Parks and Recreation 2017 Winter/Spring Guide

Winter/Spring 2017

Tulip Time

120,000 tulips plus two special events

&

Youth Sports: Sportsmanship, skills, fun

MEET YOU THERE!

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Winter/Spring THE GUIDE / parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Contents

FEATURES Events . . . . . . . . . . 01

Volunteer. . . . . . . . . 15

Youth Sports . . . . . 02

Adopt-a-Park/Trail. 16

Programs

Tulip Time . . . . . . . 04

Fitness Pass . . . . . . . 17

DEPARTMENTS

Golf Courses . . . . . 18

07

Foundation . . . . . . . 10

Topeka Zoo . . . . . . . 20

Kossover Tennis .

11

Facility Rentals . . . . 21

iCan Bike. . . . . . . . . 12

Old Prairie Town . . . 22

Trails . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Regional Parks. . . . . 24

Preschools . . . . . . . . 14

Directory . . . . . . . . . 25

Youth Activities

08

Adult Activities

10

Sports

14

Preschool

16

Senior Activities

17

Fitness & Wellness

19

Aquatics

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!

• To register online, go to parks. snco.us and click the Online Registration icon.

• Forms may also be mailed, walked in, phoned in or faxed to any Shawnee County Parks + Recreation facility.

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.

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

Facilities reservation refunds: • 10 percent service fee for reservations canceled with 14 days notice • No refunds will be issued for cancellations with less than 14 days notice *Policy subject to change

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.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Events

Plan

Winter&Spring ‘17

Feb. 4

April 7-8

Polar Plunge

Tulips at Twilight

Take an icy plunge into Lake Shawnee to benefit Special Olympics. Visit www.plungeks.org.

Lake Shawnee Swim Beach Time: Registration 9:30-11:45 a.m.

Plunge begins at Noon.

See thousands of colorful tulips by the light of luminarias and lighted trees.

Ward-Meade Botanical Garden 251-2993 Time: 6-10 p.m.

Fee: Suggested donation $5

Children 5 and under free

Feb. 4

April 9

Daddy Daughter Date Night

Tulip Time Festival at the Lake

Fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or stepfathers: bring your special girl and enjoy a glamorous evening! Dinner, dancing, pictures and prizes will highlight the evening.

Big Gage Shelter House 251-2600 Age: 2-16 yrs.

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Fee: $40/couple;

$14/additional daughter

Ted Ensley Gardens, Lake Shawnee 251-2600 Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fee: Suggested donation $5

March 17-24 Spring Break Hours: Gage Park Mini-Train and Carousel Mini-Train Hours: 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Carousel Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

April 15 Easter Egg Hunt Bring your basket and join the Easter Bunny for a great hunt.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 0-9 yrs.

Time: 11 a.m.

Fee: Free

April 22

April 7-23

Party on the Prairie

Tulip Time

Wanted: All Cowboys and Cowgirls for a Yippee Ki Yay good time. Grab your boots and mosey on over to Old Prairie Town. The Round-up will include Wild West games and crafts. Enjoy cactus juice and cowboy grub.

Old Prairie Town 251-2993 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Time: 10 a.m.-Noon Fee: $15 per person

Old Prairie Town/Ward-Meade Botanical Garden | Gage Park, Lake Shawnee 251-2600

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youth sports Teaching sportsmanship and skills “Fun, no matter what” is how Derrick Mead describes Shawnee County Parks + Recreation’s Youth Sports program.

Mead joined SCP+R in 2016 as youth sports manager, overseeing sports leagues including soccer, flag football, volleyball, basketball, T-ball, and coach-pitch/machine pitch baseball and softball. In 2016, SCP+R served more than 5,000 players and had more than 900 volunteer coaches for its Youth Sports leagues in which 2,255 games were played.

Teams are available for youth from age four up to 14 and under and even a few teams for older players. Opportunities range from recreational play to competitive tournaments. At all levels, the sportsmanship emphasis runs across the board from players to officials to parents. Sportsmanship guidelines are also in effect for leagues as well as visiting tournaments.

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parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

“I think our coaches do a pretty good job of balancing teaching skills and sportsmanship because our coaches are almost always parents,” says Mead. “They teach lessons they would want their own children to know.”

At coaches meetings before the season begins, rosters and equipment are issued along with resources for skills and drills.

Preseason clinics are also held to help players and coaches “get their feet wet” before official play starts.

In addition to the emphasis on sportsmanship, the meetings cover such information as the role of officials in sports.

With Tykes Soccer, for example, officials focus on keeping the game going rather than stopping play each time a ball goes out of bounds. The officials begin to call the game more closely as children age and mature in skill level.

“With 6U [for example] they need organization,” notes Mead. “At that age they tend to just flock to the ball.” He adds, “They need to have fun though. If you try to over coach kids when they’re too young they’re not going to continue playing.”

SCP+R Sports works closely with the Topeka Premiere Umpire Association to train and schedule officials for youth sports leagues. Officials range from high school teenagers to seasoned veteran officials.

SCP+R coordinates seasonal umpire/ officials clinics by TPUA to help officials learn or review positioning on the court or field and the proper mechanics for making various calls in their respective sports.

There are also outside clinics for players. A local British soccer group out of Kansas City – Challenger Sports – has a clinic each summer at Bettis Family Sports Complex. SCP+R has met with the

group about attending coaches meetings in the future so coaches can learn more and the group can get the word out about its summer clinic.

What many don’t realize is that SCP+R contracts with several outside organizations to run baseball and softball leagues in a public/private partnership. These leagues include the Shawnee County Amateur Baseball Association which plays at Bettis Family Sports Complex, Shawnee County Girls Softball Association at the Lake Shawnee Girls Softball Complex, and Topeka Baseball and Softball Association at Dornwood Park.

SCP+R Sports also partners with such groups as Midwest Sports Productions, the Sunflower State Games and Grand Slam to offer competitive, tournament-level experiences for players of varying ages. This provides a challenging upgrade from typical recreational leagues. The tournaments are played at SCP+R’s top facilities such as Bettis Family Sports Complex and the Lake Shawnee Girls Softball Complex.

“We have more options and better facilities in more locations than some other leagues,” says Mead, regarding SCP+R’s sports leagues. “We offer highly instructional leagues to highly competitive.”

Flexibility is another advantage to playing SCP+R Sports.

“We’re there for the kids [and families],” Mead explains. “Some leagues are scheduled so the season ends in time for family vacations.”

If you would like get involved in providing youth with a positive recreational environment and team-based experience by coaching youth sports, call 251-2970 or email derrick.mead@snco.us. New coaches and players are always welcome.

“They teach lessons they would want their own children to know.”

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Tu li

p

i T

e m

April 7-23, 2017 C e l e b r at e S p r i n g w i t h T u l i p T i m e – 120,000 tulips; three public gardens; two special events

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THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

Tulip Time 2017 is set for April 7-23. More than 120,000 tulips of multiple colors and varieties will blanket three grand gardens— Te d E n s l e y Gardens at Lake Shawnee, Doran Rock Garden in Gage Park and Ward-Meade Botanical Garden next to Old Prairie To w n . V i s i t o r s from 86 cities across the nation celebrated spring with Tulip Time in Shawnee County l a s t y e a r.

This year, Tulip Time has expanded to include two special events:

Tulips at Twilight

Tulips at Twilight Ward-Meade Botanical Garden See the Ward-Meade Botanical Garden as never before with more than 40,000 multi-colored tulips illuminated by candle light. Stroll along candlelit pathways; enjoy a warm drink by the fire side; tour the historic buildings by the light of a lantern. Live music will enhance the evening’s experience. Doors open at 6 p.m. with music, light food and sweets served until 10 p.m. Presented by Friends of Ward Meade.

Age: 1+ Date: April 7-8 Time: 6-10 p.m.

Fee: Suggested donation $5

Tulip Time Festival at the Lake Lake Shawnee A popular event last year, Tulip Time Festival at the Lake returns to Ted Ensley Gardens in 2017. Grab lunch from your favorite food truck, take in a musical performance, visit the craft vendors, sit in on a master gardener class and, of course, stroll the gardens to view 60,000 tulips in bloom on a beautiful spring day.

Age: 1+ Date: April 9 Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fee: Suggested donation $5

Children 5 and under free

Tulip Time is made possible by: Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation, Friends of Ted Ensley Gardens, Friends of Ward-Meade, Shawnee County Parks + Recreation Winter/Spring THE GUIDE /

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Gage Park

Getting the most spring color in your garden Want to see brilliantly colored tropical plants growing in the middle of winter in Shawnee County? Take a trip down Conservatory Drive toward Snyder’s Cabin on a sunny day and peer through the glass windows of the Gage Park greenhouse.

You’ll see a colorful mixture of plants that will appear in parks next spring.

While Gage Park is known for the Reinisch Rose Garden and the Doran Rock Garden, it is also one of the feature stops during Tulip Time. The park horticulture staff planted 24,500 tulip and specialty bulbs that will bloom this spring in the rock garden and around Gage Park.

But, they work hard to stretch out the entire colorful spring season.

“Gage Park is an almost before Tulip time place to visit,” explains Aaron Atkins, the park’s lead horticulturist. “This whole area is covered in daffodils. There is also an area of trees that bloom in early spring.”

Look for specialty bulb plantings such as crocus and hyacinths around the Doran Rock Garden, the carousel and Snyder’s Cabin. Annual beds inside Gage Park are planted with pansies, calendula, osteospermum and flowering kale.

Flowering trees include magnolias, crab apples and more. The aim, says Atkins, is to plant the entire park with plants and shrubs that you don’t normally see in typical commercial landscapes or at big box stores.

The kind of phone call the horticulture staff likes to get is, “Do you take care of that location, because I’ve never seen that kind of plant before!”

The Gage Park greenhouse grows 50,000 to 70,000 annuals and some perennials that are planted in parks such as the Ward-Meade Botanical Garden, the Reinisch Rose Garden and annual beds in parks all over the county. While some are ordered in as plugs, most are grown from seed.

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Did you know?

The greenhouses at Lake Shawnee and Gage Park grow more than 150,000 of the flowers, plants and shrubs you see in Shawnee County parks.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Youth Activities Martial Arts

Karate – Okinawan Shorin-Ryu

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 6+ Date: Jan. 10-Feb. 23, Feb. 28-April 13,

April 18-June 1 Time: Tue., Thur. 6-7 p.m.

Fee: $40 per person per session

Advanced K arate Okinawan Shorin-Ryu

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 6+ Date: Jan. 10-Feb. 23, Feb. 28-April 13,

April 18-June 1 Time: Tue., Thur. 6-7:30 p.m.

Fee: $52 per person per session

Karate

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 7+ Date: Jan. 9-Feb. 22, Feb. 27-April 12,

April 1-May 31 Time: Mon., Wed. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee: $50 per person per session

Tae Kwon Do - Beginners & Advanced

Programs

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 7+ Date: Ongoing Time: Thurs. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee: $30 per person per month

Dance

Tap and Ballet

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 4-8 yrs.

Date: Feb. 1-March 8, April 5-May 10 Time: Wed. 6-6:45 p.m.

Fee: $40 per person per session

Youth Open Gym

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18 and under Date: Ongoing (No open gym Jan. 16) Time: Mon.-Fri. 3-5 p.m.,

Sat. 9 a.m.-Noon Fee: Free

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Moonlight Egg Hunt

Bring a flashlight and wear your walking shoes! The hunt takes place on the Shawnee North Nature Trail.

Pre-registration is required.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 5-12 yrs.

Date: April 13 Time: Thurs. 8-9 p.m.

Fee: $10 per person

Adult Activities Martial Arts Karate

Youth Open Gym

Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Age: 18 and under Date: Ongoing Time: Mon.-Fri. 3-5 p.m.

Fee: Free

School Days Out

Join the Oakland staff for a day full of fun and games!

Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: Feb. 17, March 17, April 28 Time: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

(pre-care 7:30-9 a.m.

post care 4-5:30 p.m.)

Fee: $20 per person per day

School Day Out

YMCA Swimming Pre and post care included, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 5-12 yrs.

Date: Feb. 17 Time: Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fee: $35 per person

Movie and More

Pre and post care included, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 5-12 yrs.

Date: Feb. 17 Time: Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fee: $35 per person

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Spring Break

This will be a week filled with activities at the various community centers and around Topeka. Making new friends will be part of the experience. Pre-care (7:30-9 a.m.) and Post-care (4-5:30 p.m.) included.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Crestview Shelter House 251-2960 Garfield Community Center 251-2686 Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 6-12 yrs.

Date: March 20-24 Time: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Fee: $100 per person

Gone Fishing

Join Hillcrest’s staff in a fishing adventure at Lake Shawnee Jr.!

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 6-13 yrs.

Date: March 23, April 6 Time: 4-6 p.m.

Fee: $12 per person per session

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 7+ Date: Jan. 9-Feb. 22, Feb. 27-April 12,

April 17-May 31 Time: Mon., Wed. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee: $50 per person per session

Karate - Okinawan Shorin-Ryu

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 6+ Date: Jan. 10-Feb. 23, Feb. 28-April 13,

April 18-June 1 Time: Tue., Thur. 6-7 p.m.

Fee: $40 per person per session

Advanced K arate Okinawan Shorin-Ryu

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 6+ Date: Jan. 10-Feb. 23, Feb. 28-April 13, April 18-June 1

Time: Tue., Thur. 6-7:30 p.m.

Fee: $52 per person per session

Tae Kwon Do – Beginners & Advanced

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 7+ Date: On going Time: Thur. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee: $30 per person per month

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Airplane Club

Enjoy flying or watching indoor remote control planes.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: All Date: Ongoing Time: Thur. 10:30 a.m.-Noon Fee: Free

Oil and Acrylic Painting

Learn the basics of oil or acrylic using the Old Masters technique.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Date: Jan. 4-25, Feb. 1-22, March 1-22, March 29-April 19 Time: Wed. 9:15-11:15 a.m.

Date: Jan. 4-25, Feb. 1-22, March 1-22, March 29-April 19 Time: Wed. 1-3 p.m.

Date: Jan. 5- 26, Feb. 2- 23, March 2-23, March 30-April 20 Time: Thur. 1-3 p.m.

Fee: $36 per person per session

Watercolor

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Date: Jan. 9-30, Feb. 6-Feb. 27, March 6-March 27, April 3-April 24 Time: Mon. 9 -11 a.m.

Fee: $36 per person per session

Adaptive Recreation Movie Club

Watch a movie with popcorn and drink. Answer a trivia question after the movie.

Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Age: 16+ Dates: Jan. 4, Feb. 1, March 1, April 5 Time: Wed. Noon-2 p.m.

Fee: $4

Dancehouse

Spend an evening with your friends. Listen to music from Solid Rock Sound Machine.

Big Gage Shelter House 251-2953 Age: 16+ Date: Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13 Time: Thur. 6-8 p.m.

Fee: $5 per person

Bingo

Play for prizes while everyone munches on popcorn.

Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Age: 16+ Dates: Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 29 Time: Wed. 10:30 a.m.-Noon

Urban Ballroom Dance

Learn the art of ballroom dance to a different beat.

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: Jan. 18-Feb. 10 Time: Wed., Fri. 5-6 p.m.

Fee: $30 per person

Beekeeper Classes

Master beekeepers Steve & Becky Tipton offer exciting lessons in beekeeping.

Explore hive construction, installing the bees, and hive management up until harvest time.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 12 + Date: Feb. 15, March 15, April 19 Time: Wed. 6:30-8 p.m.

Fee: Free

Photography

Learn the basics of photography using whatever camera you have.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 16+ Date: April 3-April 24 Time: Mon. 5-7 p.m.

Fee: $35 per person

ANTiquE TruNK rESTOrATiON

Joyce Myers will preview your trunk after you register. Class size is limited.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 18+ Date: April 24-28 Time: Mon.- Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fee: $60 per person

Topeka Shawnee County Public Library Classes Computerized Genealogy - TSCPL This class is 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: Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, April 6 Time: Thur. 10-11:30 a.m.

Fee: Free Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 18 + Date: Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8 Time: Mon 5-6 p.m.

Fee: Free

Book Group - TSCPL

Monthly book chat at Crestview.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18+ Date: Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 8 Time: Wed. 1-2 p.m.

Fee: Free

Story Time - TSCPL

Storytellers visit Crestview, read books, sing songs and teach learning activities.

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

Date: Jan. 12, Feb. 9, March 9, April 13, May 11 Time: Thur. 10:30-11 a.m.

Fee: Free

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Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation The Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation exists to reduce the financial burden of local government and taxpayers by seeking additional private funding sources to provide assurance that Shawnee County Parks + Recreation facilities remain in first class condition for generations to come.

Donations to the SCPR Foundation go toward the long-range preservation of the facilities and programs designated by the donor or into the general endowment fund. The Foundation recognizes benefactors by establishing a memoriam in their name that is permanently and prominently displayed within the parks and facilities they support.

Projects supported by generous gifts include: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Adaptive Recreation Bettis Family Sports Complex Dornwood Park Gage Park & Gardens Helen Hocker Theater Lake Shawnee Girls Softball Natural Areas & Trails Old Prairie Town Shawnee County Baseball Hall of Fame Ted Ensley Gardens Topeka Horseshoe Association Youth Scholarships

For more information

contact Rachel Meyer

785.251.2685 scprfoundation.org

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/ THE GUIDE Winter/Spring

Sports Sports Office 251-2970

Youth

Youth Volleyball League

Participants will be placed on teams that will practice once during the week and play games on Saturdays. Individual or team registrations accepted.

Registration deadline is Jan. 27.

Age: 7-14 Date: March 4-April 1 Fee: $40 per person

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. Registration deadline is Jan. 25.

Location: TBA Age: 6-14 Date: Feb. 1-22 Time: Wed. 6-7 p.m.

Fee: $20 per person

Youth Soccer League Participants will be placed on teams that will practice once during the week and play games on Saturdays. Individual or team registrations accepted.

Registration deadline is March 3.

Location: Bettis Family Sports

Complex

Shawnee North

Community Park Age: 4-14 Date: April 8-May 6 Fee: $40 per person

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. Registration deadline is March 1.

Location: Shawnee North

Community Park Age: 3-8 Date: March 8-29 Time: Wed. 6-7 p.m.

Fee: $20 per person

Youth T-Ball Clinic

Individuals will learn the basics of sportsmanship, teamwork and T-ball. Clinic will run for four weeks.

Location: Felker Park Complex Age: 3-6 Date: March 6-27 Time: Mon. 5:30-6:15 p.m.

Fee: $20 per person Location: Shawnee North

Complex Age: 3-6 Date: April 10-May 1 Time: Mon. 5:30-6:15 p.m.

Fee: $20 per person

Youth Coach Pitch T-Ball League

Participants will be placed on teams which will practice once during the week and play games Monday-Friday. Individual or team registrations accepted.

Registration deadline is April 14.

Location: Felker Park Complex

Shawnee North

Community Park Age: 4-6 Date: May 29-July 7 Fee: $40 per person

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Kossover Youth Machine Pitch 8U and 11U

Participants will be placed on teams which will practice once during the week and play games Monday-Friday. Individual or team registrations accepted.

Registration deadline is April 14.

Location: Felker Park Complex Age: 7-12 Date: May 29-July 7 Fee: $40 per person

SCABA Baseball

Shawnee County Amateur Baseball Association serves youth ages 4 to 16. Children 6 and under sign up individually and team registration is required for ages 7-17. $250 team deposit due by Jan. 27.

Location: Bettis Family Sports

Complex Age: 4-16 Date: April 3-July 13 6U-$85 per child Fee:

7U-13U-$1,525

per team

14U-$1,400 per team

15/16-$1,200

per team

SCGSA Softball

Shawnee County Girls Softball Association serves youth softball athletes between the ages of 4 and 18. Children 6 and under sign up individually and team registration is required for ages 7-18. $250 team deposit due at February league meeting.

Location: Lake Shawnee

Softball Complex Age: 4-18 Date: April 3-July 13 Fee: 6U-$85 per child

7U MP/8U PP-$950

per team

10U/12U/14U-$1,250

per team

Grand Slam-$800

per team

TBSA Baseball + Softball

The Topeka Baseball and Softball Association (formerly the Highland Park Baseball Association and Dornwood Girls Softball Association) offer baseball and softball for boys and girls ages 4-18. Registration deadline is April 1.

Fee: Baseball-6U: $35

per player

8U-18U: $125

Softball-6U: $35

per player

8U-18U: $100 Call Melody Rosencutter at 785-640-0822 with questions.

Email: topekabaseballandsoftball@ theplate.com Website:

www.topekabaseballandsoftball.com

Option #1: Register online Option #2: Print and mail forms to: TBSA PO Box 1662 Topeka, KS 66601

Youth Golf Clinic

Is your child interested in playing golf? This clinic is a good way to start learning the basics of the game of golf and how to properly play it. Deadline to register is March 10.

Location: Felker Park Complex Age: 7-12 yrs.

Date: April 5-26 Time: Wed. 5:30-6:30 Fee: $30 per person

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 – mid-October, 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.

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

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iCan Bike

British Soccer

Tiny Tykes is a NEW and EXCITING program focusing on the development of children aged 2-5 years old. Our soccer experts and child development professionals have designed an innovative curriculum introducing your young soccer stars to the basic soccer skills, while developing strength, balance, coordination, listening skills and teamwork. Our British coaches are experts at working with young children, and will combine soccer with fun games, stories and music, keeping your children entertained and enthused to return next week.

Dates: March 28-May 2 Time: Tues. 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

(ages 2-3)

Tues. 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m.

(ages 4-5) Price: $75 per player Registration: www. challengersports.com

Adult

Adult Volleyball League –Spring

“Join us for this unique, fun, life-changing recreational program where each person is empowered to maximize their individual abilities. Riders will attend five 75-minute sessions for five consecutive days.

Volunteer your time and help Easterseals Capper Foundation, change the way the world defines and views disability by making profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day.

June 5 – 9, 2017

Central Park Community Center 1534 SW Clay Street Topeka, KS 66604

Rider Requirements:

Have a disability Must be 8 years of age Walk without an assistive device Be able to side step to both sides Be able to wear a properly fitted bike helmet Have a minimum inseam of at least 20” Not exceed the weight maximum of 220 lbs.

For more information contact the Easterseals Capper Foundation

Women’s, Men’s 50+ and CoRec volleyball leagues play a 6-week season with 12 matches. Players must register as a team and submit roster prior to first game.

Registration deadline is Jan. 18.

Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16 and up Date: Feb. 20-March 31 Fee: $150 per team-competitive $80 per team-recreational

Adult Volleyball League –Summer

Women’s, Men’s 50+ and CoRec volleyball leagues play a 6-week season with 12 matches. Players must register as a team and submit roster prior to first game.

Registration deadline is April 19.

Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16 and up Date: May 30-July 14 Fee: $150 per team-competitive

$80 per team-recreational

785.272.4060 | easterseals.com/capper

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/ THE GUIDE Winter/Spring

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Adult Softball League –Spring

Women’s, Men’s, and CoRec slow-pitch league single game season play a 4-game season.

Men’s and CoRec doubleheader leagues play an 8-game season. Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to first game.

Registration deadline is Feb. 12.

Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16 and up Date: March 20-April 21 Fee: $130 per team-single game $260 per team-doubleheader

Adult Softball League –Summer

Women’s, Men’s, and CoRec slow-pitch softball leagues play a 12-game season.

Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to first game. Registration deadline is March 22.

Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16 and up Date: May 1-Aug. 4 Fee: $395 per team

Adult Basketball League –Winter

Men’s basketball leagues play a 7-game season. Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to first game. Registration deadline is Dec. 16.

Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16 and up Date: Jan. 4-Feb. 16 Fee: $260 per team

Adult Basketball League –Spring

Men’s basketball leagues play a 7-game season. Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to first game. Registration deadline is Feb. 15.

Sports Office 251-2970 Ages: 16 and up Date: March 8-April 27 Fee: $260 per team

Adult 7 on 7 Soccer League Summer

7 on 7 soccer leagues play an 8-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 March 15. Sports Office 251-2970 Location: Bettis Family Sports Complex Age: 16 and up Date: April 12-June 8 Fee: $475 per team

Shawnee County

Trails

Shawnee County Parks + Recreation’s more than 50 miles of trails 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 23 miles of natural surface trails running through forested, prairie and open natural areas. Shawnee County Parks + Recreation is continually increasing the number and length of trails in our community while connecting as many trails as possible.

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.

Lake Shawnee Trail – 7.2-mile paved concrete pedestrian/bicycle trail encircling the lake.

Dornwood Nature Trail – 6-miles of natural surface, woodland hiking trail accessible from SE 25th and Highland.

Landon Trail – 4.75-mile paved and gravel trail along an abandoned railroad track running from SE 15th to SE 45th.

Azura Trails at Skyline Park – Four single-track loop trails comprising 4.7 miles of natural surface trails through wooded and prairie areas.

Warren Nature Area – 4 miles of natural surface trails beginning at SW 25th and Gage east of Felker Park. The trail includes a wetland to slow and clean runoff water from streets and neighborhoods. Many birds, mammals and aquatic species can be found here.

Welton Grove Park – 3 miles of natural surface trails.

Shawnee North Nature Trail – 2-mile natural surface trail on undeveloped parkland comprised of grasslands and

wooded areas. The first quarter-mile is asphalt paved for accessibility. Shawnee North Community Park also has a .8 mile paved fitness loop trail encircling the west side of the park.

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

Grant-Bradbury – Located west of Forbes Field, 2 miles of natural surface trails run through 80-acres of virgin prairie that has never been plowed. The area includes hundreds of native prairie species, some of which are scarcely found elsewhere in the state.

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

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 Trails – 1.6 miles of paved trail.

Freedom Valley – .75-mile concrete path.

Clarion Woods Trail – One-half mile single-track trail through a red cedar forest.

Brookfield Park – .3-mile paved trail.

Winter/Spring THE GUIDE /

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Preschool Toddler Open Gym

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 non-refundable 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.

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/ THE GUIDE Winter/Spring

TDC’s Creative Learning Adventures Preschool 300 NE 43rd St. Sharon Botsford, director 785-286-0676 or 785-272-5051 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, highquality 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.

Bring your little ones in for lots of fun.

Groups are welcome.

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

Date: Jan. 5-May 25 Time: Thur. 9-10:30 a.m.

Fee: Free Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: On-going Time: Thurs. 9-10:30 a.m.

Tap Dance

Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: Jan. 11-Feb. 8, March 1-29, April 19-May 17 Time: Wed. 5:30-6 p.m.

Fee: $25 per person per session

TuMBLiNG

Basic movement and coordination.

Increases flexibility and motor skills.

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

Date: Jan. 14-Feb. 11, March 4-April 1, April 22-May 20 Time: Sat. 9:30-10 a.m.

Fee: $25 per person per session

Ballet

Develop coordination, rhythm and basic ballet moves.

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

Date: Jan. 14-Feb. 11, March 4-April 1, April 22-May 20 Time: Sat. 10:30-11 a.m.

Fee: $25 per person per session

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

Dance

Dancers move to music and nursery rhymes. Gross and fine motor skills taught.

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

Date: Feb. 1-March 8, April 5-May 10 Time: Wed. 5:30-6 p.m.

Fee: $40 per person per session

Volunteer!

Squirmy Science

Have fun with hands on experiments.

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

Date: Feb. 15 Time: Wed. 6-7 p.m.

Fee: $9 per person

To the Moon and Back

Enjoy exploring outer space.

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

Date: March 15 Time: Wed. 6-7 p.m.

Fee: $9 per person

Spring Fever

Join us on the Shunga Trail to explore.

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

Date: April 19 Time: Wed. 6-7 p.m.

Fee: $9 per person

Flower Time

Celebrate spring by planting flowers, listening to a story, and enjoying a snack!

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 3-5 yrs.

Date: April 20 Time: Thurs. 10-11:30 a.m.

Fee: $10 per person

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 • Education • Facility Maintenance • Cultural • Historical • Tour Guides • Events • Coaching • Schoo l Projects • Administrative

For more information

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

Winter/Spring THE GUIDE /

15

Senior

Pitch at Crestview

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: $1 per person per week

Pitch at Shawnee North

Challenge friends to a game of 10-point pitch. Coffee and cards provided.

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

Fee: $1 per person per week

Adopta-Park/ 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, awareness and enhances the quality of life in our community.

Trivia at Crestview

Come outsmart your friends or learn some new facts.

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 50+ Date: Ongoing Time: Tues. 10-11:30 a.m.

Fee: $1 per person per week

Game Day

Bring your favorite board game and let the games begin. Coffee provided Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 40+ Date: Ongoing Time: Wed. 1-3 p.m.

Fee: $1 per person per week

Senior Bridge

Socialize and have fun playing bridge with friends.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: Jan. 10-May 30 Time: Tue. 12:30-4 p.m.

Fee: $1 drop-in

Lunch Time

We will provide the main dish. You can bring a side dish.

Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 40+ Date: Jan. 10 or Feb. 7, Time: Tue. Noon-2 p.m.

Fee: $10 per person

White Elephant Bingo

Enjoy spending time with friends while combining two classic activities! Bring a white elephant gift for the bingo prizes.

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 55+ Date: Jan. 18 Time: Wed. 10 a.m.-Noon Fee: $10 per person

Dominoes Wednesday

Family friendly game using Dominoes. Seasoned players, share your knowledge with others who want to learn and make new friends or catch up with old ones.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: Feb. 1-May 24 Time: Wed. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fee: $3 drop-in

Senior Shuffleboard

For more information

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

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/ THE GUIDE Winter/Spring

Socialize while having fun playing Shuffleboard Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: Jan. 5-May 25 Time: Thur. 10 a.m.-Noon Fee: $2 drop-in

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

FITNESS PASS Pilates • Yoga • Zumba and more Valid at SCP+R Facilities: • Central Park • Hillcrest • Shawnee North

• Crestview • Oakland

Good for 20 visits Phone: 785.251.2600 Website: parks.snco.us

Your Class • Your Schedule • Your Location

Fitness Pass

FITNESS PASS Pilates • Yoga • Zumba and more

Valid at SCP+R Facilities: • Central Park • Hillcrest • Shawnee North

• Crestview • Oakland

Good for 20 visits

Phone: 785.251.2600 Website: parks.snco.us

Shawnee County Parks + Your Class • Your Schedule • Your Location Recreation is offering an easy wayPASS to be fit and stay FITNESS healthy a schedule that Pilates • Yogaon • Zumba and more works for you!

Fitness Pass Classes 20/20 Workout

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 16+ Time: Tue., Thur. 5-6 p.m.

Zumba

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Time: Mon., Wed. 7-8 p.m.

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 16+ Time: Mon., Wed. 7- 8 p.m.

Shawnee North 286-0676 Age: 16+ Time: Sat. 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Gentle Yoga

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Time: Mon., Wed. 10-11 a.m.

Shawnee North 286-0676 Time: Tue., Thur. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Hypno Yoga

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Time: Mon., Wed. Noon-1 p.m.

Gentle Yoga

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Time: Tue., Thur. 10-11 a.m.

Easy Does It Yoga

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Time: Tue., Thur. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Gentle Yoga For Seniors Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 16+ Time: Tue., Thur. 9-10 a.m.

Weekend Yoga

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Time: Sat. 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Pilates

Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 16+ Time: Mon., Wed. 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Open Volleyball

All skill levels welcome to drop-in.

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

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

Fee: $2 per person Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Thur. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fee: $2 per person

Valid atFitness SCP+R Facilities: The Pass enables participants to for 20and visits • Central try a variety of• Crestview classes onGood the days Park • Hillcrestthat work • Oakland 785.251.2600 times for their Phone: own schedules.

• Shawnee North Website: parks.snco.us No more worrying about adhering to Your Class • Your Schedule • Your Location class times and locations.

On line schedule updates available.

FITNESS PASS 5-punch card-$20 10-punch card-$40 20-punch card-$80

Valid at SCP+R Facilities:

20

Good for participants say: visits •Fitness Central ParkPass• Crestview ••Hillcrest • Oakland 785.251.2600 “I like it because I can Phone: take different • Shawnee North Website: parks.snco.us

Yoga classes on different days.”

Your Class • Your Schedule • Your Location • “I like the flexibility because I don’t come as regularly. I don’t feel pressured to use up my pass [because FITNESS PASS it doesn’t expire].”

• “I used to have to buy two [yoga] sessions to attend classes on different Valid at SCP+R Facilities: days. Now I can just use myforpass.”

Good 20 visits • Central Park • Crestview “This allows• Oakland me to go Phone: to other yoga ••Hillcrest 785.251.2600 • Shawnee North classes elsewhere in theWebsite: city. parks.snco.us I like having the•flexibility.”

Your Class Your Schedule • Your Location

Fitness Punch Pass benefits: • Try a variety of classes • Bring a friend/share a punch pass • Choose the class that fits your schedule • Take advantage of a great value • Passes never expire • Good for any Parks + Recreation fitness class listed Exercise benefits: • Fitness classes help you de-stress • Exercise can improve your memory • People who work out regularly get sick less often • Sleep better after working out • Changing up your classes/fitness routine keeps you fresh

Winter/Spring THE GUIDE /

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Open Gym

Prime Time Volleyball

Practice your shot and skills.

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

Fee: $2 per person

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Tues. 7-9 p.m.

Fee: $2 per person

Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Time: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

(when available) Fee: $2 per person

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

Fee: $2 per person

Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Mon., Wed. 1-3 p.m.

(No Open Gym Jan. 1) Fee: $2 per person

Pickleball

Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing (No Pickleball Jan. 1) Time: Mon. 10 a.m.-Noon

Tue. Noon-2 p.m.

Wed. 10 a.m.-Noon

Fri. 6-8 p.m.

Fee: $2 per person

Wellness Center

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

$25 per year students

Cypress Ridge 2533 SW Urish Road 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.

Golf

Courses

Lake Shawnee 4141 SE East Edge Road 785.251.2640 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.

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/ THE GUIDE Winter/Spring

Forbes 700 SW Capehart Road 785.862.0114 www.forbesgc.com Forbes is a nine-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.

FootGolf 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 strokes possible. The course is set up as an 18-hole par-66 layout measuring 2,057 yards.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Aquatics

SHAWNEE NORTH FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER

BLAISDELL FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER

Facility Rental Rent the whole facility for church groups, family reunions, even staff parties. Outside food is welcome.

Admin. Annex 251-2600 or Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 18+ to register Date: June-Aug. Time: Fri.-Sun. 7-8:30 p.m.

Fee: $650

Facility Rental Rent the whole facility for church groups, family reunions, even staff parties. Outside food is welcome.

Admin. Annex 251-2600 or Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 18+ to register Date: June-Aug. Time: Fri.-Sun. 7-8:30 p.m.

Fee: $650 Party Room Rental Rent the air conditioned party room just adjacent to the aquatic facility. Rental includes 12 admission wristbands.

Additional bands are $3 each. Outside food is welcome but must stay in party room.

Admin. Annex 251-2600 or Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 18+ to register Date: June-Aug. Time: 12:30-3 p.m. or 3:30-6 p.m.

Fee: $125

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

Admin. Annex 251-2600 or Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 18+ to register Date: June-Aug. Time: 12:30-3 p.m. or 3:30-6 p.m.

Fee: $100

MIDWEST HEALTH AQUATIC CENTER Facility Rental Rent the whole facility for church groups, family reunions, even staff parties. Outside food is welcome.

Admin. Annex 251-2600 or Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 18+ to register Date: June-Aug. Time: Fri.-Sun. 7-8:30 p.m.

Fee: $700

Garfield Pool, Hillcrest Pool, Rossville Pool Rentals Time: 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. $100 Fee:

PUNCH PASSES Blaisdell/Shawnee North Family Aquatic Centers Youth Adult $35 $40 10-Punch 20-Punch $70 $80 50-Punch $150 $175 *Punch Passes for Midwest Health Aquatic Center TBA

NEW THIS SEASON Season Pool Pass Up to 4 people per visit Used at all SCP+R aquatic facilities Best price for summer fun Fee: $250 • Registration for rentals and classes begins Jan. 9.

• For information on swim lessons visit parks.snco.us

Winter/Spring THE GUIDE /

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Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center Topeka Zoo 785-368-9180 635 SW Gage Blvd Topeka, KS 66606 Brendan Wiley, Director www.topekazoo.org

Zoo Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

Grounds open until 5 p.m.

The Topeka Zoo is open year-round except on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.

Admission Fees: Children 2 and under: FREE Ages 3-12: $4.25 Ages 13-64: $5.75 Senior Citizens (65 & older): $4.75

Group rates are available with advanced notice.

Contact the zoo at 785-3689180 for more information.

Eggstr avaganza Come watch as zoo animals search for specially made eggs, some with great animal treats and enrichment in them. Contact the zoo at 368-9137 for additional information.

Date: April 15 Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fee: Regular zoo admission

Other Zoo Events BIRTHDAY PARTIES at the Zoo: Take the stress out of party preparation for your child’s birthday as zoo staff take care of all the details while providing a birthday your child will never forget.

Call 368-9180.

EdZooCation Edventures:

Spring Break Camp: Top Spring Break Destinations!

A great event for your kids while out of school for Spring Break.

Date: March 20-24 Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Stay late option until 5 p.m. for a small extra fee.

Age: 6-12.

Fee: $155 per camper for the week for FOTZ members. $180 per camper for the week for nonmembers. Registration opens Jan. 9. Register on-line at www. topekazoo.com. Call 368-9137 for additional information, or to register by phone.

PRE -SCHOOL ZOOTIME: Visit the zoo on the first Friday of each month at 10:30 a.m. for a story, educational activity and a live animal encounter. Registration is not required, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Call 785-368-9137 for information.

Date: March 3, April 7 Time: 10:30-11 a.m.

Age: 2-5 yrs.

Fee: $2 per child plus zoo admission

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/ THE GUIDE Winter/Spring

DISCOVERY HOME SCHOOL: For home schoolers and other interested school age children with an adult. Designed to provide learners of all ages with an up close and personal encounter with science concepts, vocabulary, and interactions with zoo animals.

Meets the third Wednesday of each month in the zoo’s education classroom.

Date: Jan. 18, Feb. 15, March 15, April 19 Time: 1-3 p.m.

Fee: $5 per child plus zoo admission for adults and children STORYTIME AT BARNES & NOBLE: Bring your child to join the Topeka Zoo at Barnes & Noble on the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. Zoo staff will read an animal related story and provide a fun animal themed craft your child can make and take home each month.

Date: Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 8, April 12 Time: 10-10:30 a.m.

Fee: Free

ZOO 2 YOU AT THE TOPEKA & SHAWNEE COUNTY LIBRARY: Join us as the zoo takes live animals to the library on the first Thursday of each month. Each month is a different wildlife theme with an all new animal collection.

Date: Jan. 5, Feb. 2, March 2, April 6 Time: 4-4:45 p.m.

Fee: Free Free Evening Conservation Presentations Join us for our FREE evening presentation on a wide variety of conservation related topics involving animal species here at home, across the nation, or around the globe. This series features recognized local or international speakers. Presentations are on the second Thursday of every other month with zoo animal encounters following each presentation.

Date: Jan. 12, March 9 Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fee: Free

TWILIGHT TOURS: Take a journey through your zoo at night with this special behindthe-scenes tour! Preregistration is required.

Call 785-368-9180 for pricing or more information.

ZOO SNOOZE OVERNIGHTS: Spend a wild night at the Topeka Zoo. Overnights run 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. the following morning, and are filled with lots of great hands-on activities.

Snacks and a light breakfast are provided.

Call 368-9180 for details.

Earth Day at the Topek a Zoo: Join us for a zoo full of hands-on and exciting events, speakers, and activities for Earth Day at the zoo.

Date: April 22 Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fee: Regular zoo admission

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Rentals

Rentals Facility

Capacity

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.

Season

Daily

Weekends and Co. Holidays

Gage Park

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

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

(Sat.-Sun.) 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Steak Grill 40 April 1-Oct. 31 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Corral #2 40 April 1-Oct. 31 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

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

Lake Shawnee

Shelter #1 120 April 1-Oct. 31 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

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

Shelter #3 80 Year-round 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

(Sat.-Sun.) each session Shelter #4 120 April 1-Oct. 31 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Shelter #5 120 April 1-Oct. 31 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Shelter #6 80 Year-round 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

(Sat.-Sun.) each session Garden House 70 Year-round 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

(Sat.-Sun.) 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Garden Pagoda 45 April 1-Oct. 31 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. (M-Th.)

(Fri.-Sun.) 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Garden Pergola 90 April 1-Oct. 31 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. (M-Th.)

(Fri.-Sun.) 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Reynolds Lodge 200 Year-round 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

(Sat.-Sun.) 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Gazebo #1 75 April 1-Oct. 31 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. (M-Th.)

(Fri.-Sun.) 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Lake Shawnee Event Center 200 Year-round 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. (M-Th.)

(Fri.-Sun.) 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Yacht Club 40 April 1-Oct. 31 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Other Facilities

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

(Sat.-Sun.) 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

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

(Sat.-Sun.) 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

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

(Sat.-Sun.) 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Fee

$220 $220 $440 $85 $110 $135 $70 $65 $65 $175

$70 $85 $110 $150 $70 $70 $110 $150 $165 $400 $175 $350 $220 $440 $165 $450 $220 $440 $300 $600 $85

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

Winter/Spring THE GUIDE /

21

Visit

Old Prairie

Town

At Ward-Meade Historic Site

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. Noon-4 p.m. Sun. Potwin Drug Store: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Noon-4 p.m. Sun.

Featuring: 1854 replica Log Cabin with Blacksmith Shop, 1870s Prairie Mansion on the National Register of Historic Places and the 2.5-acre WardMeade 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.

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/ THE GUIDE Winter/Spring

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

Saturday: Noon & 2 p.m.

Sunday: 2 p.m.

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-ofthe-century barber shop.

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

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 a stream, bridge, gazebo and waterfall. Many weddings are held in the garden each year. Call 251-2993.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Visit Weddings And Receptions Make your wedding a historic event!

All packages require a $75 nonrefundable 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 (Monday-Friday) 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.

Meetings, Anniversaries, Showers, Etc. Preston Hale Reception Room (maximum 72) Lingo Livery Stable (maximum 35) Potwin Drug Store (maximum 25)

Meals for Groups and Organizations The following food programs include 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 hearth-cooking 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, hearthbaked 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 occasion to remember.

Choice of entree includes baked ham or chicken served with salad, vegetable, potatoes, freshly baked scones and old-fashioned 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.

SCHOOLHOUSE SESSION $55 Are you looking for a unique experience for your class or youth group? Come and spend an hour in our authentic one-room 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.) $10 per participant. Minimum 10.

Maximum 15.

This party is in our one-room country schoolhouse with old-fashioned turnof-the-century fun. This party includes a “session” with the schoolmarm playing old-time games. Guests will share an old-fashioned cake with ice cream and lemonade. We also furnish handcrafted favors, a prize and a tour.

Children’s Victorian Party (Ages 6-12 yrs.) $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.

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

Winter/Spring THE GUIDE /

23

Visit

Regional

Parks 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 Other Recreational Opportunities • Summer Day Camps • Accessible Ball Field • Softball Diamond • Soccer Fields • Topeka Metro Bike Station • Sand Volleyball Courts • Horseshoe Courts • Amphitheater • Shelter Houses

24

/ THE GUIDE Winter/Spring

Rose Garden Weddings Imagine the romantic beauty of your wedding in the Reinisch Rose Garden. Peak blooming times for the 5,500 roses are late May into early June, and again in 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.

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

Other Recreational Opportunities • Summer Day Camps • Disc Golf • Tennis Courts • Soccer Fields • Heated Fishing Dock • Sand Volleyball Courts • Windsurf Beach • Topeka Metro Bike Stations Ted Ensley Gardens The Ted Ensley Gardens are located on the west side of scenic Lake Shawnee, offering a great panoramic view. They provide a beautiful, 9.5-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. An arboretum with 80 species of trees is just across the street. An adjoining natural area is under development.

Campground

Campground Policies • Laundry facilities are

available at the shower b

uilding.

• A variety of beverages,

snacks and fire wood are

sold at the concessions

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 e ncouraged.

• 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 non

campers.

Registration Fees • April 15-Oct. 15 RV, Campers,

Tents - $20 per night • Oct. 16-April 14 RV, Campers, Tents - $17 per night

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Shawnee County Parks + Recreation Facilities •

• •

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 through Sept. 15 each year.

• Reservations must be for a minimum of two (2) nights.

• Refunds will not be issued for unused sites.

Public Fishing Areas • Lake Shawnee • Lake Shawnee, Jr. • Westlake, Gage Park • Central Park Pond, 1534 SW Clay • Clarion Woods Pond, SW 37th & Fairlawn • Freedom Valley Pond, SE 14th & Locust • Ward-Martin Creek in Auburndale Park, 2400 NW Perry • Horseshoe Bend Pond, SE 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 and Parks and Tourism regulations apply. Lake Shawnee and Ward-Martin Creek in Auburndale Park are stocked in the spring and fall with trout. Barrierfree 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 KDWTP at 785-273-6740 or www.kdwpt.state.ks.us.

Administration Office 3137 SE 29th St., Topeka KS 66605 785.251.2600 Administrative Annex 1800 SE 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66607 785.251.2600 Sports 801 NE Poplar Topeka, KS 66616 785.251.2970 Central Park Community Center 1534 SW Clay, Topeka, KS 66604 785.251.2965 Crestview Community Center 4801 SW Shunga Dr, Topeka, KS 66614 785.251.2960 Cypress Ridge Golf Course 2533 SW Urish Rd, Topeka, KS 66614 785.251.2670 Forbes Golf Course 700 SW Capehart Rd, Topeka, KS 66619 785.862.0114 Garfield Community Center 1600 NE Quincy St., Topeka, KS 66608 785.251.2950 Hillcrest Community Center 1800 SE 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66607 785.251.2956 Lake Shawnee Golf Course 4141 SE East Edge Rd, Topeka, KS 66609 785.251.2640 Lake Shawnee Recreation 3137 SE 29th St., Topeka KS 66605 785.251.2600 Oakland Community Center 801 NE Poplar Topeka, KS 66616 785.251.2953 Old Prairie Town 124 N. Filmore Topeka, KS 66606 785.251.2989 Parks Division 1800 SE 21st Street, Topeka, KS 66607 785.251.2600 Rice Community Center 432 SE Norwood, Topeka, KS 66607 785.251.2976 Shawnee North Community Center 300 NE 43rd St., Topeka, KS 66617 785.286.0676 Velma K. Paris Community Center 6715 SW Westview Rd., Topeka, KS 66619 785.862.1630 West Lawn Memorial Gardens 820 SW Auburn Rd, Topeka, KS 66615 785.251.2600

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 Terry L. Bertels

Randy Luebbe

John Boyd Susan Fowler-Hentzler Shawn Osborne Kerry Golden Mike Cope

Director Deputy Director of Properties, Planning and Assets Deputy Director of Operations and Communications Greenspace/Land Superintendent Recreation Superintendent Outdoor Adventures Superintendent Director of Golf 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+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+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.

Winter/Spring THE GUIDE /

25

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID AMERICAN PRE-SORT INC

3137 SE 29th St. • Topeka, KS 66605

Summer

Camps Registration begins March 7

Camp Connections Lake Shawnee Back to Nature Gage Park Passport to Adventure Crestview Park Camp Connections Shawnee North Community Park Civitan Day Camp Gage Park

May 30-Aug. 5

(BTN will extend one additional week Aug. 7-11)

Fee: $100 per week Camp Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pre Care begins 7:15 a.m.

Post Care until 5:30 p.m.

*Civitan Day Camp’s Hours will vary

When school is out …

Looking for a well supervised and safe environment for your children this summer?

We offer a variety of licensed, fun-filled, interactive and educational summer camps where campers will learn new skills, develop friendships and have an exciting summer. The days are busy with arts, crafts, exploring nature, field trips, sports, special events, swimming, cooking and more.