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.

Here’s a sampling of programs JCPRD has coming up for the week of Dec. 31-Jan. 6:

Weekly and Ongoing - Card & Game Drop-In Groups (Ages 50 & Older)

Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty Street, Overland Park, 913-826-2830; Tomahawk Ridge Community Center, 11902 Lowell Avenue, Overland Park, 913-826-2830; Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Avenue, Prairie Village, 913-826-2975; New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, 913-826-2850; Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, 913-826-3160; and Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Avenue, Shawnee, 913-826-2950; Times, days & activities vary by location, $1 per person

The six locations above all offer low-cost drop-in programs where participants can play with friends and make new ones while participating in these fun weekly groups! Activities vary by locations and include: chess, cribbage, dominoes, duplicate bridge, hand and foot, mah jongg, Mexican train dominoes, pitch, pinocle, and progressive bridge. For more information, click above or call the specific location you’re interested in.

Dec. 22 deadline, play begins Jan 8, 9, 10, & 11 - (7 separate leagues) Volleyball: Roeland Park Adult Leagues (Ages 18 & Older)

Roeland Park Sports Dome, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, Times Vary, 9 sessions, $235 per team

Can you dig it? Play volleyball at the recreational, intermediate, or power level. All leagues will play by current high school rules. The winning team in each league will receive T-shirts and bragging rights. Leagues are offered year-round. League details here.

Jan. 2 & ongoing - Crafts: Caring Hands Knitting Group (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Tuesdays, 1 to 3 p.m., FREE

1^st of a new season! Join this generous group of individuals who knit and crochet hats for charity. Free lessons given to beginners. The Roeland Park Community Center accepts yarn, knitting needles, and hat donations year-round from those unable to attend meetings. Activity number 34043. Call 913-826-3160 to learn how you can contribute.

Jan. 2 & ongoing (2 separate programs) - Walking and Talking (Ages 50 & Older)

Okun Fieldhouse at Mid-America West Sports Complex, 20200 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., and New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, weekdays 10 a.m. to noon, FREE

1^st of a new season! Talk while you walk, walk while you talk! Meet new people, catch up with others, and feel great being active all at the same time! No registration required, but you can see this program online at activity number 34123 for Okun Fieldhouse or 34124 for New Century Fieldhouse.

Jan. 3 - Yoga: Yoga (Ages 14 & Older)

Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee, Wednesdays, 5:30 to 6:20 p.m., 7 sessions, $56 per person, $62 nonresidents,

LOW INTENSITY: Improve circulation, regulate your metabolism, and increase flexibility and coordination with this Yoga class. You will lengthen your muscles while increasing both muscle and bone density. Yoga participants of all levels are welcome. Join us for this class and find out all the benefits of yoga in your life. Activity number 33315. For additional information, call 913-826-2950.

Jan. 3 & ongoing - Crafts: Drop-In Paint Group (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Wednesdays, 12:30 to 3 p.m., $1

NEW! Looking for a fun and creative way to express yourself? Look no further than our drop-in paint group! Bring your own materials and let your imagination run wild as you create your own unique works of art. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting out, this group is the perfect place to explore your creativity and connect with other like-minded individuals. Meets weekly, advance registration not required. $1 drop-in fee recommended. Activity number 34044.

Jan. 3 & ongoing - Gymnastics 2024: Parent & Tot (Ages 21 months-3 years)

Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee, 9 to 9:40 a.m., Wednesdays, weekly per-session cost of $13.50 per person, $15 nonresidents, charged on monthly basis

Qualified instructors teach the parent to teach the tot. Activities are directed toward motivating a desire for physical activity, general loco-motor movements, and acquainting tots with gymnastic equipment, all of which will increase learning ability later in life. Tuition is priced based on the number of classes in a month and is payable via reoccurring, automatic withdrawal. Your child may drop or enroll in class at any point throughout the year, pending class availability/openings. MCAC will prorate the first month's tuition if a student registers mid-month. Participants wishing to drop their class should contact MCAC by the 25th to ensure they are not charged for upcoming months. Additional class and/or additional child discounts are available. Activity number 33341. For additional information, call 913-826-2950.

Jan. 3 & ongoing - Gymnastics 2024: Preschool (Ages 4-5)

Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee, 11 to 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays or 10 to 10:45 a.m., Fridays, weekly per-session cost of $15.50 per person, $17 nonresidents, charged on monthly basis

Children learn basic gymnastics skills on various pieces of apparatus and floor giving them an opportunity to enjoy socialization and interaction with children their own age. Emphasis is placed on the development of muscular coordination, strength, and flexibility. Tuition is priced based on the number of classes in a month and is payable via reoccurring, automatic withdrawal. Your child may drop or enroll in class at any point throughout the year, pending class availability/openings. MCAC will prorate the first month's tuition if a student registers mid-month. Participants wishing to drop their class should contact MCAC by the 25th to ensure they are not charged for upcoming months. Additional class and/or additional child discounts are available. For both Wednesday and Friday sessions, activity number 33342. For additional information, call 913-826-2950.

Jan. 3 - Alzheimer's: Alzheimer's: Healthy Living for you Brain and Body (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 33716.

Jan. 3, 4 (2 separate programs) - Exercise: Tai Chi (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, Wednesdays, 10 to 10:50 a.m., or Thursdays, 5 to 5:50 p.m. 4 sessions, $38 per person, $42 nonresidents)

LOW INTENSITY: Tai Chi offers a slow and gentle exercise with benefits in endurance, flexibility, and muscle strengthening. All experience levels welcome in this course. Wednesday class starting Jan. 3, activity number 34066. Thursday class starting Jan. 4, class activity number 34070.

Jan. 4 & ongoing - Games: Mah Jongg Drop-In - Roeland Park (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Thursdays, 1 to 4 p.m., 4 sessions, $1 per person,

NEW! Play with friends and make new ones while participating in a fun game of Mah Jongg. Suggested drop-in fee of $1 is paid in cash at the time of the game. Meets weekly. No advanced registration required. Activity number 34265.

Jan. 4 & ongoing - Crafts: Silver Hair & Golden Needles (Ages 50 & Older)

New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, ongoing, Thursdays 4 to 7 p.m. weekly through April 25, $1 per session

Join this new knitting and crochet group for socializing while you work on the current project for charity. Yarn donations accepted. No registration required. Activity number 34034.

Jan. 5 & ongoing - Gymnastics 2024: For 3 Year Olds

Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee, 9 to 9:45 a.m., Fridays, weekly per-session cost of $15.50 per person, $17 nonresidents, charged on monthly basis

Your three-year-old is introduced to early gymnastic skills, while experiencing socialization and interaction with children his/her own age. Muscular coordination and body awareness are key elements developed in this class. Tuition is priced based on the number of classes in a month and is payable via reoccurring, automatic withdrawal. Your child may drop or enroll in class at any point throughout the year, pending class availability/openings. MCAC will prorate the first month's tuition if a student registers mid-month. Participants wishing to drop their class should contact MCAC by the 25th to ensure they are not charged for upcoming months. Additional class and/or additional child discounts are available. Activity number 33346. For additional information, call 913-826-2950.

Jan. 6 - Exercise: Zumba® Gold (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, Saturdays, 9 to 9:50 a.m., 6 sessions, $48 per person, $53 nonresidents

1^st of a new season! Perfect for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba® class. Easy-to-follow choreography focuses on balance, range of motion, coordination, and fun! Activity number 34076. Want to try a class before committing to the entire session? Call for details 913-826-3160.

Jan. 6 - Gymnastics: Indoor Open Gym (Ages 4-17)

Mill Creek Activity Center, 6518 Vista Dr., Shawnee, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., $7 per person

Head to Mill Creek Activity Center for 60 minutes of unstructured, supervised gym time on all gymnastics apparatuses, trampoline, and our loose foam pit. A great opportunity for program participants to safely work on skills outside of class! Activity number 33415. Call 913-826-2950 for more information.

Jan. 6 - Special Interest: AARP Smart Driver Course (Ages 50 & Older)

Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pay with check at the door made out to AARP - $20, $25 non-AARP members

Keep driving skills sharp and lower insurance rates at the same time! Completing an AARP Smart Driver Course can mean a discount with some insurance companies. No tests given, please bring your AARP membership card. Reserve your spot, space is limited! Activity number 34022.