Parks and Recreation The Guide Summer 2016

summer 2016

Page

Glorious 08 Page

Gardens Ward-Meade Botanical Garden: 46 years of stories

MEET YOU THERE!

14 Yacht Club Celebrating 75 years Page

16 Aquatics It’s pool time in Shawnee County parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 1

Shawnee There’s a lot to do in

county Capital City Family & Food Truck Festival June 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Gage Park Sample delicious delicacies from at least 20 food trucks lined up along S.W. Zoo Parkway in front of the Play Land and Animaland in Gage Park. The trucks will specialize in a variety of food including Hawaiian, barbecue, cupcakes, coffee, and more. While eating, enjoy shopping at several vendors and attending concerts at Gage Park Amphitheater.

The Gage Park mini-train and carousel will be open until 7 p.m. to accommodate the visitors.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Cyclovia

Wheatstock 12

July 29 & 30

June 24-25

Celebrate Topeka’s newest festival – Cyclovia! July 29-30. Cyclovia is a Spanish term meaning “cycle way”, or the closing of certain streets to automobiles for cyclists and pedestrians. The event features:

Old Prairie Town is proud to host the 12th Annual Wheatstock Concert featuring acoustic and bluegrass music. Bring your own lawn-chair and enjoy the beautiful Old Prairie Town setting while listening to some great music! Food vendors will be on site. Enter at 1st & Clay gate. This is a family friendly event and children are welcome!

• Shawnee County’s Largest Workout on the Capitol lawn Friday night • Bicycle Glow Ride Friday night • Bike rides throughout the city • BMX Bike events all weekend

Summer Sunset Concert July 30 Bring your family out for this fun-filled evening to listen to some wonderful local artists performing at their best. Bring your own lawn-chair and enjoy the beautiful Old Prairie Town setting, while listening to some great music! This is a family friendly event and children are welcome!

And much more!

VisitTopeka.com/Cyclovia THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

Table of

contents Core Programs:

03 PRESCHOOL

ADOPT-APARK/TRAIL Shawnee County Parks + Recreation’s Adopt-A-Park/Trail program is designed to encourage the community to take a hands-on approach to helping keep the county’s parks and trails clean, safe and attractive for residents and visitors through debris pick-up and beautification activities.

The program promotes civic pride, appreciation and awareness, and enhances the quality of life in our community. Contact Olivia Mayer 785.251.2625.

Registration

Choose from one of the many classes, activities, sports or other programs offered through Shawnee County Parks + Recreation and we’ll make it easy for you to register!

• Visit parks.snco.us. and click Online Registration.

• Forms may also be mailed, phoned in or walked in to the Administrative Annex, 1800 SE 21st St., 785-251-2600.

Reservations

hawnee County Parks + Recreation S offers a variety of shelters and facilities for rent. Reservations can be made by calling 785-251-2600 or going to parks.snco.us.

Cancellation

Programs may be combined or canceled due to insufficient enrollment. Enrollees will be notified by phone or mail for acceptance, transfer, credit or refund.

Please provide a valid email address.

Receipts are issued via email.

Refund Policy

A full refund or account credit will be issued for programs or shelter reservations canceled by Shawnee County Parks + Recreation. All refunds follow the County Treasurer’s bill-paying schedule and will be issued by County check. There are no cash or credit card refunds.

Program refunds:

• 90 percent refund with at least seven days notice by the participant • 50 percent refund with less than seven days notice

Sports refunds:

• 10 percent service charge with 21 days notice prior to start of program • 40 percent service charge with less than 21 days notice

Shelter reservation refunds:

• 10 percent service fee for reservations canceled with 14 days notice • No refunds issued with less than 14 days notice

05 YOUTH 11

ADULT

15 SENIOR 18 FITNESS & WELLNESS Letter from the Director . . . . . . . . . 02 2016 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04 Helen Hocker Theater Workshops . . 06 Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 Vollunteer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 Ward-Meade Botanical Garden. . . . . 08 Golf Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Yacht Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Kossover Tennis Center . . . . . . . . . 14 Preschools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Aquatics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Bocce Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Topeka Zoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Facility Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Old Prairie Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Destination Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 /

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Letter from the

director

Lake Shawnee sets our community apart Recently, I was reminded once again of what a gem we have in Lake Shawnee. Some consultants were in town but when Visit Topeka officials mentioned taking them to Lake Shawnee, their response was that everyone has parks – they needed to see what really sets Topeka apart from other communities. Once at the lake, however, the group spent several hours taking photographs. They definitely found something that sets our community apart.

I am told by officials of state parks that they have not been able to do what we have done with Lake Shawnee by pairing a recreational lake with fishing, boating and skiing alongside beautiful gardens, a scenic and a challenging golf course, a popular walking and biking trail and a state-of-the-art sports complex. The lake is now a regional destination for fishing and for festivals such as Tulip Time, the Huff n’ Puff balloon rally and the Spirit of Kansas festival.

Still, a resident of west Topeka told me he hadn’t been to the lake in 15 years. Well, a lot has changed in 15 years! Thanks to their tax dollars and private donations, Shawnee County residents are responsible for and can take pride in what Lake Shawnee has

become as a regional park destination. With such a gem within just minutes of anyone’s home in our county, there is every reason to take advantage of the lake and to visit not just once, but often.

Parks such as Lake Shawnee contribute to the economy, promote health and wellness and offer family entertainment. Bring the family out for a walk or bike ride around the 7.2 mile trail. See if you can spot the bald eagles. Take the kids fishing. Stroll through Ted Ensley Gardens. Treat yourself to a round of golf. Sign up for a sports league or come out and see our new Pecos League professional baseball team, the Topeka Train Robbers.

With 2,652 acres of parks, nearly 50 miles of trails and 320 days of sporting activities, there’s a lot to do in Shawnee County. Lake Shawnee is a great place to start.

John E. Knight

Director, Shawnee County Parks + Recreation

“People came from as far as Florida for Tulip Time this year. Bus tours regularly stop at Ted Ensley Gardens. People walk, bike and jog the Lake Shawnee trail daily. With the mental and physical benefits of being in nature, we encourage all local residents to take advantage of Lake Shawnee this summer.” −John E. Knight

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THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

Preschool Preschool Summer Fun Each theme class includes games, story time, crafts, snacks & playground time. Children must be completely potty trained.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: June 6-9 - Music and Movement

June 13-16 - Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

June 20-23 - Frozen

June 27-30 - Pirates

July 11-14 - Under the Sea

July 18-21 - Dinosaurs

July 25-28 - Budding Artists Time: Mon.-Thurs. 9-11:30 a.m.

Fee: $35 per person per week Tap Dance Students learn basic tap steps and practice routines.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: June 8-July 6, July 13-Aug. 10 Time: Wed. 5:30-6 p.m.

Fee: $25 per person Wiggle and Giggle Have fun getting your sillies out with a variety of indoor activities.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: June 9-June 30 Time: Thur. 9:30-10 a.m.

Fee: $20 per person

Old Fashioned Fun and Games Have a blast from the past with these games.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: June 16 Time: Thur. 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Fee: $7 per person

Art Antics Get messy and creative with different painting techniques.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: July 14 Time: Thur. 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Fee: $7 per person

Tumbling Basic movement and coordination; increases flexibility and motor skills.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: June 11-July 9 Time: Sat. 9:30-10 a.m.

Fee: $25 per person

Angry Birds Create your favorite character and play a game with them.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: July 28 Time: Thur. 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Fee: $7 per person

Ballet Develop coordination, rhythm and basic ballet moves.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: June 11-July 9 Time: Sat. 10:30-11 a.m.

Fee: $25 per person

Dog Days of Summer Beat the heat with a craft and indoor games.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: Aug. 11 Time: Thur. 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Fee: $7 per person

Independence Insanity Celebrate the 4th of July with a craft, game and frozen treat.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: June 30 Time: Thur. 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Fee: $7 per person

Story Time with Julie Julie brings the story alive with her wonderful storytelling.

Book and puppet included. (Limited to 8) Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 3-6 yrs.

Date: June 8-Toy Story #2

June 22-Cars

July 13- Monster Inc

July 27- Finding Nemo Time: Wed. 10-11 a.m.

Fee: $7 each date

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 /

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2016

Summer & Fall

calendar

June 5 - Aug. 17

G age Park S u mmer C oncert S eries (s e e s c h e d u l e o n P. 2 5)

June 11

Capital C it y Family & F oo d T r u ck F estival – G age Park

June 18

Topeka T inman T riat h lon

July 8-24

S u nflower S tate G ames

July 25

Family Day by t h e P on d C entral Park

July 30

June 24-25

S u mmer S u nset C oncert O l d Prairie Town

July

B ig S creen Un d er t h e S tars , B ettis Family S ports C omplex

W h eatstock 12 , O l d Prairie Town

Parks an d R ecreation M ont h ( watc h parks . snco.u s for special events)

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July 4

S pirit of K ansas L ake S h awnee

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

July 30

Sept. 2-4

I ntertribal P ow - W ow at L ake S h awnee

Sept. 9-11

H u ff n ’ Pu ff B alloon R ally

Sept. 10

G reat Topeka D u ck R ace

Sept. 18

F rien d s of T e d E nsle y G ar d ens Fall C oncert an d G ala

Oct. 2

A pple F estival at O l d Prairie Town

Aug. 12-14

R ossville Tall C orn F estival an d F oo d T r u ck F estival

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

youth activities

Fun Zone Day Camp Two licensed fun-filled, interactive and educational summer camps where campers will learn new skills, develop friendships and have an exciting summer.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: May 31-July 22 Time: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fee: $65 per person per week Cool Summer Program A fun-filled and interactive program for participants to have an exciting summer.

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 6-11 yrs.

Date: May 31-July 22 Time: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fee: $200 per person / eight weeks Central Park Fishing Camp Learn the basic of fishing including baiting a hook, casting and selecting the right rod and bait.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 10-14 yrs.

Date: June 13-17 Time: Mon.-Fri. 7- 8:30 p.m.

Fee: $40 Saturday Night Jams Kids will enjoy Karaoke, games, arts and crafts, making friends and just having a great time.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: June 4, July 9 and Aug. 6 Time: Saturday 6-9 p.m.

Fee: $3

Martial Arts

K arate - Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 6+ Date: June 7-July 7, July 12-Aug. 11 Time: Tue., Thur. 6-7 p.m.

Fee: $30 per person per session K arate Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 7+ Date: June 1-July 13, July 18-Aug 24 Time: Mon., Wed. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee: $50

Dance

Beginning Tap Build on basic tap skills.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 5-8 yrs.

Date: June 8-July 20 Time: Wed. 6-6:45 p.m.

Fee: $35 per person

Potwin Pottery One Day Workshops Oakland Community Center 251-2953

The following events are located at Potwin Pottery, 3937 SW Gage Center Dr. Wacky Wednesday Workshops 90-minute workshop includes one painting, clay or glass fusing project and a snack.

Age: 6-14 yrs.

Time: Wed.1:30-3 p.m.

Fee: $30 Date: June 8- Clay Hand Bowl /

handbuilding with clay

June 15- Tick Tock It’s A Clock/

pottery painting

June 22-Happy Everything Plate/

pottery painting

June 29-Sugar Skull Painting/

pottery painting

July 6-Yard Art/ pottery painting

and fused glass

July 13-Caption Frame/pottery

painting with bead and wire

July 20-Clip Boards/painting with

silk screens

July 27-Mixed Materials/ board art

and handbuilding

Aug. 3-I Mustache You a Canvas/

pottery painting

August 10-Turtle Bowl and Plate/ pottery painting

Full descriptions can be found at www.potwinpottery.com POTWIN POTTERY TEENS ONLY WORKSHOPS Oakland Community Center 251-2953 The following events are located at Potwin Pottery, 3937 SW Gage Center Dr. 90 minute workshops, some workshops require two visits, second visit will be at your convenience.

Age: 11-18 Time: 1:30-3 p.m.

Fee: $30 Date: June 3-Zentangle Plate/

pottery painting/2 visits

June 17-Fairy Garden/clay

handbuilding/2 visits

July 1-Clay Windchime/

handbuilding/2 visits

July 15-Fused Glass Play Day

July 29-Cupcake Day with Billy

Vanilly/painting and cupcake making

Aug. 12-Starry Night/shaving cream

on pottery

POTWIN POTTERY PAINT ME A STORY Oakland Community Center 251-2953 The following events are located at Potwin Pottery, 3937 SW Gage Center Dr. Ages: 2-7 Date: June 1- Aug.10 Time: Wed. 10a.m.-11a.m.

Fee: $20 pre registration is required Full descriptions can be found at www. potwinpottery.com

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youth activities Tumbling

Helen Hocker Theater Workshops

Advanced Tumbling Build on basic tumbling skills.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 5-7 yrs.

Date: June 11-July 9 Time: Sat. 9-9:30 a.m.

Fee: $25 per person

Helen Hocker Theater offers three sessions of summer workshops for youth aimed at giving children a quality artistic experience, seeking the best in each individual to guide them in their creative growth, providing top-notch learning in a fun environment and stressing the value and importance of each individual.

Session I: May 31-June 17 Session II: June 20-July 8 (no camp July 4) Session III: July 11-July 29 Broadway Bound ages 5-6: $160/ session half-day camps (8-11a.m.; Noon-3p.m.)

First Steps to Broadway ages 7-8: $160/session half day camps (8-11a.m.; Noon-3p.m.)

Production Workshop ages 9-11: $200/8 a.m.-3 p.m. camps Break A Leg Players ages 12-13: $200/8 a.m.-3 p.m. camps Fees and Cancellation Policy: Should you cancel your registration, HHT will retain a $50 processing fee.

Cancellations within a week prior to the start date are non-refundable.

For more information about Helen Hocker Theater, call 785-251-5990 or visit www.topekacivictheatre.com/ learning/helen-hocker-theater

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sports Youth Soccer Clinic Individuals will learn the basics of sportsmanship, teamwork and soccer.

Clinic will be split up by age group and will run for four weeks.

Sports Office 251-2970 Shawnee North Community Park Age: 3-6 yrs.

Date: August 9-30 (Tue.) Time: 6-6:45 p.m.

Fee: $20 per person Youth Soccer League Participants will be placed on teams practicing once during the week and playing games on Saturdays. Individual or team registrations accepted. Choose preferred league location. Registration deadline is Aug. 3.

Sports Office 251-2970 Bettis Family Sports Complex Shawnee North Community Park Age: 4-14 yrs.

Date: Sept. 10-Oct. 8 Fee: $40 per person

Treasure Hunt Dig for buried treasure that will be found using various clues and treasure maps.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: June 23 Time: Thur. 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Fee: $8 per person

Youth Fall Flag Football Participants will be placed on teams practicing once during the week and 8U playing games on Wednesdays and 11U playing games on Mondays.

Individual or team registrations accepted. Registration deadline is Aug. 17. Sports Office 251-2970 Shawnee North Community Park Age: 7-11 yrs.

Date: Sept. 19-Oct. 19 Fee: $40 per child Youth Fall Volleyball Participants will be placed on teams which will practice once during the week and will play games on Saturdays. Individual or team registrations accepted. Registration deadline is Aug. 24.

Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 7-14 yrs.

Date: Sept. 24-Oct. 29 Fee: $40 per child Youth Volleyball Clinic Individuals will learn the basics of sportsmanship, teamwork and volleyball. Clinic will be split up by age group and will run for four weeks.

Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 7-12 yrs.

Date: Sept. 14-Oct. 5 (Wed.) Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee: $20 per person

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

Shawnee County

Trails

Shawnee County Parks + Recreation’s nearly 50 miles of trails can offer a leisurely stroll with side ventures into beautiful gardens, or a hike, run or mountain bike ride up hilly terrain leading to panoramic views of the county. There are more than 27 miles of paved trails and more than 20 miles of natural surface trails with more being added. The Master Plan for Shawnee County Parks + Recreation calls for increasing the number and length of trails in our community while connecting as many as possible.

volunteer!

Shawnee County Parks + Recreation has a variety of opportunities for volunteers to help beautify and preserve our natural environment, serve the community, raise awareness, develop new skills and meet new people!

PARKS • GARDENS • TRAILS

Shunga Trail – 8-mile paved concrete pedestrian/bicycle trail beginning at Crestview Park (near SW 27th and Fairlawn) and continuing east to SE 2nd. The trail will eventually stretch across Topeka.

Shawnee North Nature Trail – 2-mile

Lake Shawnee Trail – 7.2-mile paved

Deer Creek Trail – 2-mile trail from SE Golden to SE 6th and SE 6th to SE 10th.

Dornwood Nature Trail – 6-mile

Grant-Bradbury – 2 miles of natural surface trails in an 80-acre native prairie west of Forbes Field.

Landon Trail – 4.75-mile trail along an

Soldier Creek Trail – 1.8-mile paved concrete bicycle/pedestrian trail from NE Garfield Park to NW Lyman Road.

concrete pedestrian/bicycle trail encircling the lake.

woodland hiking trail at SE 25th and Highland.

• EDUCATION • FACILITY

abandoned railroad track running north/ south from SE 15th to SE 45th.

HISTORICAL • TOUR GUIDES •

Azura Trails at Skyline Park – Four

MAINTENANCE • CULTURAL +

EVENTS • COACHING • SCHOOL PROJECTS • ADMINISTRATIVE

For more information or to get involved, contact

Olivia Mayer, Volunteer Services 785.251.2625 olivia.mayer@snco.us

single-track loops comprising 4.6 miles of natural surface trails through wooded and prairie areas.

natural surface trail on undeveloped parkland comprised of grasslands and wooded areas. First quarter-mile is asphalt paved for accessibility.

Orville Rice Nature Trail – 1-mile

mowed grass single track trail following Shunga Creek from SW Gage to Shunga Glen Park.

OAKLAND-BILLARD/SANTA FE PARK TRAIL Warren Nature Area – 4 miles of natural – 1.6 miles of paved trail.

surface trails through a natural area beginning at SW 25th and Gage east of Felker Park.

Freedom Valley – .75-mile concrete path.

Welton Grove Park – 3 miles of natural

single-track trail through a red cedar forest.

surface trails.

Clarion Woods Trail – One-half mile

Brookfield Park – .3-mile paved trail. parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 /

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Ward-Meade

Botanical Garden In this second feature on Shawnee County Parks + Recreation’s major gardens, Ray Schroeder shares his 46 years of history along with the tremendous volunteer contributions that have created, sustained and grown the Ward-Meade Botanical Garden next to Old Prairie Town.

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In the early days, the garden was the attraction at Ward-Meade Park.

Old Prairie Town did not yet exist.

Since then, a “tremendous amount of work by an incredibly active volunteer base” and nearly five decades of one man’s effort have brought national attention and an increasing stream of visitors to Ward-Meade Botanical Garden next to Old Prairie Town.

The 2.5-acre garden combines a rich history, beauty and education in a peaceful, serene setting that seems to place a visitor in their own small corner of paradise.

The garden sits adjacent to the Ward-Meade Mansion which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The garden has gone from featuring mostly annual plantings to becoming a true botanical garden with concentrations of featured and labeled plant species, water gardens, ornate structures and a monarch butterfly way station.

Ray Schroeder was a student at Kansas State University when he received a phone call about a job from a friend who was leaving his post as caretaker of the garden. The day he finished his final exams, Schroeder’s instructions were to, “Just bring your lunch bucket, you can fill out the paperwork and start at the same time.”

Schroeder still jokes that he has never had a job interview. Instead, he has 46 years’ worth of stories to share about the garden and the mansion.

He and his wife lived in the mansion and raised their three children there.

Stories range from trapping raccoons that have found their way into the mansion to the time he used a ladder and his own ingenuity and strength to rescue a St. Bernard that had fallen into a pit on the property. Alas, while Schroeder does not like for the garden’s story to be too much about him, unless told through his eyes, the story would lose much of its history and some interesting details.

When he first started work in the garden, without so much as a rototiller or a city truck, Schroeder drove his

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

did you know?

The hosta garden features more than 130 varieties and more than 800 plants

& the daylily garden includes a section of lilies hybridized in Kansas.

personal station wagon to the greenhouse at Gage Park, loaded it with as many plants as it would hold, drove back to the garden, planted the plants by hand and then went back for more plants.

“That’s how I planted that whole stinkin’ garden,” he says, “with a spade!”

The garden itself almost never existed. A private company wanted to purchase the land, raze the mansion and put a bus barn on the property. Fortunately, in 1963, the Topeka Council of Garden Clubs persuaded then Parks Commissioner Preston Hale to purchase the property from the Meade estate.

In the early years, only garden-related events were held in the mansion, which had been gutted to where there was one large room upstairs and one downstairs. It was restored in 1975 by the Junior League as a bicentennial project. The mansion’s original blueprints still existed. Schroeder did a winter’s worth of demolition himself in preparation for the project, tearing out fireplaces, wall coverings and carpet.

The Preston-Hale Room was added onto the mansion in 1972.

Schroeder convinced the garden clubs to allow other events to be held there to generate revenue. It eventually got so busy with events that, after 10 years, Schroeder and his family moved from the mansion to a private residence.

“We were the last ones to actually live in here, but it was a neat place to raise a family,” Schroeder says.

The original garden was designed by a Kansas State University landscape architecture class. Schroeder still has those plans too, although the garden today looks nothing like them.

Years went by with just Schroeder working in the gardens. However, during this time, Old Prairie Town began to take shape.

What stands today as a rough replica of the original Ward Cabin is actually two cabins joined together. The south cabin was relocated from Gage Park to Ward-Meade. Schroeder and a friend, who owned a sawmill near Lake Pomona, actually marked and cut the trees for the north part of the cabin and then hired a contractor to build it. The blacksmith shop next to the cabin came from the Berryton area.

Then, Schroeder began to get some help from the community.

“We had a lot of assistance from the local nurseries for years in getting special plants. They’d be out looking at nurseries and they’d find something and bring it back and I’d plant it,” says Schroeder. “That worked for a long time.”

In 2000, Anna’s Place, a Victorian Reading Garden named for brilliant young author Anna Riphahn, was created.

The author and illustrator of the award-winning book “The Timekeeper” (available for sale in Old Prairie Town’s General Store), illustrated several more books and volunteered and spoke for the parks department before she tragically died in an accident at age 17.

“That was the first stream that we put in,” Schroeder explains. “That’s a pretty goodsized area and we did it in

“I can’t stress enough the importance of volunteers to what we’ve done,” —Ray Schroeder

one Saturday with 25 or 26 volunteers.”

It marked the first of many major volunteer efforts in the gardens.

“It was 107 degrees that day.

We brought in five or six pizzas, but when everybody left that evening, it was filled with water and the stream was running.”

In the past 10 years, the garden has seen tremendous growth with the addition of stamped sidewalks and water gardens. Two more streams have been added to the garden along with dry water features that aid with drainage. parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 /

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“The lilies didn’t cost us a penny.

Every one of those was donated.”

“I can’t stress enough the importance of volunteers to what we’ve done,” Schroeder emphasizes, adding that volunteer groups continue to take care of a lot of the areas in the garden. “The Water Garden Club has been an incredible contributor to us,” he says. “They not only built all of the water features but they help us maintain them all.”

Local garden clubs paid for the gazebo in the garden which also features seven arbors. A kaleidoscope was donated, as were a wishing well and two bridges. The flat stones in the gardens were all picked up and brought in by volunteer Jerold Binkley with help from Bob Saathoff and Schroeder from private property in the Flint Hills.

Last year, the garden gained recognition from the American Hosta Society as a National Hosta Display Garden. One of only 23 such display gardens in the United States, it includes a National Hosta of the Year award winning bed. Ward-Meade board member and key volunteer Bob Saathoff personally purchased all of the hostas in the bed. The botanical garden now features “130some” varieties of hostas and more than 800 individual plants.

“We’re a small garden, so the things we excel in need to be relatively small,” notes Schroeder. “We are [also] a mature garden, so we’re a shade garden.”

This summer could bring another national level announcement for the gardens. Jim and Helen Fry have a tremendous love for daylilies. Their passion is evident in concentrated areas of the colorful flowers.

There are five different types of daylilies –large, medium, small, unusual and doubles. Each type has to be represented in the garden and labeled. If the display garden designation is received, the Ward-Meade Botanical Garden will have the only public garden in the country with designations as both a National Daylily and Hosta Display Garden.

The gardens also feature a Kansas hybridizer bed of lilies that were cultivated here in Kansas. As with the hosta of the year bed, Schroeder adds, “[The lilies] didn’t cost us a penny. Every one of those was donated.”

Another project just underway is a peony garden. Topeka native Myron Biggers is credited with developing 53 or 54 varieties of peonies. Biggers was nationally renowned for his work. His son still lives on the family farm nearby and is excited to have his father so honored.

Other recent additions to Ward-Meade include an herb garden, a monarch butterfly way station and an Asian garden that is under development. A sound wall has even been added to dampen the noise from neighboring I-70. Don’t be surprised to hear of even more additions to the garden. With so many committed volunteers, ideas and manpower are never in short supply.

“We always think that things aren’t going fast enough but when you look behind and see where you came from you get a little better perspective of what you’ve accomplished,” Schroeder says, adding, “We had a nationally recognized horticulturist here last year – he is world-renown – and he told us that we were as nice as any garden in the country. He said, ‘You don’t take a back seat to anybody.’”

Schroeder recalls a time when he would spend 20 hours a week giving tours of the garden. Tours are still available. Call 251-2995.

more information 10

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If you are interested in joining Friends of Ward-Meade, contact Olivia Mayer at 251-2625 or olivia.mayer@snco.us.

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

adult

Topeka Shawnee County Public Library classes

Beginning Weaving Learn simple looms to create beautiful textiles.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: June 1 Time: Wed. 1-2:30 p.m.

Fee: Free

Book Discussion Group Meets monthly at Crestview with a new book each month.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: June 8, July 13 Time: Wed. 1-2 p.m.

Fee: Free

Button Crafts Learn to craft with buttons.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: July 6 Time: Wed. 1-2:30 p.m.

Fee: Free Genealogy For all levels of experience. Learn to use print and online resources. Bring your own device if available.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 18+ Date: June 2, July 7, Aug. 4 Time: Thur. 10-11:30 a.m.

Fee: Free Computerized Genealogy For all levels of experience Learn to use online resources. Bring your own device if available.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 18+ Date: June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 Time: Mon. 5-6 p.m.

Fee: Free

Dance Clinics

Martial Arts

Wedding Crash Course Learn basic swing, Latin salsa dance and general social dancing.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: June 2 Time: Thur. 6-9 p.m.

Fee: $20 per person

Tae Kwon Do – Beginners & Advanced Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 7+ Date: June 2-Aug. 25 Time: Thur. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee: $30 per person per month

Progressive Line Dancing Learn the most popular line dances.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: July 7 Time: Thur. 6-9 p.m.

Fee: $20 per person

K arate Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 7+ Date: June 1-July 13, July 18-Aug. 24 Time: Mon., Wed. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee: $48

Latin Dancing Learn the basics of Salsa and Cha-Cha. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: Aug. 11 Time: Thur. 6-9 p.m.

Fee: $20 per person Beginning & Intermediate Belly Dance All skill levels are welcome to this class offering a foundation in Vintage Oriental Belly Dance.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 13+ Date: June 7-July 5, July 12-Aug. 11 Time: Tue. 6-7 p.m.

Fee: $40 per person per session/

$10 drop-in Two- Step Dancing Learn the art of two-stepping with your partner.

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: June 2-June 30, July 7-28,

Aug. 4-18 Time: Thur. 7-8 p.m.

Fee: $5 per person per class (drop-in) Line Dance Classes Learn new dance moves and dance your way to health.

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 21+ Date: June 6-June 27, July 11-July 25,

Aug. 8-Aug. 29 Time: Mon. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee: $5 per person per class (drop-in)

Karate - Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 6+ Date: June 7-July 7, July 12-Aug.11 Time: Tue., Thur. 6-7 p.m.

Fee: $30 per person per session

hobbies

Herbs 101 Herbs 101 provides an in-depth understanding of how to grow, prune and harvest herbs. During the 1 ½ hour class, participants will also learn how to set up an herb garden and review edible herbs. Call 251-2993 Preston Hale Room / Old Prairie Town Age: 18+ Date: June 8, June 22, July 13,

July 27, Aug. 10, Aug. 24 Time: 6:30-8pm Fee: $15 per person per date Oil and Acrylic Painting Learn the basics of oil or acrylic using the Old Masters technique.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Date: June 22-July 13, July 20-27 Time: Wed. 9:15-11:15 a.m.

Date: June 22-July 13, July 20-27 Time: Wed. 1-3 p.m.

Date: June 23-July 14, July 21-28 Time: Thur. 1-3 p.m.

Fee: $36 per person per session

Adaptive Recreation

Dancehouse Spend an evening with your friends. Listen to music from Solid Rock Sound Machine. Big Gage Shelter House 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: June 9, July 14, Aug. 11 Time: Thur. 6-8 p.m.

Fee: $5 per person parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 11

adult Beekeeper Classes Master beekeepers Steve & Becky Tipton offer exciting opportunities in beekeeping. Explore hive construction, installing the bees, and hive management up until harvest time.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 12+ Date: June 15, July 20, Aug. 17 Time: Wed. 6:30-8 p.m.

Fee: Free Airplane Club Is it a bird? No, it’s a remote controlled plane.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: All Date: Ongoing Time: Thur. 10:30-Noon Fee: Free Classic Tunes Press and Paint Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd and many more. Bring a t-shirt or sweat shirt and learn how to transfer the image and paint to make your own classic shirt.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 18+ Date: June 18-25 Time: Sat. 10-11:30 a.m.

Fee: $30

Computers

Beginner’s Class : How to Use Digital Tools to Jumpstart Your Business.

Do you have a great idea, but you don’t know how to apply digital tools to that idea? Learn how you can use free tools from Google that will help you not only get your business idea online, but also get your business found on the internet. This beginner’s course is for people who have little to no experience using the internet/computers and devices.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 18+ Date: June 9 Time: Thur. 2 p.m.

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Intermediate Class : How to Use Digital Tools to Jumpstart Your Business Do you have a great idea, but you don’t know how to apply digital tools to that idea? Learn how you can use free tools from Google that will help you not only get your business idea online, but also get your business found on the Internet. This is an intermediate course for people who have moderate experience using the Internet/computers and devices.

This course will give you practical and actionable teaching on how to utilize tools for your business such as social media marketing and will cover strategies you can use to become successful.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 18+ Date: June 9 Time: Thur. 3:15 p.m.

Fee: $48

sports Adult Volleyball League – Session 3 Women’s, Men’s 50+ and CoRec volleyball leagues play a six-week season with 12 matches. Players must register as a team and submit roster prior to first game.

Registration deadline is July 27.

Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16+ Date: Aug. 29-Oct. 14 Fee: $150 per team-competitive

$80 per team-recreational Adult Sand Volleyball League – Session 2 Women’s and CoRec volleyball leagues play a four-week season with eight matches. Players must register as a team and submit roster prior to first game. Registration deadline is Aug. 17. Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16+ Date: Sept. 8-30 Fee: $40 per team

Adult Softball League – Session 3 Women’s, Men’s, and CoRec slowpitch softball leagues play a fourgame season. Men’s and CoRec doubleheader leagues play an eightgame season. Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to first game. Registration deadline is Aug. 12. Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16+ Date: Sept. 6-Oct. 14 Fee: $130 per team - single game

$260 per team - doubleheader Adult Basketball League – Session 4 Men’s basketball leagues play a seven-game season. Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to first game.

Registration deadline is Aug. 12.

Sports Office 251-2970 Ages: 16+ Date: Sept. 7-Oct. 27 Fee: $260 per team Adult Seven-on-Seven Soccer League League plays an eight-game season with a single-elimination tournament at the end of the season. Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to the first game.

Registration deadline is Aug. 17.

Sports Office 251-2970 Bettis Family Sports Complex Ages: 16+ Date: Sept. 14-Nov. 16 (Wed.) Fee: $475 per team Adult Five-on-Five Flag Football League League plays a five-game season with a single-elimination tournament at the end of the season. Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to the first game.

Registration deadline is Aug. 24.

Sports Office 251-2970 Bettis Family Sports Complex Ages: 16+ Date: Sept. 13-Nov. 15 (Tues.)

Fee: $330 per team

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

Golf

courses

Lake Shawnee

4141 SE East Edge Road, Topeka, KS 66609 | 785.267.2295 www.lakeshawneegolf.com The par-70 layout at Lake Shawnee Golf Course measures more than 6,300 yards from the back tees. Many of the course’s holes combine breathtaking views and the challenges of playing alongside Lake Shawnee. The manageable length of the golf course and affordable anytime rates make Lake Shawnee Golf Course your best choice for golf in the region.

Cypress Ridge

2533 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS 66614 | 785.251.2670 www.cypressridgegc.com Cypress Ridge Golf Course offers a challenge for golfers of all ages and skill levels. Located at the western edge of the Capital City, Cypress Ridge offers 6,200 rolling yards of excellent golf with affordable anytime rates. It is located 1 ½ miles west of the Wanamaker corridor just south of 21st Street on Urish Road.

Forbes

700 SW Capehart Road, Topeka, KS 66619 | 785.862.0114 www.forbesgc.com Forbes is a 9-hole par-36 layout in southeast Shawnee County. Measuring 3,253 yards, the course offers a relaxed atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels. Featuring three sets of tees on a links style layout, the course can be challenging for the experienced, yet easy enough for beginners.

Along with traditional golf, Forbes offers FootGolf, a unique blend of the popular sports of soccer and golf. The game is played with a soccer ball on the golf course but with separate greens featuring 21-inch diameter cups. The goal of FootGolf is to kick the ball in the hole with the fewest stokes possible. The course is setup as an 18-hole par-66 layout measuring 2,057 yards.

The First Tee of Shawnee County The First Tee of Shawnee County’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. The First Tee of Shawnee County operates in partnership with Shawnee County Parks + Recreation under the umbrella of Community Action, Inc. Four summer camp sessions run for two weeks each, Tue.-Fri. at Lake Shawnee Golf Course, Cypress Ridge Golf Course and Forbes Golf Course.

For a complete schedule and how to register visit

www.thefirstteeshawneecounty.org.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 13

Yacht Club celebrates 75 years at Lake Shawnee The Shawnee Yacht Club dates back to when Lake Shawnee first had enough water in it to sail a boat. The original watercraft ranged from second-hand boats to vessels hand-crafted from wood by men following directions in a boating magazine.

This year, members commemorate the club’s 75th Anniversary with free sailboat rides for the public, sailing lessons and an anniversary reunion in September.

Mark Marling serves as the club’s commodore. “It was a great place to grow up,” he recalls of spending days at the lake as a youth. “That’s what the family did. My parents would take the family out there, drop us off and pick us up.”

Marling remembers a particular family obituary which read, “They raised their family at Shawnee Yacht Club.”

Today, Lake Shawnee is sailed by modern, fiberglass sailboats – usually about 16 to 20 feet long. The lake is good for smaller boats. It’s also a safe lake to sail since, if you capsize, people usually see you. That said, Marling notes that boat captains often manage to right their boat before help arrives.

The Yacht Club headquarters from a building just south of Ted Ensley Gardens on the west side of the lake. As the club celebrates its anniversary, members hope to attract a new generation of sailing enthusiasts.

“Somehow, we skipped a generation,” says Marling. “We have a few families, but we’re trying to appeal to young families.”

Sailing is not expensive. Marling says you can start with a pre-owned boat. Yacht Club dues are $50 and the club stores your boat. There is a fee to enter the club’s regular Sunday afternoon and Wednesday evening weekly races.

The Yacht Club has several events lined up to introduce interested area residents to sailing: • Free Sailboat Rides (age 6+) – Noon to 4 p.m. May 30 at the Yacht Club • Sailing Lessons (age 16 +) June 18 and July 23 from 12:30 – 4 p.m. $25 per person per lesson Call 785-251-2600 to register • Sailboat Races (Yacht Club membership required) every Sunday afternoon June through October and every Wednesday evening June through August.

The Yacht Club’s 75th Anniversary Reunion and Party is set for Sept. 17.

For more information

and history of the Shawnee Yatch Club shawneeyachtclub.org.

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KOSSOVER tennis center Hours of Operation

The Kossover Tennis Center offers low cost, organized programs and supervised tennis play for the entire community. The Tennis Center is open April 1–midOctober, seven days a week, except during inclement weather and holidays. Courts are available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Facility lights are available for use in the spring/ summer until 10 p.m. and in the fall until 8 p.m. Hours are subject to change due to reservation requests and court use.

Daily Court Fees

$2 per person per day Reservations are strongly recommended as leagues, clinics, tennis tournaments and high school activities authorized by Shawnee County Parks + Recreation have first priority on court usage. Reservations may be made in advance for TTA members and can be made starting at 10 a.m. each morning. To make reservations or for more information, please contact Ryan at Kossover Tennis Center at 785-273-0030.

Tennis Lesson Fees

Private lessons: $35 per hour Semi-Private lessons: $20 per hour per person Group lessons: $9 per hour

Racquet Stringing

Racquet stringing service is available at Kossover Tennis Center. Fees range from $23-$35.

Camps and Clinics

Kossover Tennis Center also features tennis camps and youth summer tennis clinics.

For more information

on lessons, reservations, tournaments and the Topeka Tennis Association 785.273.0030

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

senior Pitch Join your friends and neighbors for 10-point pitch.

Garfield Community Center 251-2950 Age: 40+ Date: Ongoing Time: Tue. 1-4 p.m.

Fee: Free Pitch Challenge friends to a game of 10-point pitch.

Coffee and cards provided.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 40+ Date: June-July Weekly Time: Fri. 1-3 p.m.

Fee: $1 per person per week Pitch Card Group Enjoy spending time with your friends playing pitch. Beginning and experienced players are welcome.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 50+ Date: Ongoing Time: Thur. 1-3 p.m.

Fee: Free Senior Bridges Lounge Socialize and have fun playing bridge with friends.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: June 7-Aug. 30 Time: Tue. 12:30-4 p.m.

Fee: $1 drop-in Bingo Monday Make friends while playing bingo. Coffee and games provided.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: June 6-Aug. 29 (no class July 4) Time: Mon. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fee: $2 drop-in Senior Shuffleboard Socialize while having fun playing shuffleboard.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: June 9-Aug. 25 Time: Thur. 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Fee: $2 drop-in

Bright Circle Preschool

Betsey Litscher, 785-235-1033 Bright Circle is a KDHE licensed preschool program serving children 3-5 years old. We’ve been educating preschool-aged children for more than 30 years! We believe that children learn best through the natural play environment. The early years of a child’s life are most important because that is when the characteristics of their personalities and their own self-image develop. We strive to provide appropriate activities to develop each child socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. Through these activities, children are encouraged to learn through play, and develop their skills through self-learning, peer education and teacher-directed activities. We value not just learning, but the love of learning as well.

In order to ensure individual attention, class size is limited to 15 students. A $35 nonrefundable registration is required; tuition of $11 per day is collected at the beginning of each month.

Velma K. Paris Community Center, 6715 SW Westview Rd *Mon., Wed., Fri. 9-11:30 a.m.

Tue., Thur. 9-11:30 a.m.

Other classes will be opened as the need arises.

Lake Shawnee Recreation Building, 3325 SE Tinman Circle *Mon.,Wed.,Fri. 9-11:30 a.m.

Tue., Thur. 9-11:30 a.m. *Mon., Wed. 1-3:30 p.m.

Tue., Thur. 1-3:30 p.m. *We have reserved the Mon., Wed., Fri. morning and Mon., Wed. afternoon classes for only kindergarten-bound students. This promotes a more efficient environment.

TDC’s Creative Learning Adventures Preschool

300 NE 43rd St. Sharon Botsford, director, 785-286-0676 or 785-272-5051 or www.learnplaygrow.org TDC’s Creative Learning Adventures is a state-licensed preschool program serving children 3-5 years old, Aug.-May. TDC Learning Centers, Inc. has been providing high-quality, affordable early education in the Topeka community for more than 50 years! Weekly themes combined with a research-based curriculum ensure that children are having fun while learning and being prepared for kindergarten. Play and positive interaction with teachers and other children support social, emotional and intellectual growth. Special curriculum components encourage nutrition, physical fitness and socio-emotional growth. Our program spans all areas of a child’s development, offering a well-rounded, high-quality learning experience.

Class sizes are small, with a maximum of 12 children per session. We have two classrooms that are located in the Shawnee North Community Center. Parents are our partners and are encouraged to participate in classroom activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held twice each year where parents help develop their child’s Individual Education Plan. Developmental assessments are conducted twice each year and children who are kindergarten-bound have an additional school-readiness assessment. Children must be 3 years old and fully potty trained to participate.

Four different class times are offered: Mon., Wed., Fri. 9-11:30 a.m.

Tue., Thur. 9-11:30 a.m.

Mon., Wed. 1-3:30 p.m.

Tue., Thur. 1-3:30 p.m.

Tuition: $50 non-refundable registration fee/ $75 maximum for family. Class fees are $12 per session. A $40 annual supply fee covers all supplies and snacks. We reserve the right to cancel sessions if they do not fill. parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 15

Midwest Health Aquatic Center – Open Soon

aquatics

Picture a park-like environment, multiple colorful waterslides, canopies and a play structure. Add in a zip-line, a rock climbing wall, a bow-tie wave pool that is the first of its kind in the Midwest and a leisure pool with a vortex sitting area. Then, add two or three semi-private rental structures for birthday parties, family celebrations and more. This is the new Midwest Health Aquatic Center at 21st and Urish in southwest Topeka.

Five people at once can use the waterslides while other swimmers use the zip line or rock wall or the diving board. Children have their own play area with a water bucket on top to douse them on a warm summer day.

Adults and younger children can enjoy the zero-entry and vortex sitting area in the leisure pool. A concession stand and bath house complete the complex.

Shawnee County Parks + Recreation’s Master Plan calls for a multi-generational recreational facility and a new aquatic center in the southwest quadrant of Shawnee County to replace the old Crestview Pool. Now they have both.

Thanks to Midwest Health for providing a generous gift to maintain this outstanding facility into the future.

Midwest Health Aquatic Center features: • 32” enclosed body flume slide • 42” open body flume slide • 3 mat slides • Rock climbing wall • Zip line • 3 meter springboard diving area • Zero depth entry • Kids play structure (water bucket on top) • Wet deck • Vortex sitting area • Basketball and volleyball goals • 2-3 semi-private rental structures

Aquatic Center and Pool Hours and Admission

Garfield Pool

Hours: 12-5 p.m.

Fees: Youth/Adults $2 Under 2 Free

Oakland Pool

Hours: 12-5 p.m.

Fees: Youth/Adults $2 Under 2 Free

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Hillcrest Pool

Hours: 12-5 p.m.

Fees: Youth/Adults $2 Under 2 Free

Lake Shawnee Swim Beach Hours: 12-5 p.m.

Fees: Youth/Adults $2 Under 2 Free

Rossville Pool Hours: 12-5 p.m.

Fees: Adult (13+) $3 Youth (2-12) $2 Under 2 Free

Punch Passes (Garfield Pool, Hillcrest Pool, Lake Shawnee Swim Beach, Rossville ) Youth/Adult 10-Punch $15 20-Punch $30

Garfield Pool, Hillcrest Pool, Lake Shawnee Swim Beach, Rossville Pool Rentals Hours: Fri.-Sun. 6-8 p.m.

Fee: $175

Rossville Party Room

Time: Fri.-Sun. 12:30-2:30 p.m. or 3-5 p.m.

Fee: $100

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

P oo l r en ta l s • Sw i m Les so n s SHAWNEE NORTH FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER Rentals

Facility Rental Rent the entire aquatic center for church groups, family reunions, even staff parties. Outside food is welcome.

Call 251-2600 or 286-0676 Age: 18+ to rent facility Date: June-Aug. Time: Fri.-Sun. 7-8:30 p.m.

Fee: $650 Party Area Rental Rent the open-air party area adjacent to the concession stand. Includes 12 admission wristbands. Additional bands $3 each. Outside food is welcome but must stay in party area.

Call 251-2600 or 286-0676 Age: 18+ to rent facility Date: June-Aug. Time: 12:30-3 p.m. or 3:30-6 p.m.

Fee: $100

Classes

Water Walking Walk against the current for a great low-impact aerobic workout.

Evening Age: 13+ Date: June 6-Aug. 13 Time: Mon.-Thur. 7-7:45 p.m.

Fee: $5 drop-in/16-punch card

$55/32-punch card $110 Aquatic Center and Pool Hours and Admission

Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center Hours: 12-7 p.m.

Fees: Adults (13+) $5 Youth (2-12) $4 Under 2 Free

Morning Age: 13+ Date: June 13-Aug. 13 Time: Mon.-Thur., Sat. 8-11:30 p.m.

Fee: $5 drop-in/16-punch card

$55/32-punch card $110 Yoga by the Water Join Half Moon Yoga Studio for a relaxing session of Yoga. Moving water, cool breeze and plenty of green space will melt stress away.

Age: 13+ Date: June 7-30 Time: Tue., Thurs. only 7-8 p.m.

Fee: $100 Shawnee Swim Sharks For beginning and advanced swimmers entering grades 7-12.

Six-week course focusing on stroke development. The team will not compete.

Age: Entering into 7th grade Date: June 13-July 28 NOTE: No

class July 4-7 Time: Mon.-Thurs. 6:30-8 a.m.

Fee: $150

Rossville Pool Water Aerobics Age: 13+ Date: June 7-Aug 11 Time: Tues.; Thurs. 5:15-6:15 p.m.

Fees: $5 drop-in/16-punch card

$55/32-punch card $110

Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center Hours: 12-7 p.m.

Fees: Adults (13+) $5 Youth (2-12) $4 Under 2 Free

Punch Passes (Blaisdell and Shawnee North)

Youth Adult 10-Punch $35 $40 20-Punch $70 $80 50-Punch $150 $175

BLAISDELL FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER Rentals

Facility Rental Rent the entire aquatic center for church groups, family reunions, even staff parties. Outside food is welcome.

Call 251-2600 or 286-0676.

Age: 18+ to rent facility Date: June-Aug. Time: Fri.-Sun. 7-8:30 p.m.

Fee: $650 Party Room Rental Rent the air-conditioned party room adjacent to the aquatic facility. Includes 12 admission wristbands. Additional bands $3 each. Outside food is welcome but must stay in party room.

Call 251-2600 or 286-0676.

Age: 18+ to rent facility Date: June-Aug. Time: 12:30-3 p.m. or 3:30-6 p.m.

Fee: $125

Classes

Diving Learn basic or competitive diving.

Beginners Age: 10+ Date: Mon.-Fri. May 30-Sept. 5 Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Fee: $120 per person Advanced Age: 10+ Date: Mon.-Fri. May 30-Sept. 5 Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Fee: $120 per person Dog Swim The dog days of summer are here. Bring your 4-legged friends to cool off at the pool. Partial proceeds will go to a local animal shelter. All dogs must be vaccinated and under the control of the owners. Only dogs may swim in the pool.

Age: 18+ to participate Date: Tues., Aug. 16 Time: 6-8 p.m.

Fee: $5 per dog

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 /

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Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation

FITNESS & WELLNESS

The Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation exists to reduce the financial burden of local government and taxpayers by seeking additional funding sources and opportunities and to provide assurance that Shawnee County Parks + Recreation facilities remain first class and are preserved in a historically and environmentally efficient manner.

Donations to the Foundation support the longrange preservation of the facilities and programs designated by the donor, or donations may be placed in the general endowment fund for parks maintenance and enhancement projects. Parks and Recreation facilities are possible through a combination of public and private funding as well as user fees. Private funds make it possible to offer exceptional facilities to Shawnee County residents and visitors from outside the community.

Projects supported by gifts to the Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation include: Bettis Family Sports Complex Reinisch Rose Garden Accessible Ball Diamond Old Prairie Town Softball Complex Scholarships for camps and programs Ted Ensley Gardens

For more information on the SCPR Foundation

scprfoundation.org or call Rachel Meyer 785.251.2685

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Zumba coming back BECAUSE IT WORKS!!!! The class is a great way to get fit and have some fun doing it. Class format features a warm-up, workout and cool-down.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 16+ Date: June 1-July 13, July 18-Aug. 24 Time: Mon., Wed. 7-8 p.m.

Fee: $50 Zumba Latin dance inspired workout program.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: June 6-July 6 (No class July 4) July 11-Aug. 10

Time: Mon., Wed. 7-8 p.m.

Fee: June 6 session $27, July 11

session $30 per person

$5 drop-in

Yoga

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Gentle Yoga Age: All Date: June 6-July 6 (No class July 4) July 11-Aug. 10

Time: Mon., Wed. 10-11 a.m.

Fee: June 6 session $27, July 11

session $30 per person

$5 drop-in Hypno Yoga Age: All Date: June 6-July 6 (No class July 4) July 11-Aug. 10

Time: Mon., Wed. 12-1 p.m.

Fee: June 6 session $27, July 11

session $30 per person

$5 drop-in Gentle Yoga Age: All Date: June 7-July 7, July 12-Aug. 11 Time: Tue., Thur. 10-11 a.m.

Fee: $30 per person, $5 drop-in Easy Does It Yoga Age: All Date: June 7-July 7, July 12-Aug. 11 Time: Tue., Thur. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Fee: $30 per person, $5 drop-in THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

FITNESS & WELLNESS Healthy You Yoga Age: All Date: June 10-July 8, July 15-Aug. 12 Time: Fri. 10-11 a.m.

Fee: $15 per person, $5 drop-in Weekend Yoga Age: All Date: June 11-July 9, July 23-Aug. 13 Time: Sat. 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Fee: June 11 session $15, July 23

session $12 per person

$5 drop-in

Yoga Flex Card Cards allow our participant to choose which of the many yoga classes at Crestview to attend. Good for 14 classes and must be used in a 5-week session.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: All Date: June 6-July 9

(No classes on July 4),

July 11-Aug. 13 Fee: $45 per person Pilates Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 16+ Date: June 1-July 13, July 18-Aug. 24 Time: Mon., Wed. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Fee: $50 per person Open Basketball Courts are open to shoot around or for pick-up games.

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Mon.-Thur. 1-5 p.m.

Fee: $1 drop in

Bocce Ball

Open Badminton Courts are open for play.

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: June 1- Aug 3.

Time: Wed. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Fee: $2 drop in Open Racquetball Drop in or call to reserve a court.

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: June 1-Aug.17 Time: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Fee: $3 per person, per court Wellness Center Open year-round during center hours.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Age: 16+ Fee: $50 per year adults

$25 per year students Open Volleyball All skill levels welcome to drop in. Nets are up and players rotate in.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Mon., Wed., Fri.

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

(No volleyball July 4) Fee: $1 per person Adult Open Gym An opportunity to sharpen your skills and practice your shot.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Tue., Thur. 1-3 p.m.

Fee: $1 per person

Youth Open Gym Work on your shot during the summer!

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18 and under Date: May 31-Aug. 12

(No Open Gym July 4) Time: Mon. 1:30-6 p.m.,

Tue. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 3-5 p.m.,

Wed. 3-6 p.m., Thur. 3-5 p.m.,

Fri. 1:30-5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Fee: Free Prime Time Volleyball Drop-in Volleyball Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Tue. 7-9 p.m.

Fee: $2 per person Pickleball Drop-in and discover this exciting, challenging game!

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Wed. 1-2:30 p.m.

Fee: $1 per person

sports performance training College Bound Basketball Training Potential college players will get training for the next level of their basketball career.

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 17-21 yrs.

Date: July 11-13 Time: Mon., Wed., Fri. 7-9 p.m.

Fee: $25 per person

Bocce Ball will be played at the court at the east end of the Felker Softball Complex parking lot at 2500 SW Gage.

The court is first-come, first served. Equipment will be furnished for classes, instruction and play at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and 6 p.m. Thursdays from May 3 through late October. Lessons are free.

For more information

Call 785.272.8216

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 19

Topeka

zoo

Summer Camps Passport to the World Creature Connections Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: June 6-10 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Description: Grab your passport and join us for a trip around the world!

From savannahs and rainforests to prairies and deserts, we will explore the world’s differing cultures and habitats. Don’t miss out on this wild adventure, as we travel the world in five days!

Fee: $140/child for FOTZ members; $165/child for non-members

Zooperheroes

Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: June 13-17 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Description: Crimefighting ninja turtles are not the only animals that have superpowers!

Speed, flight, invisibility, and strength are just a few of the powers present within the animal kingdom.

Campers unite as we discover these powers in this hands-on, actionpacked week of camp!

Cost: $140/child for FOTZ members; $165/child for non-members

Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: June 20-24 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Description: From mythological winged horses to Native American coyote fables, the connections between humans and animals run very deep. Join us as we form our own connections with live animals, chat with wildlife experts about how humans and animals benefit each other, and deepen the bonds that tie us all together!

Cost: $140/child for FOTZ members; $165/child for non-members

On the Brink

Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: June 27-July 1 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Description: Our planet has many plants, animals, and ecosystems that need our help! Join us for this week of camp as we get up close and personal with some of our endangered species, explore how they live and what challenges they face, and discuss how we, together, can help protect our Earth and its creatures!

Cost: $140/child for FOTZ members; $165/child for non-members *NO camp the week of July 4th-8th

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The Land Before Time

Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: July 11-15 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Description: From pterodactyls and tyrannosaurs to mammoths and sabre tooth tigers, come unearth creatures of the past! This camp will start with a bang and will continue to amaze as we talk prehistoric giants, fossils, and get the dirt on several dinosaurs still living today!

*Cost: $145/child for FOTZ members; $170/child for non-members *Price increase includes admission for a daytrip to the KU Natural History Museum in Lawrence on Fri., July 15th.

Zoo Detectives

Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: July 18-22 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Description: Whether you prefer Sherlock Holmes or Scooby Doo and the gang, we all have our favorite detectives. For this week of camp, grab your tool kit and keep your eyes peeled, as campers will inspect the zoo and its animals while solving a new mystery each day!

Cost: $140/child for FOTZ members; $165/child for non-members

Base Camp

Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: July 25-29 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Description: From Everest to Kilimanjaro, the Alps to the Rockies, our Earth is covered with mountainous regions. This week of camp will focus on the elevated parts of the world, their effect on the climate, and creatures that call these habitats home. Join us as this camp is bound to reach new heights!

Cost: $140/child for FOTZ members; $165/child for non-members

From Micro to Mini

Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: Aug. 1-5 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Description: Join us for this week of camp as we examine the microscopic and miniature life forms on Earth! From decomposers to plankton, miniature animals to parasites, we will explore the tiny creatures that make a big impact on our world.

Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $140/child for FOTZ members; $165/child for non-members

Exploration Week for Teens

Age: 13-17 yrs.

Date: June 20-24, June 27-July 1 Time: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Description: Do you know a teen who loves nature? This week is just for them! Join us as we meet live animals, talk conservation, and take trips to various ecosystems around Northeast Kansas.

This camp will also provide teens with the opportunity to talk to experts in many animalrelated fields!

Both weeks of teen camp are meant to complement each other, as we will be doing different activities each week. They are designed in such a way that you can sign up for week 1, week 2, or both.

Cost: $140/child for FOTZ members; $165/child for nonmembers; price is per week

Conservation Connection FREE talks for the public at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center at 6:30 p.m.

May 13th – Julian Fennessey with GCF June 4th – Monterrey Bay Aquarium (World Oceans Day) July 14th – Orangutan Outreach Group

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

Facility

rentals Capacity

Gage Park

For baby showers, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and more, Shawnee County Parks + Recreation has a variety of facilities available to rent for all of your family events. For a listing of amenities, availability or to make a reservation, call 785-251-2600 or visit us online at parks.snco.us.

Daily

Weekdays

Weekends & Holidays

Summer Camp 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Big Gage 250 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Westlake 70 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Snyder’s Cabin 70 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Carousel Room 42 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Children’s Party House 30 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Steak Grill 40 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Corral #2 35 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

April 1-Oct. 31 Reinisch Rose Garden 150 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

(Mon.-Thurs.)

10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

(Fri.-Sun.)

Fee

$200 $220 $440 $85 $110 $135 $70 $65 $65 $140 $350

Lake Shawnee

Shelter #1 120 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

$70 April 1-Oct. 31 Shelter #2 50 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

$85 Shelter #3 80 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

(Weekdays) $110 (Weekends & holidays)$150 Shelter #4 120 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $70 April 1-Oct. 31 Shelter #5 120 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

$70 Shelter #6 80 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

(Weekdays) $110

(Weekends & holidays) $150 Garden House 70 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $165

8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. $400 Garden Pagoda 45 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $175

(Mon.-Thurs.)

10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. $350 April 1-Oct. 31

(Fri.-Sun.) Garden Pergola 90 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $220

(Mon.-Thurs.)

10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. $440

(Fri.-Sun.) Reynolds Lodge 200 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $165

8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. $450 Gazebo #1 75 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $220

(Mon.-Thurs.)

10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. $440

(Fri.-Sun.) Lake Shawnee Event Center 200 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $300

(Mon.-Thurs.)

8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. $600

(Fri.-Sun.) Yacht Club 40 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

$85 April 1-Oct. 31

Other Facilities

Crestview 128 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Lakewood 70 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Garfield 160 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

$150 $350 $150 $275 $150 $350

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 21

HOURS:

Grounds 8 a.m.-dusk Office 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Mulvane General Store 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 12-4p.m. Sun. Potwin Drug Store: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. 12-4 p.m. Sun.

TOURS:

Group tours for 15 or more by reservation only, call 785-251-2993 Monday-Friday 10 a.m., 12 p.m., & 2 p.m.

Saturday 12 p.m. & 2 p.m.

Sunday 2 p.m.

TOUR FEES: Adults $5

Seniors (55+) $4 Children 6-12 $3 5 and under Free

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Old Prairie at Ward-Meade Town Historic Site Featuring:

1854 replica Log Cabin with Blacksmith Shop, 1870s Prairie Mansion on the National Register of Historic Places and the 2.5-acre Ward-Meade Botanical Garden.

Town Square:

MULVANE GENERAL STORE

An old-fashioned mercantile that serves as our museum gift shop and visitors center.

Kansas items, toys from yesteryear, souvenirs, and unique gifts are available.

Call 785-251-2995.

POTWIN DRUG STORE

Sit at the marble counter and order a soda fountain treat or shop for vintage-era candy. The drug store building also includes the Durst Physician’s Office and Fyler Dentist Office. Call 785-251-2997.

1880 EVEREST CHURCH

The church can be rented for church services and weddings.

Call 785-251-2993.

The Town Square also includes the 1891 Victor Schoolhouse, Lingo Livery Stable with Landau Carriage and Baughman Ice Cream Wagon, Lingo Tack Shop, Northern Barn, Pauline Santa Fe Depot and Caboose, and a turn-of-the-century barber shop.

botanical GARDEN

The Ward-Meade Botanical Garden was established in 1963.

There are approximately 500 varieties of trees and shrubs in the 2.5-acre garden in addition to the annual flowers planted each year. The garden includes many plants requiring shade as well as many unusual specimen plants. The area has three water gardens including Anna’s Place, which consists of two pools, a stream, bridge, gazebo and waterfall. Many weddings are held in the garden each year. Call 251-2993.

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

Summer Sunset Concert

WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS

Make your wedding a historic event! All packages require a $75 non-refundable security deposit. Rental includes decorating and clean-up, a one-hour rehearsal time the night before your wedding and wedding packages include bride’s dressing facilities. The Preston Hale room serves as a back-up for inclement weather. Additional hours may be purchased for $50 each.

Weekday weddings (MondayFriday) are 25 percent off after deducting security deposit.

Call 251-2993 for more information.

Package 1

Anna’s Place and Reception $355 3-hour rental including kitchen and Preston Hale room for reception. *No seating available at Anna’s Place.

Package II

Courtyard (wedding only) $355 3-hour rental including Preston Hale room. Seating for 100 provided.

Package III

Courtyard and Reception $580 5-hour rental period including kitchen and Preston Hale room for reception. Seating for 100 provided.

Package IV

Everest Church (wedding only) $495 3-hour rental includes bride’s dressing facilities.

Max seating 65.

Package V

Everest Church and Reception $770 5-hour rental period including kitchen and Preston Hale room. Max seating 65.

Bring your family out for this fun-filled evening to listen to some wonderful local artists performing at their best. Bring your own lawn-chair and enjoy the beautiful Old Prairie Town setting. This is a family friendly event and children are welcome!

Date: Time:

July 30 Sat. 6-9 p.m.

Fee:

MEETINGS, ANNIVERSARIES, SHOWERS, ETC.

Preston Hale Reception Room (maximum 72 people) Lingo Livery Stable (maximum 35 people) Potwin Drug Store (maximum 25 people)

MEALS FOR GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

The following food programs includes two hour room rental.

Call 251-2993.

WARD CABIN HEARTH MEALS

$18 per person This is one of the most popular, unique meals served at Old Prairie Town, so make your reservations early! Meals are served at fireside tables in the Ward cabin and Diners are treated to special hearthcooking demonstrations with a side dish of history, all provided by costumed volunteers.

These family style meals are offered Oct. 15-March 15 with reservations for groups of 12-18.

Menu

Hearth-cooked ham. or smoked turkey, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, fruit, Dutch oven-baked biscuits, hearth-baked molasses cookies, old-fashioned ice cream, cider and coffee.

VICTORIAN DINNER

$25 per person Enjoy a delightful Victorian meal served buffet-style in the elegant dining room of the 1870s Ward-Meade mansion.

Gleaming silver, fine china, crisp linens and a gracious atmosphere make this an

$3 at the gate, 10 and under free.

occasion to remember. Choice of entree includes baked ham with cherry sauce or brandicot chicken served with salad, vegetable, potatoes, freshly baked scones and oldfashioned ice cream. Minimum 25. Maximum 72.

PICNIC BASKET DINNER

$12 per person The delicious hot chicken pocket sandwich featuring Old Prairie Town’s own special recipe makes the picnic basket a year-round favorite. Also included in the basket are fruit, cole slaw or potato salad, pickle, cookie, brownbread ice cream and a drink. Minimum 15.

CIDER SIPPING AND HEARTH-BAKED COOKIES

$5.50 per person Sit by the fire in our cozy log cabin and enjoy a demonstration of molasses cookies being baked on the hearth. Then sample the warm, spicy treats along with tangy apple cider. Offered by the fire Oct. 15 through March 15.

Minimum 10.

Youth Prairie Programs Please call 251-2993 for more information.

SCHOOLHOUSE SESSION

Fee: $55 Are you looking for a unique experience for your class or youth group? Come and spend an hour in our authentic oneroom schoolhouse learning about our Kansas country school legacy. Cipher on slates, participate in a spelling bee and play old-time games.

Maximum 18 participants.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT OLD PRAIRIE TOWN

Celebrate your child’s birthday in an old-fashioned way. Choose from two party packages. Parties include a volunteer in period costume to lead the party as well as set-up and clean-up. Parties are two hours in length and can be booked any day of the week throughout the year except holidays.

OLD-FASHIONED BIRTHDAY PARTY (ages 6–12 yrs.)

Fee: $10 per participant.

Minimum 10. Maximum 15.

This party is in our one-room country schoolhouse with oldfashioned turn-of-the-century fun. This party includes a “session” with the schoolmarm playing old-time games.

Guests will share an oldfashioned cake with ice cream and lemonade. We also furnish handcrafted favors, a prize and a tour.

CHILDREN’S VICTORIAN PARTY (ages 6-12 yrs.)

Fee: $10 per participant.

Minimum 10. Maximum 15.

Your child and guests can dress up in costumes from a “surprise trunk” and be treated to an elegant birthday tea. We provide finger food and cookies, just like in the Victorian era when tea was considered a social event.

JOIN THE VOLUNTEERS at Old

Prairie Town. Help serve a Victorian dinner, lead a guided tour or volunteer for other exciting assignments to fit your interests. Call 251-2992 to volunteer.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 23

ime: Sun. 7-9 p.m. ee: Free

Destination

Parks

LAKE SHAWNEE Attractions • • • • • • • • • • •

410-acre recreational lake 7.2-mile Lake Shawnee Trail Marina Boat Ramps Swim Beach Campground Ted Ensley Gardens Lake Shawnee Jr. Pond Lake Shawnee Golf Course Shelter Houses Bettis Family Sports Complex Lake Shawnee Girls Softball Complex Topeka Metro Bike Stations

• •

Other recreational opportunities • • • • • • •

Summer Day Camp Disc Golf Tennis Courts Soccer Fields Heated Fishing Dock Sand Volleyball Courts Windsurf Beach

scenic Lake Shawnee, offering a great panoramic view. They provide a beautiful, 10-acre setting with a wealth of design ideas and spectacular plantings.

The Garden’s entrance is at the trailhead facility located north of West Edge Road and 37th Street. The entrance begins with a beautiful 60-foot covered bridge and continues through to meditation and rock gardens, annual and perennial beds, rose and water gardens, a gazebo, pergola, pagoda, waterfalls and several ponds.

Campground

Campground Policies • •

•

Ted Ensley Gardens

The Ted Ensley Gardens are located on the west side of

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Laundry facilities are available at the shower building.

A variety of beverages, snacks and firewood are sold at the concession areas from April 15-Oct. 15.

Showers and restroom facilities are located at the entrance area and north end of the campground. Please keep these areas clean.

•

• •

Please have your children watch carefully for cars around the area. YOU are responsible for the conduct and whereabouts of your children at all times.

Courteous behavior is encouraged.

Animals must be under control of the owner and on a leash 10-feet or less.

A dump station is available for use. Fee is $5 for noncampers.

campground Fees •

•

• • •

April 15-Oct. 15 RV, Campers, Tents - $20 per night Oct. 16-April 14 RV, Campers, Tents - $17 per night Seniors 62 years of age and older receive a $1 discount off the daily rate.

Fees are non-refundable.

Sites 117-119 and 132-141 are designated tent sites.

A $5 fee is assessed to those parties wishing to set up a tent behind a camping unit, or a second tent in specified sites.

Individual Reservations

• Beginning April 15, reservations will be accepted for arrival dates of May 15-Sept.15 each year.

• Reservations must be for a minimum of two nights.

• Refunds will not be issued for unused sites.

PARKS

Public Fishing Areas • • • •

•

•

•

•

Lake Shawnee Lake Shawnee, Jr. Westlake, Gage Park Central Park Pond, 1534 SW Clay Street Clarion Woods Pond, SW 37th & Fairlawn Freedom Valley Pond, SE 14th & Locust Ward-Martin Creek in Auburndale Park, 2400 NW Perry Horseshoe Bend Pond, 43rd & Horseshoe Bend St.

All areas are available 6 a.m.11 p.m. daily, unless otherwise posted, and are stocked regularly by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism KDWPT regulations apply. Lake Shawnee and Ward-Martin Creek in Auburndale Park are stocked with trout in the spring and fall.

Barrier-free fishing docks are available at Westlake, Central Park Pond, Clarion Woods Pond and Lake Shawnee, which also features a heated fishing dock.

For more information contact KDWPT at 785-273-6740 or ksoutdoors.com.

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

2016 Gage Park Concert Schedule Discover or re-discover that wonderful pastime of sitting under big shade trees in the cool of the summer evening just to relax. What better way to let the stresses of the day drift away than to listen to the rich sounds of the big bands.

Topeka is very fortunate to have four bands whose members are some of the best musicians in Northeast Kansas. Make it a weekly experience for the whole family. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner, or sit on one of our benches … what a wonderful way to discover family time.

All concerts start at 7 p.m. at the Gage Park Amphitheater and are free. Due to inclement weather, concerts will be called by 5 p.m. the day of the concert and rain dates will be the following Thursday evening of the scheduled concert. Check local media outlets after 5:30 p.m. for cancellations. For more information, please call 251-2991.

May 18: May 29: June 5: June 12: June 15: June 19: June 26:

Topeka Blues Society Santa Fe Band Marshall’s Band Jazz Workshop Topeka Blues Society Santa Fe Band Marshall’s Band

July 3: July 10: July 17: July 20: July 24: July 31: Aug 17:

Jazz Workshop Santa Fe Band Marshall’s Band Topeka Blues Society Jazz Workshop Kaw Valley Cornet Band Topeka Blues Society

Time: Wed., Sun. 7-9 p.m.

Fee: Free

GAGE PARK Attractions •

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Mini-Train & Depot (Open mid-March through October – weather permitting) Carousel in the Park (Open mid-March through October) Reinisch Rose Garden & Doran Rock Garden Hazel Von Rohr Victorian Gardens Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center All-War Memorial Hill’s Bark Park Kansas Children’s Discovery Center Animaland children’s play area Topeka Metro Bike Stations Helen Hocker Theater Topeka Zoo Summer Day Camp

Other recreational opportunities • • • • • • • • •

Accessible Ball Field Softball Diamond Soccer Fields Sand Volleyball Courts Horseshoe Courts Amphitheater Shelter Houses Westlake Pond Soccer Fields

Rose Garden Weddings

Imagine the romantic beauty of your wedding in the Reinisch Rose Garden.

Peak blooming times for the 6,000 roses are late May into early June, and again early-to mid-September.

The Carousel Party Room north of the garden accommodates final wedding and dressing preparations. The adjoining air-conditioned room has a full kitchen, serving island, tables and chairs to seat 42 for a small reception or a gathering place before the wedding.

For more information on Gage Park facility rentals please call 785-251-2600 or visit parks.snco.us.

Board of County Commissioners Michele A. Buhler Kevin Cook Bob Archer

1st District 2nd District 3rd District

Directory

785.251.2600 − parks.snco.us

John E. Knight Director Terry L. Bertels Deputy Director of Properties,

Planning and Assets Randy Luebbe Deputy Director of Operations

and Communications John Boyd Greenspace/Land Superintendent Susan Fowler-Hentzler Recreation Superintendent Shawn Osborne Outdoor Adventures Superintendent Kerry Golden Director of Golf Mike Cope Park Police Chief

Advisory Board Sharri Black Teresa Miller Howard Blackman James Martin Eric Cortez Kenneth Renner Cassandra Taylor Elias Garcia Terri Roberts Martin Weishaar Kristen Brunkow L.J. Polly Dick Ketterman Chris Fisher Michelle Stubblefield

City Council District 1 City Council District 2 City Council District 3 City Council District 4 City Council District 5 City Council District 6 City Council District 7 City Council District 8 City Council District 9 County Commission District 1 County Commission District 1 County Commission District 2 County Commission District 2 County Commission District 3 County Commission District 3

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

General Policy on Program Access and Communications Shawnee County Parks + Recreation provides positive recreational experiences that contribute to the physical, mental, social and emotional development of people of all ages and abilities. To facilitate opportunities for people with and without disabilities to engage in leisure pursuits together, parks and recreation provides inclusion services. If you have a disability and would like to request a special accommodation for a program, please contact a staff member. To ensure the requested accommodation, please notify the staff at the facility where the requested program is located at least two weeks in advance of the start of the program. For more information on inclusion opportunities, parks and recreation services and accommodations, please call 785-251-2600.

Parks and recreation does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to or treatment or employment of its services, programs or activities. Upon written request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in all parks and recreation services, programs and activities.

Upon request, this information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio recording and/or computer disk.

If you or your child requires a special accommodation in order to participate in the program, requests must be made in advance (two weeks is ideal) by filling out a Special Needs Statement and Request Form in order for the service or program to be assessed.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 25

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID AMERICAN PRE-SORT INC

3137 SE 29th St. • Topeka, KS 66605

Come watch Topeka’s new Pecos League baseball team

The Topeka Train Robbers at Bettis Family Sports Complex at Lake Shawnee.

The season begins May 13 with the first home series beginning May 20.

Visit http://www.topekarobbers.com/ for the season schedule, team roster and tickets.