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.

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: Animal Tales Visit from Santa and Pee Wee Indoor Soccer League

Here’s a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Dec. 3-9:

Wednesdays through Dec. 27 - Drop in Painting (All Ages)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, Wednesdays, 12:30 to 3 p.m., FREE

NEW! Drop in on Wednesdays to work on your personal masterpiece with other like-minded artists! Bring your own supplies. A $1 drop-in donation is recommended. No registration is required, but the program description can be viewed at activity number 33491.

Nov. 27 - Group Youth Swim Lessons (Ages 6 months & Older)

Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center, 17251 W. 87th St., Lenexa, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 classes in six levels, beginning times vary, 8 30-min sessions, $65 per child, $72 nonresidents

Evening classes available. Lesson levels include: Preschool A, Preschool B, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. Most levels are assigned based on skill level rather than age. See descriptions of swim levels, or use our Swim Level Assessment Form. Search and register for Group Swim Lessons.

Dec. 1 registration deadline, games begin Jan. 5 - Little Ballers Basketball (Age 4-2nd Grade)

New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, Friday evenings, times vary, $65 per person

For Kindergarten and under and 1^st and 2^nd grade leagues, co-ed leagues will meet once a week for one hour of practice followed by 3v3 format games. Game day shirt and participation award included. To register for these programs, go to secure.rec1.com/KS/gardner-ks/catalog, click on Youth Programs, and scroll down to Little Ballers. For questions, call 913-826-2850.

Dec. 2 - Cram the Cruiser Toy Drive (All Ages)

Shawnee Mission Park's John Barkley Plaza near the main entrance, 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse parking lot, 9101 Nall Avenue, Prairie Village, 2 to 4 p.m., FREE

NEW! Santa and the Johnson County Park Police will be at Shawnee Mission Park and Meadowbrook Park to collect new, unwrapped toys, show you the inside of the cruiser, and Santa will even have a special gift for participants! Toys collected will benefit Children's Mercy Hospital's Snowflake Shop. This drive will provide play experiences and comfort to patients and their siblings throughout the year. Being sought are clothing items, art supplies, games, and comfort and distraction items. For a list of current conation needs, go to JCPRD.com/1978/Cram-the-Cruiser.

Dec. 4 - Museum: Sensory Friendly Monday (All Ages)

Johnson County Museum at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9 a.m. to Noon, $4 per person for ages up to 18, $6 per person for ages 18 to 59, and $5 per person for ages 60 and older

Come enjoy the Johnson County Museum and KidScape in a comfortable, low-sensory environment. This limited-occupancy session is designed specifically for children with sensory processing differences and Autism Spectrum Disorders, and their families. We welcome visitors of all abilities and museum experience. We also welcome hand fidgets, comfort items, weighted blankets and vests, and mobility devices. Activity number 31653. For questions about this program, please call 913-715-2570.

Dec. 4 - Martial Arts: Mixed Martial Arts (Ages 6-12)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5 to 5:50 p.m., 6 sessions, $66 per person, $72 nonresidents

Traditional martial arts techniques taught with an emphasis on awareness-based self-defense and anti-bullying. Improve discipline, focus, and self-confidence while strengthening the body and mind. Activity number 31989.

Dec. 5 - Gardening: Transitioning into a Native Garden (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 2 to 3 p.m., FREE

What is this plant? How do I grow or do this? What should I put in my garden? So many questions and no one to ask until now. Join the K-State Extension Office on a variety of gardening topics and be free to discuss your gardening questions with a Master Gardener. Most of us are aware of the ecological needs our gardens must now serve: water sequestration, filter pollution, pollinator habitat, and providing food. Most of us have established gardens. When the old way to garden no longer suits our current needs, there are ways to make the transition more workable. Activity number 31918.

Dec. 5 - Cards: Bridge Workshops - Scoring (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., Overland Park, 4 to 6 p.m., $12 per person, $13 nonresidents

How do you know who wins the game if you don't know the score? The score can affect how you bid. Become an in-demand partner. Fun and easy classes help you master a new subject each week. Purchase each workshop individually or take them all! Handouts included. Activity number 31935. To see other upcoming Bridge Workshops, click here.

Dec. 5 - Games: Virtual Scattergories® (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 2 to 3 p.m., FREE

Think fast and write quicker in this fun and fast-paced game of alliterative words and categories!  Zoom link will be emailed the day prior to the program. Activity number 31827.

Dec. 6 - Rise & Shine Yoga (Ages 16 & Older)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, Wednesdays, 6 to 7 a.m., 4 sessions, $34 per person, $37 nonresidents

Start your day with an invigorating yoga practice at Ernie Miller Nature Center. This is yoga for anybody. All are welcome, no experience necessary! This class will focus on gentle stretching, serenity, and rejuvenation and will be tailored to individual abilities. Please bring your mat to class. Instructor is Robin Olson-ERYT (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher). For more information call 913-826-2800. Advanced registration required. Meet at the parking lot flagpole to walk into the building together at 6 am. Activity number 31776.

Dec. 6 - Alzheimer's: Effective Communication Strategies (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 2 to 3 p.m., FREE

Learn how to recognize common signs of Alzheimer's and dementia; how to approach someone about memory concerns; importance of early detection and benefits of diagnosis. Presentations by the Alzheimer's Association. Activity number 31925.

Dec. 6 registration deadline - play begins Jan. 6 - Soccer: New Century Fieldhouse Pee Wee Winter League (Ages 3-6)

New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, Saturdays, 8 to 11 a.m., 6 sessions, $75 per person (includes game day shirt)

The indoor JOCO Soccer Pee Wee League is designed for kids in preschool and kindergarten. Teams meet on six Saturday mornings beginning Jan. 6 to practice for 20-minutes followed by a 30-minute game. Format is 4v4 with no goalie. Parent volunteers are the coaches and will serve as the official during the game. Parents who are chosen to coach must pass a background check and complete a volunteer form and will have their child's fee waived. For questions, call 913-826-2850. Activity number 33285.

Dec. 6 & 20 - Preschool Storytime: Animal Tales (Ages 2-6 with an Adult)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, select Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11 a.m., $3 per person

Join a park naturalist for animal stories and surprises geared for preschool age children. Come listen, learn, and meet a special animal friend every time. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Program held indoors. Dec. 6 session, Mrs. Claus Reads, activity number 31539; and Dec. 20 session, Visit from Santa, activity number 31540. See all upcoming sessions this season.

Dec. 7 - JCPRD Lifeguard Training - December (Ages 15 & Older)

Shawnee Mission School District Aquatic Center, 17251 W. 87^th Street, Lenexa, 4 to 6 p.m. session via Zoom on Dec. 7, on-site from 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 8, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily on Dec. 9 & 10, FREE to potential JCPRD employees

This blended learning American Red Cross Lifeguarding class is intended for potential JCPRD employees only. If you do not wish to lifeguard for JCPRD, then this is not the class for you. Please also fill the form out at JCPRD.com/FormCenter/Aquatics-16/Aquatics-Job-Interest-Form-523.

Dec. 7 - Museum: TRAINS - Railroaded: The Industry that Shaped Kansas (Ages 16 & Older)

Johnson County Museum at Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 6 to 7 p.m., FREE

Few industries dominated the economy of the nation in the 19th century more than the railroad. Railroads brought immigrant settlers, created jobs, and fed beef markets in the East. Most Kansas towns were founded because of the railroad, and few survived without it. Yet the advancement of the railroad industry came at a significant cost to the Plains Indians who were forcibly displaced by this westward expansion. This presentation examines the complicated legacy of railroads and the impact on Native peoples who called Kansas home. This program ties into the museum’s special interactive exhibit, “TRAINS: Transportation and the Transformation of Johnson County” which opened in mid-May and examines how everything changed after the railroad came through Johnson County for the first time in 1867. Activity number 31466.

Dec. 8 - Preschool: Snow Fun (Ages 2-5)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., $8 per person, $9 nonresidents

We are bringing the fun inside and welcoming all things warm. Enjoy a story around the fireplace, s’mores, snowflake cocoa, and a winter craft. Activity number 32023.

Dec. 8 registration deadline, play begins Jan. 7 - Volleyball NCF Winter for individuals and teams (Grades 3-8)

New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, Sunday evenings, 6 doubleheaders sessions, $113 per person, or $630 per team

Games are played on Sunday evenings. Individual registration includes one 60-minute practice per week and game day shirt. If you volunteer to coach and are chosen to be a head coach, your child will receive 50% off their registration fees. See details and registration information for individuals and teams. Please go to JCPRD.com/sports for further info or call 913-826-2850 with any questions.

Dec. 9 - Seasonal Event: Woodland Tales with Father Christmas (Ages 1 & Older, children must be accompanied by an Adult)

Ernie Miller Nature Center, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 10 to 11 a.m., $7 per person including adults, $8 nonresidents

NEW! The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and togetherness. "Tales of Father Christmas" embraces the true spirit of this magical season, fostering a sense of community, goodwill, and a love of nature. See wildlife and share smiles, laughter, and heartfelt moments with your loved ones as you listen to stories together. Take a photo with a woodsy Santa Claus and bring a canned food item to help those in need. Children and families will enjoy a sweet treat after their visit. For more information call 913-826-2800. Everyone attending must register and pay, including adults. Infants under one year old admitted free with paying family. Advance registration required. Activity number 31778.