Park and Recreation

JCPRD Administration Building

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:17:24 +0000

JCPRD Administration Building tim.dodderidge… Wed, 04/29/2026 - 15:17 913-492-7275 913-438-7275

7900 Renner Road
Shawnee Mission, KS 66219
United States

The Johnson County Park & Recreation District comprises more than 10,000 acres and attracts more than 7.5 million visits annually.

JCPRD's Administrative Services Management, Program Reservation and Shelter Reservation offices are located in the Administration Building at the entrance to Shawnee Mission Park, at 79th Street and Renner Road.

Find more information about JCPRD's Administrative Offices.

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., except major holidays

Department: Park and Recreation

Events celebrate Older Americans Month

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:53:43 +0000

Events celebrate Older Americans Month tim.phenicie@j… Tue, 04/21/2026 - 09:53

By Dave Driscoll

May is National Older Americans Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, vitality and lifelong curiosity of older adults in our community.

To mark the occasion, the Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 50 Plus Department is offering a variety of free events throughout the month. These programs are made possible thanks to the support of The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County, whose sponsorship helps make these opportunities accessible to the community.

At Roeland Park Community Center, the month begins with a Yoga Sampler at 10 a.m. May 4. This one-hour session introduces Gentle Yoga, Hatha, Restorative Yoga, Mat Pilates and Strength & Balance Yoga. Whether you are new to yoga or looking to expand your routine, this sampler is a chance to explore different styles and find the class that fits your goals.

Participants can join Meet, Move & Dance at 6:30 p.m. May 7. It’s a beginner- friendly class where no partner or prior experience is needed. Later in the month, the Comedy Improv Introductory Class at 5:30 p.m. May 19 offers a lively introduction to improv theater while highlighting the social and health benefits of laughter.

The month wraps up at RPCC with “Discover Arthritis: Take Control” at 1 p.m. May 22, providing guidance on managing arthritis, including treatments, exercises and resources.

At Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, celebrations begin with a Concert in the Park at 6 p.m. May 5, featuring a small ensemble from the Kansas City Symphony. A designated seating area will be available for JCPRD 50 Plus registered guests and attendees who may bring a chair or picnic.

Nature enthusiasts can join the Purple Martins Birding Session at 10:30 a.m. May 7 to learn about this songbird. Dr. Wade Williams, a pulmonologist with AdventHealth Medical Group, will be the featured speaker in a Rise and Shine program at 9:30 a.m. May 15 at Meadowbrook. His presentation will focus on early-stage lung cancer detection, including advanced screening technology and the importance of early diagnosis. A light breakfast will be provided.

Drop-in card and game play options will also be available at Meadowbrook from May 11–15.

At New Century Fieldhouse, Walking Soccer kicks off at 2 p.m. May 6, offering a low-impact way to stay active.

Pickleball & Bites, starting at 11 a.m. May 21, celebrates the pickleball community with drop-in play, food, drinks, music and social connection.

Card and game drop-in events are also planned from May 19-22.

Celebrate connection and fun at Matt Ross and Tomahawk Ridge Community Centers. Card and game drop-in opportunities are offered at Matt Ross from May 4-8, with free pickleball on May 6. At Tomahawk Ridge, card and game drop-in options are free from May 11-14, with free pickleball on May 13.

From movement and music to games and learning, JCPRD 50 Plus has scheduled opportunities in May to stay active, connect with friends and celebrate. Pre-registration is required for all special events by visiting JCPRD.com/50Plus or calling 913-831-3359.

Dave Driscoll is Recreation Coordinator at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

TIP season opens on May 22

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:48:19 +0000

TIP season opens on May 22 tim.phenicie@j… Tue, 04/21/2026 - 09:48

A grumpy green ogre and a smooth-singing cowboy with a guitar kick off Theatre in the Park’s 2026 summer season of musicals.

This year’s schedule will be different from past years because the outdoor amphitheater in Shawnee Mission Park will transform into The Johnson County Watch Party for FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches from June 16 through July 19.

“Shrek the Musical” will be presented on the outdoor stage on May 22 to 30, followed by “Oklahoma!” on June 5 to 13.

Both shows are rated PG. The box office opens at 6 p.m. on show nights, and all productions begin at 8 p.m. Before taxes and fees, general admission is $12 while tickets for youth are $7. Tickets are also available online at theatreinthepark.org.

For The Johnson County World Cup Watch Party, being presented in partnership with Johnson County Government, the theater will be equipped with a new large-scale LED screen for select match viewings. This free celebration will feature space for up to 2,500 guests, food trucks and vendors, public art experiences and more. Learn more at JCPRD.com/2181/SoccerCelebration.

Movies in the Park will let participants see popular films for free on the new big screen at TIP. June films begin at 7:30 p.m. and include “A Minecraft Movie,” rated PG, on June 24; “Tangled,” rated PG, on June 26; “The Wizard of Oz,” rated G, on June 29, and “Frozen,” rated PG, on June 30. For details, visit JCPRD.com/movies26.

The Theatre in the Park’s outdoor facility is located at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee.

Out & About

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:52:38 +0000

Out & About tim.phenicie@j… Tue, 04/21/2026 - 08:52

Puzzle Palooza set on June 26

Puzzle Palooza returns this summer at 1:30 p.m. June 26 in the LongHouse Visitor Center, 9209 W. 179th St., at the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.

Sponsored by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 50 Plus Department, the program challenges teams of participants in racing to complete a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle in the best time.

Cost is $12 per person for Johnson County residents/$13 for nonresidents.

Event offers bites with bouquets

The new Bouquets and Bites event at 10:30 a.m. May 22 at Meadowbrook Park, Prairie Village, features the opportunity to socialize, eat some light bites and create a bouquet to take home.

Cost of program is $20 for Johnson County residents/$22 for nonresidents.

Pre-registration is required by going online at jcprd.com/50plus or calling 913-831-3359.

Program adds to public art collection

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:30:29 +0000

Program adds to public art collection tim.phenicie@j… Tue, 04/21/2026 - 08:30

Artwork includes “Rebirth” mural at Okun Fieldhouse, Shawnee.

By David Markham

The Johnson County Park and Recreation District invites residents of all ages to explore parks, trails and outdoor spaces across Johnson County through its new Passport to Public Art — a self-guided adventure that turns park visits into an art hunt.

The Passport to Public Art program, free to all participants, is intentionally low tech.

Participants can mark off sites they visit in their physical passport, online or by geotagging a selfie they take at each site.

Art locations can be visited in any order, on one trip or over multiple outings.

The JCPRD Public Art Program started in 2019 and has a collection of 15 outdoor permanent art pieces located in its parks, trails and facilities throughout Johnson County.

This year, another piece of artwork has been added to this free leisure activity. The newest is located at Big Bull Creek Park, 20425 Sunflower Road, Edgerton. The ribbon-cutting ceremony of “Picnic” at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, will also mark the official launch of the Passport to Public Art program.

Community members are invited to pack a picnic, bring friends and family and join the celebration.

“Picnic” by Don Kennell and Lisa Adler of DKLA Design is a sculptural celebration of the park’s prairie ecosystem. It features bronze and steel representations of native birds, pollinators and insects woven into sculptural structures accented with bronze-cast prairie grasses.

All JCPRD public art installations are accessible during regular park hours. Passports will be available digitally at JCPRD.com/passport or as printed booklets beginning May 9 at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park.

Printed passports will also be available at the ribbon cutting, the JCPRD Administration Building at Shawnee Mission Park and the Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, Prairie Village.

Other public art, organized by the year completed, includes:

2025

“Fire Keepers Circle” by Aaron Squadroni and Leah Yellowbird, Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe

2024

“Yield for Verhaeghe Park” mural by The Art Department, Arthur & Betty Verhaeghe Park, 11401 W. 167th St., Overland Park.
“Art Nine Disc Golf Park” (10 artworks in all) by Amie Jacobsen, Scott Diven, Tim Mispagel and Jake Balcom near the inclusive playground, Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Lenexa.
“Cattails” by Arlie Regier located near Shelter No. 4, Shawnee Mission Park. Installed in the 1970s and restored in 2024.

2023

“Gateway” by Amie Jacobsen, Meadowbrook Park, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village.
“Rebirth” mural by ITRA Icons, south facade of Okun Fieldhouse, 20200 Johnson Dr., Shawnee.

Each art piece offers QR codes for visitors to listen to a recording by the artist about the art piece and the inspiration behind the work.

Detailed information about JCPRD’s permanent art pieces can be found at JCPRD.com/publicart.

David Markham is Communications Specialist at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.

Talk, walk at park

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:53:19 +0000

Talk, walk at park tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 04/20/2026 - 15:53

Reel Talk and Trail Walk, a new program at Meadowbrook Park, will feature walking around the park and discussing a monthly documentary with others.

Participants need to watch the designated film on their own ahead of time. The program on May 20 will focus on “My Octopus Teacher.”

The featured film on June 17 is “Pelada.” Attendees will meet at 9 a.m. in the clubhouse for a light snack and coffee.

Cost is $3 for Johnson County residents/$4 for nonresidents. Register online at jcprd.com/50plus or call 913-831-3359.

New fitness classes set to start on mats, in pool at Roeland Park

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:35:59 +0000

New fitness classes set to start on mats, in pool at Roeland Park tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 04/20/2026 - 15:35

New fitness opportunities at the Roeland Park Community Center are designed to help participants move smarter and build strength.

Pilates on the Mat focuses on building strength from the inside out. This low-impact, full-body workout uses only body weight to strengthen the core and improve flexibility.

It’s ideal for individuals who want to move better and feel stronger. This monthly recurring class begins at 5:15 p.m. on the first Monday of each month, beginning on May 4. Cost varies.

For those who enjoy exercising in the water, two new water fitness classes are coming in June.

Aquacize offers a gentle, joint-friendly workout that uses the natural buoyancy and resistance of water to boost cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and build muscle strength. It’s a low-impact option for all fitness levels, including individuals with arthritis or mobility concerns. Sessions begin at 6 p.m. June 2. Each session includes four 50-minute classes. Costs are $35 for Johnson County residents/$38 for nonresidents.

Looking for something more upbeat? Aqua Zumba® brings high-energy, dance-based cardio to the pool. Set to lively music, this class delivers a workout while remaining easy on the body. Beginning at 6 p.m. June 3, each session includes four 50-minute classes. Cost is $35 for residents, $38 for nonresidents.

Aquacize and Aqua Zumba classes take place during regular pool hours. Preregistration is required by calling 913-831-3359.

Event showcases ways to volunteer

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:32:59 +0000

Event showcases ways to volunteer tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 04/20/2026 - 15:32

Community Connections will connect residents to explore volunteer opportunities with Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 50 Plus program.

The free one-hour event is open to all ages and takes place at 10:30 a.m. May 8 in the Roeland Park Community Center.

Attendees will learn about different volunteer opportunities, ask questions and discover ways to get involved in 50 Plus activities. Light refreshments will be served. For more information or to register, call 913-831-3359 or visit jcprd.com/50plus.

Programs focus on scams

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:19:37 +0000

Programs focus on scams tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 04/20/2026 - 15:19

June is National Elder Abuse Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and empower individuals with tools to stay safe.

To support this effort, Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 50 Plus Program is offering free educational programs designed to help participants recognize scams, protect their finances and stay vigilant.

Financial Prevention will explore one of the most common forms of elder abuse.

Participants will learn how financial abuse happens, warning signs to watch for and common scams that often target seniors. The presentation will also provide practical tips for protecting personal information, safeguarding finances and knowing where to report concerns or seek help. The session will be at 10 a.m. June 23 at Tomahawk Ridge Community Center.

Another program, Senior Medicare Patrol: Preventing Fraud and Protecting Yourself, will focus on protecting Medicare benefits. Attendees will learn why fraud prevention matters, how to spot suspicious activity and what to do if they believe they have encountered a scam. The session will also highlight trending scams and share resources that help keep Medicare benefits secure. This program will be offered at 1 p.m. June 1 at New Century Fieldhouse and at 10 a.m. June 26 at Roeland Park Community Center.

These programs are free and open to anyone interested in learning how to recognize potential scams and take steps to protect themselves. For more information or to register, call 913-831-3359 or visit jcprd.com/50plus.

Pickleball activities set in spring

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 22:08:48 +0000

Pickleball activities set in spring tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 02/16/2026 - 16:08

Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 50 Plus Program at the Matt Ross Community Center, Overland Park, is offering two specialty pickleball workshops this spring.

A Dinking to Win workshop is scheduled at 11 a.m. March 18. The 3rd Shot Drop workshop at 11 a.m. April 15 teaches players proper techniques to control the net. Workshop costs are $19/$21 nonresidents.

Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village hosts a variety of upcoming outdoor pickleball classes. For pickleball beginners, Pickleball 101 classes start at 7 p.m. April 6 and at 10 a.m. April 9.

Players looking to expand their skills should consider the Pickleball 102 class, starting at 5:30 p.m. April 7 or the Intermediate Drilling class, starting at 7 p.m. also on April 7.

For all classes, players will need to provide their own paddle. Instructors will have pickleballs available at the lessons.

All Meadowbrook Park classes are $57/$63 nonresident.

Each class is 1.5 hours long and goes for four weeks.

Registration for the Meadowbrook Park Outdoor Spring Pickleball League is now underway and ends on March 13. For more information on pickleball lessons, visit jcprd.com/pickleball.