JUNE
- 2008
Second Overnight Fishing Opportunity of 2008 at Shawnee Mission Park is June 21
The second of four overnight fishing opportunities planned at Shawnee Mission Park Lake during 2008 will take place on June 21. After 11 p.m. on that date, the park will be open strictly for fishing only and park rangers will be on duty throughout the night. All park gates will be open, but access within the park will be limited. The south side of the park will be barricaded east of the 87th Street "Y" and west of the 79th Street "Y" off of Barkley Circle near the main entrance. Search for the keyword "fishing" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Fishing will be allowed from the bank or from watercraft. Park safety officials noted that state law requires a white light be on at all times on boats on the water after sunset. Before fishing, area anglers ages 16 to 64 will need to have a valid Kansas fishing license, a Johnson County Park and Recreation District fishing permit, and all appropriate boat tags, if applicable. District fishing permits are available at: the JCPRD Registration Office, Building C, 6501 Antioch Road, in the John Barkley Visitor Center at Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa; and at numerous local bait and tackle shops.
This year's other overnight fishing opportunities at Shawnee Mission Park are planned for July 19, and Aug. 23.
Water levels in Shawnee Mission Park Lake have returned to normal levels earlier this year thanks to spring rains after being lowered by as much as nine feet in 2007 for lake-related projects including the installation of a wetlands on the lake's east end and the installation of a new fishing trail along the lake's dam.
For more information about the overnight fishing program, call Mike Ray, Superintendent of Park Safety & Interpretation, at (913) 894-3385.
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Grillin’ and Chillin’ With the Grandkids program offered at Roeland Park 50 Plus on June 26
Grandparents can have some summertime fun with their grandchildren during an intergenerational program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
Now in its third year, the program is called Grillin’ and Chillin’ with the Grandkids and will begin with a morning full of indoor and outdoor games, including ping pong, Frisbee, shuffleboard, and more. Afterwards, participants will enjoy a grilled lunch with their choice of hamburgers or hotdogs and all the fixings that come with a picnic in summer. This is a great way to have some summertime fun with the grandkids. Search for the keyword "cookout" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This program will take place beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 26 at the Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park. The cost is $6 per person (children under three are free) for one two and one-half hour session. 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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JCPRD Community Charities Golf Tournaments to take place June 27 at Heritage Park Golf Course
Space is still available for participation in a June 27 golf tournament to benefit Johnson County Park and Recreation District charity efforts. This event will take place on Friday, June 27, at the Heritage Park Golf Course, 16445 South Lackman Road, Olathe.
The JCPRD Community Charities Golf Tournament benefits at number of charity efforts conducted by District staff, including the Feed the Need Food Drive.
Tournament check-in will take place beginning at 7 a.m. and participants are invited to come early and take advantage of the driving range to help get warmed up. The event will begin with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. and will use four-man scramble rules. Approximately 144 participants are anticipated.
The registration fee is $95 per person or $350 per team. In addition to greens fees, cart rental, and unlimited range balls, the registration fees include lunch and on-course beverages. There will also be opportunities to win great prizes. For more information or to register for the tournament, call Linda Johnson (913) 894-3341. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are also available for this event.
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Parent & Child Twilight Hike offered on June 27 at Ernie Miller Park
An intergenerational program being offered in late June at Ernie Miller Park allows children ages two to six with a parent or guardian to explore park trails as the sun sets.
The program is called Twilight Hike and will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 27, at the park, which is located at 909 North Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe. Participants will listen for nocturnal songs such as the cricket's chorus and the barred owl's call and then gather around for stories, songs, and a tasty treat. Participants should bring a flashlight. Search for the keywords "adventure walk" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities catalog and online listings.
The cost for one 90-minute session is $5 per person for Johnson County residents or $6 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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First Great American Family Campout is June 28 in Shawnee Mission Park
What could be better than a family campout right here in Johnson County? A new program being offered by the Children's Services Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District will give participants a rare opportunity to sleep under the stars in Shawnee Mission Park and participate in other outdoor activities.
This first-ever event is called The Great American Family Campout and will take place beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 28 and will run through about 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 29. This event ties into a national event called the Great American Backyard Campout, which encourages people to camp out in their backyards on these dates. Proceeds from the local event will benefit the Children's Services Department's New Horizon Camp for individuals with special needs.
Whether you are an experienced camper or are looking for an activity to share with your family, this is your opportunity to camp in the safety of the largest park in Johnson County. Children's Services staff will be on hand throughout the night and JCPRD Park Police will also have a presence. In addition to spending a night under the stars in Shawnee Mission Park, participants will receive passes for admittance to Shawnee Mission Park Beach and pedal boat rental, and tickets to The Theatre in the Park’s production of "Beauty and the Beast." As a special bonus, participants will receive early admittance to the show, as well as the opportunity to attend a meet-and-greet with some of the actors in the show. Search for the keyword "overnight " to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Camping will take place in a large open field directly to the south of The Theatre in the Park complex and north of Shelter 2 in the Small Lakes Area. The Theatre entrance to the park is located at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa. Campers will need to bring their own camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, etc. Saturday evening dinner is not provided. Community grills are available at Shelter 2. Donuts, juice, and milk will be provided Sunday morning. The cost for this 20-hour event is $15 per person for adults and $10 per person for children three and up.
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 about this program, contact Children's Services Specialist Rob Knaussman at (913) 236-1250. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com. To register by phone, call (913) 831-3359.
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Johnson County Sailing Society to conduct second of two "Come Sail With Us" events on June 21
All sailors and sailing enthusiasts are invited to join the Johnson County Sailing Society for a special event on Saturday, June 21, at Shawnee Mission Park Lake, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee and Lenexa.
The free one-hour event is called "Come Sail With Us" and will take place beginning at noon at the Shawnee Mission Park Marina, 7900 Renner Road, located near the marina. A third Come Sail With Us was recently added to this summer's schedule and will take place on July 26.
Participants should bring a sack lunch and dine with Sailing Society members. Following lunch, there will be an opportunity to sail a variety of vessels while participating in water activities like mock races or a sailing scavenger hunt.
For more information, or to participate in Sailing Society races, please contact Nick Hockman at (913) 268-5683.
Water levels in Shawnee Mission Park Lake have returned to normal levels thanks to spring rains after being lowered by as much as nine feet in 2007 for lake-related projects including the installation of a wetlands on the lake's east end.
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New intergenerational Geocaching Treasure Hunt set for June 23 at Matt Ross Community Center
Bring the grandkids and come try out a new kind of treasure hunt using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology during a new program being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
This program is called Geocaching Treasure Hunt and is suitable for ages eight and up. Not sure what geocaching is? Let your grandkids use the GPS while you use the map and together, you'll find the cache. This is a great way to share an adventure.
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which participants use a GPS receiver to hide and seek containers called "geocaches," which contain a logbook and a "treasure." Participants will learn in a fun and relaxed atmosphere how to use GPS to track a cache. This program utilizes GPS units donated to JCPRD by Olathe-based Garmin International in 2007. 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 11 a.m. on Monday, June 23 at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty, Overland Park. The cost for one two-and-one-half -hour adventure $25 per person for Johnson County residents or $28 per person for nonresidents and includes an outdoor lunch and a special guest visitor.
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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Youth Outdoor Soccer Signups Now Being Taken for Fall
Signups are now being taken for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 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. The registration deadline in July 1. 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 Sept. 6, 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 a jersey and awards. A $15 late registration fee will apply to registrations received after July 15, if space is available.
Participants in grades one through four will be in the Johnson County Youth Soccer (JCYS) League. Teams will consist of 12-member teams and will meet weekly on Saturdays and/or Sundays beginning Aug. 23 for eight weeks to play seven-versus-seven games consisting of two 25-minute halves. These teams will also meet once per week to practice. Teams in grades five through eight consist of a maximum of 18 players per team and will play 11 versus 11 games consisting of two 35-minute halves. The cost for JCYS League teams is $69 per person for eight sessions and also includes and awards. A $15 late registration fee will apply to registrations received after July 15, if space is available. New or replacement jerseys can be purchased for an additional fee of $15 each.
This program is 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. Schedules and game times will be mailed to participants one week prior to the start of league play.
Registrations for this program will be taken by mail, fax (913) 831-6336, and in-person only. Visit the District's website at www.jcprdsoccer.com where forms are 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. No phone registrations will be accepted.
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Splash 4 Cash Event for Youth is July 4 at Roeland Park Aquatic Center
Splash 4 Cash is the name of a new special event for youth planned for July 4 at the Roeland Park Aquatic Center (RPAC), 4843 Rosewood, Roeland Park.
For this event, about $100 in change will be placed in different areas of the center's main pool for each of three age groups and participants will have an opportunity to dive in and collect as many coins as they can. Contact between participants will be strictly prohibited. Age groups will be: toddlers to six years old, who will go at 12:30 p.m.; seven to nine year-olds, who will go at 1 p.m.; and ten to 12 years old, who will go at 1:30 p.m..
"This activity was one of my fondest memories of my youth at the swimming pool," said Roeland Park Aquatics Specialist Bruce Perry, who planned this event. "We all looked forward to it."
Normal RPAC admission costs will apply. Daily admission for ages three through 49 is $6 for Johnson County residents or $6.50 for nonresidents. Admission for ages 50 and older is $5 for Johnson County residents or $5.50 for nonresidents. Admission for ages two and under is free.
The Roeland Park Aquatic Center is owned by the City of Roeland Park and operated by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. For more information about this event, call (913) 432-1377.
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Pomona Lake's Blackhawk Trail is site of second Summer Adventure Walk for 50 Plus
The Blackhawk Trail at Pomona Lake south of Topeka will be the second of four destinations to be visited this year as part of Summer Adventure Walks being offered by the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. These walks are meant to give participants an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and make new friends while visiting interesting regional scenic trails, nature sanctuaries, and state parks. Participants can choose one or all of the four summer walks.
The Blackhawk Trail walk will take place on Wednesday, July 2. This moderately challenging course is located on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property on the north side of the lake and is about 30 miles south of the state capital. Other summer walk dates and destinations are: July 10, Martha LaFite Thompson Nature Sanctuary near Liberty, Mo.; and July 16, Wallace State Park in Cameron, Mo. All of this summer's walks will involve two to three miles of walking over about 1.5 hours.
Adventure Walks are led by Instructor Tiffany Glaser. All walks depart at 9 a.m. from Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam. The cost for each five-hour outing, including van transportation to the walk site, is $16 per person for Johnson County residents or $17 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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Open Water Swimming Available Tuesday and Thursday nights
Triathletes and others interested in getting some open water swim practice can do so every Tuesday and Thursday night at the Shawnee Mission Park Beach, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee.
Beginning June 3 and running through Aug. 7, Open Water swimming will be offered from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday. Swimmers are asked to wear a swim cap and must enter the lake through the beach area. This is a great way to prepare for events such at the Shawnee Mission Triathlon on July 13.
The fee for open water swimming is $4 for Johnson County residents or $4.50.
For more information, call (913) 236-1240.
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T-Ball Program Offered For Age 4 Beginning July 7
Helping parents teach young children the developmental skills needed for baseball is the aim of an instructional program starting in July.
The program is called Introduction to Sports - T-Ball and is being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District for four-year-olds with a parent or guardian. Skills stressed in this program include: throwing, hitting, and catching. During the informative and fun sessions, instructors will work with both parents and children. Search for the keywords "baseball camp" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Three different class times at two locations are offered. The program is offered Monday through Thursday at 6 p.m. beginning July 7 at the East field in the Walnut Grove area of Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Lenexa, and at 5:30 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. on Field C, Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park, 12500 W. 119th St., Overland Park. The cost for eight 50-minute sessions is $60 per child for Johnson County residents and $66 for nonresidents . A parent or guardian is required to participate with each child. Each child receives their own T-shirt and hat. A ball glove 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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Learn to Swim Classes for youth offered beginning July 7
The next session of Learn to Swim Classes for youth being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District begin at two locations starting July 7.
In all, eight different levels of Learn to Swim classes at offered. All levels are offered at both the Roeland Park Aquatics Center, 4850 Rosewood, and at the Prairie Village Pool, 7720 Mission Road, Prairie Village. Swim levels are: Parent and Child A for ages six months to two years; Parent & Child B for ages 18 months to five years; Level 1, introduction to Water Stills; Level 2: Fundamental Aquatic Skills; Level 3 Stroke Development; Level 4: Stroke Improvement; Level 5: Stroke Refinement; and Level 6: Swimming and Skill Proficiency. With the exception of the parent and child classes, the various class levels are based on skill levels rather than age. All levels are taught under American Red Cross guidelines.
Class times vary from 9 a.m. through 6:55 p.m.
For the two parent and child levels through Level 2, classes involve eight 25-minute sessions. For Levels 3 through 6, classes involve eight 45 minute sessions. For either type of class, the cost is $42 per person for Johnson County residents or $46 for nonresidents.
For more detailed information including a full class schedule, consult the JCPRD's ACTIVITIES catalog available at all branches of the Johnson County Library or visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com.. 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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Girls Volleyball Camp begins July 7 in Shawnee
Registrations are now being taken for a Girls Volleyball Camp being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District.
This program is for girls entering grades three through nine during the 2008-2009 school year and will stress the basic theories used in the game of power volleyball. This will include basic offensive/defensive strategies and skill development. Participants will be divided into groups based on age and ability. Staff for this program consists of area high school volleyball coaches. Search for the keywords "volleyball camp" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
Play begins July 7 and will take place at the Okun Fieldhouse at the Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Drive, Shawnee. A session for grades three through six will begin at 1 p.m., while a session for grades seven through nine will begin at 9 a.m. The cost for four three-hour sessions is $65 per person for Johnson County residents or $72 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 about this program, go to www.jcprd.com/activities/sports.cfm or call (913) 422-5599. To register, visit the District's website at www.jcprd.com or call (913) 831-3359.
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Sailing II Class offered for adults starting July 8
Intermediate skills for sailing will be covered through a class being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The class is called Sailing II and is for ages 18 and older.
Participants will learn to sail a Sweet 16 sailboat. Sailing II will cover weather observation, two-sail rigging, twin-hull nomenclature, safety, trailering, and trailer maintenance. As a prerequisite, participants must have completed either an American Red Cross or JCPRD Sailing I class prior to enrollment. Search for the keyword "boating" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This class consists of two two-hour indoor lecture sessions and three three-hour outdoor water sessions. The indoor sessions will take place beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 10 at the John Barkley Visitors Center located at the entrance to Shawnee Mission Park at 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee. The water sessions will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday beginning July 12 in Shawnee Mission Park Lake. The cost for 13 hours of instruction is $59 per person for Johnson County residents or $65 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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Free AARP 10-week Walking Program begins July 9 in Antioch Park
Area residents of all ages can join thousands of their fellow Americans in a national walk for health program being offered in Johnson County this summer.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), the National Park and Recreation Association (NRPA) and the 50 Plus Department of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District have joined forces to bring this program to this area and fulfill their mission of promoting health and wellness.
The AARP-NRPA 10-Week Walking Program will help participants find safe places to walk, and provide tools and support to help them take personal responsibility for their health and stick with their exercise plans. Each participant will receive a free step counter and guidebook, and be invited to sign-up for a walking group and weekly educational sessions on fitness and nutrition. The program will meet at 8 a.m. Wednesday beginning July 9 at Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch, Merriam.
People interested in registering for the JCPRD 50 Plus 10-Week Walking Program can call the Olathe 50 Plus Center at (913) 782-1878. More information on the 10-Week Walking Program, as well as useful walking tips and online tools, can be found on AARP’s website, www.aarp.org.
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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Final two summer sessions of Animal Tales Storytime are July 9 & 23 at Ernie Miller Nature Center
The final two summer sessions of Animal Tales Storytime at the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe will take place during July. Young children and their parents are invited to come listen and learn during any or all of the sessions.
Animal Tales Storytime is for ages two to six. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This program will feature stories, songs, and surprises. Participants are invited to pack a lunch and stay for a picnic. All programs take place on Wednesdays beginning at 10:30 a.m. Search for the keyword "storytelling" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
A session on July 9 will have the theme of "turtles"; while a July 23 will have the theme "snakes". The cost per 30-minute session is $2 per person, including adults, payable at the event. Advance registrations are not necessary for this program.
Ernie Miller Nature Center is located at 909 N. Kansas-7 Highway, Olathe. For more information, contact the Nature Center at (913) 764-7759.
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Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater programs for July
Bring the family to the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's Ernie Miller Park Amphitheater on Friday evenings during July for educational and entertaining programs. The programs begin at 7 p.m., last about an hour, and are designed for all ages. A charge of $2.50 per person helps cover the cost of the programs; children under two are free.
July presentations include:
- July 11 Snakes Alive - Why is it that these creatures seem so terrifying? Could all the stories you have heard be about snakes be true? See Kansas snakes as we explore the facts and fallacies of these legless wonders of the animal world.
- July 25 Wildlife Who's Who - The presentation will feature five live animals representing four of the major groups of vertebrate and one group of invertebrates. Children of all ages will enjoy discovering the importance and habits of each animal and its place in nature.
For more information on amphitheater programs, call (913) 764-7759.
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New Beauty and the beast Sing Along program offered for youth at The Theatre in the Park
Youth can join Belle, Mrs. Potts, and Chip the Tea Cup on stage at The Theatre in the Park during a new program being offered by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. This program takes place on a Saturday morning and is meant to help celebrate the evening run of Disney's Beauty and the Beast on the Theatre Stage.
This program is called Beauty and the Beast Sing Along and is for ages four through 12. Participants can come in costume if they would like and will get to sing along with the show's characters. The stage will be set for a fun time, so be sure your parents bring along a camera. An "enchanted rose" to take home will be presented to each participant. The Theatre in the Park is located at 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee. Search for the keyword "theater" to find this program in the JCPRD's Activities Catalog and online listings.
This program will take place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 12. The cost for this 60-minute program is $4 per child. Stage space is limited, so 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, call (913) 831-3359. To register online and for updated program listings, see the District's website at www.jcprd.com.
The Theaters' regular production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast will take place on The Theatre in the Park Stage on the evenings of June 27 through 29, July 3 through 6, and July 10-13. Gates open at 7 p.m. and the shows start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets at $6 for adults, $4 for children four to ten, and free for children three and under.
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Registrations now being taken for Shawnee Mission Triathlon on July 13
Registration deadlines are approaching for the 24th Annual Shawnee Mission Triathlon. The event will take place Sunday, July 13, in Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee. Entries will be limited to the first 750 individuals and 60 teams. The event typically fills one week prior to race day. As a result of this event, Shawnee Mission Park will not open for public use until noon on this date.
The Shawnee Mission Triathlon Long Course consists of a 0.62-mile swim, followed by an 18-mile bike, and a 4.5-mile run inside Shawnee Mission Park with heats beginning at 7 a.m. on the beach. The triathlon is open to all individuals, ages 15 and older with participants competing in five-year age groups from 15 years old to 60 and older.
Again this year, the Race Committee will offer a Short Course ideal for novice triathletes as well as the more serious competitor desiring a less strenuous course. Distances for the short course consists of a 0.31-mile swim, followed by a 9-mile bike, and a 2.4-mile run. Heats for this race will begin at 7:45 a.m. on the beach.
The Flapjack Fun Run for children 12 and under will also be held again this year near Shelter No. 3, near the transition area. Triathlon participants and spectators may sign their children up on-site for the half-mile Fun Run to be held at 10 a.m. Registration is free and children's T-shirts may be purchased for $5.
Registration fees for both the Regular Course and the Short Course are $60 for individuals and $90 for teams if postmarked by June 25. After June 26 the entry fee increases to $70 for individuals and $100 for teams, and increases again to $80 for individuals and $110 for teams after July 1. In addition to the above fees, runners who are not members of United States of America Triathlon (USAT) must pay a $10 daily user fee or purchase an annual membership for $39. Mail-in registrations will not be taken after June 28.
As in past years, teams can compete in the Long or Short course as a family or corporate team in addition to the usual men's, women's or coed team categories.
Each Long and Short course entrant will receive a T-shirt, a swim cap, and a pancake breakfast near Shelter #4. Individual prizes will be awarded to the overall male and female winners. Age group and team awards will be given based on the total number of entrants.
One change from past years in that Friday packet pickup for Triathlon participants will take place from noon to 7 p.m. on July 11 at BIkeSource, 11500 W. 135th St., Overland Park. Saturday packet pickup will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on July 12 under a tent near the Shawnee Mission Park Marina. Race day packet pickup is for out-of-town triathletes only and will take place from 5 to 5:30 a.m. Sunday under a tent near the Shawnee Mission Park Marina. Also on Saturday is a 4 p.m. orientation session, which it is recommended that new athletes attend.
The Shawnee Mission Triathlon is presented by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. For more information, a registration form, or to register, call (913) 831-3359. To register online, go to www.sportkc.org.
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Bongo Barry’s Buggies with a Beat Library on July 10
The Johnson County Library will sponsor a special Summer Reading Program, Bongo Barry’s Buggies with a Beat on Thursday, July 10 at 10:00 a.m. outside at the Leawood City Hall next to the Leawood Pioneer Neighborhood Library, 4700 Town Center Drive, Leawood, KS.
From wacky bug songs to the science and symmetry of insects, Bong Barry will have a beehive full of drums to explore the Summer Reading Club’s theme, “Catch the Reading Bug.” This program, recommended for ages pre-K through 6th grade, is free and open to the public. Registration is not necessary. Barry will launch the release of his new CD which will be available for purchase.
For more information call 913-344-0250. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled Library program.
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Olathe Teen Artist Danny Hull to demonstrate his creativity at Library
The Johnson County Library will host Danny Hull during July at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, KS as the summer teen artist in residence. Hull, a 16-year old Olathe student will create art live at the library on Thursdays and Saturdays. Visitors are encouraged to watch him sketch and visit with him regarding his artistic process. A public reception will be held on Saturday, July 12, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Central Resource Library. He will also present two drawing workshops.
Hull’s hand-drawn illustration was selected as the image for the Johnson County Library 2008 Teen Summer Reading Program, Blow Your Mind--Metamorphosis @ Your Library. Hull was chosen as a participant in Olathe's Human Relations Commission and School District #233 Essay, Visual Arts, and Multimedia Competition: Martin Luther King - Celebrate Diversity 2008. His art was published in the 2007 issue of elementia, Johnson County Library’s teen literary magazine. He was a participant in the Intellectual Freedom Mural at the Johnson County Library in 2007. Hull received an Artistic in Excellence Award at Prairie Trail Junior High School in 2006. He studied with local artist Lee Hammond in 2007.
Danny Hull will be sketching at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, on the following dates:
Thursday, July 3, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 12, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 10, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 19, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 17, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 24, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 26, 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 31, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Hull’s art will be featured all summer at www.jocoteenscene.org/dannyhull, including daily updates of his progress and a list of his artistic accomplishments to date.
Drawing Workshops with Danny Hull:
Wednesdays, July 9 and 23 • 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Central Resource Libraray, 9875 W. 87th St., Overland Park
Hands-on workshop with Danny Hull, teen artist in residence. Work with Danny Hull to improve your skills and create a sketch that will displayed in the Teen Room of the Library. Ages 10-14. Space is limited. Register online (www.jocolibrary.org) or call 913-495-2490.
All library programs are free and open to the public. Interpretive services and other accommodations for those with special needs are available by contacting Library staff at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled Library program. For more information about Johnson County Library’s teen artist-in-residence Danny Hull, visit www.jocolibrary.org/teenartist.
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