Johnson County Park & Recreation District: Calendar of Events

March 15	Mad Science© Junior Engineers at Roeland Park Comm. Center Young engineers will have lots to talk about after a full day of building and testing structures out of lots of different materials! They check out pyramids, arches, inflatable beams, test the strength of eggs, and build bridges and skyscrapers. In between, children will have fun playing games and puzzles with shapes and structures. Children can be dropped off between 8:30-9 am (no one will be allowed in any earlier) and must be picked up between 3:30-4 pm. Bring a sack lunch and a drink. Pre-registration is required and this class fills up fast. This is a one time class for 6½ hour workshop. It will cost $65 ($72 nonresidents). For details and to register on-line, visit our Activities web catalog. Time: 09:00 AM To 03:30 PM Address: Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 831-3355

March 15-19	Spring Break - Week Long Spring Fling Fun With Two Shows Daily Come enjoy spring with a trip to Ernie Miller Nature Park. Visitors are welcome to view the aquarium and hike the trails all week. Park naturalists will entertain guests with a special program twice every day! Daily shows will be: MON. - Native American myths and live animals; TUE. - Live animals illustrate the webs of wildlife in the prairie, forest, and water; WED. - Wear your green and celebrate Celtic stories, music, and traditions; THU. - Discover the amazing feats of feathered creatures and FRI. - Discover reptiles up-close and scaly, with live native snakes, turtles and lizards. There will be two (2) shows per day at 10 am and at 2 pm. This 45-min. event only cost $2.50 per peson (child & adult). For more information, please contact us. Address: Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Highway 7, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 764-7759

March 17	Mad Science© Creepy Crawly Ecology Meets Animal Wonders Welcome to the wonderful world outdoors! Use microscopes to investigate tiny parts of plants, animals and insects. Create cool tie-dye designs using nature’s beautiful colors, and play the role and develop the skills of a naturalist tracking animals in the wild. Thanks to Animal Wonders and their live birds, we will discover the science of ornithology by investigating different species of birds and how they fit into their own niches in the environment. Children can be dropped off between 8:30-9 am (no one will be allowed in any earlier) and must be picked up between 3:30-4:00 pm. Bring a sack lunch and a drink. Pre-registration is required and this class will fill up fast and is for ages 6-12. Call with any questions. Time: 09:00 AM Address: Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Drive, Roeland Park, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 831-3359

March 19	Spring Break Splash Bash at Roeland Park Aquatic Center Splish splash… we’re having a spring break bash! Swim on over to the indoor Roeland Park Aquatic Center for a swimmingly good time. There will be organized games in the pool area and a craft outside the pool area. Adults and children alike can dive on into the pool for some swimming free time. Lunch will be served. Don’t sing the spring break blues… join us for a splashing good time at this three (3) hour event. It is only a $5 cost for adults and children over 3 and free for children 3 and under. Time: 10:00 AM Address: Roeland Park Aquatic Center, 4843 Rosewood Drive, Roeland Park, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 831-3359 or (913) 432-1377

March 24	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

March 26	Entry Deadline of BikeSource Heritage Park Duathlon & Triathlon Deadline for the 2010 BikeSource Duathlon and Triathlon at Heritage Park is March 26th, which will take place beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 16, in Heritage Park. For details, to register on-line, registrations forms, maps, downloadables and more please visit our JCPRD BikeSource Duathlon and Triathlon web page or contact event coordinator, Mr. Chad Tower. Address: Heritage Park, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 236-1231

March 27	Women’s History Celebration Storytelling at Ernie Miller Join us in March for one show (the 2PM show has ben cancelled) at the Ernie Miller Nature Center to celebrate women’s history month. Travel through time to meet some amazing women from the past, including Rachel Carson, Sojoiner Truth, Amelia Earhart, and Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts. These adventurers, explorers, and rebels used individual talents and strengths to overcome hardship and adversity. They opened doors for women and made the world a better place for all. Let their “her-stories” inspire you, then explore non-traditional careers with some accomplished women of today and celebrate with creative activities honoring women. For reservations and more information call (913) 764-7759. Reservations are required. For reservations and more information please call. Reservations are required for this 2 hour event. Price per ticket is $7 per person including adults and $8 for nonresidents. All tickets are purchased at venue. Time: 10:00 AM To 12:00 PM Address: Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Highway 7, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 764-7759

March 28	Triathlon: Indoor Triathlon at 68's Indoor Sports 68’s Inside Sports is hosting an annual indoor triathlon that will consist of a 500 yard swim, 10 mile indoor bike ride and 3 mile run. Registration forms and contact information are at 68insidesports.com. The first heat will begin at 8 am. Sign up early and save. Final registration date is March 21. For more information contact Leta at leta@68insidesports.com. Time: 08:00 AM Address: 68’s Indoor Sports, 11301 W. 88th St., Overland Park, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 888-9247

April 1	Working Ladies' Golf League Meeting at Heritage Park Golf Course An organizational meeting is scheduled for a Working Ladies Golf League at the JCPRD's Heritage Park Golf Course. The league is for ladies 18 and older. League play and times are designed for intermediate golfers. Play begins April 8 and will run through September. Tee-off times are generally between 4PM and 6PM. Players must be committed to play for the entire time. A league registration and kitty fees will be due at meeting. For more information, call Susan Durbian, Emily Swearingen or the golf course pro shop at (913) 829-4653. Time: 06:00 PM Address: Heritage Park Golf Course, 16000 Pflumm Road, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 897-3212 or (913) 393-4636

April 7	JCPRD Early Childhood Development Centers Open House & Registration An open house will be held Wednesday, April 7, 6:30 - 7:30 pm at each of our Early Childhood Development Centers. Parents will have the opportunity to visit with our teachers and tour the centers. Enrollment material for parent completion will be made available at this time. A $30 non-refundable fee will reserve a space for your child in the 2010-2011 programs. Enrollment at this time is encouraged as space is limited, and this is the only open house for Fall registration. Time: 06:30 PM To 07:30 PM Address: Various locations

April 17	Trucks & Big Rigs for Kids at The Theatre in the Park Did you ever wonder what the inside of that big rig or tractor looks like? Bring your little one out to The Theatre in the Park to meet and greet trucks, tractors, construction, and city vehicles up close. Crawl, climb, and sit in the driver’s seat with the real life operators of these vehicles. This four hour event only costs $4 per person and is free for children 12 & under. Time: 10:00 AM To 02:00 PM Address: The Theatre in the Park, 7710 Renner Road, Shawnee, Kansas, 66219 Phone Number: (913) 856-2493 or (913) 831-3355

April 17	FREE - Climbing Tower & Open House at TimberRidge Adv. Center If you have not seen our TimberRidge Adventure Center, or our Climbing Tower yet, now is your chance! During our annual Open House, choose from several activities: canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, hiking, BB-gun shooting, and archery (participants must age 16 and older for BB gun and archery). Catch and release fishing also available, however participants age 16 and older are required to have Kansas fishing license. Licenses will not be sold on site. Cops n’ Bobbers will be on site with poles and bait available for use or you may bring your own. Guided tours of the challenge course will be available. Visit and see all the programs and amenities that TimberRidge has to offer and experience the Hawk’s Nest Climbing Tower! An open climbing event for those ages 12 and older will be held. Climbers will need to pre-register. Children under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian’s signature. Both events are FREE but climbing enrollment is limited to 40 people so register early! Time: 09:00 AM To 03:00 PM Address: TimberRidge Adventure Center, 12300 S. Homestead Lane, Olathe, Kansas, 66061 Phone Number: (913) 856-8849

April 17	ReStore with Heartland Habitat for Humanity - ReStore Warehouse If building a house is not for you, it is still possible to help Heartland Habitat for Humanity! They always need volunteers to sort and price donations, among other activities at their ReStore warehouse located at 55th and Kansas Avenue in Kansas City, Kan. This activity will go on rain or shine! We will meet at the warehouse. Call with questions and reservations (call by April 9 to RSVP & Please note: this event is for ages 16 and older). Time: 09:00 AM Address: ReStore warehouse location, 55th & Kansas Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 826-3160

April 17	Build with Heartland Habitat for Humanity Ever want to help others, but not sure how to do it? Join our team and help build a house with Heartland Habitat for Humanity in celebration of National Volunteer Week. Construction will already be started and our team will pick up where the last team left off. This is a great opportunity for those looking for volunteer hours for school or for anyone who wants to give back to the community. If construction is not for you, you could still help! Be a lunch angel and donate lunch for all of the volunteers! This event is dependent on the weather and build site opportunity. Call closer to date for the location. RSVP by April 9. This event is for ages 16 and older. Time: 08:00 AM Address: Location TBA Phone Number: (913) 826-3160

April 24	Breakfast and Bargain Bonanza Garage Sale Plan a super spring Saturday, starting with a delicious pancake breakfast by Chris Cakes. While you’re here enjoy browsing the huge community garage sale. Purchase pancake breakfast in advance at the Roeland Park Community Center for $6 in advance or $7 the day of the event. We'll be here rain or shine! Want to sell your stuff at the event? Clean out your garage or attic this spring, then rent space and sell those unwanted items. Vendors must rent their space in advance. Haul off of unsold items available along with receipt from donation center for tax purposes. A limited number of tables and coat racks are available for an additional charge on a first come, first serve basis. Call for more information or register on line via our on line Activities web catalog. Time: 08:00 AM To 11:00 AM Address: Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood, Roeland Park, Kansas, 66205 Phone Number: (913) 826-3160

April 24	FREE - JCPRD's Mildale Farm Community Day Bring the family out and spend the day exploring the Mildale Farm property during our Free Mildale Farm Community Day. 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. Arts and Craft activities for the kids will take place in the main barn. 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: 08:00 AM To 03:00 PM Address: Mildale Farm, 35250 W. 199th St., Edgerton, Kansas, 66021 Phone Number: (913) 236-1253

April 25	14th Annual Panzon's Fundraiser to Benefit JCPRD Special Olympics Come eat, be festive and help a great cause - JCPRD's Special Population's Special Olympics. Each spring, Panzon's Mexican Restaurant offers a special meal to its patrons to assist our Special Olympians. With the employees donating their time, Panzon’s opens early and they donate the food and all proceeds to Special Olympics. This is one of the program’s two major annual fundraisers and proceeds are used to help with the cost of out-of-town Special Olympics trips. An $8 donation will get you a tasty taco plate featuring three tacos, beans, rice, salsa, chips and a soft drink. Bring the family and friends and let's support our Special Olympians. Tickets sold at the door or from any of our athletes. Questions, please contact Kelly Reilly. Time: 12:00 PM To 04:00 PM Address: Panzon's Mexican Restaurant, 8710 Lackman Road, Lenexa, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 236-1260

April 29	FREE - BikeSource Duathlon & Triathlon: Training Workshop Need to brush up on your training techniques? Want to know what kind of training is needed to prepare for a multi-sport event? Experienced athletes, coaches, and staff at BikeSource will teach you how to train for a duathlon and/or triathlon. Some of the topics to be addressed include: nutrition, stretching techniques, and pointers on conditioning for each phase of the event. Both seasoned and novice athletes will learn from this free informational workshop. Follow it up by participating in the BikeSource Du Tri on Sunday, May 16 at Heritage Park. Advance registration required for workshop and race. Feel free to visit the Heritage Park Duathlon/Triathlon web page for detail about the race. Time: 07:00 PM Address: BikeSource, 11500 W. 135th St., Overland Park, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 451-1515

May 8	KC WildLands Workdays (All Ages) Interested groups and individuals are invited to assist with prairie restoration efforts at a small prairie remnant at Ernie Miller Park during two spring workdays planned in conjunction with Kansas City WildLands, a local conservation coalition. A workday on Feb. 27 will focus on prairie restoration, while a workday on May 8 will also involve the planting of prairie species. These are great opportunities to help with hands-on conservation work on the metro area’s dwindling wild acres. Participants should dress for the weather - long pants are suggested. KC WildLands will supply work gloves and drinking water. Some tools will be provided on-site, but participants are encouraged to bring their own loppers, small saws, and hand shovels. For more information or to register for either workday, call KC WildLands Coordinator Linda Lehrbaum (816) 561-1016 x116 or email to Linda@bridgingthegap.org Time: 09:00 AM Address: Ernie Miller Park, 909 N. Highway 7, Olathe, KS, Olathe, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 764-7759 or (816) 561-1016 ext. 116

May 8	Fishing Clinic for Adult & Child at Shawnee Mission Park Have you ever wanted to fish with your child or grandchild and didn’t know how? Then the JCPRD fishing clinic at Shawnee Mission Park is just for you! Our fun filled fishing clinic will teach adults basic fishing techniques, fish identification, basic equipment and knot tying. At the same time the children will learn equipment and learn to cast. The remainder of the clinic will be dedicated for the children to have fun fishing with the assistance of the parent or guardian. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided. This clinic is funded through a National Recreation and Park Association Grant. Class size is limited to 30 people and a $5 per person ($6 nonresident). Registration is required in advance. Time: 08:30 AM To 11:30 AM Address: Shawnee Mission Park - Shelter #4, 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 831-3359

May 15	Summertime Arts & Crafts Festival - Crafters Needed Booth space is available at our Summertime Arts & Craft Show! The craft show will be held in conjunction with the City of Merriam’s Turkey Creek Festival on Saturday, May 15. Please call for more information or download forms at our Turkey Creek Festival-Summertime Arts & Craft Show web page. Time: 10:00 AM To 05:00 PM Address: Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road, Merriam, Kansas Phone Number: 913-831-3359

May 16	2010 BikeSource 22nd Annual Duathlon & Triathlon at Heritage Park The BikeSource Duathlon and Triathlon, part of the Triple Crown Series, is held at Heritage Park and consists of a combination of swimming, biking and running. The BikeSource Triathlon consists of a .33 mile (587 yds.) swim, followed by an 11.5 mile bike, and a 3 mile run on a relatively flat course. Triathlon teams may enter in categories: men, women, coed, family, and corporate. Bring your family and friends for a great time. Early registration is strongly encouraged. For registration forms, to register on-line and for all race details, please visit our Heritage Park Duathlon / Triathlon page. Time: 07:30 AM Address: Heritage Park, 16050 Pflumm Rd, Olathe, Kansas, 66062 Phone Number: (913) 831-3359

July 11	26th Annual Shawnee Mission Triathlon The 26th annual Shawnee Mission Triathlon regular course consists of a 0.62 mile swim, followed by an 18 mile bike and a 4.5 mile run in Shawnee Mission Park. The short course consists of a 0.31 mile swim, followed by a 9 mile bike and a 2.4 mile run. Team categories include: men, women, coed, family, and corporate. This event is limited to 700 entries. For more details, to register online, to download event brochures and for registration forms (available in mid-May) visit our JCPRD Shawnee Mission Triathlon web page or call our offices. If you are interested in volunteering for this event please call. Time: 07:00 AM Address: Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Rd, Shawnee, Kansas Phone Number: (913) 236-1231 or (913) 831-3359

September 11	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