Shawnee Magazine, Spring/Summer 2023

commitment

dear reader,

When I wrote this, March was roaring its goodbyes with shy April waiting in the wings. Now we’ll welcome April showers, hoping they’ll bring May flowers, as the saying goes, and start spending our days with the windows flung open and our gazes on future outings.

Shawnee is the perfect place to enjoy the warmer weather. Make a stop at Shawnee Mission Park—page 26—to enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities, perfect for the entire family. Don’t forget Mid-America Sports Complex, which has been undergoing extensive renovations that will be on display when it opens later this spring. Check it out on page 30.

The complex was one of the passion projects for the late Kevin Fern, who led Visit Shawnee for years, all the while supporting and advocating for the entire community of Shawnee. A few of his friends say goodbye on page 23.

A sports tour of Shawnee would be incomplete without a stop at Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball, the best beach volleyball facility in Kansas and the second-largest landlocked beach volleyball facility in the U.S. Turn to page 16 for more on its offerings.

When the Driscoll School of Irish Dance opened in 2010, owner Bridgid Driscoll never imagined that the original two classes (with 10 dancers) would become the Irish dance powerhouse it is today. Students now number close to 80, and classes are available seven days a week. Turn to page 14 to check out the group’s participation in the Sunflower Feis, the only Irish dance competition in the state.

Another way to get outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather is to mosey along with the Sampler Garden Tour hosted by The Garden Club of Shawnee. After a four-year hiatus, the tour returns with six area gardens that will make you a bit green with envy. The details are on page 12.

Whatever outdoor activities you choose, be sure to take along some whimsical goodies from Annedore’s Fine Chocolates (page 8). You’ll satisfy your sweet tooth with the unique novelties and delicious boxed treats.

All in all, it’ll be a fine spring in Shawnee, and you won’t want to miss a second!

Indulge yourself!

Jean editor, Shawnee Magazine

Editor Jean Teller

Designer/Art Director Alex Tatro

Copy Editor Leslie Clugston Andres

Account Executive Angie Taylor

Contributing Photographers Kevin Anderson

Molly Kuplen

Katie Lewis

Contributing Writers Jill Dutton

Jackie Hostetler

Beth Kornegay

Bob Luder

Jean Teller

Kari Williams

Publisher Bill Uhler

Director Bob Cucciniello

Shawnee Chamber of Commerce

President | CEO Ann Smith-Tate

Operations Manager Marlene Shirley

Director of Marketing

& Events Chris DiMaso

Director of Investor Services Kaleigh Calkins

Visit Shawnee

Executive Director Beth Ansell

Shawnee Economic Development Council

Director, Business Eric Ely

Development and Retention Programs Manager Amy Niemann

Shawnee Magazine is a publication of Sunflower Publishing, a division of Ogden Publications. sunflowerpub.com

(888) 497-8668

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Charmed by Chocolate

When Sheri Weedman bought Annedore’s Fine Chocolates 16 years ago, she had never made chocolate. But the shop’s aura drew her in anyway.

“I was completely charmed by Annedore’s,” Weedman says. “I loved their product. I loved the creativity. They had really unique novelty chocolate items and great boxes of chocolates.”

The locally owned shop has two locations—its original spot in Westwood Hills and the more recent site in Shawnee— and, in 2019, it was named the best chocolate shop in Kansas by Mental Floss. Weedman says she loves the Shawnee business community.

“The chamber and the city really are wanting to create a special place for their residents, and they’re working hard at that,” Weedman says, “and the people who come in our store seem so appreciative that we’re there and that just makes it fun.”

Becoming a Chocolatier

Weedman says she was always in charge of corporate gifts for her husband’s business and used Annedore’s for holiday giving.

“After working with him, I was a stay-athome mom, and I went to order my gifts … and the owner (of Annedore’s) told me they were closing,” Weedman says. “And at the time I was at cooking school at Johnson County Community College.”

Since she was in cooking school and had taken some pastry classes, Weedman thought she could make chocolates as well.

“My background was in sales,” she says. “I went out and sold everybody that might need a corporate gift at Christmas time, and I was way in the weeds of making chocolates.”

So she enrolled in chocolatier classes, joined a confectioners’ association, and made the chocolates herself for about a year until hiring a chocolatier.

Annedore’s brings its confectionery traditions to Shawnee.

article by Kari Williams photos by Molly Kuplen

‘Whimsical’ Chocolates

Some of Annedore’s unique offerings are a chocolate football and “smash” items with holiday themes. Around Halloween, the shop offers smash pumpkins that, when broken, reveal gummy worms and other candies inside.

“We also do a smash egg for Easter,” Weedman says. “The idea of smashing something open has kind of been recent.”

The 2023 State of Treating report (candyusa.com/sweet-insightsstate-of-treating-2023/infographics), conducted by the National Confectioners Association, determined that 61% of shoppers are “occasionally or frequently looking for confectionery products they have not had before” while 81% believe that chocolate and candy are a “fun part of life.”

One aspect of Annedore’s that sets it apart from other chocolate shops is the “fun, whimsical nature of the chocolates,” Weedman says.

“We are really holiday-driven,” she said. “I try to deliver a great offering of a holiday gift at all price points. Of course we’re delicious. I think we hang our hat on being beautiful and delicious. I’d also like to throw in (that) you get a really personal experience with our staff. Everybody who works at Annedores ... really loves what we do and wants to share it.”

Weedman says other shops are “more serious” and geared toward adults, but Annedore’s tries to have items for children. Her own children were starting grade school when she purchased Annedore’s, which led her to strive for “kids’ fun”—whimsical molds and items such as chocolate cell phones, footballs, dinosaurs, carrots, and even a backpack bunny. “I made it more youthful because that was the place I was at the time,” Weedman says.

Some products in the shop have changed over time, Weedman says. “I went on a journey to make some toffee, add some confectioner items,” she says, noting they’ve added brittle, turtles, and sea-salt caramels as well. Of the chocolates, though, the dark imperial truffle continues to be the best seller.

Weedman says she has devoted a lot of attention to Annedore’s confectionery product line. “I really want to try to deliver the best product that we can make,” she says.

Expanding to Gelato

Last year, Weedman opened Flying Cow Gelato in Westwood Hills, next door to the original Annedore’s.

“It really took off last year,” she says, noting that gelato has been a passion of hers. “It seemed to be … a place where people wanted to come.”

But opening The Flying Cow in Shawnee was not in Weedman’s original plan. In January, the owner of Aunt Jean’s Cup and Cone contacted her and asked if she would be interested in taking over the space.

“Once again, I was charmed by Shawnee and that little patio,” she says. “So we’re going to have a second Flying Cow.”

Gelato, according to Weedman, takes everything she has learned about baking and confectionery and brings it together.

“You use all those skills and knowledge to make a great product. … Gelato, you make it and people are happy,” she says. “And the staff is much younger, they’re fun.”

As of press time, Weedman says she hoped to open the Shawnee location in May.

For more information, visit www.annedores.com.

Confection collections

• Barks

• Brittles

• Caramels

• Chocolate-covered

• Patties

• Toffee

• Turtles

• Novelty gifts

Candies

• Candies

• Melt-aways

• Nonpareils

Chocolatiers by the numbers

• 553 Number of chocolatier employment opportunities in Kansas.

• 78% People who believe confectionery sharing and gifting are great traditions.

• 61% Shoppers who look for confectionery products they have never purchased before.

• 36 Where the state of Kansas ranks in employment opportunities from chocolatiers.

SOURCES: Career expert website Zippia & National Confectioners Association 2023 State of Treating Report

Glimpses of Gardens

Annual tour takes a closer look at the efforts of five home owners with green thumbs.

After four years, the Garden Sampler Tour is back! Hosted by The Garden Club of Shawnee (gardenclubofshawnee. org), the tour will encompass five unique Shawnee neighborhood gardens. The gardens will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 10.

A wonderful way of gathering ideas for a backyard garden in the planning stages or suggestions for enhancing the current plot, the tour will feature ways to extend a family’s living space into the outdoors, add child-friendly play areas, and specialize in organic gardening. The Garden Club encourages participants to bring cameras to capture plants and techniques, all while enjoying a walk through woodlands and along water features.

Two Special Gardens

One of the gardens on the tour is at the home of Chris and Erica Thowe. “We have a beautiful jasmine vine that crawls on the fence. The smell is outstanding and draws the hummingbirds,” Chris says. “I’m a baseball fan, so we planted Boston ivy, like that on the Wrigley field fence, that has crept from one side to the other of the garage, covering the entire exterior.” The garden also includes peonies, hostas, junipers, buckthorn, and more.

After growing up in the country, Chris says he likes getting his hands dirty. “I’ve really enjoyed the process of gardening over the years, I’m a graphic designer by trade. I enjoy the process of working with my hands.”

A neighbor recommended that the garden club take a look at the Thowes’ garden and add it to the tour.

“As a family, each season we get to change. … It’s been a labor of love. It’s been fun to be able to see how things are thriving in the garden from year to year. It’s a work in the progress and it’s never done, and that’s the fun part for me too,” Chris says.

Another garden on the tour belongs to Nick and Susan Geib. Susan says one of the first things people notice in the backyard is the water feature. “There’s a long streamway between the two ponds, a little pond on top and another pond with a stream between them. It’s a pretty large water system.”

Her front garden is full of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, including a miniature mulberry, grapes, blueberries, lavender, peonies, sage, daffodils, and more. “People ask me about the walking onion. … They look pretty funky in the middle of summer. … It’s beautiful. It’s fragrant. And you can use it too,” she says. “I have many beds and gardens throughout. It’s over the top. Too much. I just can’t help myself.”

Susan’s the gardener in the family, and her green thumb comes naturally. “I studied landscape architecture. My parents, grandfather, great-grandfather were gardeners. I can’t help being me, I have to do it. Just love the beauty that it brings, and my family loves the beauty.”

Being on the garden tour is a dream come true, she says. “I grew up going on garden tours. To be invited is such a big deal. It’s really great to be part of it. It’s special to me and to my parents. I’m kind of honoring them.”

Tour Supports Projects

A raffle will be part of the fun, with prizes donated by local businesses. Proceeds from both the tour and the raffle go to the club’s grant program, which supports projects for schools, churches, and other nonprofits, as well as individual scholarships. Raffle tickets will be available the day of the tour at each of the gardens; tickets are $2 each or three for $5.

Tour tickets cost $15 each and can be purchased at the website, at each of the participating gardens, and at gardening outlets around Shawnee. Advance tickets can be purchased, with a small additional charge, at EventBrite.com.

Founded in 1990, The Garden Club welcomes gardeners of all levels, talents, and abilities. Members help each other improve individual gardens and encourage community members to help beautify Shawnee green spaces. The club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at Shawnee Town’s Town Hall. Meetings feature programs on a variety of topics, including gardening techniques and caring for backyard wildlife. Visitors and new members are welcome.

For more information, visit the website or go to Facebook and search for The Garden Club of Shawnee.

Erica and Chris Thowe expanded their living space with a delightful seating area in their backyard garden; above, hostas are just a few of the plants found in Susan and Nick Gieb’s garden.

For the Love of Dance

Driscoll School promotes Irish dance for fun and competition.

When Bridgid Driscoll started the Driscoll School of Irish Dance in 2010, there was just one other Irish dance school in the Kansas City area. Seeing the need for additional class options, she started her dance school with just two classes and about 10 dancers. Today, nearly 80 students take classes offered seven days a week.

Driscoll has always been part of the Irish dance community. After moving around the country several times as a child, she found dance class was a way to connect and find friends in each new city. She danced alongside her two younger sisters and several cousins, making it a family affair. Participating in Irish

dancing also helped her feel connected to her Irish heritage and encouraged her to learn more about where her family came from. Today, Driscoll’s daughter, Mara, age 6, participates in Irish dancing.

Prior to opening her Irish dance school, Driscoll was working full-time at a corporate job in addition to working part-time as an in-house Irish dancer at an Irish pub. It didn’t take long for her to realize that teaching dance was what she was most passionate about, and that passion led to her opening her Irish dance studio.

“I started adding more and more classes until I was teaching six days a week. There was obviously a demand for more classes, and people who wanted

different options for teachers and school

environments,” she says.

While there was a significant drop in in-person class attendance during the COVID pandemic, dancers continued to participate through several months of Zoom classes. This year, Driscoll has seen significant growth with new students and younger dancers enrolling in dance classes. She has dancers from age 3 to dancers in their 60s who regularly attend classes.

Dancing at the Feis

In 2015, the Driscoll School of Irish Dance began partnering with the nonprofit organization Irish Arts of Kansas to put on the Sunflower Feis

article by Beth Kornegay photos by Molly Kuplen

(pronounced ‘fesh’), an Irish dance competition. That event, held this year March 25–26 at Shawnee’s B&B Theatres, is the only Irish dance competition in Kansas.

The event was postponed in 2020 in the early days of the pandemic. In 2021, it was cancelled due to the ongoing COVID spread. The feis returned in 2022, and planners found Shawnee’s B&B Theatres to be the perfect location.

“This type of competition is especially important for championship dancers as they can qualify at our feis to compete in our regional championships. Earning a placement in one level allows you to move up to the next level the following year,” says Driscoll.

Driscoll’s mother has designed some of the elaborate costumes owned by the school. Those costumes have a Celtic letter “D” on them, and Driscoll chose her favorite color, teal, along with coordinating colors of green and navy blue. Other costumes are designed based on age, ability, and purpose, and they range in price from $100 to $500. Dancers may wear the more elaborate costumes after they have earned their novice level in competition, and they or their families purchase those costumes, ranging in price from $400 to $2,000.

Driscoll’s dancers can be seen around Shawnee, including appearances at the annual Old Shawnee Days and St. Patrick’s Day parades. This year, they performed at the dignitary celebration before the St. Patrick’s Day parade as well as after the parade in front of Shawnee City Hall. The dancers perform at Shawnee schools, churches, and senior living homes throughout the year.

Driscoll says her students become involved with Irish dancing for a variety of reasons, but they need to enjoy dancing to want to continue. While it is common to have students who celebrate their Irish heritage through dance, Driscoll says some become involved with Irish dance after seeing Riverdance or the dancers in their bright costumes at parades or at the Kansas City Irish Festival.

“Irish dance is one of those activities that you can really make what you want it to be. Some dancers love to perform, and others want to achieve competitive success. It has many opportunities for travel but also connects us to our local community,” Driscoll says.

For More

Driscoll School of Irish Dance

10820 W. 64th St., Suite 101

Shawnee, KS 66203

913-982-7716

email: info@driscolldancers.com

For class information and summer camp options: www.driscolldancers.com

Dancers put their best foot forward during the competition at this year’s Sunflower Feis in Shawnee.

Fun in the Sand

When beach volleyball is the name of the game, Shawnee Mission is the place to be.

Being landlocked hundreds of miles from coastlines doesn’t exactly conjure images of sandy beaches, palm trees, cool night breezes, and fruity tropical drinks—although anyone who’s ever driven down Johnson Drive in western Shawnee on a spring or summer evening might think otherwise.

Whether you drive in from the east, coming off the bottom of a long hill and curving right, or from the west and heading over the long railway viaduct, the glaring lights and dozens of people jumping, spiking balls, whooping, and hollering are a dead giveaway.

For 20 years, passionate beach volleyball players—some competitive, some not so much—have flocked by the thousands to the 18

sand volleyball courts and the clubhouse/bar and grill at 19800 Johnson Drive, all seeking fun, excitement, recreation, and competition.

If one is looking for the biggest party in town on a typical spring, summer, or fall evening, you’re liable to find it at Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball.

“The only year participation didn’t increase was during COVID,” says Danny Shaw, who started at SMBV as a sand runner when the facility was constructed in 2002, then spent years as a bartender, and now is the general manager, as of last year. “Last summer was the first time we had more than 1,000 teams in any one session. That’s almost 5,000 players per week.

“Most Saturdays we have at least one tournament, with anywhere from 100 to 400 people. And that might be conservative,” Shaw says.

A Preeminent Complex

Shaw says he’s been told that SMBV’s 18 courts make it the second-largest U.S. beach volleyball facility not located on an actual beach. In 2020, Volleyball Magazine named SMBV the best beach volleyball facility in Kansas.

SMBV offers league play—ranging in level from novice to competitive—six nights a week. And, while the most popular choice of teams typically is coed with six players, there are leagues that compete with foursomes and some with teams of two. Often, teams that are new to

article by Bob Luder photos by Katie Lewis

2023 SMBV League Session Schedule

SPRING

April 2–June 2

SUMMER

June 4–August 4

FALL

August 6–October 6

To register a team, go to smbv.bracketpal.com/signup

To add yourself to the Free Agent list, go to smbv.bracketpal.com/subs

Shawnee Mission

Beach Volleyball

19800 Johnson Drive

Shawnee, KS 66218 913-422-4070

(from March to November)

email: danny@smbv.com

Hours of operation

5 p.m. to midnight

Office hours vary; usually from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

sand volleyball start in a purely recreational league and move up to intermediate levels as skills improve. Tournaments are hosted most weekends, and SMBV also hosts private events and parties and can accommodate up to 300.

There also are “spikeball” leagues, featuring a game where participants bounce a ball off a central net.

“That’s something we’ll have to grow,” says Shaw, who employs around 30 at the facility. “It’s one of the trends right now.”

In addition to volleyball and spikeball, SMBV features a kids’ playground to entertain youngsters while their parents play. And the centerpiece just might be The Beach Bar and Grill, which offers a huge outdoor deck, a full bar, and a menu with smoked wings, burgers, tacos, and pizzas, making it a great place for players to hang out before and after their games. Televisions surround the space. During the season, The Beach stays open until midnight most nights.

Shaw adds there’s even a text line set up for players to order food and drink from the courts during breaks between games.

It all adds up to tons of fun for the throngs of participants who flock to the facility each season, which begins in early April.

Player to Owner

One participant, Lance Windholz, enjoyed playing at SMBV so much over the years, he bought the place back in March.

“I had started buying businesses and had the itch for the next thing,” says Windholz, a self-described serial entrepreneur. “I was playing out here multiple nights. I felt like I paid for part of the place with the amount of time and money I’d spent there. I knew the previous owner (Dave MacKay) was thinking of retiring and kept in touch with him until the time was right.”

For Windholz, there’s a lot to like about beach volleyball, and it goes beyond jumping to spike balls over nets.

“I think one of the really cool things about volleyball is it’s really community oriented,” he says. “It’s a real social sport, more than any sport I’ve ever played.

“We have free-agent signups, where players who don’t have a team can sign up and be assigned to a team. It’s a great way to meet people, make a lot of friendships.”

That’s indeed been the case for many of the players who, more times than not, fill up league quotas within 20 minutes of entries opening, which has been typical over the years.

“Not only have I made many friends since I started playing volleyball at SMBV (in 2013), I actually met my husband there,” says Toni (Patrzykont) Schuerman, 42, who lives in Overland Park. “The people you meet at SMBV are great, including the staff and other players. I appreciate that they have a community-service approach as well. Tournaments are held most weekends during the open seasons that benefit local charities and other great causes, which makes it where I can contribute to a variety of causes and have fun while doing so.”

Looking to the Future

With the new ownership, patrons of SMBV can look forward to some changes, Windholz and Shaw say. They’re considering hosting live music and are planning some tweaks in the bar and grill’s menu. There are thoughts of keeping The Beach Bar and Grill open year-round and offering leagues for indoor games like darts, corn hole, beer pong, and more.

They say they’ll continue thinking of other ways to add to the social aspect and joy of playing beach volleyball on a landlocked plot of ground in the middle of the country.

“Once you get in the doors here,” Shaw says, “it’s really hard to leave.”

Beach volleyball is fun for everyone!

Out & About

SHAWNEE TOWN 1929

Step back into the 1920s and experience life in Shawnee. Visitors of all ages can explore the historic Main Street’s local businesses and an original truck farm — chickens included!

Experience live music and classic movies at Az tec Shawnee Theate r. Sample craf t beer from 3 local breweries. Stop in Drastic Measures fo r an award winning c ocktail. Then grab a bite to eat and browse our boutique s.

Goodbye, Old Friend

With the passing of Kevin Fern, Shawnee has lost a staunch advocate.

Shawnee lost a top advocate on December 11, when Kevin Fern passed away at the age of 65.

William Butler Yeats wrote, “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.”

That’s the quote Tonya Lecuru, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Shawnee, brings up when asked how she thinks Kevin would like to be remembered. “As a great friend. That was one of his favorite Irish quotes. He was a friend to Shawnee, to

anyone he met, a friend to me. … It’s been hard not having him here with us.”

Mickey Sandifer, owner of Sandifer Leasing, has known Kevin since they were teenagers. “Kevin was a wonderful friend to me. He was like a brother, helping me with anything I needed advice on. I miss him so much, just wanting to pick up the phone and ask his advice on something. In the community, he was the driving force behind everything good that happened in Shawnee. He will be greatly missed.”

Kevin Fern and Mayor Michelle Distler at Kevin’s retirement party.

His Career Accomplishments

Kevin attended school in Shawnee and at the University of Kansas before moving on to work in various roles in Kansas politics, including a stint working for Gov. John Carlin. He was known for his political savvy and his roles behind the scenes in several campaigns for well-known candidates. Following that work, he spent 15 years managing hotels in Kansas City. It was 2008 when Kevin started his dream job as executive director of Visit Shawnee and he returned to the community he loved.

Among his many professional accomplishments as director of Visit Shawnee, Kevin was instrumental in the improvements at the Mid-America Sports Complex, recognizing its potential to draw visitors to Shawnee. He was particularly proud of all the family-friendly events he and other city officials created over the years.

“I saw firsthand how he used his gifts from youth to adulthood to make his community more welcoming,” says Sandifer.

When asked about Kevin’s greatest contribution to Shawnee, Mayor Michelle Distler says, “There are so many, but all of them stem from his heart for this community. Whether it was being the friendly smiling face with balloons at all of the events, his relentless devotion to the valley of champions, building relationships with our sister cities, or bringing tourism to Shawnee, it was all done from his heart. He was a friend to all.”

Kevin was active in the Shawnee and Kansas tourism industry, serving as sponsorship chair for Old Shawnee Days, board member for the Friends of Shawnee Town, founding member and past president of the Johnson County Irish American Club, grand marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day parade, board member for the City of Shawnee Parks and Recreation

A leg injury didn’t stop Kevin from participating in events; here, he and Mayor Distler staff the Visit Shawnee tent at Moonlight Market.

Advisory Board and the Shawnee Great Grillers State Championship Barbecue Committee, member of the Shawnee Sister City Committee, commissioner on the Johnson County Park and Recreation District Board, member of the Governor’s Council on Tourism, and as president of the Travel Industry Association of Kansas. Most recently, Kevin received the prestigious Governor’s Tourism Award, which recognizes Kansans for outstanding contributions to the state’s travel and tourism industry.

“Kevin served on the JCPRD Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners for the last two years,” says Jeff Stewart, executive director of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. “Through his passion, leadership, support, and efforts, it was clear that he cared deeply about the city of Shawnee and the Johnson County community. He understood the local appreciation and economic impact that JCPRD facilities— Mid-America Sports Complex, Okun Fieldhouse, Theatre in the Park, etc.—have on the community.”

October 6 was proclaimed “Kevin Fern Day” by Mayor Distler, and Kevin was given the key to the city. He retired November 15.

“Kevin had a contagious personality and was a true pleasure to be around,” Stewart says. “The Johnson County community is better because of Kevin’s passion and many years of service.”

“I feel those of us that loved him have a responsibility to carry his memory forward to future Shawneeans,” says Mayor Distler. “We need to have his friendly disposition to every stranger we meet and welcome them. Kevin was such a gift to us. I am so lucky, and we are all so lucky, to share his stories and love. His love for people. His love for Shawnee.”

Preschool • All Day Child Care

Preschool • All Day Child Care

Certified Teachers • 12 months to Kindergarten

Preschool • All Day Child Care

12 months to Kindergarten

School Age Summer Program

Little Learners Early Childhood Center offers children the opportunity to explore, create, and imagine while they develop academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. These opportunities take place in a safe, nurturing environment under the guidance of a highly qualified, caring teaching staff.

Certified Teachers • 12 months to Kindergarten

Little Learners Early Childhood Center offers children the opportunity to explore, create, and imagine while they develop academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. These opportunities take place in a safe, nurturing environment under the guidance of a highly qualified, caring teaching staff.

Located just 15 minutes east of Eudora along the K-10 Corridor.

Located just 15 minutes east of Eudora along the K-10 Corridor.

Call 913-254-1818 to enroll.

www.kslittlelearners.com

Call 913-254-1818 to enroll.

www.kslittlelearners.com

During the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce annual dinner in 2019, Kevin Fern (far left) poses with colleagues (from left) Dustin Wolfe, Amy Niemann, and Brandon Wilcox.

Outdoor enthusiasts find plenty of outlets for recreation and to connect to nature, whether on the water or on land, at Shawnee Mission Park. With about 2 million visitors each year, the park is the second-largest in Johnson County and the most frequented park in both the State of Kansas and Johnson County.

With 1,655 acres of land, there are recreational activities for every age. Take a walk along one of the paved trails, explore the woods on a hiking trail, rent a kayak at the marina and spend a leisurely afternoon on the water, or speed along one of the mountain bike trails. Disc golf enthusiasts gather for tournaments, archers practice at the archery range, and visitors listen to the radio-operated planes up above. Families gather for laughter and a picnic in one of 11 shelters or numerous picnic areas, and Theatre in the Park is a fun way to enjoy live theater outdoors.

The main attraction at Shawnee Mission Park may be the 120-acre lake where families relax at the swimming beach; anglers find a perfect fishing spot for crappie, bass, rainbow trout, and catfish; paddle board devotees practice yoga on the water; and kayakers put into the waters at the dock. Weekends find the waters filled with boaters, whether they rented a vessel at the marina or brought their own permitted sailboat or small vessel.

Still, there are plenty of land-based activities. With miles of hiking, equestrian, and biking trails, including the Gary L. Haller Trail that circles the

lake and provides stunning views of the water and the surrounding woods, it’s easy to find a trail to test your endurance.

A popular area is the 44-acre off-leash dog park with its own beach where dogs can be found cooling themselves and frolicking in the lake during the summer.

So much to see and do, yet nearly 60 years later, the park continues to grow.

On the Horizon

With so many visitors, the park—under the auspices of the Johnson County Park & Recreation District— continues to update facilities and add new amenities.

JCPRD staff are currently updating the waterfront facilities at the marina, which are due to open before Memorial Day. Included in the renovations are improvements to water accessibility with an accessible dock being built adjacent to the existing dock to provide access for all.

Another addition is improvements to Shelter 10. A somewhat historic structure built in 1960, the shelter is experiencing a complete remodel—a new roof, fire ring, and enhanced drainage are among the updates—and should be open by mid-May.

For those interested in paved trails, the park is complementing existing paved trails with a south loop of paved trails. The existing four-mile loop road takes visitors around the park where they currently enter off 79th Street and go around the dam, or go south and exit into a subdivision. Plans are to make a loop around the entire south side. Those who prefer not to walk or bike on the road can use this trail instead. It’s projected as a $2 million project scheduled to start later this spring.

Later this year, disc golfers will enjoy a new ninehole course that will integrate an art component.

story by Jill Dutton

photos by Kevin Anderson

The most visited park in Kansas, Shawnee Mission Park offers a variety of recreation choices for all ages.

Favorite Ways to Spend a Day at Shawnee Mission Park

I’m all about the Shawnee Mission dog park, but we also love Theatre in the Park!

—Gail

Bronfman Bunch

Mountain biking on the extensive northside trails is a popular activity. ... plus there’s a specific skills area and pump track.

—Mark Thomas

The remote-control airplanes are fun to watch.

—Pat Nordstrom

I’ve gone on spring walks to view ephemerals and (for) mushroom hunting at various times.

—Rebecca Neudeck

My family used to love fishing there at night for catfish. As kids, we loved renting paddleboats and canoes.

—Claire McDaniel

Fly a kite.

—Lisa Coke

The dog park is my happy place. I like taking a long walk at the dog park. Disappearing into the woods away from the crowds. Finding a spot to (sit and) breathe for a bit. Playing hide and seek with Leia. Pretending we are way out in the middle of nowhere. Feeling the breath of life pulsing up through my feet, listening to the wisdom of the land. We had a nice long walk today.

—Beth Sarver

Picnic near the entrance of Theatre in the Park. When the trees are blooming, it’s an alley filled with white trees, and it’s magical.

—Ivette Roberson

Shawnee Mission Park offers a variety of activities for everyone. Top: Paul Taylor of Overland Park likes to fly fish in the cool water of Shawnee Mission Lake.

Above: Rob Prentiss of Shawnee tosses a rock for Daisy, a 7-year-old English golden. Prentiss says he brings his dog daily to the park.

Current courses include Ridge Nine, Prairie Nine, and Grove Nine. The Art Nine will provide public art at each of the nine holes.

Art is an important piece of the rest of the park as well. Near the marina is Shelter 4. It’s an A-frame shelter with three pieces of art nearby. These cylinder art pieces with built-in seats have hosted many a park visitor as they sit and enjoy the view of the lake. Weathered by time, the Arlie Regier artwork was donated and installed in the 1970s and is being updated and refinished—it was removed from the park and is being blasted, cleaned, and repainted the original vibrant orange color.

At Theatre in the Park, a new temporary art installation is coming this summer.

Finally, always ongoing are improvements to the singletrack mountain bike trail.

Bill Maasen, superintendent of Parks and Golf Courses, says of the park, “Who would have thought in the 1950s, when the park received voter approval, that there would be so many visitors to the park each year? It just shows that it was—and still is—the crown jewel of the area.”

Shawnee Mission Park continues as a favorite destination for active residents and visitors. With so much to choose from, and even more on the horizon, it’s the ideal spot for a day outdoors.

Top: A portrait in concentration, Nicole Meis of Olathe pulls back the bow string before releasing an arrow on the archery range. Above: A moment of quiet reflection at sunset along the shore of Shawnee Mission Lake.

Shawnee Hits A Homerun with Ballpark Renovations

Renovations are nearly complete at Mid-America Sports Complex.

story by Jackie Hostetler photos by Kevin Anderson

New backstops. New fencing. New batting tunnels. New turf.

If it has to do with baseball, you’ll likely find the latest and greatest version of it at the newly renovated Mid-America Sports Complex.

The facility, built in 1991, is located on 70 acres of land just off Johnson Drive in western Shawnee. The sports complex houses fields for adult softball, youth baseball, and youth softball. Additionally, MidAmerica West, which also houses baseball and softball fields, is just across the street.

According to Jeff Stewart, executive director for Johnson County Park and Recreation District, the renovations at the Mid-America Sports Complex have been a long time coming.

“We understood that Mid-America and Mid-America West were tired facilities. They’d been heavily used. Hundreds of thousands of people move through the facilities every year,” Stewart says. “The complexes support local leagues and events and attract regional and national events, as well. Over time, and with that kind of use, they were worn out.”

In 2019, the JCPRD conducted an outdoor sports facility study with the support of an outside consultant. The study provided a useful inventory of where the outdoor sports facilities stood, in terms of what types of improvements would be necessary, as well as the economic effects the improvements would have within the Johnson County community. The findings were significant.

When the study was complete, $100 million in improvements had been identified for all sports facilities in Johnson County, not just the Mid-America Complex. However, the economic forecast estimated the changes would bring in $46 million annually for the local economy.

After discussions around prioritization, the decision was made to start with making improvements at the Mid-America Sports Complex, followed shortly thereafter by renovations at the Mid-America West Sports Complex. Heading up the project is Jim Wilson, long-time project manager at JCPRD. Additionally, Wilson and his team have worked with the support of the JCPRD Board and the City of Shawnee.

In addition to the regular wear and tear that any facility might experience over 30 years of use, JCPRD recognized some accessibility challenges with the facilities. The concerns were identified through an Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan that the board had completed prior to starting the first phase of development at the complex.

From phase one to phase three, the complex renovations are right on schedule. The third, and final, phase of the project is currently underway, with completion expected in late spring 2023.

Once completed, the parks department will take a season to complete master planning and design for the Mid-America West Complex. The improvements to the West facility will look and feel very similar to renovations happening at Mid-America Sports Complex.

Mid-America Sports Complex in Shawnee has had a major makeover. Walkways are wider for the players and guests (top), and new turf was put down on the baseball fields by crews with Green Turf (above).

Even prior to the renovations, the sports complex has had a huge impact on the Shawnee economy. It’s not uncommon for the complex to host players from around the nation, and even the occasional international team, including World League adult softball tournaments.

“Being in the middle of the United States is a benefit,” Stewart says. “People don’t necessarily like to fly from California to Florida or from Florida to California, so being centrally located has its benefits. Not to mention we have Kansas City barbecue here.”

All of that traffic means big business for the local travel and hospitality services. According to Stewart, hotel managers throughout the area are delighted with what the complex has provided, telling Stewart, “Our hotels are filled with uniforms!”

While the renovations will have a positive impact on the local economy, the benefits far exceed the financial gain.

“Park and recreation services are essential to our community, and athletic facilities are part of that,” says Stewart. “We welcome 10 million visitors annually. Through our parks and through our recreation and culture faculties, we offer more than 4,000 programs and events each year. That’s huge! Economic impacts, yes—but it’s really about bringing quality of life. This makes Johnson County that attractive place where people want to live, want to work, and want to play.”

For those who have already had the opportunity to do a bit of playing at the complex, Stewart says user feedback has been highly complimentary. It would be difficult to imagine anything but a positive reaction, considering all the amenities provided through the renovations.

When the project is complete, the MidAmerica Complex will have a total of 12 rehabilitated fields, complete with new turf, athletic field lighting, and fencing—but that’s just the beginning. Before players even take the field they’ll have the opportunity to use an updated and turfed warm-up area with 10 batting tunnels than can be divided into 20.

Spectators can take advantage of the centrally located Fan Zone, which includes a large concession stand (complete with a barbecue pit) and a sizable covered area to protect young fans from both rogue balls and the Midwest summer sun. The complex will also feature yard games to keep fans entertained between innings.

To top it all off, the littlest fans can enjoy the “Mini America,” a small turf whiffle ball field, similar to the “Little K” at Kaufmann Stadium. Early reports are in—and it’s a home run!

Since at least one of the older buildings was not up to ADA standards, all of the new structures are now on one level and have entrances and facilities that are ADA-compliant.

In addition to improvements to the fields, facilities, and parking, Okun Fieldhouse, located within the complex, has also been completely renovated (see sidebar at right).

As the renovation of the Mid-America Sports Complex reaches its final stages, JCPRD staff members are excited to present the newly updated facility to the community.

And, according to Stewart, community is what it’s all about. “The community has embraced this, and JCPRD works really hard at engaging the community. We celebrate this with them. We look forward to cutting the ribbon and to rededicating the facility.”

Play ball!

Okun Fieldhouse

Mid-America has something for everyone, including basketball fans!

Okun Fieldhouse is a 56,500-square-foot indoor sports facility located within the Mid-America West Sports Complex. The fieldhouse features four basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, futsal courts (a version of soccer), classrooms, and concessions. Built in 1999, the fieldhouse is named in memory of a 15-year-old former basketball player Bailey Ann Okun, who succumbed to a congenital heart defect in 1997.

Okun Fieldhouse hosts a number of adult and youth basketball and volleyball leagues, as well as camps and other special events.

From left: The spring season at the Mid-American Sports Complex opened with the Midwest USSSA softball tournament; fans are always welcome to view the renovations at the sports complex.

Shawnee Visitors Guide

VISITORS GUIDE

37

34 GALLERY

38 SHAWNEE EVENTS

THINGS TO DO

Downtown Shawnee

ANNEDORE’S FINE CHOCOLATES

11007 Johnson Drive

(913) 831-0302

annedores.com

AZTEC SHAWNEE THEATER

11119 Johnson Drive

(913) 207-4148

This retro 1920s theater has been fully restored to showcase its cool vintage vibes! The Aztec specializes in ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s cover bands. The single screen theater plays classic movies. Seating capacity of 250. aztecshawnee.com

CHIEF CHARLES BLUEJACKET STATUE

Johnson Drive and Cody Street, Herman Laird Park

The statue welcomes visitors to Shawnee Town 1929 and depicts Charles Bluejacket, a Shawnee Indian chief and Methodist minister from the 19th century.

MOONLIGHT MARKET

(Third Thursdays May–September)

11110 Johnson Drive, City Hall (913) 248-2360

cityofshawnee.org

SHAWNEE TOWN 1929

11501 W. 57th St. (913) 248-2360

shawneetown.org

Shawnee Town 1929 is an outdoor museum depicting a farm town community in the 1920s.

SPLASH COVE

5800 King Ave.

(913) 631-7177

Outdoor aquatic center that features a mini wave pool, full body slide, party cabanas, and more.

WELLS FARGO HOUSE

5707 Nieman Road

Chris Fangro built the Wells Fargo House in 1824. It was heavily damaged during Quantrill’s Raid in 1862. After restoration it was a Wells Fargo Express Office on government trails.

VISITORS GUIDE

Around Shawnee

B&B THEATRES / MUSIC THEATRE KANSAS CITY

16301 Midland Drive

(913) 954-4671 / movie line bbtheatres.com/shawnee-18

HANDS OF FREEDOM MONUMENT / VETERANS TRIBUTE PARK

13500 Johnson Drive

Designed by Maurice D. McMullen, the 20-foot statue is a tribute to all military veterans of the United States.

KANSAS CITY ICE CENTER

19900 Johnson Drive

(913) 441-3033 kcicecenter.com

MID-AMERICA SPORTS

COMPLEX

20000 Johnson Drive

(913) 441-2244 jcprd.com

MUSIC THEATRE KANSAS CITY

16301 Midland Drive

(913) 341-8156 mtkc.org

OKUN FIELDHOUSE

20200 Johnson Drive

(913) 826-2900 jcprd.com

Indoor sports facility featuring four basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, and concessions. Special event rentals are available.

PARK LANES BOWLING ALLEY

7701 Renner Road

(913) 248-1110 parklaneskc.com

PIONEER CROSSING STATUE

Shawnee Mission Parkway at Melrose Lane

Statue by artist Charles Goslin celebrates the pioneers who traveled through and settled Shawnee in the 1800s.

SHAWNEE CIVIC CENTRE

13817 Johnson Drive

(913) 631-5200

cityofshawnee.org

Rental, sports, and activity facility.

SHAWNEE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

6404 Hedge Lane Terrace

(913) 422-8357

shawneegolfcc.com

SHAWNEE MISSION BEACH VOLLEYBALL

19800 Johnson Drive

(913) 442-4070 smbv.com

SHAWNEE MISSION DOG PARK

19232 John Barkley Drive jcprd.com

SHAWNEE MISSION LAKE & PARK

7900 Renner Road

Lenexa, KS

(913) 438-7275 jcprd.com

Shawnee Mission Lake & Park features a dog park, beach, marina, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, archery, biking, mountain biking, hiking, walking trails, disc golf, inclusive playground, model airplane landing strip, and rental pavilions. For more on the park, turn to page 26.

SHAWNEE MISSION THEATRE IN THE PARK

7710 Renner Road (913) 826-3012 theatreinthepark.org

SKATE CITY SHAWNEE

9800 W. 62nd Terrace Merriam, KS (913) 262-0711 skatecityrinks.com

SKY ZONE

6495 Quivira Road (913) 213-5900 skyzone.com/kansascity

SOETAERT AQUATIC CENTER

13805 Johnson Drive (913) 631-0054

Outdoor pool featuring an eightlane, 50-meter competition pool, lazy river, two slides, and four diving boards.

SUPERKIDZ CLUB

12219 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 413-0001 superkidzclub.net

Indoor 10,000-square-foot kids’ playground.

TOMAHAWK HILLS GOLF COURSE

17501 Midland Drive (913) 631-8000 tomahawkhillsgc.com

VINTAGE IN KC CREATIVE ARTS

12045 Johnson Drive (913) 915-8200 vintageinkc.com

WILD BILL HICKOK STATUE AT TRAIL SCOUT PARK

Corner of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Nieman Road

Created by local artists Maretta Kennedy and Charles Goslin. Bill Hickok was elected as one of the four constables of Monticello Township (including Shawnee) at the age of 20.

COFFEE SHOPS

CAFÉ EQUINOX

7036 Nieman Road (913) 631-6121 familytreenursery.com/ cafe-equinox

DUTCH BROS COFFEE

11335 Shawnee Mission Parkway (541) 955-4700 dutchbros.com

PRAYER BOX CAFÉ

5428 Roberts St. (913) 745-6150

Facebook: @Prayer Box Café

SCOOTER’S COFFEE

11002 W. 75th St. 10610 Shawnee Mission Parkway scooterscoffee.com

STARBUCKS COFFEE

12164 Shawnee Mission Parkway 6620 Monticello Road 15700 Shawnee Mission Parkway (TARGET)

CRAFT BEER & LIBATIONS

Downtown Shawnee

DRASTIC MEASURES 5817 Nieman Road drasticbar.com

FRICTION BEER CO. 11018 Johnson Drive frictionbeer.com

SERVAES BREWING CO. 10921 Johnson Drive (913) 608-5220 servaesbrewco.com

TRANSPORT BREWERY 11113 Johnson Drive (913) 766-6673 transportbrewery.com

VISITORS GUIDE

WILD CHILD

Corner of Nieman Road & Johnson Drive wildchildkc.com

Wine, cocktails, no & low ABV

*Opening later in 2023

Around Shawnee

PATHLIGHT BREWING

11200 W. 75th St. (913) 400-2615 pathlightbrewing.com

EAT & TREATS

Downtown Shawnee

AL CHILE CEVICHERIA & TACO SHOP

11200 Johnson Drive (913) 258-5990 alchilekc.com

BETTY C’S

11121 Johnson Drive (913) 701-6342

FLYING COW GELATO

11210 Johnson Drive (913) 831-0302 annedores.com

*Opening spring of 2023

MCLAIN’S MARKET

5833 Nieman Road (913) 215-9288 mcclainskc.com

MOTHER CLUCKER!

5930 Nieman Road mothercluckerofficial.com/menus/ downtown-shawnee-menu Nashville hot chicken.

OLD SHAWNEE PIZZA

6000 Rogers Drive (913) 631-5716 shawneepizza.com

SUSHI MIDO

6010 Nieman Road (913) 322-8888 sushimidoks.com

Around Shawnee

ANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD

10816 Shawnee Mission Parkway (417) 881-3500 eatandys.com

BAR WEST

7174 Renner Road (913) 248-9378

Facebook: barwestkc

BARLEY’S KITCHEN & TAP SHAWNEE

16649 Midland Drive (913) 268-5160 barleysbrewhaus.com

BATES CITY BBQ

6493 Quivira Road (913) 962-7447 batescitybarbque.com

THE BIG BISCUIT

12276 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 912-7350 bigbiscuitrestaurant.com

BLIND BOX BBQ

13214 W. 62nd Terrace (913) 268-4227 blindboxbbq.com

CHEN’S KITCHEN

7166 Renner Road (913) 268-1668 chenskitchenshawnee.com

DAIRY QUEEN

22520 Midland Drive (913) 543-6009 11904 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 543-6009

DISTRICT POUR HOUSE

Corner of Nieman Road & Johnson Drive *Opening 2023

DOS REALES

6453 Quivira Road (913) 962-5014 dosrealeskc.com

EGGTC. 7182 Renner Road (913) 631-4400 eggtckc.com

FATBEE – BUBBLE TEA

13223 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 318-0679 fatbeecafe.com

FRITZ’S RAILROAD RESTAURANT 13803 W. 63rd St. (913) 375-1000 fritzskc.com

Kansas City families have been making memories at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant since the mid-1970s. Order your food by telephone and it’s brought to your table by an overhead train.

GLORY DAYS PIZZA

13170 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 601-5656 glorydayspizza.com

GRAND WOK

15810 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 268-8668 grandwokks.com

HAWAIIAN BROS

11600 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 342-2861 hawaiianbros.com

HAYWARD’S PIT BAR-B-QUE

10901 W. 75th St. (913) 451-8080 haywardspitbarbque.menufy.com

HEREFORD HOUSE SHAWNEE

17244 Midland Drive (913) 268-8000 herefordhouse.com

JAKE’S PLACE

12001 Johnson Drive (913) 962-5253 jakesplacebar.com

JOHNNY’S TAVERN

13131 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 962-5777 johnnystavern.com

JOSE PEPPER’S BORDER

GRILL & CANTINA

16605 Midland Drive (913) 631-1011 josepeppers.com

KOLACHE FACTORY

13103 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 631-6000 kolachefactory.com

KNUB’S PUB

5386 Roberts St. (913) 441-5682 Facebook: knubspub

MARCO’S PIZZA

7472 Nieman Road (913) 379-7500 marcos.com

MINSKY’S PIZZA

7198 Renner Road (913) 631-0059 minskys.com

MR. D’S DONUT SHOP

11222 W. 75th S. (913) 631-1282

Facebook: Mr D’s Donut Shop

NICK AND JAKE’S 22220 Midland Drive (913) 914-8535 nickandjakes.com

OISHI SUSHI 12220 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 268-3888 www.oishisushiks.com

PAULO & BILL 16501 Midland Drive (913) 962-9900 pauloandbill.com

PEGAH’S FAMILY RESTAURANT 11005 Johnson Drive (East Location) (913) 962-6700

5354 Roberts St. (West Location) (913) 422-3600 pegahs.com

PINE & BAMBOO GARDEN 10915 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 268-9545 pinebamboogarden.com

SAKURA SUSHI TRAIN 7474 Nieman Road (913) 962-6361 sakurasushitrain.com

SANCHO STREETSIDE 6505 Nieman Road (913) 251-6814 sanchostreetside.com

SOMBRERO’S MEXICAN CANTINA 22702 Midland Drive (913) 441-6700 sombreroskc.com

TACO HANGOVER 13655 W. 63rd St. Facebook: @Taco Hangover Shawnee

TANNER’S BAR & GRILL 22374 W. 66th St. (913) 745-8100 tannersbarandgrill.com

THE OTHER PLACE SHAWNEE 22730 Midland Drive (913) 441-0094 theotherplace.com

TLA NUTRITION 12307 Johnson Drive (913) 999-9899

Facebook: @TLA Nutrition

TWISTED FRESH

22030 W. 66th St. (913) 441-0444 twistedfresh.com

WANDERING VINE

AT THE CASTLE

12401 Johnson Drive

(913) 379-1300 wanderingvine.com

YO’S DONUTS

7170 Renner Road

(913) 631-7023

SHOPPING

Downtown Shawnee

DOLL CRADLE

10910 Johnson Drive

(913) 631-1900 dollcradle.com

SHANANIGANNS BOUTIQUE

11006 Johnson Drive

(913) 549-8793

Facebook: shananiganns

THE COLLECTIVIST

11111 W. 59th Terrace

The Collectivist is home retail shopping: Seven Stories, Whiskey and Bone, Spark.KC, Suds Refillery, and In His Image Skin & Wellness Studio.

Around Shawnee

EMBELLISH BOUTIQUE

(913) 745-5380

showembellishboutique.com

FAMILY TREE NURSERY

7036 Nieman Road

(913) 631-6121 familytreenursery.com

HALLMARK SHOP

12128 Shawnee Mission Parkway

(913) 268-3940

Facebook: @Naomi’s Hallmark Store

NIGRO’S WESTERN STORE

10509 Shawnee Mission Parkway

(913) 631-2226

Facebook: nigroskc

PAW ENVY

22748 Midland Drive

(913) 912-6433

pawenvykc.com

PINK CHARMING BOUTIQUE

22736 Midland Drive

(816) 844-8154 pinkcharmingkc.com

PIZZA SHOPPE

22014 W. 66th St. (913) 422-9600 pizzashoppe.com

STAY IN SHAWNEE

Hotels

COMFORT INN & SUITES

16510 Midland Drive

(913) 962-5555 choicehotels.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT

17250 Midland Drive (913) 631-8800 marriott.com

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES

16550 Midland Drive (888) 236-2427 marriott.com

HAMPTON INN

16555 Midland Drive

(913) 248-1900 hamptoninn.com

HOLIDAY INN

EXPRESS & SUITES

17346 Midland Drive

(913) 400-2509 hiexpress.com

Pet Boarding

BROADMORE PET RETREAT

20614 W. 47th St. (913) 441-5026 broadmorepetretreat.com

PETSUITES

19800 W. 65th Terrace (913) 675-2535 petsuites.com

RV Parks

WALNUT GROVE

10218 Johnson Drive

Merriam, KS 66203

(913) 262-3023

walnutgroverv.com

MEDICAL

ADVENTHEALTH SHAWNEE MISSION

9100 W. 74th St. (913) 676-2000 shawneemission.org

ADVENTHEALTH CENTRA CARE SHAWNEE

11245 Shawnee Mission Parkway (913) 268-4455 centracare.org/Kansas

THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS HEALTH SYSTEM / KU MEDWEST

7405 Renner Road (913) 588-1227 kansashealthsystem.com

OVERLAND PARK REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER—ER OF SHAWNEE

10310 W. 63rd St. (913) 227-8400 hcamidwest.com/service/ emergency-care

SHAWNEE INFO

VISIT SHAWNEE

15100 W. 67th St., Suite 202 (913) 631-6545 visitshawneeks.com

SHAWNEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & SHAWNEE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

15100 W. 67th St., Suite 202 (913) 631-6545 shawneekschamber.com shawnee-edc.com

SHAWNEE MAGAZINE (888) 497-8668 sunflowerpub.com

CITY SERVICES

CITY HALL

11110 Johnson Drive (913) 631-2500

cityofshawnee.org

CITY OF SHAWNEE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

13817 Johnson Drive (913) 631-5200

cityofshawnee.org

FIRE DEPARTMENT

6501 Quivira Road (913) 631-1080

(nonemergency number) cityofshawnee.org

POLICE DEPARTMENT

5850 Renner Road (913) 631-2150

(nonemergency number) cityofshawnee.org

GALLERY SHAWNEE

Aztec Shawnee Theatre

Wandering Vine

Mother Clucker!

Pioneer Crossing

Soetaert Aquatic Center

Wandering Vine

MAY 2023

MAY 7

33RD ANNUAL TOUR

DE SHAWNEE

Tour de Shawnee is a cycling event that offers various lengths and routes for riders of all levels and ages. Traditionally kicking off early Sunday morning at Shawnee Civic Centre, the event provides riders an on-street, bicycle-friendly route. Pre-registration required. Sponsored by Shawnee Parks & Rec. Shawnee Civic Centre, 13817 Johnson Drive

MAY 27

SHAWNEE POOLS OPEN

Kick off the summer by visiting one of Shawnee’s two aquatic facilities. Spash Cove, with a mini wave pool, water climbing structure, and slides, is the perfect destination for young children. The Soetaert Aquatic Center features a 50-meter competition pool, lazy river, two slides, and four diving boards. Splash Cove, 5800 King Ave.; Soetaert Aquatic Center, 13805 Johnson Drive

JUNE 2023

JUNE 1–4

OLD SHAWNEE DAYS

Old Shawnee Days is known as one of the largest carnivals in the area and is Shawnee’s marquee annual event. OSD boasts a variety of carnival rides, midway games, food, and craft vendors. Attendees will enjoy free music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Saturday features the Old Shawnee Days Parade and Rolle Bolle Championship. The annual Baking Contest is on Sunday. Shawnee Town 1929 will host kids’ activities including pony rides and a petting zoo. NOTE: All-You-Can-Ride wristbands available Thursday and Sunday. Shawnee Town 1929, 11600 Johnson Drive

JUNE 30

PARKED

PARKED is an Independence Day-themed food truck and music festival. It’s a great way to get outdoors with the whole family on a Friday evening. Stop by and grab a bite to eat from any of the dozen food trucks parked nearby and find a spot to listen to the band before fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Stump Park, 4751 Woodland Drive

AUGUST 2023

AUGUST

CONCERT IN THE PARK

In late summer, the City of Shawnee Parks and Rec hosts a concert in the intimate West Flanders Park nestled in downtown Shawnee. Spend the evening enjoying free live music by local bands. Grab a bite to eat from specialty food trucks. Music begins at 6:30 pm. West Flanders Park, 11098 W. 55th St.

SEPTEMBER 2023

SEPTEMBER 10

WHEELS & DREAMS CAR, TRUCK AND BIKE SHOW

Gather your family and friends and head to downtown Shawnee for our monthly Moonlight Market! You’ll be able to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from our Farmers Market, shop for unique local crafts and handmade items, all while enjoying live music and free kids activities. While you are downtown, make sure to stop in our local restaurants, breweries, and shops. 4 to 8 p.m. Shawnee City Hall Parking Lot, 11110 Johnson Drive

MAY 18

JUNE 15

JULY 20

AUGUST 17

SEPTEMBER 21

OCTOBER 19

NOVEMBER 16 (CHRISTKINDL AT MOONLIGHT MARKET)

Gearheads and car aficionados are invited to the annual Wheels and Dreams Car, Truck, and Bike Show. With live music, vendors, food trucks, and, of course, hundreds of classic and soupedup vehicles, it’s the perfect weekend outing for the family. Have a cool ride you want to show off? You can do that too! 1 to 4 p.m. Shawnee Town 1929, 1501 W. 57th St.

SEPTEMBER 16

ANNUAL FRIENDS OF SHAWNEE TOWN CRAFT FAIR

The Annual Friends of Shawnee Town Craft Fair & Fall Festival welcomes dozens of vendors showcasing their handmade and repurposed items. There will be free kids’ activities, food trucks and live music. Admission is just $1 per person, collected at the gates. All money raised benefits the museum and its educational programs. 9 am to 4 pm. Shawnee Town 1929, 1501 W. 57th St.

SEPTEMBER 22 & 23

ANNUAL SHAWNEE GREAT GRILLERS BBQ CONTEST

Join us on the grounds of Shawnee Town 1929 for the Great Grillers BBQ Contest. Take in the sights and sounds of the annual BBQ competition while enjoying music, beer tent, food trucks and a free bounce house for the kiddos!

Admission is free! Shawnee Town 1929, 1501 W. 57th St.

OCTOBER 2023

OCTOBER 7

SCARECROW FESTIVAL

This child-focused fall crafting event is held in downtown Shawnee in the parking lot at City Hall. Children can decorate pumpkins, make their own scarecrows, and other fall crafts. Parents can enjoy the Farmers Market and seasonal displays. Explore Downtown Shawnee to see and vote on scarecrows created by local businesses. 9 to 11 a.m. Shawnee City Hall Parking Lot, 11110 Johnson Drive

OCTOBER 28

HISTORICAL HAUNTINGS

Shawnee Town 1929 is host to this not-so-spooky Halloween party. Children are encouraged to wear their best costume to compete in the costume contest. The evening is full of activities, including trick-ortreating, crafts, food, and photos. Admission is free for adults and children. Donations are accepted. 6 to 8:30 p.m. Shawnee Town 1929, 1501 W. 57th St.

NOVEMBER 2023

NOVEMBER 16

CHRISTKINDL AT MOONLIGHT MARKET

Join us in downtown Shawnee for Christkindl at Moonlight Market hosted by the Shawnee Sister Cities Committee. This holiday-themed event features an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers, holiday treats, craft vendors, food trucks, and Shawnee’s tree lighting. Shawnee City Hall Parking Lot, 11110 Johnson Drive

MARCH 2024

MARCH 17

ST. PATRICK’S PARADE, SHAMROCK O’MARKET, SISTER CITIES DUCK RACE

The Shawnee St. Patrick’s Day Parade starting at 1 p.m. is the beginning of a full day of family fun! The parade traditionally ends in downtown Shawnee and is followed by Shamrock O’Market with food trucks, vendor shops, and Irish music and dancers. Party goers head to Herman Laird Park at 4:30 p.m. to watch the Duck Races benefiting the Shawnee Sister Cities Committee. Downtown Shawnee, corner of Johnson Drive and Nieman Road

Step back into the 1920s and experience life in Shawnee, a truck-farming town located just 10 miles from downtown Kansas City! Visitors of all ages can explore our interactive historic Main Street’s local businesses and an original truck farm— chickens included!

SHAWNEE TOWN 1929

2023 PROGRAMS

History on Tap Series

Ukulele Classes

Adults & Children

Farm to Table Cooking

Bloody Mary Party

Time Travelers

Summer Series

Prohibition Pub Crawl

Jammin’ on the Green Ice Cream Social

Find dates and times for these programs at ShawneeTown.org or call (913) 248-2360 for more information.

For more information on Shawnee events, visit our website!

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