Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our community, Johnson County Park and Recreation District offers year-round program, activities, and special events for all ages!

For more information or to register online for the programs listed here, visit JCPRD.com/Register and complete a search for any of the activity numbers listed below. To register by phone, call 913-831-3359. For all in-person programs, physical distancing and COVID-19 safe practices will be encouraged.

A reminder that while JCPRD’s 50 Plus programs are primarily for people who are age 50 or older, interested parties who have not yet reached that magic age may still be able to attend. Persons 18 and older who are interested in a 50 Plus class are invited to call the 50 Plus Department at 913-826-2975 for space availability.

I’ve attached photos that go with: Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Mildale Farm Fall Fest, and ‘Gateway’ Art Installation

Here's a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Oct. 23-29

Oct. 12 - 4^th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration (All Ages)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 6 to 8 p.m., FREE

Join the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center for a festive celebration highlighting the long history and diversity of the growing local Latino population. During this free event, participants can expect an immersive experience with hands-on activities including music, food, representatives of the Lowrider Bike Club, and a ‘Walk and Read’ event on the JCAHC grounds hosted by the Johnson County Library. Admission to the Johnson County Museum, which is also located inside JCAHC, will be free during this event, and also includes admission to a temporary special exhibit called REDLINED: Cities, Suburbs, and Segregation. No tickets required. There is something for everyone!

Oct. 17 - Ribbon Cutting for “Gateway” artwork in Meadowbrook Park (All Ages)

Meadowbrook Park near Shelter #1, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., FREE

In 2021, JCPRD released a nation-wide call to artists for this project and received 146 applications. An Art Selection Committee made up of artists and community members selected three artists to develop a design for an iconic public artwork at Meadowbrook Park; and “Gateway” by local artist Amie Jacobsen was selected as the first large-scale permanent art installation in a district park. Standing nearly 12 feet tall, “Gateway” features multiple brightly-colored and shaped petals made of cast glass and steel, and will glow in the sunlight as well as with lighting at night.  This ribbon-cutting event is intended as a celebration of this art installation and will include remarks from JCPRD board leadership and from the artist.

Oct. 22 - Buddy Pegs: Learn to Pedal (Ages 3-5 and 5-10)

Heritage Park Shelter #4 for first session and Shelter #5 for other sessions, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe, times, and prices vary (see below), 4 sessions

Buddy Pegs certified coaches weave our unique Learn to Pedal curriculum into play-based challenges and games. Students learn the fundamentals of riding a bike without pedals (no training wheels) thanks to our no-pedal glide method of teaching. This helps develop the muscle memory and confidence needed to pedal independently. Once the class is pedaling and braking safely on their own it’s time to roll out and learn how to ride safely in a group, alongside other trail users. Each participant will expand his/her cycling knowledge, skills, and distance. The class culminates with a destination ride (parents welcome). Balance bike or training wheel riders are welcome! Participants may bring their own bike or rent a bike. Session for ages 3 to 5 from 9 to 9:45 a.m., $90 per person, $99 nonresidents, activity number 23993.  Session for ages 5 to 10 from 10 to 11 a.m., $110 per person, $121 nonresidents, activity number 23994.

Oct. 22, 23 - Buddy Pegs: Adventure Bike Club (Ages 5-10)

Locations, days, times, and costs vary (see below), 4 sessions 

Our Adventure Bike Programs are perfect for kids who are rolling along on two wheels, without training wheels. Your young rider will instantly gain more confidence while learning and improving their riding skills, while more advanced riders will develop critical skills that provides them with the confidence they need to excel and be safe riders. Buddy Pegs Coaches will form small, multi-age groups, based on Buddy Pegs ability levels (PAW) so each rider is appropriately and safely challenged. Offered to PAW Levels, 2, 3, 4. No training wheels. May bring your own bike or rent a bike. Saturday class beginning Oct. 22, first session at Heritage Park Shelter #4, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe, and other sessions at Shelter #5, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., $130 per person, $143 nonresidents, activity number 23995. Sunday class beginning Oct. 23, first session at Cedar Niles Park Shelter #1, 25780 W. 135^th St., Olathe, with other sessions at Kill Creek, Shawnee Mission, and Heritage parks, 10:30 am to 12:30 p.m., $140 per person, $154 nonresidents, activity number 23999

Oct. 24 - Art: Coffee & Creativity (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 10 a.m. to Noon, $30 per person, $33 nonresidents 

Spend the morning outside sipping coffee and being creative while learning new skills. Our teaching artist will guide you through painting a scene from our park using acrylic paints, with our park shelter as the classroom. No experience needed. All supplies included. Activity number 23484.

Oct. 24 - Art: Crochet Basics (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 6 to 8:30 p.m., 3 sessions, $60 per person, $66 nonresidents

NEW! Have you wanted to learn crochet but need some guidance? Maybe you’ve crocheted in the past and want to pick it back up? Learn the basics of crochet with a few simple projects during this series. Our teaching artist will be there to guide you through the process, so no experience needed. All supplies included. Activity number 22918.

Oct. 25 - Art: Petite Picassos (Ages 3-7 with an Adult)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 10-10:45 a.m., $10 per child

Let’s paint like Picasso! During this pint-sized art class, we’ll learn about painting with watercolors, tempera, chalk and more. Students will need an adult to attend class with them. Activity number 22906.

Oct. 25 - Cards: Bridge Lesson - Duplicate (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, 4 to 5:30 p.m., $20 per person, $21 nonresidents

Have you ever wanted to begin playing duplicate bridge, but worried you are not ready? This two-week course will show you the ropes and teach you everything you need to know to begin playing with any of our duplicate drop-in groups. Handouts included. Activity number 23226.

Oct. 25 - Art: Art & Identity (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 6-8 p.m., FREE

NEW! This special lecture series at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center will be presented by Emily Alley, assistant professor of strategic communication at Avila University. This lecture series explores identity in media, ranging from paleolithic cave art to video games. Each lecture is premised in the philosophy of Structuralism, the idea of culture as modern mythology, which we both influence and adopt. Attend one lecture or all three; the lectures all relate to the overall theme of Art Identity and can be registered for individually. The Oct. 25 lecture is called Identity in Language. This journalism-based lecture examines Foucault's theory of political theater and early reports of identity theft. Activity number 23536. To see other lectures in this series, click here.

Oct. 26 deadline - play begins Nov. 6 - Soccer: New Century Fieldhouse Men's Fall II League (Ages 18 & Older)

New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, 6 games, Sunday, game times vary, $488 per team

Games are played Sunday afternoon and evening. League play has five field players plus the goalie. For questions, call 913-826-2850. Activity number 23742.

Oct. 27 - Little Critter’s Day Out: Creepy Critters (Ages 3-5)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 9 a.m. to noon, $19 per person, $21 nonresidents

Your Little Critter will enjoy three hours of fun and education once as you enjoy some personal time! Activities will vary but we will have an adventure, eat a snack, make a craft, play games, and see an animal visitor each day. Dress for the weather. Children must be potty trained. For more information call 913-826-2800. Advanced registration required. Sign up for just the Thursdays you want or for all of them! Activity number 23466. To see all upcoming Little Critter’s Day Out sessions for the current season, click here.

Oct. 28 - Special Event: JCPRD JamBOOree (Ages 14 & Under)

Heritage Park Shelter #1, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe, 5 to 8:30 p.m., FREE

Join us for a BOO-tastic family night in Heritage Park featuring Halloween-themed activities, thrills, chills, treats, and even a movie for everyone at sunset. This is a free event that encourages participants to make a donation to the Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County to support the Access + Equity for All Scholarship Fund. Come dressed in your Halloween best. Pre-registration is required. Activity number 22171.

Oct. 28 - Movies in the Park: “Monsters Inc.” (Rated G)

Heritage Park Shelter #1, 16050 Pflumm Road, Olathe, movie starts between 6:45 and 7 p.m., depending on sunset, FREE thanks to the support of The Parks & Recreation Foundation of Johnson County, Arvest Bank, and JE Dunn

11 of 11 for 2022 - A little girl accidentally enters the land of monsters, where she befriends two creatures who work at a "scare factory." Billy Crystal and John Goodman lend their voices to this computer-animated comedy from the creators of "Toy Story." Participation in JamBOOree not required to watch the movie.

Oct. 28 - Preschool: Creepy Crawly Halloween Party (Ages 2-5 with an Adult)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $7 per person, $8 nonresidents)

Take a spooky trip to the clubhouse! Enjoy a morning of Halloween activities, costumes, and fun including a snack and take-home craft. Activity number 23207.

Oct. 28 deadline - tournament is Nov. 4 - Paddles & Pies Pickleball Tournament (Ages 50 & Older)

Powell Community Center, 6200 Martway St., Mission, 8 a.m. $35 per person

Presented by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District's 50 Plus Program and Mission Parks & Recreation, this fun, one-day social pickleball indoor tournament will take place on three courts at the Powell Community Center. Tournament includes gender and mixed divisions for beginning players, lunch, and a hospitality room. For questions, please contact the Tournament Director Mallory Ozier at 913-826-2830. To register, go to JCPRD.com/FormCenter/50-Plus-25/2022-Paddles-Pies-Pickleball-Tournament--586.

Oct. 29 - Mildale Farm Fall Fest (All Ages)

Mildale Farm, 35250 W. 199^th Street, Edgerton, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., FREE to attend, Chris Cakes $5 per person

Bring the family and spend the day exploring the Mildale Farm property and enjoy a number of fall activities during this free public event. Visitors can explore and picnic on the 158-acre site including the 22-acre rental property. Park near Mildale Farm’s main barn which features peg construction and a hand-laid brick floor. Nearby, you’ll find cider and hot cocoa and a large pumpkin patch. A tractor-drawn hayride will take visitors to a fire circle in the south-central portion of the Mildale site, where they can roast marshmallows and enjoy storytelling. Catch-and-release fishing in any or all seven ponds within the 158-acre area will also be offered, so bring your own bait and tackle. While district fishing permits have been waived for this event, Kansas residents ages 16 to 74 and nonresidents 16 and older need to have a Kansas state fishing license.  Chris Cakes will be serving pancakes and sausage onsite for $5 a plate, cash or Venmo payment only.  Restrooms will be available in the large equestrian barn, but the property’s two homes and other outbuildings will not be open during this event. Remember, no alcohol is allowed, pets must be on-leash, and vehicles must remain on roadways. For more information, call 913-826-2957.

Oct. 29 - Lanesfield School Fall Open House (All Ages)

Lanesfield Historic Site, 18745 S. Dillie Road, Edgerton, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., FREE

Celebrate autumn 1904-style while you experience life as a student in a one-room schoolhouse! The Lanesfield Historic Site is the perfect place to take a trip through time. Have old-fashioned fun with hands-on activities, the Missouri Town Band, outdoor games, and lessons in the schoolhouse with costumed teachers. Call 913-715-2570 for more information.