pumpkin Derby at The Theatre in the Park JCPRD's Children Services Department presents the 3rd Annual Big Bad Pumpkin Derby for all to participate in - named The The Big Bad Pumpkin Derby! This is a great, fun-filled annual event for kids and adults of all ages. It is a must do fall happening to participate in or just to watch! Also, the event is more than just a day at the races, there will be food, hayrides and best of all - admission to this event is FREE (registration & fee is required for the pumpkin derby)! It is a perfect setting for families to have a free and fun filled activity day at beautiful Theatre in the Park. Call for details. Address: The Theatre in the Park, 7710 Renner Rd, Shawnee, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 856-2493 or 831-3359

October 23	Big Bad Canine’s Costume Contest and Parade (All Ages & Breeds) Does your pooch love dressing up? Or at least tolerate it? If so, don’t miss this opportunity to show off your four legged friend at our inaugural Canine Costume Contest and Parade. As you parade your pup they will be eligible for prizes including Most Creative Costume, Cutest, Scariest, Most Unusual and People’s Choice. Address: The Theatre in the Park (Parking Lot), Shawnee, Kansas, 66219 Phone Number: (913) 826-3160

October 25-29	Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat Can Good Food Drive Students enrolled in the District’s 25 Afterschool Programs will Trick-or-Treat for canned goods instead of candy as they have the past two years. On Halloween they will be going door to door, escorted by staff, in the neighborhoods around their schools to solicit donations for area food pantries. Assistance from the public is also sought as collection boxes will be placed at two JCPRD office locations from Oct. 26 through 30. Those sites are: Building A, Antioch Park, and the Administration Building at Shawnee Mission Park. Among 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 Feed the Need, while 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. In 2009, they were able to collect over 6,500 goods in a one-hour period. Address: Shawnee Mission Park 7904 Renner Rd., & Antioch Park 6501 Antioch Rd Phone Number: (913) 831-3355

October 27	Fall Trout Stocking at Shawnee Mission Lake Boat Ramp Gather up the kids, parents and grandparents and come watch and be a part of our great trout stocking event at JCPRD's Shawnee Mission Park Lake boat ramp. This one (1) hour event is FREE to the public and will allow all viewers to see how JCPRD populates up to 2,000 pounds of fish in its lake. For information on fishing and trout permits please contact us or visit our permits and fees page or contact our John Barkley Visitor Center. Time: 03:45 PM Address: Shawnee Mission Park Boat Ramp, 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 831-3359

October 27	Fall Trout Stocking at Heritage Park Marina Bring the kids and join our JCPRD Park Police Officers for the trout stocking event at the Heritage Park boat ramp. Come watch our fall stocking as 1,000 pounds will be added to the Heritage Park Lake. The lake will be closed after the stocking and will re-open Saturday, October 30 at the 5 am parks’ opening. Time: 02:30 PM Address: Heritage Park, 16445 Lackman Road, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 831-3359

October 30	Mildale Farm Fall Fest Bring the family and spend an great afternoon exploring JCPRD’s Mildale Farm property and enjoying a number of fall activities during this FREE public event. Visitors can explore and picnic on the 158-acre site including the 22-acre rental property as well as about 136 acres of adjacent 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 which features peg construction and a hand-laid brick floor. Nearby, they’ll find cider and hot cocoa and a large pumpkin patch. 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. There will also be guided nature walks and horse-drawn hayrides. Catch-and-release fishing in any or all of seven ponds within the 158-acre area will also be offered, so bring your own bait and tackle. While District fishing permits have been waived for this event, anglers 16 and older will still need to have a valid Kansas fishing license. Restrooms will be available, but the property’s two homes and other outbuildings will not be open during this event. Remember, no alcohol is allowed, pets must be on-leash, and vehicles must remain on roadways. For more information, contact Sarah Shaw. Time: 09:00 AM To 03:00 PM Address: Mildale Farm, 35250 W. 199th St, Edgerton, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 236-1253

October 30	Trick-or-Cache? at Antioch Park Come experience Trick-or-caching this Halloween! Learn how to use Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to track a cache in a fun, relaxed environment. GPS units to be provided on this modern day scavenger hunt for Halloween treats. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Only one GPS unit given per person or family. Don’t forget your costume! Join us after your haunted hunt for s’mores around the campfire. Pre-registration required. Visit our on-line Activities catalog to enroll. Time: 09:00 AM To 11:00 AM Address: Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 831-3359

November 20	Storytelling Tellabration for 2010 at Ernie Miller Nature Center Want to hear a good story? Come celebrate the International Day of Storytelling at the Ernie Miller Nature Center. The cost is $3 per person, including adults, paid at the site. 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. Advance registrations are not required for this program. For more information, contact the Ernie Miller Nature Center. Time: 10:30 AM To 11:30 AM Address: Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. K-7 Highway, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 764-7759