Want to support JCPRD? Become a member of The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County! We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that advocates and fundraises for parks, the arts, and recreation in Johnson County. Founded in 1977, we have preserved 1,647 acres of land, and provide resources, scholarships, and support for the Johnson County Park and Recreation District which serves 10 million visitors and participations annually.
Visit JCPRDFoundation.org to learn more!
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2021
RT O P E R L ANNUA
National Gold Medal for Excellence Award Winner!
JCPRD.com
A message from our director The Johnson County Park and Recreation District had much success in achieving many of our established 2021 goals and objectives. Our strategic plan (Legacy Plan) continues to guide us in maintaining, protecting, enhancing, and expanding our beloved park and recreation system. Despite the challenging environment we continued to experience, major projects were started and/or completed as planned, including completing Phase I and beginning Phase II improvements at the Mid-America Sports Complex, completing construction of the first phase of development of the new Cedar Niles Park, opening the new John Barkley Plaza, and much more. In addition to our planned initiatives, JCPRD was successful in achieving many notable outcomes in 2021, including receipt of multiple awards and honors, and endorsing the Kansas City Regional Climate Action Plan, which has an ambitious goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
I am most proud of our Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners, amazing staff, and the many volunteers that, despite the concerns and ever-changing environment, continue to provide the outstanding parks, facilities, and services the district offers the community. I couldn’t be more proud of how our entire JCPRD family worked together to be there for our community, and also looked for additional ways to serve in an ongoing time of need. An example was the provision of our facilities for use as vaccination clinics. All of us at JCPRD are so appreciative of the understanding, support, and encouragement the citizens of the Johnson County community have displayed towards the district over the last couple of years. It is an honor for all of us to serve and we look forward to achieving great things in 2022. With appreciation, Executive Director Jeff Stewart
2021 Board of Park & Recreation Commissioners
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Chair Leslee Rivarola
Asst. Sec. & Past Chair George J. Schlagel
Vice Chair Heather Rubesch
Asst. Treasurer Kevin Fern
Secretary Robert J. Carlson
Board Member Daniel W. Forgy
Treasurer Steve Baru
BOCC Ex Officio Jeff Meyers
JCPRD Mission To enrich our community through excellence in parks, recreation, culture, education, and public service.
JCPRD Vision Pursuing innovation and stewardship to sustain and enrich a thriving park and recreation system that inspires play, culture, and education, leading to healthy and fulfilling lives for all.
COVID-19 Was Still a Factor
New Programs debut in 2021
It was no surprise that Johnson County was still dealing with COVID-19 in 2021. JCPRD reached out to the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment to offer JCPRD facilities for use as vaccination clinics, allowing thousands of citizens to receive the vaccine in a short period of time. In addition to providing the venues, some JCPRD employees and volunteers shifted their schedules and duties to make themselves available to set up and assist at the clinics.
l JCPRD successfully added two adventure races to its competi-
Despite the unstable economic environment, JCPRD’s enterprise fund operations, which consists of about half of the agency’s annual budget and is primarily supported by user fees rather than tax revenues, had great success in finding the necessary resources through partnerships and grants to ensure that all JCPRD services are sustainable in the short and long term. While JCPRD largely transitioned back to in-person activities, some programs continued to offer and have success with virtual programs. A mixture of both pay and free program offerings remained popular with 50 Plus participants, and both the Johnson County Museum and the Ernie Miller Nature Center presented educational outreach programs virtually in lieu of in-person fieldtrip presentations.
tive athletic event schedule. These events proved popular and included the Shawnee Mission Park Adventure Race on May 22, and the TimberRidge Adventure Race on Sept. 18. Each race offered two- and six-hour options and required participants to use orienteering to navigate to the checkpoints. While the two-hour course was entirely on foot, the six-hour course also involved biking and canoeing. l In July 2021, in collaboration with Britain Development, a pro-
gram of AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, the Johnson County Museum initiated Sensory Friendly Mondays, a program designed to make the museum accessible to more people in the community. This program features limited-occupancy sessions designed specifically for children with sensory processing differences and Autism Spectrum Disorders, and their families. The programs usually take place from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Monday of every month. l JCPRD’s Outdoor Education Department presented a new and
well-received Orienteering Egg Hunt in early April. In addition to hunting for eggs hidden around Ernie Miller Park, participants learned about animals and learned to use a magnetic compass and topographical maps. The program sold out quickly and was offered again.
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Capital Projects
l As part of an ongoing effort to make Americans with Disabilities
l Following the completion and opening of the northern portion of
the first phase of development at Cedar Niles Park in early 2021, the remainder of the 1,030-acre park opened near the end of the year. The park features 4-miles of paved trail, 4.4-miles of single-track hiking and mountain biking trail, three access points with water fountains, and a playground, picnic shelter, and restrooms at the 135th Street access point. A ribbon cutting for the new park took place in April 2022. l A first phase of improvements at the Mid-America Sports Complex
in Shawnee wound down in late summer and Phase II began shortly thereafter. In time for the complex’s first major tournament in late May, synthetic turf was installed on four fields, and new LED lighting was installed at all 12 of the complex’s fields. Other improvements, including satellite restroom and concession replacements, and a new Fan Zone area, were also part of $12 million in improvements for Phase I. Phase II improvements began in September, and will involve another $10.3 million in improvements including more artificial turf installation and replacement of restrooms and concession areas. These two phases are part of a six-year plan to improve MASC and the nearby Mid-America West Sports Complex. l A new entry plaza with
shelter and landscaping honoring JCPRD’s first superintendent, John Barkley, was dedicated in April near Shawnee Mission Park’s 79th Street entrance. JCPRD also initiated a new tradition around the holiday season by installing festive lights that turned the existing flagpole at the plaza into a 90-foot tall tree-shaped holiday decoration. 3
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Act-related improvements in JCPRD parks, Phase I improvements at Ernie Miller Park were completed in 2021 and involved replacing and improving the park’s outdoor amphitheater, adding an outdoor classroom on the pond just north of the amphitheater, and adding a new accessible parking area and bus loop closer to the nature center. A ribbon cutting for the new amphitheater will take place in early summer 2022. l At Arthur and Betty Verhaeghe Park, the existing playground was nearly doubled by the addition of play equipment for ages 2 to 5, and a small number of plots were completed for a community garden project. l A new restroom was completed at the Shawnee Mission Park
Off-Leash Area, and Shawnee Mission Park shelters #5, #6, and #7 were replaced on the north side of the lake. l At Heritage Park, a
new paved trail measuring approximately 0.9 miles now connects Shelter #11 to Shelter #6, where it meets the existing paved trail. l JCPRD participated in making ADA and parking improvements
at the Roeland Park Community Center.
Other 2021 accomplishments l JCPRD’s 50 Plus department celebrated its 50th anniversary
through a series of programs and events throughout 2021. Officials attributed the department’s long-term success to an emphasis on wellness and educational opportunities; following national and regional trends; and being responsive to the needs and interests of those they serve. l After being shut down in 2020 because of COVID-19, Theatre
in the Park produced a full season of three indoor productions and five outdoor productions in 2021.
l JCPRD partnered with the Kansas City Symphony and the Lyric
Opera to present a series of free concerts in district parks during the spring and early summer of 2021. l Empowering and educating boat users to protect JCPRD lakes
against zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive species is the goal behind a boat cleaning station installed in early 2021 near the boat ramp at Shawnee Mission Park Lake. l JCPRD’s Kansas Kips Gymnastics Team emerged from 2020’s
pandemic closures and challenges stronger than ever and brought back impressive wins from a State Gymnastics Championship. An 11-year-old team member not only brought home first place in her age group, but was also the top scorer amongst all Level 5 competitors, and six other team members had their best all-around scores.
l September 2021 marked the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe
Trail, which passes near the Johnson County Museum’s Lanesfield Historic Site. The anniversary was celebrated as part of the site’s fall open house. l In early October, the Johnson County Museum opened an
expanded and permanent Museum Store. The 247-square-foot shop showcases talented Johnson County and regional Kansas makers and offers a range of unique gifts for all ages and interests. l In cooperation with
JCPRD, The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County presented a new special event in early April which benefited the Kansas City Automotive Museum and JCPRD’s Public Art Program. The foundation also presented the new Gary L. Haller Memorial Golf Tournament at JCPRD’s Tomahawk Hills Golf Course in August to celebrate the life and accomplishments of JCPRD’s former director and raise funds to continue to support his vision. l While JCPRD continues to plan and present a wide variety
of programs for all ages, in the first quarter of 2021 the agency eliminated the printed My JCPRD Activities Catalog and made its website (JCPRD.com/Activities) the primary source of program information. This decision was based largely on the uncertainly brought on by COVID-19 and a desire to present the most upto-date information possible. JCPRD programs continue to draw strong activity registrations.
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New Administrative Staff
2021 Awards & Honors
Erika Seward began Feb. 1 as JCPRD’s development director. The KU graduate brings over 20 years of experience leading organizations and teams in the corporate and non-profit sectors, from ESPN to most recently Bear Yuba Land Trust in Northern California. She is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional responsible for revenue development, grant management, and oversight of The Parks & Recreation Foundation of Johnson County as its executive director.
of Excellence from the American Association of State and Local Museums for its response to COVID-19, which included a collecting initiative; a temporary exhibition designed to inspire and embolden the community; a partner-supported community art exhibition; and public programming to help unpack the pandemic and address mental health needs.
Erika Seward is JCPRD’s new development director
Georgia Sizemore is JCPRD’s new planning and development manager
Prior to starting on Oct. 4 as JCPRD’s new planning and development manager, Georgia Gavito Sizemore worked for Johnson County Facilities Management consisting of two different stints. Between the two periods working for Johnson County, she worked from 2014 to 2016 in Lawrence as a project manager/planner with KU Design and Construction Management on the University of Kansas campus.
LaNesha Washington is JCPRD’s new human resources manager
LaNesha Washington began Nov. 1 as JCPRD’s new human resources manager. She is a certified human resources professional who previously worked as senior human resources manager at the University of Kansas Memorial Union in Lawrence, Kan. Washington holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from Wichita State University, and a master’s degree in human resources management from Webster University, also in Wichita. 5
l The Johnson County Museum received the National Award
l Executive Director Jeff Stewart received the Administrative
Leadership Award from the Kansas Recreation and Park Association, while Children’s Services Specialist Rob Knaussman received KRPA’s Outstanding Recreation Professional Award. l The National Association of County Park and Recreation
Officials honored former Johnson County Board of Commissioners Member and JCPRD Board Member Steven C. Klika with its Outstanding Public Official Award. l The Russell and Helen Means Observation Tower in Kill Creek
Park received NACPRO’s Outstanding Contributor Award.
l Children’s Services Department Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Barnes received a Leadership in Action Award from Johnson County government for successfully applying for $8.7 million in grant assistance and for overseeing the spending and documentation of the funds. l The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center received the 2021
Landscape Excellence Award from the Overland Park Legacy of Greenery Committee.
Work Where You Play! Apply today at JCPRD.com/jobs
2021 Divisional Employees of the Year ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES Katie Anderson, System Administrator
Under Katie’s leadership and expertise, JCPRD launched new online registration and buying options for the public, including permits and memberships, shelter reservations, and gift cards. Her commitment to JCPRD, our customers, and our mission, along with her strong team approach and can-do attitude, serves as an example of the values JCPRD prides itself on!
CULTURE DIVISION Kevin Bruns,
JCAHC Facility Maintenance Supervisor Kevin is always available to assist with challenging rental issues and other maintenance items at a moment’s notice. He also jumps to assist other staff and patrons with tasks outside of his job description, and always with a smile. Kevin also stepped up, working hours outside of his schedule to cover evening/weekend events with little notice.
Congratulations....Job well
PARKS & GOLF COURSES DIVISION Cindy Lawrence,
PGC Sr. Administrative Assistant Cindy was instrumental in coordinating a combined celebration of life and the inaugural Gary L. Haller Memorial Golf Tournament that netted over $10,000 for The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County. She is a critical part of the division, preparing agendas and minutes for managers’ meetings, the vehicle and equipment team, PGC Committee, and taking on a larger role with JCPRD board meetings.
SAFETY & OUTDOOR EDUCATION DIVISION Amy Isenburg,
EMNC Receptionist / Administrative Assistant Amy schedules, advertises, manages registration, and answers questions for over 1,000 programs, helps with animal care, special events, training staff, supervising front desk staff, and TimberRidge Adventure Center operations. She does all of this on top of greeting visitors at the nature center and answering phone calls. Amy goes above and beyond her job duties to help her team.
RECREATION DIVISION Jennifer Barnes,
Children’s Services Administrative Assistant Jennifer worked diligently on grant applications for her department which brought in $8.7 million into JCPRD’s Enterprise Fund. She also secured scholarships for lowincome families and worked to make the best use of these dollars by proactively seeking out opportunities to pre-purchase necessary items for future programs, thus setting her department up for financial stability in 2022.
done!
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Policy Matters l In July 2021, JCPRD’s governing body endorsed the Kansas City
Regional Climate Action Plan. In doing so, JCPRD stepped forward alongside a collaborative network of cities, elected representatives, and others working together to achieve an ambitious and urgent goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The plan creates a flexible, voluntary framework to guide and align local action in ways that make a difference for a region which serves ten counties and 123 communities with a total population of 2.14 million. l The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County
announced the Equity For All Fund, a program which raises funds for scholarships, projects, and accommodations meant to reduce barriers to participation and increase enjoyment of JCPRD parks, arts, and recreational offerings. The fund is a core pillar of the foundation’s new strategic direction, and follows a series of steps by JCPRD to progress its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. l In September, the Johnson County Board of Park and Recreation
Commissioners unanimously approved a staff-developed diversity and inclusion statement for JCPRD which reaffirms the agency’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all aspects of its work and organization. l 2021 planning efforts included
completion of a Theatre in the Park Concept Plan, a Public Art Master Plan, and engineering studies for the Big Bull Creek Park Sunflower Trail, and the Kill Creek Streamway Park Trail north of Kill Creek Park.
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Featuring 4.4 miles of paved trail, Cedar Niles Park in Olathe opened near the end of 2021.
2021 Visitations l Antioch Park......................................................................................................................525,637 l Big Bull Creek Park........................................................................................................... 89,969 l Camp Branch Glade..........................................................................................................19,509 l Cedar Niles Park (starting March 2021)....................................................................36,962 l Coffee Creek Streamway Park...................................................................................123,270 l Ernie Miller Park.................................................................................................................139,333 l Heritage Park...................................................................................................................1,722,343 l Kill Creek Park....................................................................................................................169,793 l Kill Creek Streamway Park .......................................................................................... 90,697 l Lexington Lake Park...........................................................................................................68,115 l Meadowbrook Park........................................................................................................ 937,324 l Mildale Farm.......................................................................................................................... 6,740 l Mill Creek Streamway Park ....................................................................................... 554,494 l Shawnee Mission Park.............................................................................................. 2,468,969 l Stilwell Community Park.................................................................................................60,712 l Stoll Memorial Park....................................................................................................... 485,538 l Sunflower Nature Park.....................................................................................................48,318 TOTAL VISITATIONS................................................................................................7,547,721
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2021 Parks & Acreage
2021 Participations
l Antioch Park................................................................................................................43.48 l Arthur and Betty Verhaeghe Park.......................................................................41.41 l Big Bull Creek Park (includes Mildale Farm).............................................. 2,027.15 l Blue River Streamway Park...................................................................................66.49 l Camp Branch Creek Streamway (Future Park)............................................. 28.36 l Camp Branch Glade.................................................................................................57.34 l Camp Branch Park (Future Park).......................................................................236.08 l Cedar Niles Park....................................................................................................1,030.35 l Coffee Creek Streamway....................................................................................188.07 l Ernie Miller Park.......................................................................................................126.28 l Heritage Park.......................................................................................................... 1234.88 l Kill Creek Park.......................................................................................................... 897.63 l Kill Creek Streamway Park....................................................................................323.71 l Lexington Lake.........................................................................................................465.18 l Little Cedar Creek Streamway Park.................................................................... 2.93 l Meadowbrook Park ................................................................................................ 83.20 l Mid-America Sports Complex...........................................................................86.66 l Mid-America West Sports Complex.................................................................62.13 l Mill Creek Activity Center......................................................................................2.40 l Mill Creek Streamway Park.................................................................................651.07 l New Century Fieldhouse.........................................................................................9.82 l Nursery/Streamway Maintenance.................................................................... 20.16 l Prairie Park (Prairie Village)......................................................................................0.24 l Shawnee Mission Park........................................................................................1,674.76 l Shawnee Mission Park (Future Addition).........................................................81.17 l South Hedge Lane (Future Addition).............................................................. 60.75 l Stilwell Community Park........................................................................................ 54.01 l Sunflower (Early Transfer)......................................................................................131.72 l Sunflower Nature Park............................................................................................. 57.17 l Swarner Park (Shawnee)............................................................................................ 2.71 l Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park.......................................................................... 78.96 l Tomahawk Hills Golf Course............................................................................. 259.01 l Waterfall Park (Merriam).......................................................................................... 4.32
l 50 Plus Centers, Programs & Travel................................................................................17,838 l Aquatics (outdoor swim lessons)........................................................................................ 656 l Beaches and Marinas...........................................................................................................16,869 l Community Events..................................................................................................................8,415 l Ernie Miller Nature Center............................................................................................... 26,482 l Fine & Performing Arts.............................................................................................................503 l Gymnastics.................................................................................................................................. 15,113 l Heritage Park Football........................................................................................................ 58,419 l Heritage Park Golf Course (Rounds)............................................................................. 47,134 l Heritage Park Soccer.......................................................................................................... 20,838 l Heritage Park Softball Fields ...........................................................................................27,569 l Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center....................................................................47,910 l Johnson County Museum.................................................................................................26,255 l Kansas City Blazers Swim Team......................................................................................58,574 l Kansas City Corporate Challenge....................................................................................10,313 l Lanesfield Historic Site............................................................................................................. 610 l Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse...................................................................................... 18,679 l Mid-America Sports Complex........................................................................................97,596 l Mid-America West Sports Complex.........................................................................242,802 l Mildale Farm Events................................................................................................................9,166 l Mill Creek Activity Center.................................................................................................. 8,376 l New Century Fieldhouse................................................................................................... 121,148 l Outdoor Education...............................................................................................................12,795 l Preschools, Out of School Time & Day Camps....................................................479,759 l Roeland Park Community Center...................................................................................12,493 l Roeland Park Sports Dome.............................................................................................. 34,018 l Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center...............................................48,686 l Special Olympics - JCPRD Rangers................................................................................... 1,223 l Special Populations..................................................................................................................1,041 l T.A.K.E. Self Defense...............................................................................................................1,047 l Theatre in the Park...............................................................................................................37,605 l TimberRidge Adventure Center......................................................................................10,437 l Tomahawk Hills Golf Course (Rounds)........................................................................35,026 l Virtual Programs....................................................................................................................... 3,707 l Wellness Events and Programs.........................................................................................4,405 l Youth Soccer.............................................................................................................................2,498 l Program Spectators............................................................................................................ 704,125 l Program Volunteers.............................................................................................................54,929
TOTAL ACREAGE............................................................................. 10,089.62
What do YOU do for fun?
TOTAL PARTICIPATIONS.......................................................................... 2,325,059
View program listings at JCPRD.com/activities
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2021 Financial Reports General Fund Revenues Ad Valorem/Other Taxes $32,997,808 96.22% Charges for Services $845,945 2.47% Contributions 0.00% Intergovernmental $40,109 0.12% Interest Income $21,128 0.06% Licenses and Permits $239,861 0.70% Other Financing Sources $150,687 0.43% Totals $34,295,538 100%
General Fund Expenses Salaries & Wages $9,179,442 28.05% Contractual Services $3,113,625 9.51% Commodities $1,543,075 4.72% Capital Outlay $1,452,677 4.44% Debt Service $ 8,266,808 25.26% Other Financing Uses $(868,550) -2.65% Transfers $10,036,260 30.67% Totals $32,723,337 100%
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Enterprise Fund Revenues Recreation Program Fees $19,804,007 69.58% Intergovernmental $7,729,069 27.16% Contributions $882,777 3.10% Other Revenues $46,592 0.16% TOTALS $28,462,446 100%
Enterprise Fund Expenses Salaries & Wages $14,334,438 59.04% Contractual Services $3,431,280 14.13% Commodities $2,230,311 9.19% Depreciation $608,247 2.51% Transfers $3,673,909 15.13% Totals $24,278,185 100%
Employee Benefits Fund Revenues Ad Valorem/Other Taxes $5,772,946 90.61% Charges for Services $474,072 7.44% Intergovernmental $960 0.02% Other Financing Sources $123,240 1.93% Totals $6,371,218 100%
Employee Benefits Fund Expenses Contractual Services $7,116,819 99.37% Commodities $44,966 0.63% Totals $7,161,785 100%
Financial data presented is preliminary pending audit.
The Johnson County Park and Recreation District, through its commitment to public accountability, presents this annual report to inform the citizens of Johnson County of revenue receipts and expenditure disbursements, as well as JCPRD’s bonded indebtedness status. During 2021, the district maintained its tradition of sound financial stability within its operational budget and policy of tax support for the General Fund. The fund includes administration, parks, park safety, planning and development, the Theatre in the Park, special services for senior adults, and persons with disabilities. No level or agency of government can provide facilities or services without adequate financing for these elements. JCPRD takes pride in the fact that almost 50% of its annual budget is financed by sources of revenue other than tax dollars.
Bonded Indebtedness 2021 Bonded Indebtedness Date Maturity Original Outstanding Issued Amount 1/1/2021 Certificates of Participation 2013 Series A 8/15/2013 9/1/2023 $15,670,000 $5,215,000 2015 Series A 7/8/2015 9/1/2035 $2,490,000 $2,015,000 2017 Series A 3/30/2017 9/1/2026 $7,300,000 $5,175,000 2017 Series B 3/30/2017 9/1/2026 $5,460,000 $3,870,000 2019 Series A 6/4/2019 9/1/2029 $5,545,000 $5,145,000 2019 Series B 6/4/2019 9/1/2029 $4,175,000 $3,835,000 2019 Series C 6/4/2019 9/1/2030 $2,595,000 $2,400,000 2020 Series A 10/22/2020 9/1/2030 $13,510,000 $13,510,000 2021 Series A 10/6/2021 9/1/2031 $8,365,000 $Direct Lease: 2019 Series D 12/11/2019 9/1/2022 $3,386,874 $2,051,460 Totals $68,496,874 $43,216,460
Principal Payments
Interest Payments
Outstanding 12/31/2021
$1,810,000 $105,000 $785,000 $590,000 $485,000 $380,000 $215,000 $1,295,000 $-
$248,013 $74,475 $199,150 $148,900 $232,950 $128,500 $71,210 $148,002 $-
$3,405,000 $1,910,000 $4,390,000 $3,280,000 $4,660,000 $3,455,000 $2,185,000 $12,215,000 $8,365,000
$1,170,243 $6,835,243
$40,619 $1,291,819
$881,217 $44,746,217
2021 Johnson County Property Tax Distribution State $18,388,485 1.24% County $227,575,860 15.37% Library $39,159,783 2.64% JCPRD $37,953,829 2.56% Cities and Townships $253,084,661 17.09%
USD $714,480,201 48.24% Community College $111,679,374 7.54% Special Districts $35,185,110 2.38% Special Assessments $43,516,567 2.94% Grand Total of All Taxes $1,481,023,870 100%
It was another great year to be outside!
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