Parks and Recreation Spring 2016 Guide by Shawnee County

S P R I N G 2016

Tulip 16

Time Page

Page

08 There are secrets in Ted Ensley Gardens Page

19 Sports Performance Training

MEET YOU THERE!

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 1

Pools and aquatic centers open

Memorial Day Weekend!

May 28 Register for classes by calling 251-2600 or online at parks.snco.us

aquatics Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center . . . . . . . . . . . Garfield Pool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hillcrest Pool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oakland Pool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Noon-7 p.m. Noon-5 p.m. Noon-5 p.m. Noon-5 p.m.

Rossville Pool. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noon-5 p.m. Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center. . . . . . Noon-7 p.m. Lake Shawnee Swim Beach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noon-5 p.m. COMING SOON: Midwest Family Aquatic Center

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

VOLUNTEER!

Table of

contents Core Programs:

03 PRESCHOOL 05 YOUTH 11

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

PARKS • GARDENS • TRAILS • EDUCATION • FACILITY MAINTENANCE • CULTURAL • HISTORICAL • TOUR GUIDES • EVENTS • COACHING • SCHOOL PROJECTS • ADMINISTRATIVE For more information or to get involved, contact Olivia Mayer, Volunteer Services Coordinator, 785.251.2625 • olivia.mayer@snco.us

Registration

Pick from one of the many classes, activities, sports or other programs offered through Shawnee County Parks + Recreation and we’ll make it easy for you to register! • To register online, go to parks.snco.us and click the Online Registration icon. • F orms may also be mailed, walked in, phoned in or faxed to any parks and recreation facility.

Reservations

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

Cancellation

Programs may be combined or canceled due to insufficient enrollment. Enrollees will be notified by phone or mail for acceptance, transfer, credit or refund. Please provide a valid email address. Receipts are issued via email.

Refund Policy

14 SENIOR 18 FITNESS & WELLNESS Letter from the Director . . . . . . . . . 02

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

2016 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04

Program refunds:

Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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

Sports refunds:

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

Shelter reservation refunds:

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

Kossover Tennis Center . . . . . . . . . 05 Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07 Ted Ensley Gardens. . . . . . . . . . . . 08 Golf Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Preschools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Tulip Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Topeka Zoo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Facility Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Old Prairie Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Destination Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 /

Letter from the

director

Parks Provide Economic Boost When most of us visit our parks, we appreciate the beauty of nature and activities ranging from fishing to trails, ball fields and more. We pay taxes for the privilege of having our parks, but did you know that our parks produce a return on investment? They do. Not just in terms of physical and mental well-being, but also in bona fide economic benefits. A study commissioned by the National Recreation and Park Association estimates the economic impact of regional and local parks at $140 billion in America and nearly $1 billion in Kansas. Our parks support nearly 1 million jobs nationally and almost 10,000 jobs in Kansas. According to the study, “Investments made to local and regional parks not only raise the standard of living in our neighborhoods, towns and cities, but they also spark activity that can ripple throughout the economy.” The study was done by the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University. Its findings are considered conservative because it only takes into account spending by park agencies for employee salaries and business transactions with contractors and vendors. The study does not take into account visitor spending, the benefits parks generate for the environment, health and wellness or increased property values.

Another recent study shows that $38 million in tourism dollars are derived from recreation. An earlier study by Jayhawk Consulting at the University of Kansas shows a return of $1.70 for each $1 invested in parks and recreation programs. In Shawnee County, we have nearly 50 miles of trails, 2,652 acres of parks, golf courses, aquatic centers, athletic fields, world class gardens and such destination parks as Lake Shawnee and Gage Park. More than 94 percent of our residents visit our parks at least once a year. We also draw visitors from across the state and even around the country. At a time when our tax dollars get continually stretched farther to provide myriad public services, we’re pleased to report that your tax dollars spent on parks and recreation provide a substantial return on investment.

John E. Knight

Director, Shawnee County Parks + Recreation

Local and regional park spending not only turns our neighborhoods, towns and cities into vibrant, connected and healthier communities, but they also spark economic activity that ripples well beyond the initial spending to create jobs and prosperity throughout our nation. “The Economic Impact of Local Parks” – a study prepared for the National Recreation and Parks Association

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

Preschool

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss ! Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday with cake, a story and a craft. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: March 2 Time: Wed. 10-10:45 a.m. Fee: $7 per person BlastBall Learn t-ball skills in a fun, fast-paced game. Rossville Community Center 251-2600 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: Feb. 29-March 28 Time: Mon. 5:30-6 p.m. Fee: $20 per person *TSCPL Story Time at Crestview Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: March 10, April 14 and May 12 Time: Thur. 10:30-11 a.m. Fee: Free Lucky Leprechauns Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a craft and story. Don’t forget to wear green! Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: March 17 Time: Thur. 10-10:45 a.m. Fee: $7 per person Pajama-Rama Wear your favorite pajamas, make a craft, enjoy a snack and hear a story. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: March 23 Time: Wed. 10-10:45 a.m. Fee: $7 per person Bunny Fun Decorate and then hunt for eggs and play games. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Fee: 3-5 yrs. Date: March 25 Time: Fri. 10-10:45 a.m. Fee: $7 per person

T-Ball Clinic Work on hitting, catching and throwing. Rossville Community Center 251-2600 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: April 5-26 Time: Tue. 5:30-6 p.m. Fee: $20 per person To the Moon and Back Have fun with space games, moon pies and making a rocket. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: April 13 Time: Wed. 10-10:45 a.m. Fee: $7 per person Tumbling Basic movement and coordination increases flexibility and motor skills. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: April 16-May 14 Time: Sat. 9:30-10 a.m. Fee: $25 per person 5 Little Ducks Have fun with an art activity based on the nursery rhyme. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: April 28 Time: Thur. 10-10:45 a.m. Fee: $7 per person We’re going on a Bug Hunt Come explore the Shunga Trail, play games and make a craft. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: May 11 Time: Wed. 10-10:45 a.m. Fee: $7 per person

Dance Dancers move to music and nursery rhymes. Learn gross and fine motor skills. Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: April 6-May 18 Time: Wed. 5:30-6 p.m. Fee: $40 per person Tap Dance Students learn basic tap steps and practice routines. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: April 13-May 11 Time: Wed. 5:30-6 p.m. Fee: $25 per person Ballet Develop coordination, rhythm and learn basic ballet moves. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: April 16-May 14 Time: Sat. 10-10:30 a.m. Fee: $25 per person Preschool Track Meet Preschoolers prepare for running, jumping, and throwing events. This event is for three to fiveyear-olds that have not attended kindergarten. Select three events: 30-yd dash, 50-yd dash, soccer kick, ball throw, and running broad jump. Pre-registration is required. Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 3-5 yrs. Date: May 11, 2016 Time: Wed. 6-8 p.m. Fee: $12 per person

* Topeka Shawnee County Public Library

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 /

2016

Spring & Summer

calendar March 12-20

April 30

S pring B rea k H o u rs: G age Par k M ini -T rain an d Caro u sel Time: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (weather permitting)

Dic k an d Dott y H anger Ki d s Fishing Derby Lake Shawnee Jr. Pond

March 25

To u ch - a -T r u c k This is a special event for preschoolers where they can climb on, play in and honk the horns of various vehicles. Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center Parking Lot at Gage Park 251-2960 Age: 3-5 yrs. Time: Thur. 10-11:30 a.m. Fee: Free

G age Par k M ini -T rain an d Caro u sel spring ho u rs Time: Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m. (weather permitting)

March 26

E aster Egg H u nt 10 th A nn ual Bring your basket and join the Easter Bunny for a great hunt. Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 0-9 yrs. Time: Sat. 11 a.m. Fee: Free

April 8-24

T u lip T ime Old Prairie Town/Ward-Meade Botanical Garden, Gage Park, Lake Shawnee

April 17

T u lip T ime F estival Ted Ensley Gardens Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

May 5

May 7

M arina opens wee k en d s only during May; 7 days a week after Memorial Day Time: Noon-8 p.m.

May 18

G age Par k S u mmer C oncert S eries Topeka Blues Society Series

May 21

Family Fitness G reat R ace Families spend quality time and get fit in this race around the city. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 10+ Time: Sat. 1 p.m. Fee: $50 per family

May 23

G age Par k M ini -T rain an d Caro u sel s u mmer ho u rs Time: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m., (Fridays open until 7:45 p.m.) Sunday 11 a.m.-5:45 p.m. (weather permitting)

May 28

O pening Day for P ools an d Aq uatic C enters

May 29

G age Par k S u mmer C oncert S eries Santa Fe Band

June 18

Tope k a T inman T riathlon Lake Shawnee

June 24-25

W heatstoc k X I I Old Prairie Town

July 4

S pirit of Kansas Lake Shawnee

July 8-24

S u nflower S tate G ames

July 30

S u mmer C oncert Old Prairie Town THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

KOSSOVER tennis center Hours of Operation

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

Daily Court Fees

$2 per person per day Reservations are strongly recommended as leagues, clinics, tennis tournaments and high school activities authorized by Shawnee County Parks + Recreation have first priority on court usage. To make reservations or for more information, please contact Ryan at Kossover Tennis Center at 785-273-0030.

Tennis Lesson Fees

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

Racquet Stringing

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

Camps and Clinics

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

For more information

on lessons, reservations, tournaments and the Topeka Tennis Association

youth activities Martial Arts

K arate Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 7+ Date: Feb. 22-April 6, April 11-May 25 Time: Mon., Wed. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fee: $39 per person Tae Kwon Do Self defense skills with Masters from Sun Yi’s Academy. Rossville Community Center 251-2600 Age: 6+ Date: March 1-May 31 Time: Tue. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fee: $30 per person per month

K arate - Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 6+ Date: April 12-May 26 Time: Tue., Thur. 6-7 p.m. Fee: $39 per person Tae Kwon Do – Beginners & Advanced Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 7+ Date: March 3-May 26 Time: Thur. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fee: $30 per person per month

Tae Kwon Do Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 6+ Date: March 7-May 31 Time: Mon.-Thur. 5-6 p.m. Fee: $40 per person per month

785.273.0030

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 /

youth activities

Clinics & Leagues Youth Soccer Clinic Individuals will learn the basics of sportsmanship, teamwork and soccer. Clinic will be split up by age group and will run for four weeks. Sports Office 251-2970 Shawnee North Community Park Age: 3-8 yrs. Date: March 8-March 29, April 14-May 5 Time: 6-6:45 p.m. Fee: $20 per person Shawnee North Community Park Age: 3-6 yrs. Date: April 11-May 2 Time: 5:30-6:15 p.m. Fee: $20 per person

TBSA Baseball and Softball Topeka Baseball and Softball Association serve baseball and softball athletes ages four to 18. Contact Melody Rosencutter at 640-0822 for additional information about TBSA. Dornwood Park Age: 4-18 yrs. Date: May 1-July 31 Deadline: April 1 - 8U-12U Baseball and Softball April 15 - 6U T-ball May 15 - 14U Baseball and 14U-18U Softball Fee: 6U - $35 per child 8U-14U Baseball - $125 per child 8U-18U Softball - $100 per child

Youth Soccer League Participants will be placed on teams which will practice once during the week and play games on Saturdays. Individual or team registrations accepted. Choose preferred league location. Registration deadline is Feb. 12. Sports Office 251-2970 Bettis Family Sports Complex and Shawnee North Community Park Age: 4-14 yrs. Date: April 9-May 7 Fee: $35 per person

Youth Coach Pitch T-Ball League Participants will be placed on teams which will practice once during the week and play games Monday -Thursday. Individual or team registrations accepted. Choose preferred league location. Registration deadline is April 15. Sports Office 251-2970 Felker Park Complex and Shawnee North Community Park Age: 4-6 yrs. Date: May 30-July 8 Fee: $40 per person

SCGSA Softball Individual or team registrations accepted for six and under division. 6U registration deadline is March 23. Sports Office 251-2970 Lake Shawnee Softball Complex Age: 4-6 yrs. Date: April 4-July 14 Fee: $85 per child SCABA Baseball Shawnee County Amateur Baseball Association serves youth baseball athletes between the ages of four and six. Individual or team registrations accepted for this age division. Registration deadline is April 1. Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 4-6 yrs. Date: May 16-July 8 Fee: $85 per person

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Youth Machine Pitch 8U and 11U Participants will be placed on teams which will practice once during the week and play games Monday -Thursday. Individual or team registrations accepted. Registration deadline is April 15. Sports Office 251-2970 Felker Park Complex Age: 7-12 yrs. Date: May 30-July 8 Fee: $40 per person Youth Summer Soccer League Participants will be placed on teams which will practice once during the week and play games on Saturdays. Individual or team registrations accepted. Registration deadline is May 13. Sports Office 251-2970 Shawnee North Community Park Age: 4-14 yrs. Date: June 11-July 9 Fee: $35 per child

Dance

Tap and Ballet 1 Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 4-7 yrs. Date: April 6-May 18 Time: Wed. 6-6:45 p.m. Fee: $40 per person Tap and Ballet 2 Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 5-8 yrs. Date: April 6-May 18 Time: Wed. 6:45-7:30 p.m. Fee: $40 per person Beginning Tap Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 5-8 yrs. Date: April 13-May 25 Time: Wed. 6:15-7 p.m. Fee: $35 per person

Potwin Pottery One Day Workshops

Oakland Community Center 251-2953 The following events are located at Potwin Pottery, 3937 SW Gage Center Dr. Easter Eggs Everyone in the family can design their own! Age: 5+ Date: March 13 Time: Sun. 1-2:30 p.m. Fee: $48 per dozen eggs, per family Paint Me a Story The Grouchy Ladybug Pick from salad plates, bowls, mugs or other items. Age: 5+ Date: March 15 Time: Tue. 10-11 a.m. Fee: $21 per person

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

Clay Names My Name Is “___” Wallhanging & Wire Age: 5+ Date: April 1 Time: Fri. 6-7:30 p.m. Fee: $31 per person Paint Me a Story - How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? Pick from salad plates, bowls, mugs or other items. Age: 5+ Date: April 12 Time: Tue. 10-11 a.m. Fee: $21 per person Earth Day Clay Flowerpots Age: 5+ Date: April 22 Time: Fri. 6-7:30 p.m. Fee: $31 per person Paint Me a Story Goldilicious Pick from salad plates, bowls, mugs or other items. Age: 5+ Date: May 17 Time: Tue. 10-11 a.m. Fee: $21 per person

Billy Vanilly workshops

Oakland Community Center 251-2953 The following events are located at Billy Vanilly, 4036 SW Huntoon St. Intro to cake Decorating I Age: 10+ Date: March 14 Time: Mon. 1:30-3 p.m. Fee: $30 per person Intro to Cake Decorating II Age: 10+ Date: March 15 Time: Tue. 1:30-3 p.m. Fee: $30 per person

Beginning Fondant Age: 10+ Date: March 16 Time: Wed. 1:30-3 p.m. Fee: $30 per person Advanced Fondant Age: 10+ Date: March 17 Time: Thur. 1:30-3 p.m. Fee: $30 per person Rainbow Cupcakes Age: 10+ Date: April 22 Time: Fri. 1:30-3 p.m. Fee: $30 per person

spring fun

Sunset Zoo Enjoy a fun school day out trip to Manhattan. Pre and post care included, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 5-12 yrs. Date: April 15 Time: Fri. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fee: $45 per person Spring Break Each day is a full schedule of games, trips, crafts and more. Pre and post care included, 7:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 5-12 yrs. Date: March 14-March 18 Time: Mon.-Fri. Fee: $100 per person *TSCPL Art & You Library art classes taught at Oakland Community Center Age: 5+ Date: March 2-23, April 6-20, May 4-18 Time: Wed. 4-5 p.m. Fee: FREE

Trails

Lake Shawnee Trail – 7.2-mile paved concrete pedestrian/bicycle trail encircling the lake. Shunga Trail – 8-mile paved concrete pedestrian/

bicycle trail beginning at Crestview Park (near SW 27th and Fairlawn) and continuing east to SE 2nd. The trail will eventually stretch across Topeka.

Landon Trail – 4.75-mile trail along an abandoned railroad track running north/south from SE 15th to SE 45th. Warren Nature Area – 3-mile trail beginning at SW 25th and Gage, east of Felker Park.

Dornwood Nature Trail – 4-mile woodland hiking trail at SE 25th and Highland. Shawnee North Nature Trail – 2-mile trail on undeveloped parkland comprised of grasslands and wooded areas. First quarter-mile is asphalt paved for accessibility. Deer Creek Trail – 2-mile trail from SE Golden to SE 6th and SE 6th to SE 10th.

Soldier Creek Trail – 1.8-mile paved concrete

bicycle/pedestrian trail from Garfield Park to NW Lyman Road.

Orville Rice Nature Trail – 1-mile mowed grass single track trail following Shunga Creek from SW Gage to Shunga Glen Park. Clarion Woods Trail – One-half mile singletrack trail through a red cedar forest. Skyline Park Trails – Three single-track nature trail loops with a fourth under development.

* Topeka Shawnee County Public Library

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 /

Ted Ensley

Gardens There are secrets in Ted Ensley Gardens. In this first of three features on Shawnee County Parks + Recreationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major gardens, a man who has spent a quartercentury in the gardens shares littleknown information.

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

When Dave Bartels started working in Ted Ensley Gardens 27 years ago, the gardens consisted of only the original rose gardens—mulched-in rectangular plots of roses. Today, the gardens, the arboretum and a planned natural area encompass 37.5 acres on the west side of Lake Shawnee. Visitors from across the country call the Ted Ensley Gardens world class. The gardens alone encompass 9.5 acres and are a daily routine for local walkers, a side stop for bicyclists and runners, a must-see for bus tours and a draw for residents across the state. The gardens are named for longtime parks and recreation director Ted Ensley, who has spearheaded efforts to raise money to continually grow and improve the gardens. A concert is held annually in the gardens to raise money and recruit new volunteers for Friends of Ted Ensley Gardens. As beautiful as the gardens are, they also hold a number of secrets. Bartels knows them all. He created them.

Anyone who has visited the gardens recognizes the wooden bridge, the pagoda, the gazebo, the pergola and other features. But, did you know … • There is an underground room in the gardens? • There is an area of stone flowers in the gardens and arboretum? • Sections of the gardens and arboretum are composed of old city streets?

Bartels has studied architecture, horticulture, psychology and public administration. All are evident in the gardens today. • Each garden plot is carefully planned to mix color and height and to draw a visitor’s eye to the next plot. Colors overlap from one plot to another. Green spaces in between serve the same purpose as pauses in music. • The pergola, by design, directs your view through the structure, in between trees and out to the lake. Despite its open roof, the structure is designed so that in mid-July, 75 percent of the area beneath it is shaded from the sun. • A glance through the rafters of the trailhead shelter at the northeast corner of 29th street focuses your view across the lake to the stone gazebo up on the hillside. • Next to the gazebo in Ted Ensley Gardens, there are two opposing benches. One bench is named “hope” because it faces the sunrise. The other is called “reflection” because it faces the sunset. Both benches are available as naming opportunities for memorial benches.

Now, move to the entrance to the gardens. The wooden bridge, the water feature beneath it, the pagoda, the fountain and the surrounding plantings were once just a parking lot. Today, Bartels can stand at a specific point on the pathway through the garden and point to where the corner of the parking lot once reached. A little time with Bartels introduces you to an ornery kid with an artistic eye, big ideas, and just enough understanding of organizational and public governmental process to see things through to fruition. For example, Bartels first conceived of the garden’s pagoda as a tea house. Although no one believed he could gain the support to build it, Bartels was so sure he could that he designed and had constructed the first of the decorative metal side panels of the pagoda before he had permission to begin the project. Bartels designed all of the panels in the pagoda.

did you know?

20,000 gallons of water per hour run through the waterfall at Ted Ensley Gardens. The water runs back into the lake and is then pumped back through the gardens.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 /

friends of ted ensley gardens

did you know?

45,000 gallons of water

The Ted Ensley Gardens are an excellent example of a public and private partnership – hundreds of volunteers working under the direction of Shawnee County Parks + Recreation horticulturists. Generous supporters help purchase bulbs and plants to add to the beauty of the gardens. If volunteering in the gardens appeals to you, volunteers are always needed for opportunities including the following: • Planting annuals, perennials and bulbs • Spreading mulch • Pulling weeds • Working in the greenhouse • Serving on committees Goals of the Friends of Ted Ensley Gardens include recruiting members and volunteers, establishing a $1 million endowment managed by the Topeka Community Foundation, and the perpetuation of the Ted Ensley Gardens. Share your talents while connecting with people of all ages by calling Olivia Mayer, 251-2625. Membership levels: • Individual—$25 (annual) • Family—$40 (annual) • Lifetime—$1,000 • Silver—$5,000 • Gold—$10,000 • Platinum—$25,000 Your tax-deductible membership pledge entitles you to the following: • Invitation to the fall member recognition gala and concert • FOTEG quarterly newsletter • Free admission to Tulip Time at Ted Ensley Gardens • SCP+R Fun Pass

For more information www.foteg.org

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

per hour is pumped from Lake Shawnee into the Gazebo pond through the water features in The Ted Ensley Gardens and back into the lake.

“When I come up with these concepts, some people think I’m crazy,” he says, “but when it comes to fruition they think it’s pretty cool!” Now, Bartels himself doesn’t take credit for beauty of the gardens. A hard-working horticulture crew led by Rachelle Hubbard, along with volunteers from Friends of Ted Ensley Gardens and more than a half-dozen other groups, are responsible for the plantings and dayto-day, season-to-season look of the gardens. These groups helped plant 55,000 of the more than 100,000 tulip bulbs for the 2016 Tulip Time event at Lake Shawnee, Gage Park and Old Prairie Town’s Ward-Meade Botanical Garden. Not to be overlooked is the arboretum across from the gardens. When nearby resident Frank Sabatini offered to donate money to plant some trees on the lake grounds across from his home, Bartels said, “It’s close enough to the garden, let’s put in an arboretum!” In the fall of 1993 and spring of 1994, 450 trees were planted. They included 87 varieties— some rare to Kansas. For example, there is a zelkova which will grow 100 feet tall. There are buckeyes, which are not particularly common to Kansas. Features within the arboretum include a trellis designed to draw visitors down a pathway to where they will find a stone patio inlaid with lighter and darker stones. The latter actually form the shape of flowers. There are more brick areas salvaged from old city streets. They mark the beginnings and ends of paths that have yet to be completed.

There are more features of the gardens including:

• An ADA compliant composite deck from which visitors in wheelchairs tell Bartels they find great peace sitting on the deck listening to the water run through the garden’s water features back into the lake. • Areas designed to appeal to the different senses—smell, sight and sound.

There is always more to know because Bartels, his staff and the Friends of Ted Ensley Gardens always have more planned. To request a presentation of his slideshow, call 785-251-2617. To join Friends of Ted Ensley Gardens or to make a donation, visit www.scprfoundation/foteg or call 785-251-2600.

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

adult

*TSCPL Up-cycled Craft T-shirts Bring in three old t-shirts and we will give each one a new look. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: March 2 Time: Wed. 1-2:30 p.m. Fee: Free

Oil and Acrylic Painting Learn the basics of oil or acrylic using the Old Masters technique. Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Date: March 2-23, March 30-April 20, April 27-May 18, May 25-June 15 Time: Wed. 9:15-11:15 a.m. or 1-3 p.m. Date: March 3-24, March 31-April 21, April 28-May 19, May 26-June 16 Time: Thur. 1-3 p.m. Fee: $36 per person per session

adult sport leagues Adult Volleyball League – Session 2 Women’s, Men’s 50+ and CoRec volleyball leagues play a six-week season with 12 matches. Players must register as a team and submit roster prior to first game. Registration deadline is April 22. Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16+ Date: May 31-July 18 Fee: $150 per team-competitive $80 per team-recreational Adult Sand Volleyball League – Session 1 Women’s and CoRec volleyball leagues play a seven-week season with 14 matches. Players must register as a team and submit roster prior to first game. Registration deadline is April 29. Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16+ Date: June 2-July 18 Fee: $70 per team Adult Softball League – Session 2 Women’s, Men’s, and CoRec slowpitch softball leagues play a 12-game season. Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to first game. Registration deadline is March 25. Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16+ Date: May 1-Aug. 5 Fee: $395 per team

Adult Softball League – Session 3 Women’s, Men’s, and CoRec slowpitch softball leagues play a fourgame season. Men’s and CoRec doubleheader leagues play an eightgame season. Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to first game. Registration deadline is Aug. 12. Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16+ Date: Sept.6 – Oct 7 Fee: $130 per team - single game $260 per team - doubleheader Adult Basketball League – Session 3 Men’s basketball leagues play a seven-game season. Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to first game. Registration deadline is May 20. Sports Office 251-2970 Age: 16+ Date: June 8-July 27 Fee: $260 per team Adult Seven-on-Seven Soccer League League plays an eight-game season with a single-elimination tournament at the end of the season. Players must register as a team and submit a roster prior to the first game. Registration deadline is March 18. Sports Office 251-2970. Bettis Family Sports Complex Age: 16+ Date: April 13-June 8 Fee: $475 per team

*TSCPL Genealogy For all levels of experience. Learn to use print and online resources. Bring your own device if available. Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 18+ Date: March 3, April 7, May 5 Time: Thur. 10-11:30 a.m. Fee: Free *TSCPL Book Discussion Group Meets monthly at Crestview with a new book each month. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: March 9, April 13, May 11 Time: Wed. 1-2:30 p.m. Fee: Free Dog Obedience Four-week session of beginning dog obedience. Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Age: 18+ Date: March 9-30 Time: Wed. 6-7 p.m. Fee: $40 per person Two-on-Two Basketball Tournament Grab your friend and see who has the best basketball duo. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: March 16 Time: Wed. 6-9 p.m. Fee: $10 per person Women’s Book Club Make friends and share your passion for reading. Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 30+ Date: March 29-May 31 Time: Tue. 6:30-8 p.m. Fee: $30 per person *TSCPL Recycled Paper Making Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: April 6 Time: Wed. 1-2:30 p.m. Fee: Free * Topeka Shawnee County Public Library parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 11

adult Adaptive Recreation Dancehouse Enjoy an evening with your friends. Listen to music from Solid Rock Sound Machine. Refreshments available. Big Gage Shelter House 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: March 10, April 14, May 12 Time: Thur. 6-8 p.m. Fee: $5 per person Bingo Spend time with friends for Bingo. Winners get prizes while everyone munches on popcorn. Adaptive Recreation Building 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: March 16, April 20, May 18 Time: Wed. 10:30 a.m.-Noon Fee: $4 per person Brown Bag Social Meet up with friends while listening to music. Bring your lunch and drink. March 23 at Crestview, 251-2960 April 27 at Central Park, 251-2965 May 25 at Hillcrest, 251-2956 Age: 16+ Date: March 23, April 27, May 25 Time: Wed. 11:30-1 p.m. Fee: $4 per person

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

*TSCPL Exploration of Print Making Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: May 4 Fee: Free

Two-Stepping Dance Learn the art of two-stepping with a partner. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: March 3-31, April 7-28, May 5-26 Time: Thur. 7-8 p.m. Fee: $5 per person per class

Community Garden Training Shawnee County Extension instructors will help you learn the ins and outs of planting flowers and vegetables in your very own plot. Grant information, gardening resources and networking with other gardeners are all at your fingertips. Dig in and get connected! Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 18+ Date: Feb. 23 Time: Tue. 5:30 p.m.

Line Dance Classes Learn new dance moves and dance your way to health. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 21+ Date: March 7-28, April 4-25, May 2-30 Time: Mon. 7-8 p.m. Fee: $5 per person per class

Introduction to Disc Golf Enjoy the weather, get some exercise, meet new friends and learn one of the fastest growing sports. Rossville City Park 251-2600 Age: 16+ Date: April 2 Time: Sat. 10 a.m. Fee: Free

Country Couples Variety Learn the basic elements and patterns in Two-Step, Waltz, Polka and Pattern Partner dances. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: April 7 Time: Thur. 6-9 p.m. Fee: $20 per person

Wildwood Outdoor Adventure Park Check out the beautiful scenery as you zip line across the Manhattan outdoors. Rossville Community Center 251-2600 Age: 16+ Date: April 23 Time: Sat. 1-5 p.m. Fee: $75 per person

West Coast Swing Learn todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest dance, the slow and bluesy West Coast Swing. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: May 5 Time: Thur. 6-9 p.m. Fee: $20 per person

Beekeeper Classes Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 16 + Date: March 16, April 20, May 18 Time: Wed. 6:30-8 p.m. Fee: Free

Dance

Swing Variety Learn the basic elements and patterns to todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest dances. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: March 3 Time: Thur. 6-9 p.m. Fee: $20 per person

Beginning Belly Dance This class offers a foundation in vintage oriental belly dance. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 13+ Date: April 12-May 24 Time: Tue. 6-7 p.m. Fee: $56 per person, $12 drop-in

* Topeka Shawnee County Public Library

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

Intermediate Belly Dance Build on skills already learned. First hour is warm-up and review. Second hour is about choreographies, use of props and playing finger cymbals. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 13+ Date: April 12-May 24 Time: Tue. 6-8 p.m. Fee: $84 per person Advanced Belly Dance A fun way to improve your fitness. Covers gypsy fusion, double veil advanced shimmies and layering techniques. Required materials include hip scarf and finger cymbals Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 13+ Date: April 27-May 18 Time: Wed. 6-7:30 p.m. Fee: $60 per person Belly Dance Performance Preparation Open to anyone currently enrolled in Advanced Belly Dance. Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 13+ Date: April 27-May 18 Time: Wed. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Fee: $24 per person

Martial Arts

K arate Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 7+ Date: Feb. 22-April 6, April 11-May 25 Time: Mon., Wed. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fee: $39 per person Tae Kwon Do – Beginners & Advanced Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 7+ Date: March 3-May 26 Time: Thur. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fee: $30 per person per month Karate - Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 6+ Date: April 12-May 26 Time: Tue., Thur. 6-7 p.m. Fee: $39 per person

golf courses Lake Shawnee

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

Cypress Ridge

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

Forbes

700 SW Capehart Road | 785.862.0114 www.forbesgc.com Forbes is a nine-hole par-36 layout in southeast Shawnee county. Measuring 3,253 yards, the course offers a relaxed atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels. Featuring three sets of tees on a links-style layout, the course can be challenging for the experienced, yet easy enough for beginners. Along with traditional golf, Forbes offers FootGolf, a unique blend of the popular sports of soccer and golf. The game is played with a soccer ball on the golf course but with separate greens featuring 21-inch diameter cups. The goal of FootGolf is to kick the ball in the hole with the fewest strokes possible. The course is set up as an 18-hole par-66 layout measuring 2,057 yards.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 13

Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation The Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation exists to reduce the financial burden of local government and taxpayers by seeking additional funding sources and opportunities and to provide assurance that Shawnee County Parks + Recreation facilities remain first class and are preserved in a historically and environmentally efficient manner. Donations to the Foundation support the longrange preservation of the facilities and programs designated by the donor, or donations may be placed in the general endowment fund for parks maintenance and enhancement projects. Parks and Recreation facilities are possible through a combination of public and private funding as well as user fees. Private funds make it possible to offer exceptional facilities to Shawnee County residents and visitors from outside the community.

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

For more information on the SCPR Foundation

scprfoundation.org or call Rachel Meyer 785.251.2685

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

senior Pitch Card Group Enjoy the fun card game â&#x20AC;&#x153;pitch.â&#x20AC;? Beginning and experienced players are welcome. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 50+ Date: Ongoing Time: Thur. 1-3 p.m. Fee: Free Pitch Challenge friends to a game of 10-point pitch. Coffee and cards provided. Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 40+ Date: Ongoing Time: Fri. 1-3 p.m. Fee: $1 per person per week Pitch Join your friends and neighbors for 10-point pitch. Garfield Community Center 251-2950 Age: 40+ Date: Ongoing Time: Tue. 1-4 p.m. Fee: Free Basketball Get together with your friends and shoot hoops. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 50+ Date: Ongoing Time: Mon. 6:30-8 p.m. Fee: $1 per person

Gentle Yoga for Seniors Focuses and incorporates breathing with stretching and movement. Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: Feb 23-April 7, April 12-May 26 Time: Tue., Thur. 9-10 a.m. Fee: $39 per person Senior Bridge Lounge Socialize and have fun playing bridge with friends. Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: March 1-May 31 Time: Tue. 12:30-4 p.m. Fee: $1 per person per week Board Game Wednesday Compete and socialize over a variety of board games. Coffee and games provided. Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: March 2-June 1 Time: Wed. 10-11 a.m. Fee: $2 per person per week Senior Shuffleboard Socialize while having fun playing shuffleboard. Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: March 3-June 2 Time: Thur. 10 a.m.-Noon Fee: $2 per person per week

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

senior

Bingo Monday Make friends while playing bingo. Coffee and games provided. Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: March 7-May 30 Time: Mon. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fee: $2 per person per week Bunco Night Enjoy an evening out playing this fun, easy dice game with friends. Bring a snack to share. Coffee or tea will be provided. Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 50+ Date: March 10, 24, April 7, 21, May 5, 19 Time: Thur. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fee: $4 per person per week Beau Jest Barbara Eden visits the New Dinner Theatre as a Jewish girl introducing her boyfriend for the first time. This hilarious romantic comedy is a must see. Meal included. Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 30+ Date: May 4 Time: Wed. 9:30 a.m. Kansas Expocentre 10 a.m. Fee: $50 per person Chicago The longest-running American musical in Broadway’s history is finally at the New Dinner Theatre. The New York Daily News calls Chicago a “Wildly and entertaining with a razzle-dazzle score.” Meal included. Age: 30+ Date: July 13 Time: Wed. SNCC 9:30 a.m. Kansas Expocentre 10 a.m. Fee: $50 per person Bocce Ball Bocce Ball will be played at the court at the east end of the Felker Softball Complex parking lot at 2500 SW Gage. The court is first-come, first served basis. Equipment will be furnished for classes, instruction and play at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and 6 p.m. Thursdays from May 3 through late October. Lessons are free. Call 785.272.8216.

Bright Circle Preschool

Betsey Litscher, 785-235-1033 Bright Circle is a KDHE licensed preschool program serving children 3-5 years old. We’ve been educating preschool-aged children for more than 30 years! We believe that children learn best through the natural play environment. The early years of a child’s life are most important because that is when the characteristics of their personalities and their own self-image develop. We strive to provide appropriate activities to develop each child socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. Through these activities, children are encouraged to learn through play, and develop their skills through self-learning, peer education and teacher-directed activities. We value not just learning, but the love of learning as well. In order to ensure individual attention, class size is limited to 15 students. A $35 nonrefundable registration is required; tuition of $11 per day is collected at the beginning of each month. Velma K. Paris Community Center, 6715 SW Westview Rd *Mon., Wed., Fri. 9-11:30 a.m. Tue., Thur. 9-11:30 a.m. Other classes will be opened as the need arises. Lake Shawnee Recreation Building, 3325 SE Tinman Circle *Mon.,Wed.,Fri. 9-11:30 a.m. Tue., Thur. 9-11:30 a.m. *Mon., Wed. 1-3:30 p.m. Tue., Thur. 1-3:30 p.m. *We have reserved the Mon., Wed., Fri. morning and Mon., Wed. afternoon classes for only kindergarten-bound students. This promotes a more efficient environment.

TDC’s Creative Learning Adventures Preschool

300 NE 43rd St. Sharon Botsford, director, 785-286-0676 or 785-272-5051 or www.learnplaygrow.org TDC’s Creative Learning Adventures is a state-licensed preschool program serving children 3-5 years old, Aug.-May. TDC Learning Centers, Inc. has been providing high-quality, affordable early education in the Topeka community for more than 50 years! Weekly themes combined with a research-based curriculum ensure that children are having fun while learning and being prepared for kindergarten. Play and positive interaction with teachers and other children support social, emotional and intellectual growth. Special curriculum components encourage nutrition, physical fitness and socio-emotional growth. Our program spans all areas of a child’s development, offering a well-rounded, high-quality learning experience. Class sizes are small, with a maximum of 12 children per session. We have two classrooms that are located in the Shawnee North Community Center. Parents are our partners and are encouraged to participate in classroom activities. Parent/teacher conferences are held twice each year where parents help develop their child’s Individual Education Plan. Developmental assessments are conducted twice each year and children who are kindergarten-bound have an additional school-readiness assessment. Children must be 3 years old and fully potty trained to participate. Four different class times are offered: Mon., Wed., Fri. 9-11:30 a.m. Tue., Thur. 9-11:30 a.m. Mon., Wed. 1-3:30 p.m. Tue., Thur. 1-3:30 p.m.

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

Tulip

time

Three locations, three grand displays

Picture more than 120,000 tulips of multiple colors and varieties blanketing Shawnee County’s destination parks as well as downtown Topeka’s pocket parks. Visitors from across the nation celebrate spring with Tulip Time – set for April 8-24, 2016. In fact, the American Bus Association has named Tulip Time one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2016. The event got its start in the home gardens of Jerald Binkley. A member of the Topeka Beautification Association, Binkley shared his personal gardens with visitors for 22 years. He desired to create an ongoing and beautiful countywide event and Tulip Time was born. Today, visitors can find 60,000 tulips and daffodils in the 9.5-acre Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee, 15,000 tulips and daffodils at Doran Rock Garden in Gage Park and another 45,000 tulips at Old Prairie Town and the 2.5-acre Ward-Meade Botanical Garden. A $5 donation is suggested at both Ted Ensley Gardens and Old Prairie Town/Ward-Meade Botanical Garden. Each year, the Shawnee Parks and Recreation Foundation purchases the tulip bulbs which are planted by parks and recreation horticulturists, friends of the gardens/parks groups and a host of volunteers. Once the tulips are finished blooming, the bulbs are sold to the public and the gardens are planted with summer plants and flowers.

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

The American Bus Association has named Tulip Time one of the

Topin North100 Events America for 2016. APR I L

120,000

tulips and daffodils can be found in Topeka.

is made possible by the following groups: Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation Friends of Ted Ensley Gardens Friends of Ward-Meade Shawnee County Parks + Recreation

5 dollars

A $5 donation is suggested at both Ted Ensley Gardens and Old Prairie Town/Ward-Meade Botanical Garden.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 /

FITNESS & WELLNESS Zumba Latin dance inspired workout program. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 16+ Date: April 11-May 25 Time: Mon., Wed. 7-8 p.m. Fee: $39 per person, $5 drop-in . Open Badminton Courts are open for play. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: March 2-May 25 Time: Wed. 9 a.m.-Noon Fee: $2 per date

Yoga

Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Warm Flow Yoga Date: March 12, 26; April 9, 23; May 14, 28 Time: Sat. 10-11 a.m. Fee: $5 per person per date (No Flex Cards) Morning Yoga Date: April 11-May 25 Time: Mon., Wed. 8:15-9:15 a.m. Fee: $39 per person, $5 drop-in Gentle Yoga Date: April 11-May 25 Time: Mon., Wed. 10-11 a.m. Fee: $39 per person, $5 drop-in Hypno Yoga Date: April 11-May 25 Time: Mon., Wed. Noon-1 p.m. Fee: $39 per person, $5 drop-in Gentle Yoga Date: April 12-May 26 Time: Tue., Thur. 10-11 a.m. Fee: $39 per person, $5 drop-in Easy Does It Yoga Date: April 12-May 26 Time: Tue., Thur. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fee: $39 per person, $5 drop-in

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Healthy You Yoga Date: April 15-May 27 Time: Fri. 10-11 a.m. Fee: $20 per person, $5 drop-in Weekend Yoga Date: April 16-May 28 Time: Sat. 8:30-9:30 a.m. Fee: $20 per person, $5 drop-in Yoga Flex Card Cards allow our participant to choose which of the many yoga classes at Crestview to attend. Good for 14 classes and must be used in 7-week session. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: All Date: April 11-May 28 Fee: $45 per person Pilates Central Park Community Center 251-2965 Age: 16+ Date: Feb 22-April 6 and April 11â&#x20AC;&#x201C;May 25 Time: Mon., Wed. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Fee: $39 per person Body Sculpting Strength training workout with yoga poses. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 16+ Date: April 11-May 25 Time: Mon., Wed. 6-7 p.m. Fee: $39 per person, $5 drop-in

Adult Open Gym An opportunity to sharpen your skills and practice your shot. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Tue., Thur. 1-3 p.m. Fee: $1 per person per day Youth Open Gym Work on your game after school! Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18 + Date: Ongoing until May 25 Time: Mon.-Fri. 3-5 p.m. Fee: Free Open Volleyball All skill levels welcome to drop-in. Nets are up and players rotate in. Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Mon., Wed. 10:30-12:30 p.m. Fee: $1 per day Prime Time Volleyball Drop-in Volleyball Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Tue. 7-9 p.m. Fee: $2 per person per week

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

FITNESS & WELLNESS Open Volleyball Drop-in program for all skill levels. Nets are up and players rotate in. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: Jan. 8-Dec. 17 Time: Fri. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fee: $1 per person per week Pickleball Drop-in and discover this exciting, challenging game! Crestview Community Center 251-2960 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Wed. 1-2:30 p.m. Fee: $1 per person per week Pickleball Drop in and discover this fun and challenging game. Garfield Community Center 251-2950 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Mon. 9 a.m.-Noon Tue. Noon-2 p.m. Wed. 10 a.m.-Noon Fee: $2 per person per day Open Basketball Courts are open to shoot around or for pickâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;up games. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: Ongoing Time: Mon.-Thur. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fee: $1 per person per day Open Racquetball Drop in or call to reserve a court. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: March 7-May 31 Time: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Fee: $3 per person per court KettleBell Workouts Get in shape using this fun form of exercise. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 21+ Date: March 21-30, April 18-27, May 16-25 Time: Mon., Wed. 6-7 p.m. Fee: $25 per person

Big Ball Fitness Fun Get in shape using large exercise balls and innovative training techniques. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 18+ Date: April 4-25, May 9-30 Time: Mon. 7-8 p.m. Fee: $25 per person

Wellness Center Open year-round during center hours. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Oakland Community Center 251-2953 Shawnee North Community Center 286-0676 Age: 16+ Fee: $50 per year-adults $25 per year-students

Sports Performance Training Wrestling Basics Learn the basics from coaches with a local wrestling club. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 6-17 Date: March 1-31, April 5-28, May 3-31 Time: Tue., Thur. 6-8 p.m. Fee: $35 per person per month Teen Sport Performance & Fitness Youth will work with trainers on specific sport conditioning. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 13-17 yrs. Date: March 7-30, April 4-29, May 2-30 Time: Mon., Wed. Fri. 6-7 p.m. Fee: $5 per person per class Tri Star Basketball Training Youth will train with three quality coaches on conditioning, shooting/ dribbling and basketball techniques. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 6-17 Date: March 7-30, April 4-27, May 2-31 Time: Mon.-Wed. 4:30-5:50 p.m. Fee: $35 per person per month

Football Skill Building Youth will train with coaches to enhance their football performance. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 7-16 Date: April 16-30 Time: Sat. 6 p.m. Fee: $30 per person Youth Soccer Training Soccer drills with quality coaches will help develop young playersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; overall game. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 7-16 Date: April 17-24 Time: Sun. 5-6:30 p.m. Fee: $20 per person College Bound Basketball Training Potential college players will get training for the next level of their basketball career. Hillcrest Community Center 251-2956 Age: 17-21 Date: May 16-27 Time: Mon., Wed., Fri. 5-6 p.m. Fee: $25 per person

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 19

Topeka

zoo

Topeka Zoo Spring Break Camp Date: March 14-18; Registration opens Jan. 11 Time: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Late option until 5 p.m. for an additional $10 per child per day.

Theme: Nature’s Extremes Our planet has many odd and fascinating features and creatures. During this camp we will meet live animals and explore some of the most extreme plants, animals and ecosystems around the world. Join us for this weird week of extremes! Cost: $155 per child for FOTZ members. $180 per child for non-members.

Discovery Home School

Date: Third Wednesday of each month Sept.-May, fourth Wednesday of March Time: 1-3 p.m. A special program designed for schoolage children (3 +)

being home-schooled. This program provides students with up close and personal encounters with exciting science concepts, vocabulary and live animal encounters. Each class is designed with the home-schooled in mind, but is open to others as well. No preregistration required. Call 368-9137. Cost: $5 per child per visit plus normal zoo admission.

Pre-school Zoo Time –

Date: First Friday of each month March-Nov. Time: 10:30 a.m. in the Living Classroom This is a program designed especially for toddlers and preschool age children. Each program features stories and crafts, live animals and hands-on activities. Registration is not required but children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $2 per child plus normal zoo admission. Call 368-9137.

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

Conservation Connection

Date: Second Thursday of Jan., March, July, Sept. and Nov.; second Friday of May with additional presentations on Feb. 13 and June 4 Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Living Classroom February – Dr. Rassmussen March – Dawn Buehler – River Keeper for Friends of the Kaw May – Dr. Julian Fennessy – Giraffes Join us for our exciting conservation series focusing on local, national and global conservation ventures. This series features national and international guest speakers visiting Topeka for these presentations. Join us as we learn about endangered species and amazing cultures around the world.

Earth Day

Date: April 23 Join us for a Party for the Planet as the Topeka Zoo celebrates Earth Day. The zoo’s Earth Day event is

becoming the signature event for Earth Day in Northeast Kansas with dozens of environmental organizations joining us with educational booths, hands-on events, crafts, takehome items, exhibits, displays, speakers and more throughout the zoo to enjoy.

Registration for Summer Camps

opened on Jan. 11 Please call 368-9137 for questions or more information.

Eco Club

It’s never too early to start caring for the environment! Join us for creative ideas to help our planet by starting right here in our own neighborhood. Geared for fifth to 10th grade students. Eco Club runs 5:15-6:15 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Cost: $60 for the full year including a T-shirt!

Adventure Trail Opens

Date: May 8 The annual Adventure Trail attraction located east of the rainforest is a must for all ages! It is a place for you and your family to have outdoor fun, learn new things and make memories.

Egg Extravaganza

Date: March 26 Each year for Easter the zoo makes sure the animals aren’t forgotten. Each animal gets special papiermâché eggs hidden in their exhibit to find and open. The eggs are used to develop logic and creative thinking skills in the animals and are always a great thing to experience.

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

Facility

rentals Capacity

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

Daily

Weekdays

Weekends & Holidays

Gage Park

Big Gage 250 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Westlake 70 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. Snyderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cabin 70 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. Carousel Room 42 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party House 30 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. Steak Grill 40 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. (April 1-Oct 31) Corral #2 35 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. (April 1-Oct 31) Reinisch Rose Garden 150 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. (April 1-Oct 31)

Fee

$220 $440 $95 $75 $110 $50 $35 $35 $140

Lake Shawnee

Shelter #1 120 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $70 (April 1-Oct 31) Shelter #2 50 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $85 (April 1-Oct 31) Shelter #3 80 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. (Weekdays) $110 (Weekends & holidays) $140 Shelter #4 120 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $70 (April 1-Oct 31) Shelter #5 120 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $70 (April 1-Oct 31) Shelter #6 80 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. (Weekdays) $110 (Weekends & holidays) $140 Garden House 70 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $165 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. $400 Garden Pagoda 45 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $250 April 1-Oct. 31 Garden Pergola 90 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $220 Reynolds Lodge 200 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $165 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. $440 Gazebo #1 75 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $220 April 1-Oct. 31 Gazebo #2 40 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $55 Lake Shawnee Event Center 200 8 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $300 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. $600 Yacht Club 40 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. $85 (April 1-Oct 31)

Other Facilities

Crestview 128 Lakewood 70 Garfield 160 Portable Bandshell

10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or 5:30-10:30 p.m. 6 a.m.-11 p.m.

$150 $105 $180 $275

*Subject to change parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 21

Old Prairie at Ward-Meade Town Historic Site Featuring:

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

Town Square:

An old-fashioned mercantile that serves as our museum gift shop and visitors center. Kansas items, toys from yesteryear, souvenirs, and unique gifts are available. Call 785-251-2995.

HOURS:

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

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

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

Sit at the marble counter and order a soda fountain treat or shop for vintage-era candy. The drug store building also includes the Durst Physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office and Fyler Dentist Office. Call 785-251-2997.

1880 EVEREST CHURCH

The church can be rented for church services and weddings. Call 785-251-2993.

MULVANE GENERAL STORE

POTWIN DRUG STORE

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

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

TOUR FEES:

TOURS:

Group tours for 15 or more by reservation only, call 785-251-2993

Monday-Friday 10 a.m., 12 p.m., & 2 p.m. Saturday 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m.

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

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

WEDDINGS AND RECEPTIONS

Make your wedding a historic event! All packages require a $75 non-refundable security deposit. Rental includes decorating and clean-up, a one-hour rehearsal time the night before your wedding and wedding packages include bride’s dressing facilities. The Preston Hale room serves as a back-up for inclement weather. Additional hours may be purchased for $50 each. Weekday weddings (MondayFriday) are 25 percent off after deducting security deposit. Call 251-2993 for more information.

Package 1

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

Package II

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

MEETINGS, ANNIVERSARIES, SHOWERS, ETC.

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

MEALS FOR GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

The following food programs includes two hour room rental. Call 251-2993.

WARD CABIN HEARTH MEALS

$18 per person This is one of the most popular, unique meals served at Old Prairie Town, so make your reservations early! Meals are served at fireside tables in the Ward cabin and Diners are treated to special hearthcooking demonstrations with a side dish of history, all provided by costumed volunteers. These family style meals are offered Oct. 15-March 15 with reservations for groups of 12-18.

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

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

Package IV

VICTORIAN DINNER

Package III

Everest Church (wedding only) $495 3-hour rental includes bride’s dressing facilities. Max seating 65.

Package V

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

$25 per person Enjoy a delightful Victorian meal served buffet-style in the elegant dining room of the 1870s Ward-Meade mansion. Gleaming silver, fine china, crisp linens and a gracious atmosphere make this an occasion to remember. Choice of entree includes baked ham with cherry sauce or brandicot chicken served with salad, vegetable, potatoes, freshly baked scones and oldfashioned ice cream. Minimum 25. Maximum 72.

PICNIC BASKET DINNER

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

CIDER SIPPING AND HEARTH-BAKED COOKIES

$5.50 per person Sit by the fire in our cozy log cabin and enjoy a demonstration of molasses cookies being baked on the hearth. Then sample the warm, spicy treats along with tangy apple cider. Offered by the fire Oct. 15 through March 15. Minimum 10.

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

SCHOOLHOUSE SESSION

Fee: $55 Are you looking for a unique experience for your class or youth group? Come and spend an hour in our authentic oneroom schoolhouse learning about our Kansas country school legacy. Cipher on slates, participate in a spelling bee and play old-time games. Maximum 18 participants.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES AT OLD PRAIRIE TOWN

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

OLD-FASHIONED BIRTHDAY PARTY (ages 6–12)

Fee: $10 per participant. Minimum 10. Maximum 15. This party is in our one-room country schoolhouse with oldfashioned turn-of-the-century fun. This party includes a “session” with the schoolmarm playing old-time games. Guests will share an oldfashioned cake with ice cream and lemonade. We also furnish handcrafted favors, a prize and a tour.

CHILDREN’S VICTORIAN PARTY (ages 6-12)

Fee: $10 per participant. Minimum 10. Maximum 15. Your child and guests can dress up in costumes from a “surprise trunk” and be treated to an elegant birthday tea. We provide finger food and cookies, just like in the Victorian era when tea was considered a social event.

JOIN THE VOLUNTEERS at Old

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

botanical GARDEN

The Ward-Meade Botanical Garden was established in 1963. There are approximately 500 varieties of trees and shrubs in the 2.5-acre garden in addition to the annual flowers planted each year. The garden includes many plants requiring shade as well as many unusual specimen plants. The area has three water gardens including Anna’s Place, which consists of two pools, a stream, bridge, gazebo and waterfall. Many weddings are held in the garden each year. Call 251-2993.

parks.snco.us 785.251.2600 / 23

Destination GAGE PARK Attractions •

Parks

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

• • • • • • • • • • • •

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

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

Rose Garden Weddings

Imagine the romantic beauty of your wedding in the Reinisch Rose Garden. Peak blooming times for the 6,000 roses are late May into early June, and again early-to mid-September. The Carousel Party Room north of the garden accommodates final wedding and dressing preparations. The adjoining air-conditioned room has a full kitchen, serving island, tables and chairs to seat 42 for a

/ parks.snco.us 785.251.2600

small reception or a gathering place before the wedding. For more information on Gage Park facility rentals please call 785-251-2600 or visit parks. snco.us.

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

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

Other recreational opportunities • • • • • • •

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

Ted Ensley Gardens

The Ted Ensley Gardens are located on the west side of scenic Lake Shawnee, offering a great panoramic view. They provide a beautiful, 10-acre setting with a wealth of design ideas and spectacular plantings. The Garden’s entrance is at the trailhead facility located north of West Edge Road and 37th Street. The entrance begins with a beautiful 60-foot covered bridge and continues through

THE GUIDE SPRING 2016

to meditation and rock gardens, annual and perennial beds, rose and water gardens, a gazebo, pergola, pagoda, waterfalls and several ponds.

Campground

Campground Policies • •

•

• •

Laundry facilities are available at the shower building. A variety of beverages, snacks and firewood are sold at the concession areas from April 15-Oct. 15. Showers and restroom facilities are located at the entrance area and north end of the campground. Please keep these areas clean. Please have your children watch carefully for cars around the area. YOU are responsible for the conduct and whereabouts of your children at all times. Courteous behavior is encouraged. Animals must be under control of the owner and on a leash 10-feet or less. A dump station is available for use. Fee is $5 for noncampers.

campground Fees • • • • •

April 15-Oct. 15 RV, Campers, Tents - $20 per night Oct. 16-April 14 RV, Campers, Tents - $17 per night Seniors 62 years of age and older receive a $1 discount off the daily rate. Fees are non-refundable. Sites 117-119 and 132-141 are designated tent sites.

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

Individual Reservations

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

•

Reservations must be for a

•

minimum of two (2) nights. Refunds will not be issued for unused sites.

PARKS

ADOPT-A-PARK

Help keep Shawnee County parks looking great! Our volunteer coordinator is always happy to hear from individual citizens and community groups willing to keep our parks beautiful by picking up litter. Trash bags and full-bag collection is provided. Whether it’s a one-time project or a monthly adoption, give us a call at 785-251-2625 and find out how you can make a difference.

Public Fishing Areas • • • • • • • •

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

All areas are available 6 a.m.11 p.m. daily, unless otherwise posted, and are stocked regularly by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism KDWPT regulations apply. Lake Shawnee and Ward-Martin Creek in Auburndale Park are stocked with trout in the spring and fall. Barrierfree fishing docks are available at Westlake, Central Park Pond, Clarion Woods Pond and Lake Shawnee, which also features a heated fishing dock. For more information contact KDWPT at 785-273-6740 or ksoutdoors.com.

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

1st District 2nd District 3rd District