Annual Report 2024
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Baldwin City Recreation celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024. We appreciate everyone that helped celebrate with us throughout 2024, and we look forward to the next 40 years! As we have now drawn the shade on 2024 and are looking to 2025, we are proud to reflect on another year of growth, engagement, and meaningful connections within our community. It has been a year full of exciting programs, new opportunities, and valuable partnerships, all designed to enrich our community through recreation, wellness, and social engagement.
The mission of the Baldwin City Recreation Commission is to provide places, pathways, and programs to promote healthy lifestyles and maximize positive behaviors in the community As part of that mission, we continue to see increased participation across our programs primarily in our special event lineup, adult fitness classes and aquatic programs. Our community has embraced the importance of staying active, building relationships, and enjoying time together.
Behind every success, there is a dedicated team that we owe a special thanks to. Our staff, board, volunteers, and partners work tirelessly to make our programs and events happen. In recognition of our 40th anniversary, I would like to also recognize past board members and the impact they have had on Baldwin City Recreation to help shape what it is today. Your passion, dedication, and hard work has made a lasting impact on our community, and we are deeply grateful for your support.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue building on this momentum. We will begin work on updating our strategic plan, first introduced in 2019. This update will begin in January and wrap up in early summer 2025. Your feedback and involvement are key to shaping our future, and we encourage you to participate in that process As always, we appreciate you sharing your ideas and participating in the programs that make our community special.
Matt McClure DIRECTOR
OUR TEAM
Shaunacee Wilkinson Administrative
Recreation Supervisor
MattMcClure Assistant
TrevorSmith
KristinWalters Customer
KristenRobbs
JayKing
Facilities Supervisor
2024 was an exciting year of growth and change for the BCRC team! We welcomed a new face, Kristen Robbs, as our Customer Service Representative, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to our front lines. Kristin Walters transitioned into a new role as the Administrative Marketing Supervisor, focusing on innovative ways to connect with our community
OUR BOARD
From L to R:
Chad Dick (President)
Katrina Temple
Lesley Nellor
Courtney Sappington
Taylor Ganoung
SPORTS LEAGUES-FITNESS-SENIORS
Youth sports offer numerous benefits, both physical and mental. They help children develop important motor skills, coordination, and overall fitness, contributing to their longterm health. Participation in sports also teaches valuable life skills, such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience, as young athletes learn to work with others and overcome challenges. Additionally, sports provide an outlet for stress, improve self-esteem, and foster a sense of achievement, all of which support emotional and social development Lastly, youth sports can instill a lifelong love for physical activity, promoting healthy habits well into adulthood.
Our fitness classes, led by instructor Echo Endecott, offer a structured environment that helps individuals stay motivated and consistent with their exercise routine. They provide professional guidance, ensuring that participants perform exercises correctly and safely, while also introducing variety to keep workouts engaging. Additionally, fitness classes encourage unique bonds and support, which can boost accountability and overall wellbeing. From the ever-popular Dog Days to our monthly offerings, we recorded over 8,000 participations in our fitness classes in 2024.
Our senior programming offers tailored activities that promote physical, mental, and social well-being, helping older adults stay active and engaged. Our active group participated in over 40 different events, trips, or activities designed to enhance cognitive function, reduce isolation, and encourage a sense of belonging by providing opportunities for social interaction.
PARTICIPATION SUMMARY
YOUTH SERVICES
A large part of our recreational offerings center around youth services BCRC offers both a Before School Program and After School Care during the school year at the Intermediate Center. One of our larger programs is the Summer Camp we offer while school is out of session. This program also takes place at the Intermediate Center and routinely hits maximum capacity.
Before School Care: Our Before School Program is designed to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for students before the school day begins. This program ensures that children start their day with the right balance of nutrition, low-stimulation activities, and relaxation.
After School Care: Exciting opportunities abounded in 2024 at our After School Program. Designed to meet the needs of working families, this program blends fun and education within a safe, supportive environment In addition to activities that foster fitness, creativity, health, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math), this program also provides nutritious snacks and promoted social and emotional learning.
Summer Camp: At BCRC Summer Camp, we believe in the power of play to create positive experiences and help kids grow emotionally and socially Our dedicated staff was committed to guiding campers through a variety of fun activities including outdoor adventures, swimming, sports, arts & crafts, games, STEM projects, exciting field trips, and more In 2024, we explored different themes weekly that encouraged leadership, critical thinking, teamwork, and the opportunity to form lasting friendships. Over the course of the year, over 9,400 participations took place between Before School, After School, and Summer Camp.
AQUATICS AQUATICS
Our aquatics division offers a comprehensive collection of activities ranging from open swim, swim lessons, lap swim, water aerobics, swim team, pool parties, and special events We feel strongly about the aquatic pr swimming
SPECIAL EVENTS
Our special event lineup in Baldwin City continues to be strong and draws people from all over the region. Through the use of software, we can identify attendance numbers at all our special events Through this technology, we can better partner with sponsors and provide accurate data to improve upon our events. For example, we know that 8,100 people attended our Independence Day show. We saw that 3,300 people spent an average of 84 minutes at Smoke on the Bricks in August We also know that 2,100 people attended Thunder on the Bricks in May, and of that number, 1,183 were from outside Baldwin City
The engagement and support received from participants, sponsors, and the community showcase the popularity and importance the events provide BCRC will continue to place a priority on special events, and we will identify strategies to enhance the success and community impact they have.
COMMUNITY CENTER
2024 saw an exciting new addition to our community as the Baldwin City Community Center opened in the fall and became the new home of Baldwin City Recreation. With some work still needing to take place in October, the building officially opened to the public in November. A city-owned building managed by BCRC, the Community Center offers the following amenities: a junior high-sized basketball court; volleyball court; 2 pickleball courts; batting cage; warming kitchen; golf/soccer simulator; Play Station 5; meeting rooms; and BCRC offices. The facility and its amenities are available for rent, but there are many free scheduled recreational opportunities as well
2024 FINANCIAL REPORT
3,375 908 JANUARY 2024
3,774 1,042 DECEMBER 2024
1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 Social Media Following 2021-2025
TESTIMONIALS
HOW TO SUPPORT BCRC
Become a part of our expanding community dedicated to enhancing the quality of programs and events offered by the Baldwin City Recreation Commission. We provide sponsorship options at various tiers for a wide range of events, sports, and programs Reach out to us now to explore the diverse sponsorship opportunities available!
2025 BRINGS.... A
NEW YEAR, A NEW LOOK
