STAY ALERT, STAY POSITIVE Keep up with public health guidelines and safety information pg. 4 Ridgeview Road opens, more street projects underway pg. 8 Summertime safety tips pg. 12 Parks & Recreation facilities, programs reopen safely pg. 19 Popular upcoming events reimagined pg. 20
In this issue SUMMER 2020 • ISSUE THREE
On the cover: This American Goldfinch and a family of Canada Geese were some of the many photogenic birds spotted by photographer Kerry Erington in Lenexa. Trying to stay away from crowds? It’s a perfect time to explore Lenexa’s natural areas and wildlife.
3 A message from Mayor Boehm 4 Keep up with changes 5 Reopening plan updates • Be aware of symptoms 6 Protect each other
CONTACT US City Hall 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday 913.477.7500 17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 913.477.7725 AskComDevel@lenexa.com Building permits, licenses (business, pet, rental, etc.), code violations, new development, engineering, right of way, traffic management, planning, zoning CITY ADMINISTRATION CityClerk@lenexa.com HUMAN RESOURCES HumanResources@lenexa.com COMMUNICATIONS Communications@lenexa.com Parks & Recreation Programs and classes, festivals and events, park maintenance, facility and shelter rentals, pools (see pg. 28 for facility hours and locations) 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday–Friday 913.477.7100 17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy.
7 County vs. state rules • How to help/get help Police Department Crime prevention and incident response, police reports, animal control, traffic safety, vacation house watch, school resource officers 913.477.7301 (non-emergency) 12500 W. 87th St. Pkwy.
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9 Street project news 10 Plans, projects delayed • Budget hearing set 11 City services maintained 12 Summertime safety
Fire Department Fire prevention and incident response, burn permits, first aid training, fire extinguisher training, fire inspections 913.888.6380 (non-emergency) Administrative office: 9620 Pflumm Rd.
13 Water woes 101
Municipal Court Pay a ticket, court record search, victims’ rights 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday 913.477.7600 12400 W. 87th St. Pkwy.
18 Boating and fishing FAQs
Municipal Services Street repair and maintenance, street lights, snow and ice removal, stormwater drainage 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday–Friday 913.477.7880 7700 Cottonwood St.
TownTalk is published six times a year by the City of Lenexa. Please send questions or comments to communications@lenexa.com. Lenexa.com/TownTalk 2
8 Ridgeview Road open
14 Lenexa Public Market 16 Q&A with retiring attorney 17 Welcome new management staff 19 Parks & Recreation has safe reopening plans 30 At-home activities
Stay up to date Sign up for up to eight e-newsletters that interest you: Lenexa.com/ENews
A MESSAGE FROM LENEXA MAYOR MIKE BOEHM The COVID-19 pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives and touched each one of us in different ways. We are living through an experience that will forever be a part of world history and spoken about for generations to come. Many of our residents and businesses have been impacted physically, mentally, and financially by the pandemic. Whether it be direct illness from exposure to the virus, the impacts of isolation, anxiety and stress, and/or lost jobs and wages, the consequences of COVID-19 are evident in our daily lives. I am proud of how our community has responded and am confident that our residents will continue to help each other through these difficult times. Throughout the health crisis, the City Council and professional staff have continued to work on your behalf and rapidly adapt and respond. The City has provided key services without interruption and have enhanced our use of technology to do business and provide programs remotely for the safety of our staff and those we serve. We have worked closely with the State of Kansas, Johnson County and other cities across the metro area to provide consistent messaging and guidance. These efforts reflect the positive relationships and trust elected officials and professional staff have developed with our peers over the years. Most public health experts predict that the virus will be present for many months to come. As we continue to adjust to the evolving situation, everyone has a responsibility to do their part to protect each other. It is imperative for you to stay informed and continue living in a way that helps keep both you and our entire community safe. Remember that your actions impact everyone around you — especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. As we move forward, here are some things we ask of you: • Continue to practice preventive measures, including washing your hands, wearing a face mask and avoiding large gatherings. • Stay home if you are showing symptoms of the virus. • Seek out reliable information, and base your decisions on the advice of experts. • Read up-to-date information on Lenexa.com and JoCoGov.org. • Support local businesses. • Follow the phasing guidelines and recommendations provided by the state. • If you are able, donate to relief efforts through reputable charities. • Become a blood donor. Thank you for your consideration and for doing your part. Please join us in thanking our essential service workers, including police, fire, EMT, health care and nursing home professionals, our postal workers and delivery drivers, and all levels of our food service providers — all who have kept us safe, connected and nourished throughout the pandemic. We look forward to the time that we gather together as a community at one of the many events and festivals that make Lenexa so special. In the meantime, please engage in some of the virtual events that are being offered. Until then, please be safe and take care of each other.
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Photo by Bill Harrison
Seek help if you might be sick
Photo by Bill Harrison
Understanding the latest reopening plans As public health officials learn more about how this new coronavirus is affecting people and where and how it’s spreading, rules have changed often. And, it’s likely they will continue to shift in the future as we adapt to the ways the virus is impacting our community.
NAVIGATING THE REOPENING PHASES
On Tuesday, May 26, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed Kansas House Bill 2054 that would have weakened her emergency power and authority from local county health officers during the ongoing pandemic. Going forward, the governor’s “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” is available as guidance to county health officials, who have the authority to impose health, business and mass gathering limits. Johnson County Local Health Officer Dr. Joseph LeMaster and Johnson County Department of Health and Environment Director Dr. Sanmi Areola both strongly recommend that Johnson County residents and businesses continue to adhere to the phases and guidance in the state’s “Ad Astra” plan. As an organization, the City of Lenexa will continue to follow the “Ad Astra” plan for reopening city buildings, facilities, programs and events. The Governor’s Office will still provide analysis of data and recommend when to move through the phases.
Most cases of COVID-19 cause mild symptoms. But in some people — especially older adults and people with underlying medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease or diabetes — COVID-19 can cause severe symptoms and serious complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these symptoms might mean you have COVID-19: • Cough • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • Fever • Chills • Muscle pain • Sore throat • New loss of taste/smell Some less common symptoms have also been reported. These include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and have some of these symptoms, call your health care provider for further instructions.
YOUR BEST RESOURCES
DO NOT go to the emergency room or call 911 if you think you’ve been exposed or have mild symptoms.
At JoCoGov.org/Coronavirus, you can keep up with the county’s latest health recommendations and orders. Johnson County also maintains a COVID-19 dashboard that tracks current outbreak data, as well as a helpful list of frequently asked questions.
You should call 911 if you have warning signs including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face, or other severe symptoms.
View “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” at covid.ks.gov. You’ll also find frequently asked questions and guidelines for opening businesses, houses of worship, community organizations and other activities safely.
A quick way to keep up with which phase we’re in and how it impacts Lenexa: Lenexa.com/Coronavirus.
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Photo by Bill Harrison
Help our community stay safe and healthy Taking steps to prevent infection from the novel coronavirus can help keep you safe. It also protects your family, your co-workers and people you encounter in public places like the grocery store or park. Staying at home when you’re sick isn’t the only way to stop the spread of COVID-19 (although it is a very important one!). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 35% of those who have the virus don’t have symptoms. You can also spread the virus before you start having symptoms. It can take two to 14 days to show symptoms after you’ve been exposed to the virus. To help keep everyone in our community safe, consider these safety measures from “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” and the CDC.
Keeping at least 6 feet between yourself and others is important everywhere: even outdoors!
Stay home as much as you can (and find fun ways to enjoy your time there starting on page 30). The main way COVID-19 is thought to be spread is from person to person, especially between people who are in close contact with each other. Maintaining good social distance of at least 6 feet is very important to preventing the virus’s spread, the CDC reports. Keeping about two arm lengths between you is a good way to measure. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets produced when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. To help prevent these droplets from traveling in the air, the CDC recommends people wear cloth face coverings in
public places, including at grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. It may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching these areas. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like phones, keyboards, doorknobs, handles and light switches daily.
GLOVES DON’T BELONG ON THE GROUND While you may choose to take precautions by wearing masks or gloves in public, it’s important to be thoughtful about how you dispose of them. Used gloves and disposable masks are littering parking lots at grocery stores, pharmacies and other public areas. Over time, they find their way into storm drains, where they cause obstructions and drainage problems. They also end up in streams, which creates dangers for wildlife. If you wear gloves or a mask in public, always make sure you dispose of them in a trash can. Or, leave the gloves at home and just make sure to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Public health organizations say gloves aren’t necessary unless you’re cleaning or caring for someone who is sick. 6
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State guidelines vs. county guidelines: Whose rules am I supposed to follow? At times during the pandemic, you’ve been asked to abide by overlapping directives from the state and county. When in doubt, follow whoever’s rules are more restrictive. Local health departments like Johnson County can put more restrictive guidelines in place than the State of Kansas in certain conditions to address the public health needs of their residents. This is why Johnson County was able to extend its stay-at-home order when the State of Kansas entered Phase One of the Governor’s recovery plan. However, local governments can’t be less restrictive than the State’s rules. For example, Johnson County could not choose to reopen businesses that the State says must remain closed. If you’re confused about which rules or guidelines you should be following, go to our Coronavirus updates page at Lenexa. com/Coronavirus. We’re keeping track of the most recent changes to public health orders and general guidelines on this page.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on more than the health of our community. Job loss, financial strain and mental health crises are among the struggles Lenexans have faced over the last few months. Whether you’re looking for assistance or would like to lend a helping hand, we’ve compiled a list of resources at Lenexa.com/Coronvirus. Here are a few you may find helpful.
I NEED HELP The United Way of Greater Kansas City can help connect you to more than 8,000 programs offering food, financial help, utility assistance and more. For assistance, visit 211kc.org or call 211. They’re available 24/7. Harvesters can help identify food pantries in your area. To learn more, go to Harvesters.org/get-help or call 877.353.6639. If there are children living in your household, check with your local school district for info on meal pickup services. The Johnson County Mental Health Center is providing many resources for those who need support during this difficult time. Call 913.826.4200 or visit JoCoGov.org to learn more. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call their 24/7 crisis line at 913.268.0156.
I WANT TO HELP A coalition of charitable, business and government partners has joined together to create the Kansas City Regional COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund to address the needs of the region’s most vulnerable communities. Find out more or donate at GrowYourGiving.org/COVID. You can support a wide range of community services through the United Way of Greater Kansas City at UnitedWayGKC.org. Johnson County Human Services is hosting a virtual food drive for its food pantries. You can shop for and donate needed food and hygiene items through their Amazon Wish List. Items will be shipped directly to their facilties.
To get about information unemployment benefits, go to Get KansasBenefits.gov or call 913.596.3500. TOWNTALK
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RIDGEVIEW ROAD EXTENSION OPENS One new mile of Ridgeview Road has opened, providing a vital connection between Prairie Star Parkway and Kansas Highway 10 and opening new opportunities for development. Construction on the four-lane, divided arterial roadway and surrounding improvements began in 2018. The $29.9 million project included: • A 250-foot bridge over Little Mill Creek with a de-icing system that can be remotely operated. • Construction of 99th Street from Britton Street west to Ridgeview Road. • Construction of 98th Street, which will provide a second access point into the Meritex subsurface development. • A new entrance to the Mill Creek
Streamway Park trailhead. • Intersection improvements at Ridgeview Road and Prairie Star Parkway. • A 10-foot-wide multiuse trail along the west side of Ridgeview Road from Prairie Star Parkway to K-10. • Widened outside lanes to accommodate on-street bicyclists. • Two acres of wetlands west of Ridgeview Road and south of Mill Creek Streamway Park, which replace half an acre of wetlands disturbed by the project and mitigate runoff from the new road’s pavement. City staff worked with a design-build team from Pyramid Contractors, Renaissance Infrastructure Consulting, H.W. Lochner, Estes Consulting, Pfefferkorn Engineering
ROCKY ROAD To build Ridgeview Road and surrounding improvements, the contractor had to blast rock up to 33 feet deep and fill dirt up to 57 feet. Nearly 350,000 cubic yards of rock and soil were moved, which is close to 106 Olympic swimming pools. Much of the old mining waste and debris was incorporated into the roadway fill. 8
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& Environmental and Terracon to complete the project. Supplementary design and project manager consultant services were provided by HNTB Corporation and Indigo Design. The area’s rocky, undulated terrain and subsurface mining posed challenges when designing and building the roads. But difficult terrain wasn’t the only challenge encountered on this project — 2019’s heavy spring and summer rains and early freezing temperatures caused the road’s opening to be delayed from November 2019. A formal event celebrating this achievement could not be held due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While maintaining social distancing guidelines, members of the City Council cut a ribbon
STREET PROJECTS ON THE MOVE You’ve likely noticed other major infrastructure projects on and along Lenexa streets over the last few months. Here’s what’s happening.
Pavement Management Program to open the roadway with a few members of the project team present. Now open to the public, Ridgeview Road opens up new areas for economic development. Several adjacent projects are already working through the City’s planning process. As development in the area increases, a future extension of Ridgeview Road could take place from Prairie Star Parkway north to 87th Street Parkway. It is projected that 32,000 vehicles per day will use this section of roadway by 2035.
Mill and overlay work on Renner Boulevard and College Boulevard was accelerated to take place during the stayat-home order, when there would be fewer traffic impacts. Pavement work planned for residential areas is still on schedule and will be completed this summer. See page 10 for more pavement management updates.
Santa Fe Trail Drive improvements
Improvements at 95th Street and Santa Fe Trail Drive are expected to continue into fall. The project includes a new traffic signal, a monument sign, several new turn lanes, accessible pedestrian modifications, a trail extension, mill and overlay, improved storm drainage and street lighting.
Streetlight replacements
A pair of streetlight replacement projects will bring brighter, energy-efficient LED fixtures to Old Town and the area around Rosehill Road and 103rd Street. Work is expected to be complete later this summer.
Bridge maintenance
Two bridges on Prairie Star Parkway over Coon Creek and Mill Creek are being painted this summer.
Lackman/95th Street Trail
A new trail will fill in key missing segments of Lenexa’s trail system along 95th Street and between 95th Street and 87th Street Parkway along Lackman Road. The project includes a pedestrian crossing between Bois D’Arc Park and Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park.
KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC IMPACTS
When construction is expected to affect travel, we send out a Road Closure Alert e-newsletter to let subscribers know how and when traffic will be impacted. Sign up at Lenexa.com/Enews.
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THREE LONG-TERM PLANNING EFFORTS ON HOLD Lenexa had three major planning efforts scheduled for this year that must be paused due to efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Focus groups, interviews, community meetings, open houses and surveys allow cities to reach broader demographics and provide a critical spectrum of opinions when preparing any longterm community plans. We plan to fully engage the public in shaping the future of our community at a time when public health officials agree it is safe to gather, our residents feel safe and the City’s fiscal health is better known. These plans are anticipated to move forward in 2021 as the aforementioned factors are satisfied: • A Comprehensive Plan update that will serve as the City’s official policy guide for future growth and development. • A Parks Master Plan that will provide a long-range vision for Parks & Recreation programs and amenities. • An Aquatics Study that will explore the community’s preferences and priorities for outdoor pool offerings. We plan to open all three outdoor Lenexa pools in 2021 as we continue to develop a plan the future of our aquatics system. While the coronavirus has also delayed the development of homeless shelter regulations, staff is exploring ways to move the regulations toward the public review process in a safe way. More information will be announced in the near future. 10
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Some projects delayed — not canceled — due to revenue uncertainty Economic woes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will have an impact on some City projects this year. Disruptions in the municipal bond market and projected shortfalls in sales/use tax revenues mean vital revenue sources for some City projects will be significantly affected. These include:
• Oakhill storm drainage improvements
• Community Center and Senior Center improvements
Other major projects that have already started construction, are in the late phases of design or use other funding sources are planned to move forward this year. Several are highlighted on page 9, and other projects planned will be featured in the fall edition of TownTalk.
• 109th Street to College Boulevard storm drainage improvements • Ashley Park storm drainage improvements • Public Safety Complex
The scope of some projects may also be reduced to help meet revenue shortfalls. For example, pavement management work on Prairie Star Parkway may be scaled back due to the project’s heavy reliance on sales tax revenue.
2021 RECOMMENDED BUDGET HEARING SET A public hearing for the 2021 Recommended Budget is tentatively scheduled for July 21 at 7 p.m. during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting at Lenexa City Hall. The COVID-19 pandemic will have a major impact on revenues for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. Through this budget process, City staff are recommending the use of reserves and other short-term measures to mitigate the financial impact. The public is welcome to attend the City Council’s budget review session on June 23 at 7 p.m. at Lenexa City Hall. The 2021 Recommended Budget will be posted June 19 at Lenexa.com/Budget. Questions and comments about the budget can be directed to budget@ lenexa.com or Chief Financial Officer Doug Robinson at 913.477.7500.
THANK YOU to everyone who has helped Lenexa get through these difficult times and continues to support our community. We especially thank essential workers who risk their health and wellbeing to provide important services to residents. And, thank you to all the generous Lenexans who donated personal protective equipment and disinfectant supplies for public safety workers or just shared a kind word or note during this stressful time. Throughout the stay-at-home order, the City of Lenexa continued to provide vital services like fire and police response, infrastructure maintenance and customer service without interruption. We’ll do so again if any future stay-at-home orders must be issued.
Crews doing maintenance out in the field like Municipal Services and Parks staff continued to keep Lenexa’s infrastructure, parks and facilities in top shape through the stay-at-home order. They’re taking measures like staggering times for crews to clock in and out to help employees stay healthy.
The City of Lenexa continues to strive to provide exceptional service as the COVID-19 outbreak continues. To keep us all safe and do business with us efficiently, we ask that you do the following:
Fire Department staff are using more personal protective equipment on emergency medical incidents to protect themselves and the public. They continued to respond quickly to calls, provide fire prevention inspections from a safe distance and educate the public about fire safety online.
Inspections have continued to make sure private and public construction is being built safely and correctly. Many of them have even been done remotely over video.
Stay a safe distance away from staff, and don’t try to shake hands. Consider wearing a cloth face covering to protect yourself and employees. In some situations, police officers and other staff may also request a resident step outside of their home to speak to avoid being in a confined environment. Phone calls and online transactions are encouraged! You can apply for a building permit, report a crime to the police, apply for a burn permit, renew your pool pass and much more at Lenexa.com. We’re also accepting many purchases over the phone temporarily, including rentals and new pool passes. See page 2 for a list of phone numbers. Check to see if the service you want to use is available. During the stay-at-home order, we immediately canceled in-person activities like fire education presentations, fingerprinting, CPR classes, carseat inspections and citizens’ police and fire academies. The quickest way to find out if a service has returned or been postponed again is to call us. Be patient and kind. As services and precautions continue to shift to meet evolving public health needs, we ask that you continue to be patient with your neighbors, your fellow Lenexans and staff. We’re all working through this difficult time together.
Despite a slowdown in some types of activities like vehicles crashes, Lenexa police officers continued to do great work: investigating crimes like theft, burglary, scams and abuse; helping those in mental health crisis; reuniting lost pets with owners; and locating runaway youth. They also made some kids smile with birthday parades and special gifts.
Interested in joining our team? Go to Lenexa.com/Jobs. TOWNTALK
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summertime safety Extra time at home means more time to do a thorough safety check and develop good habits to keep yourself, your family and your property safe! Try these tips from the Lenexa Police Department.
Replace burned out porch lights and other bulbs around the exterior of your home.
Ensure that the address numbers on your house are plainly visible, preferably at least 4 inches tall and a color that contrasts with your home.
Establish a consistent nighttime routine of checking locks before bedtime, including car, garage and residence doors. Sometime referred to as a “9 p.m. routine,” it may be helpful to set a daily alarm on your phone or put a note on your bathroom mirror to help make this a habit.
KEEP YOUR DISTANCE
Protect people and property by keeping items that can cause fires and burns safely apart. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on by experts. Sparklers can reach 1,200 Fahrenheit and cause third-degree burns.
Be sure to stay safe around your outdoor fire pit. Recreational burning — including fire pits — must be done at least 15 feet away from your home or anything that can burn. For more information about open burning, go to Lenexa.com/Fire. 12
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Use propane, charcoal and wood pellet barbecue grills outdoors only. Indoor use can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.
Place your grill well away from siding and deck railing and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Do not store or use a grill on a porch or balcony.
Catalog high-value items like firearms, electronics and jewelry around your home by taking photos and recording serial numbers. Keep this document in both electronic and printed form. Update it regularly.
WATER WOES 101 Here are some of the top tips you need to know about flooding in Lenexa. As a public service, the City of Lenexa will provide you with the following information upon request: • Whether a property is in or out of the Flood Hazard Area (FHA) as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) of Johnson County. Whether a property is in or out of the floodway or near an area where the problems are not shown on the FIRM.
Trim back bushes or other vegetation which could conceal ground-floor windows around your home and offer hidden access for burglars.
Extra time at home is also a great opportunity to discuss basic safety skills with your children! • Explain how and when to use 911, including memorizing and/or posting your home address where they can see it. • There is safety in numbers — always use the “buddy system.” When going to the park, riding your bike or walking to school, stay together with others that you know and trust. • Explain to your kids that they should never accept a ride, food or gifts from someone they don’t know. • Always wear a helmet when on bicycles, scooters, skateboards or skates.
• Additional flood insurance data for a site, such as the FIRM zone and the base flood elevation or depth if shown on the FIRM. Whether a property is in or near an area of historical flooding and/or natural functions floodplain. • A handout on the flood insurance purchase requirement that can help people who need a mortgage or loan for a property in the FHA. Flood insurance is required for federally backed loans. To find out if you are within a floodplain, floodway, or for flood depth data and/ or to discuss property protection measures within the floodplain, contact Tom Jacobs at 913.477.7644. All work in the floodplain requires a permit from Community Development. Turn around, don’t drown. Know your evacuation routes. Elevate valuables. Keep important documents elevated. Retrofitting techniques such as elevation of structure or HVAC systems may offer property protection. Don’t dump in drains. It’s important to keep the conveyance systems like storm drains clean and clear of debris. Per Lenexa code, it is illegal to dump trash or leaves in our waterways. To report illegal dumping, contact Dale Clark at 913.477.7500. TOWNTALK
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SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for our small businesses. Consider supporting them with these tips. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Many businesses have limited hours or offerings right now, so check online before visiting. If they have social media accounts, look there, too. Some businesses use website platforms that they can’t update themselves. LOOK FOR NEW SERVICES Some shops are offering special hours for at-risk populations or visits by appointment. Many entrepreuners have also expanded their online ordering options or are providing delivery or curbside pickup. And some restaurants are offering special carryout deals. GRAB A GIFT CARD Pick up a gift card to provide much-needed financial support now and treat yourself or someone else later! BE KIND! This is a stressful time for most people. Please be patient if your shopping or dining experience doesn’t go as planned. 14
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Stop in and see us! We’ve missed you at the Market! Ready to enjoy your food in our indoor dining area or outside by a fire pit? We’ve got limited dine-in seating available. Interested in spending as little time in public as possible? All our merchants offer convenient carryout service, and we’re taking many precautions to keep you safe.
Be patient, flexible and kind as everyone gets used to these changes.
Here’s what we’re doing: •
Here’s what we’re asking of customers:
Tables are spaced at least 6 feet apart to meet social distancing guidelines, and seating is limited to groups of 10 customers or less.
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Consider using carryout, curbside delivery and third-party delivery options, when available.
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We’ve placed signs on the floor to indicate proper social distancing.
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Please stay home if you are feeling ill or are showing symptoms.
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High-touch surfaces and items will be sanitized regularly, including but not limited to door handles, push bars, tabletops and trash cans.
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Be mindful to stay at least 6 feet away from other patrons and staff.
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Before moving tables, please ask a Market staff member.
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Use hand sanitizer stations.
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Consider wearing a mask or face covering when interacting with Market merchants and staff.
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Do not come to the Market with groups larger than 10 people.
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Market staff will wear masks, wash hands often and wear gloves while busing tables.
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Hand sanitizer stations are available for community use.
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Staff and vendors will stay home if they are sick.
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MEET OUR MERCHANTS Be sure to check our website before you stop by to make sure the merchant you’re looking for is open. Hours, menus and product availability are shifting as these small businesses adjust to demand, new traffic patterns and disruptions in the supply chain. You may end up trying something different and discovering a new favorite! Chewology {Gyoza Bar} offers Japanese gyoza (pan-fried dumplings) with rotating seasonal fillings, grilled skewer appetizers, ramen and poke bowls with brown rice and salmon or ahi tuna. The Flower Market is your stop for fresh, seasonal blooms and charming, locally crafted gifts. Call or visit online for floral delivery. Kate Smith Soirée is a boutique confections company specializing in French macarons and pastries. You can always find macarons in the shop, but each week will bring rotating desserts including eclairs, crème brûlée, edible cookie dough, tarts, cakes, cakes by the slice, cookies and more. Red Kitchen is an authentic Mexican-style street food stand
serving burritos for breakfast and burritos, tortas and other dishes for lunch. Traditional tamales are available on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Roasterie offers its full menu of signature drinks, including coffee and espresso drinks, tea and its Nitro Cold Brew in cans and on tap. Locally baked pastries and grab-and-go snacks are available, along with brewing equipment, merchandise and whole beans.
using locally sourced and fresh ingredients. Their menu also includes fresh salads, grinder sub sandwiches, small plates and appetizers. All dough, sauces, toppings and dressings are made from scratch! We Got Your Back Apparel gets the best quality shirt they can find, prints it locally in KC and ships it to you worldwide in a timely fashion. In addition to super-soft shirts, they also offer hand-mixed body products by Mixture.
Sohaila’s Kitchen serves fresh, authentic Pakistani and Indian cuisine. Their unique and delicious dishes include biryani, butter chicken, lamb curry, kabobs, lentil soup, mango lassi and more. Topp’d Pizza + Salads serves up signature and custom made-pizzas
8750 Penrose Ln. | See website for hours: LENEXAPUBLICMARKET.COM TOWNTALK
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CELEBRATING 31 YEARS OF SERVICE Cindy Harmison retired as Lenexa’s city attorney on May 8 after 31 years of service with the City of Lenexa. In this Q&A, she reflects on her most memorable experiences and the rewards of public service. What do you love most about your job? There is not just one thing. First, I work with great people. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with three great mayors and many wonderful city councilmembers, three great city managers and many, many terrific city employees. Both the elected officials and City staff have a real desire to make Lenexa a great place to live and work. I feel everyone is truly invested in doing the right thing for the right reason. Second, I love the variety in my job. Although each of the attorneys in my office tend to develop areas of specialty, we all have to be generalists to some degree because we deal with so many different legal issues (contract law, tort law, constitutional law, criminal law, real estate, employment law, etc.). While that can sometimes be challenging and a little frustrating because of time constraints, it also makes each day interesting and it requires us to
be continual learners. I’ve always been a curious person that asks a lot of questions, and that serves me well in my job. Lastly, I like problem-solving. There is nothing more rewarding than helping to resolve a dispute or being presented with a problem and being able to help find a solution. Finding the “win-win” is always a great feeling. I once had a property owner whose land I condemned a portion of for a road later use me as a reference for a job with the City. We had a positive encounter despite it being a difficult and emotional time for their family. I also became friends with a woman in her 90’s who lived on a farm near 79th Street and Maurer during our construction of 79th Street. I would take her hot fudge sundaes and talk about not only the project, but also about the history of Lenexa and her experiences growing up in the community. She rode a horse to attend a one-room schoolhouse, and her family would take the horse and buggy from their farm to church in Old Town. Lawyers are sometimes referred to as “counselors,” and a member of my staff says that is never more true than in the role of a city attorney. I agree.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done as the city attorney? I’ve been tased as part of the police department taser training. I participated so that when defending the Police Department in a use-offorce claim, I would have a better understanding of both the training provided and the experience of the individual tased. During a late night ride-along with the Police Department, I was in a high-speed pursuit arising out of an armed carjacking that ended in Lawrence, Kansas. I’ve participated in an inspection of a collapsed underground mine. It is never a dull moment! If someone is considering a career in public service, what advice would you offer them? If you are motivated, not by money, but by a purpose beyond yourself, public service can be extremely rewarding. It provides you an opportunity to help others now and in the future by building sustainable communities and positive relationships. I think public employees are often given a bad rap because there is a perception that they are not as smart or as driven as people in the private sector, but my experience has been directly contrary to this perception. I have worked with so many talented, creative and high-performing individuals in my career, both at the City and in other governmental entities. The most successful individuals are the persons who truly care about their organization and the people they serve. They want to make a difference, and they do.
Photo by Bill Harrison
CINDY HARMISON 16
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Read Cindy’s full Q&A at Lenexa.com
LENEXA WELCOMES TO NEW OFFICIALS TO ITS SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
SEAN MCLAUGHLIN
JERRY SWINGLE
CITY ATTORNEY
DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Sean McLaughlin started as city attorney on May 9. “Sean’s passion for the City of Lenexa was apparent throughout the selection process, and I am confident that he will do an outstanding job as the next city attorney,” said City Manager Beccy Yocham. McLaughlin joined the City of Lenexa in 2013 and most recently served as assistant city attorney III. He has extensive experience in all areas of municipal law. For the past several years, he has served as the key advisor to the City on legal issues related to planning, zoning, real estate, telecommunications and economic development. He also served as staff co-chair for Lenexa 2040, a visioning process which will help shape the community for decades to come. “I am excited for this opportunity and look forward to working with the Governing Body, City staff and the community to help continue making Lenexa a great place to live, work and play,” said McLaughlin. McLaughlin, who grew up in Lenexa, now lives in our community with his wife, Meg, and their two children. The City of Lenexa’s Legal Department has 11 professionals responsible for representing the City and its officials by handling lawsuits and claims brought by and against the City; drafting and reviewing ordinances, resolutions, contracts, bonds and other written instruments; and providing advice and legal opinions to staff and elected officials. Photo by Randy Braley Photography
Jerry Swingle will begin his new position as director of information technology in mid-June. “Information technology is a critical function for our organization and we are excited to welcome Jerry to our team,” said City Manager Beccy Yocham. “We were looking for a seasoned professional who leads with integrity and creativity. Jerry impressed us with not only his IT knowledge, but his dedication to the principals of public service.” Swingle has more than 25 years of professional experience in information technology. He has led teams responsible for server, network, telecommunications, asset management and geographic information systems. Swingle also has played a key role in the development of the County’s fiber network and has provided IT services/support for several Johnson County cities. With nearly two decades of public sector work with Johnson County, Kansas, he understands the important role that technology plays in government. “I am extremely excited about joining the Lenexa management team, and working to enhance the use of technology to further the policy goals and quality of life in Lenexa,” said Swingle. Swingle will lead a team of 11 professionals who are responsible for overseeing and implementing all technological initiatives for the City including cybersecurity.
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Photo by Bill Harrison
Answers to your fishing and boating questions Hooked on fishing or boating? There are opportunities to enjoy both of these timeless outdoor hobbies in Lenexa. Here’s what you need to know.
BOATING Do I need to register my boat? The State of Kansas requires that all vessels powered by motor (gasoline, diesel, or electric) or sail be registered and numbered. Learn more at KSOutdoors.com. Where and when can I use a boat in Lenexa? Non-gas-powered boating only is allowed at Lake Lenexa in Black Hoof Park. Acceptable boats include those that are class 1 (26 feet in length) or smaller. Boating hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. November through February, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. in March, April, September and October, and 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. May through August. What other boating rules do I need to follow? • You must use personal flotation devices. • The entire lake is a no-wake zone. • We follow all Kansas boating regulations. • You must launch all watercraft from a public boat ramp located near the south entrance off Monticello Road. 18
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FISHING Do I need a fishing license? Residents ages 16–74 must have a license to fish in Kansas. If you are going to take a child fishing, buy a license for yourself because you’ll end up with the pole in your hand. Apply for a fishing license at KSOutdoors.com. Where and when can I fish in Lenexa? You can fish during posted park hours — 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. — at these locations: • Lake Lenexa at Black Hoof Park (9053 Monticello Rd.) • Hidden Woods Park (83rd Street and Halsey Street) • Rose’s Pond at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road) • Mize Lake at Cedar Station Park (south of Prairie Star Parkway and Canyon Creek Boulevard) Does Lenexa stock its lake and ponds with fish? Yes, we partner with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Stocked fish include channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, sunfish and largemouth bass. What other fishing rules do I need to follow? • We enforce state creel limits, which are posted and vary by location. • You may enter the cove areas of lakes if you have appropriate wading gear, but no wading in shallow waters. • Please observe posted “No Fishing” signs. Ice fishing and magnet fishing (searching for submerged metal objects) are not allowed.
Enjoy our parks, facilities and recreation services safely The City of Lenexa is proud to offer high-quality events, parks amenities, recreation facilities and programs that are hugely popular with our residents and visitors. To keep the thousands of people who enjoy our Parks & Recreation services safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve developed a plan for the safe, gradual reopening of services. We will follow a four-phase reopening approach based on “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas,” a series of recommendations for Kansas counties from Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s office. For Lenexa and other local jurisdictions, Johnson County
will announce dates for the phased progression as specific public health criteria are met in our area. Lenexa Parks & Recreation is proceeding with caution in an effort to minimize setbacks. In doing so, our plan may be more restrictive than the State of Kansas or Johnson County Government recommend. The four phases reduce restrictions over time and move toward safely reopening at full capacity. We may amend the plan in response to concerns that develop as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. It is also contingent upon having adequate resources to staff and operate services.
During this public health crisis, our top concern continues to be the health and safety of our residents, patrons and employees. At the same time, we know the interruption in access and service has been difficult for the many people who rely on our public amenities and recreation programs for health and social benefits. If you have questions or concerns, contact parksandrec@lenexa.com or 913.477.7100. Thanks for your understanding and patience as Lenexa Parks & Recreation works to continue serving you.
At Lenexa.com/Parks, you can find: • A summary of our reopening plans • A full overview of restrictions and safety precautions for each amenity in each phase • Our exposure control plan
Photo by Lauren Walke
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Photo by Bill Harrison
Summer in the City of Festivals is going to look different this year. Due to mass gathering guidelines by the state and county, there will be no major festivals until we phase out of the reopening plans. Events that have been canceled so far include the Great Lenexa BBQ Battle and Moonlight Bike Ride.
Get Outdoors Lenexa
Get Outdoors Lenexa is held in conjunction with National Get Outdoors Day, which encourages you to seek out healthy, active outdoor lives and embrace our parks, forests and other public lands and waters. The event scheduled for June 13 has been replaced with fun activities you can do at any of Lenexa’s beautiful natural areas all summer long! Visit Lenexa.com/ GetOutdoors to find family-friendly activities you can do in our parks.
Sunflower Poetry Open Mic
But that doesn’t mean there will be no quality opportunities for free, fun entertainment provided by Lenexa Parks & Recreation this summer. Smaller special events can take place in Phase 3 of the state’s reopening guidelines. Check the calendar at Lenexa.com for the latest information about future events. And we’ve reimagined some favorite Lenexa events to be safe and enjoyable.
Drive-in Movies in the Park June 19 and July 17, Lenexa Community Center parking lot, 13420 Oak St.
Movies in the Park will return this summer with a socially distant throwback twist! Families will remain in their vehicles during the movie, which can be heard through a car radio or portable FM receiver. Enjoy 1980s fantasy “Labryinth” in June and laugh out loud with “Shrek” in July. Movies will begin at dusk. Learn more at Lenexa.com/ Movie.
Third Thursday of each month
Join us for an evening of creative online wordplay hosted by Poet Jen Harris. Open mic is limited to five minutes per person, and participation is free. Go to Lenexa. com/Art for a link to the events, which are held via Zoom. 20
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Photo by Mark Greathouse
Virtual Freedom Run July 1–4
Celebrate Independence Day with an independent 5K or 10K run! Pick a safe, enjoyable route to follow any time between July 1–4. Then run or walk your own race at your own pace and time it yourself. Register at Lenexa.com/FreedomRun for $20, and get a fun patriotic T-shirt to commemorate this historic “race”! A virtual packet will also be emailed to participants and include coupons and free offers from our sponsors. Results will be posted by July 6.
Community Days Porch Parade July 1–4
Celebrate our country’s independence by participating in an annual hometown tradition with a new twist! Since we can’t gather in large crowds yet, the annual Community Days Parade will be held as a porch parade. Lenexa businesses, residents, churches and other organizations are encouraged to decorate their porches to fit this year’s original parade theme of “There’s No Place Like Home” or a patriotic motif by July 1. Register your location by June 24 to be placed on our Porch Parade map and get a free commemorative yard sign (first 100 entries). Judging in a variety of categories will take place on or before July 3. Go to Lenexa.com/Parade to sign up and view details. We encourge the community to use the map at Lenexa.com/Parade to take a self-guided tour of parade entries and enjoy the creativity July 1–4.
CREATIVE CONTESTS Public Art Photo-Bombing Contest
HOSTING A PRIVATE EVENT? Most of the City of Lenexa’s event spaces are now available for you to rent, with a few new rules to keep in mind. Rentals will have crowd size limits based on reopening phase recommendations. See how many people are allowed in your rental space at Lenexa.com/Parks. Renters will also be required to collect a log of those who attend their rental for contact tracing purposes.
Visit Lenexa’s outdoor public art sculptures, take creative photos of yourself and/or your family members photobombing and/or being photobombed by the art. Then submit your photo by July 31 for the chance to win prizes! Winners will be announced by Aug. 14. View rules and art locations and register at Lenexa.com/Contests.
Be aware of sanitization procedures before visiting and plan accordingly. For example, park shelters are cleaned regularly, but not between each rental.
Children’s Virtual Parade Contest
Also, keep in mind that all rentals are subject to cancellation depending on changes to local and state regulations.
It’s a virtual parade where the kids are in charge! Create your own parade using items around your home, — such as stuffed animals, dolls, toy cars, blocks, tricycles or wagons — and take a short video or photo. Then submit it at Lenexa.com/Contests for the chance to win a summertime fun pack! Your parade may also be shown on the City’s social media and website. Open to kids ages 5–12.
During this time, we allow rentals to be made over the phone by calling 913.477.7100 Monday— Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Photo b y Bill Harrison
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Seasonal Produce Guide The availability of products is highly dependent on weather conditions. Here’s what you can expect for some of the most popular items at the market during the next few months. For a complete list of products, visit Lenexa.com/FarmersMarket. June
July
Aug
ANNUALS TO PLANT*
ASPARAGUS
BAKED GOODS
BLACKBERRIES BLUEBERRIES
BROCCOLI
CABBAGE
CARROTS
CAULIFLOWER
CUCUMBERS
CUT FLOWERS*
EGGS
GREEN BEANS
HEALTH & BEAUTY*
HERBS
HONEY
LETTUCE/SPINACH/KALE
MEAT
MELONS
Shop safely at the Farmers Market this summer The outdoor Lenexa Farmers Market is open for the season, providing vital access to healthy, local food on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Markets like ours offer products at the peak of freshness that travel shorter distances to reach customers and are touched by fewer hands in the process. Plus, eating lots of fruits and vegetables is a great way to boost your immune system. This is an important time to support small businesses and our local food system. Lenexa Farmers Market vendors are working harder than ever to feed you.
MUSHROOMS
ONIONS
PEACHES
PECANS
PEPPERS
SUMMER SQUASH
STAY UP TO DATE
SWEET CORN
TOMATOES
Sign up for e-newsletters: Lenexa.com/FarmersMarket
*MANY VARIETIES AVAILABLE
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Photo by Bill Harrison
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Nearly half of our 30 vendors now offer ways customers can preorder products for pickup.
Join our Facebook group: Facebook.com/Groups/LenexaFarmMkt
Photo by Wendy Delzeit
Photo by Bill Harrison
Season schedule Saturdays Through Oct. 31 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays Through Sept. 1 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bottom floor of the Lenexa civic campus parking garage, 17201 W. 87th St. Pkwy.
Photo by Bill Harrison
PRECAUTIONS WE’RE TAKING
EXPECTATIONS FOR SHOPPERS
Farmers markets are a natural gathering place for a community, but now is the time to heed public health advisories. To limit the spread of COVID-19, we’ve adjusted operations in many ways to prioritize the safety of shoppers, vendors and staff.
Everyone plays an important role in keeping our Market open during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are steps you can take to help us stay safe.
• The first hour of each Market day is reserved for at-risk shoppers, including seniors age 60 and over and those who are immunocompromised (9–10 a.m. on Tuesdays, 8–9 a.m. on Saturdays).
• Preorder products for pickup. Many vendors offer this option.
• Vendor booths are spaced farther apart to help you move with ease. • One-way foot traffic throughout the Market limits close contact. • High-touch surfaces and items are sanitized regularly, including payment tokens. • Vendors separate cash and product handling. • Staff and vendors wear masks and use appropriate hand hygiene practices. • Hand-washing stations and hand sanitizer are available.
• Have a game plan. Know what you need to buy so you can get in and out quickly.
• Please consider shopping alone for your household, when possible. • Leave dogs at home unless they are service animals. • Look for signs to help you navigate the Market. • Please avoid physical contact and keep a distance of 6 feet from others. • Resist the urge to linger and socialize. • Let our vendors serve you. Please don’t touch any items you haven’t bought. • Minimize money handling. When possible, use exact change or credit/debit cards. • Wash your hands before and after visitng.
• Only vendors and staff may touch products until they are bagged and given to customers.
• Wearing a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth is strongly encouraged.
• Only service dogs are permitted.
• Be patient, flexible and kind. This is a stressful time for all of us.
• No entertainment, food sampling, cooking demos or children’s activities are being held.
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2020 VENDORS For our most current list of vendors, see Lenexa.com/FarmersMarket
Bailey’s Orchard (Edgerton, KS) – Vegetables. The Bean Patch (Leavenworth KS) – Canned goods, including fruit jams. *NEW* Bennett Family Farm (Harrisonville, MO) – Vegetables. *NEW*
New Roots for Refugees - Moe Thu (Kansas City, KS) – Vegetables grown with chemical-free practices.
Carrie Lynn Concepts (Platte City, MO) – Dipstick spice mixes.
Next to Nature Farm (Leavenworth, KS) – Eggs, honey, soaps, beeswax products.
Daniel’s Bar-b-q Sauces (Lee’s Summit, MO) – Handmade barbecue sauces and seasonings. *NEW*
Parsons’ Gardens (Olathe, KS) – Native plants. The Roasterie (Kansas City, MO) – Coffee.
Dierking Farms (Blackburn, MO) – Sweet corn.
Rock the House Bakery (Peculiar, MO) – Breads, baked goods and dipping oils.
Food Life Joy Microgreens (Overland Park, KS) – Variety of microgreens.
Ronnie D’s Cheesecakes (Lenexa, KS) – Various cheesecake flavors.
Hedgewood Farms (Paola, KS) – 100% grass-fed beef, broiler chickens, pork, turkey, eggs and produce. *NEW*
Salsa Mama (Shawnee, KS) – Fresh homemade salsa.
Holy-Field Vineyard & Winery (Basehor, KS) – Wine, wine slushy mixes and accessories. Jake Creek Pecans (Paola, KS) – Pecans. JET Produce and Meats (Leavenworth, KS) – Vegetables, eggs, beef, pork, lamb, chicken, flour, plants. LandSeaFood (Overland Park, KS) – Hydroponic lettuce, sprouts, herbs, oyster mushrooms. Madd House Hill (Paola, KS) – All-natural body care products, goat milk caramel. Meulebeke Market (Lenexa, KS) – Fruits and vegetables. Mindfully Made (Overland Park, KS) – Elderberry juice, soaps, lip balms, salves, body lotions, serums.
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New Roots for Refugees Ibrahim Dugudu (Kansas City, KS) – Vegetables grown with chemical-free practices.
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See’s Family Farm (Kansas City, KS) – Flowers and vegetables. Sunflower Orchards (Paola, KS) – Peaches, blackberries, apples. There’s No Place Like Home Bakery (Lenexa, KS) – Fresh and delicious specialty baked goods. *NEW IN 2020* Three Bears Bakery & BBQ (Olathe, KS) – Low-carb baked goods, BBQ spices. Wohletz Farm Fresh (Lawrence, KS) – Fruits, vegetables and cut flowers. Yummylicious Cookie Company (Lenexa, KS) – Baked treats using organic wholegrains and organic sweeteners.
We’re offering some swim lessons! See page 29 for details.
Indian Trails Aquatic Center ready for swimmers Lenexa plans to keep Indian Trails Aquatic Center open this summer, dependent on state and county public health recommendations. Ad Astra and Flat Rock Creek pools are closed for the 2020 season. If you’re planning to visit the pool, here’s what you need to know: • Open noon–4 p.m. and 4:30–8:30 p.m. with a mid-day closure for cleaning from 4 to 4:30 p.m.
OUTDOOR POOL ADMISSIONS Residents only for 2020 Pool memberships are valid for both 2020 and 2021 Memberships purchased in 2019 can be renewed for 2020 at Lenexa.com/Get Active. New memberships can be purchased by calling 913.477.7100.
• The pool is operating under new protocols for cleaning, social distancing measures, adapted programs and controlled access in and out of the facility.
DAILY RATE
• Limited capacities will be allowed in the various active use areas. The total pool capacity is 300. If this limit is met, there could be a wait to enter.
SEASON PASS
• No deck chairs or seating will be available. Patrons are allowed to bring their own folding chairs. • The concessions stand will serve prepackaged food only.
Indian Trails
$6
Senior (60+)
$1
Individual
$60
Household*
$110
Senior (60+)
$28
CHILDREN 2 AND YOUNGER: FREE AT ALL POOLS *Max of five individuals at same address (ages 3+).
• You must bring proof of residency — utility bill or photo ID — when purchasing a day pass. • Midsummer membership discounts won’t be available this year, since you’re getting two years for the price of one.
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Parks, trails and outdoor spaces are open! Top photo: Bill Harrison Below photo: Wendy Delzeit
Spending time in large, open spaces is a good way to avoid contracting or spreading the novel coronavirus. Lenexa Parks & Recreation offers many opportunities for you to stay socially distant, active and entertained outdoors, as we plan to keep most of our outdoor spaces open this summer. They include: • Athletic fields. Field capacity is limited to mass gathering recommendations and includes players, coaches and spectators. Rentals for the fall season begin July 1. • Parks. Take a look at the table on page 27 for an overview of the many quality amenities you’ll find at our 33 parks. • Sport courts. Enjoy basketball, disc golf, horseshoe, pickleball, sand volleyball, skateboarding and tennis courts — but make sure to practice proper social distancing and handwashing when possible. • Trails. We maintain more than 32 miles of beautiful trails for you to explore. Remember to give other hikers and bikers plenty of room when passing or approaching.
At ALL of our outdoor spaces: • Please stay home if you are sick. • Stay at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live with you. • Practice proper hygiene. • Signage will be placed showing current guidelines and restrictions. • All park restrooms are available for use. They are cleaned and locked up nightly and then sanitized in the morning when we reopen them. • All drinking fountains are off indefinitely, with the exception of touchless bottle fillers in some park restrooms. 26
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Be cautious on playgrounds Careful consideration should be given by users. We do not sanitize these on a regular basis. Look for signage with our current rules and guidelines and go over this information with your children.
Parks & Amenities
11.6
Craig Crossing Park
16.8 • •
3.5 18.6
Hidden Woods Park
16.3
John McNerney Park
1.5
Kickapoo Park
1.2
Lackman Park
4.9 47.1
Manchester Park
5
Matt Taylor Park
4.9
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1
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12
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28
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1.6
Oak Valley Park
19.5
Parkhurst Park
19.2
Post Oak Park
6.1 50.9
Scouting Park
1.4
Tamarisk Park
0.8
Trafalgar Park
0.8
Wild Bill Hickok Park
1.2
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RESTROOMS: Park restrooms open mid-April–October (weather permitting). Portable toilets available November–mid-April.
* Pools closed for 2020 season Amenity can be reserved
Ac
PARK HOURS: 5 a.m.–11 p.m.
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The Lenexa Rec Center and Lenexa Community Center are OPEN! Welcome back to Lenexa’s two indoor recreation facilities! As we work as a community to limit the spread of COVID-19, we have to pay special attention to how our indoor spaces operate. Here’s what we’re doing at both these locations: • The Rec Center is open to members only until further notice. This is to help us maintain capacity limits and conduct contact tracing, if necessary. • New protocols are in place for cleaning, social distancing measures, modified facility layout, adapted programs and traffic flow through the facility. Pay attention to signs. • Limited capacities will be allowed in various active use areas. • Drop-in activity participants will be asked to sign in. • Some activities including fitness classes, drop-in activities and sports with shared equipment may have restrictions. • Locker rooms may not be available for use. • Hand sanitizer stations are available.
HOURS Lenexa Community Center
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Lenexa Rec Center
Monday–Friday, 5 a.m.–9 p.m. Closed for cleaning 1:30–3 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 28
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ndy Delzeit Photo by We
C E R E H T F O RULES
ifferent a lot of d es to keep h it w e measur usy plac cific a big, b many proactive is r ings spe te th n e p C g to c in e k e R th xa ’re ta me of The Lene d features. We re are so iting. e H n . a le s ib n functio as poss efore vis e as safe u should know b c a p s is th yo c Center to the Re • Enter through the parking garage entrance, and exit through the 87th Street Parkway doors. • One-way foot traffic continues throughout the facility to help limit close contact. Keep an eye out for signs, and follow directives. • Staff will wear face coverings, and members are encouraged to do the same. • On weekdays, we will close from 1:30–3 p.m. so staff can clean and disinfect the entire facility. • Wipe down equipment before and after use. • Fitness equipment will be spaced farther apart or made temporarily unavailable to meet social distancing guidelines. • Side-by-side use of the track is not allowed. • In-person Group X classes will be modified and only open to X Pass members. Virtual Zoom classes will continue and are open to anyone! See the schedule at Lenexa.com/GroupX. •
The second floor gym is available for use, but the style of play is limited. You will also need to provide your own equipment. • The indoor pool is subject to the same state and county health directives as outdoor pools. If outdoor pools have to close, so will the indoor pool. • The KidZone child watch area may be closed. Please refer to our website for updates.
SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMS
SOME ACTIVITIES AND CLASSES NOW OPEN! Lenexa Parks & Recreation plans to offer limited programs this summer to provide fun, safe recreation opportunities for our residents. We’re implementing a number of safety measures to help protect participants, including limiting spectators and class sizes and sanitizing shared equipment at the beginning and end of each class. Online and over-the-phone registration is strongly encouraged! Sign up for programs at Lenexa.com/GetActive or by calling 913.477.7100.
Planning to spend most of your of time at home this summer? Lenexa Parks & Recreation staff have put together some fun, safe and memorable at-home activities you can enjoy as a family!
Adjusted program hours, locations and summer schedules are available at Lenexa.com/GetActive.
INDOOR & OUTDOOR SWIM LESSONS We plan to offer limited swim lessons at Indian Trails Aquatic Center and the Lenexa Rec Center indoor pool this summer. Classes will be small and separated in the pool. We’re also using new cleaning protocols including sanitizing all common use equipment at the beginning of each class and sanitizing high-touch surfaces and items regularly. Other safety measures we’re taking include: • Only one adult viewer per swimmer will be allowed in the pool area. Other viewers will need to remain in the lobby space of the Rec Center or the parking area of Indian Trails. • All participants will be checked in by the program instructor. • There will be a 10-minute break between classes for communication with parents and cleaning of equipment. • All instructors will be screened and have their temperatures checked at the beginning of their shift.
SUMMER SWIM LESSON SCHEDULE Find your child’s appropriate lesson level at Lenexa.com/Pools. Outdoor lessons at Indian Trails Classes held Monday–Thursday mornings and evenings (Fridays reserved for weather makeup days). Fees are $50/resident or $55/ nonresident. • July 6–16: Signups open June 15 • July 20–30: Signups open June 29 Indoor lessons at the Lenexa Rec Center Classes held Tuesday/Thursday mornings and evenings. Fees are $50/Rec Center member ($45 for X Pass members) or $55/nonmember. • July 14—Aug. 6: Signups open June 22 Register at Lenexa.com/GetActive TOWNTALK
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FIND MORE AT LENEXA.COM/FUN
SPORTS/FITNESS Family Dance Party
Get your heart rate up and your muscles moving to the beat! Pick an open space and prepare your music, snacks and a hydration station. Crank the music and let your body move.
Jump Rope Fitness Competition
Gather your family members, get a jump rope and see who can get the most jumps in a row. Track your jumps a few times a week for four weeks. The person with the most jumps get to pick dinner!
AQUATICS Water Activities for Babies
Put on your swimsuit and have your child put on theirs, then play in a clean water-filled bathtub by pouring water over their toes, knees, tummy, arms and head. Use floating toys and have your child practice by reaching out for the toy. Encourage your child to blow bubbles by having them imitate you.
Water Activities for Toddlers
Practice blowing bubbles using toys that float or sink. Have your child blow bubbles or submerge when grabbing the toy. Have your child lay in the bathtub and do a back float. You can support their head with your hand and sing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or say “1, 2, 3, done,” while they look up at you.
Songs to Sing in the Water
Have children hold hands and move around in a clockwise direction while singing: Ring around the Rosie, A pocket full of posies, Ashes! Ashes! We all blow bubbles! Repeat, but say “We all fall down” and go underwater. If you’re happy and you know it (Make small splashes) x2 If you’re happy and you know it Then your face will surely show it If you’re happy and you know it (Make small splashes) (Blow some bubbles) (Kick your feet) (Turn around) (Jump up and down) 30
TOWNTALK
Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Tournaments
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. This is a free, come-and-go event. You can stay for the whole event (usually last about 90 minutes), but can come and go at your leisure. To participate, turn on your game system and launch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Select Online Play > Tournaments > Search by Code. Tuesday’s code is 5026-1783-9147. Thursday’s code is 5372-9136-3883.
Pickleball Dinking Drill
Need to practice your pickleball skills? You just need a paddle and a ball. Mark a line 7 feet away from a wall in your basement and practice dinking against the wall.
Superhero Workout
Participate in a family workout that’s fun for all ages. Go to Lenexa.com/Fun to view the routine.
Water Balloon Baseball/Softball Practice
Create three water stations to practice your baseball and softball skills: • Toss water balloons between partners to hone throwing and catching skills. After each person has one catch, take a step back. • Fill up a bucket of water balloons and practice batting them instead of a ball. • Create a slip ‘n slide with a tarp, plastic shower curtain or a slide you have on hand. Work on your sliding technique while having fun!
NATURE/OUTDOORS Birding in Lenexa
Discover beautiful birds that live in Lenexa in our parks and in your own backyard! Go to Lenexa.com/Fun to print a checklist of birds found in Lenexa, plus find great resources to help you begin your adventure in birding.
Lenexa Rocks Painting
FAMILY FUN COVID-19 Time Capsule
Go to Lenexa.com/Fun to download worksheets that will help you create your own time capsule. Find a container to hold all your creations and pieces of history, then store it in a safe place for your future self!
Backyard Movie Night
Bring a TV or projector to view a movie outside and a speaker to enhance the volume. Use a sheet, garage door or side of your house if you’re projecting the movie. Make popcorn and pick out the movie, then enjoy a memorable movie outdoors.
Paint small rocks with a fun design and seal with a clear coat. Then, leave them in a park for others to find. You can post your creation on the Lenexa Rocks Facebook group to show off your craftsmanship and find other cool rocks around Lenexa!
Scavenger Hunts
Explore Lenexa (or your neightborhood) with a fun scavenger hunt! Print off the scavenger hunt for the difficulty level you’d like to try at Lenexa.com/Fun and enjoy the challenge.
LENEXA PARKS WORD SEARCH s i u r r l a e l e c t r i c
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c l r t f i e l t m u l l e n
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c r x t r p m o r r q y i d d
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m f p m y a c r l e s i r o k
a a i p g p l k t l a s r j r
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a g p p t z c g r r a r o n e
t a m a r i s k a e e i e w g
a r b o i s d a r c e e l e s
f m a n c h e s t e r n k s k
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PRSRT  MKTG U.S. Postage P A I D Kansas City, MO Permit No. 32
17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy. Lenexa, KS 66219
CITY OFFICIALS Mayor Mike Boehm
City Manager Beccy Yocham
City Council Ward 1 Joe Karlin Courtney Eiterich
City Council Ward 3 Dan Roh Corey Hunt
City Council Ward 2 Tom Nolte Bill Nicks
City Council Ward 4 Mandy Stuke Julie Sayers
Lenexa is an equal housing community.
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