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: Meadowbrook Park Outdoor Pickleball Fall League and Homeschool Art

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

Aug. 25 registration deadline - league begins Sept. 3 - Meadowbrook Park Outdoor Pickleball Fall League (Ages 18 & Older)
Meadowbrook Park Pickleball Courts, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, days and times vary,, 7 sessions +tournament on 10/26 for top four teams, $35 per person
Doubles gender and doubles mixed convenience league for beginner, intermediate, and advanced players. Players will schedule their own matches during assigned weeks. For questions, contact 913-826-2975. Activity number 31967.

Sept. 4 - Weekend hours end at Shawnee Mission Park Marina for 2023 season, 7900 Renner Road, Shawnee & Lenexa, Saturdays and Sundays, hours, and rental fees vary

Through Sept. 4, the Shawnee Mission Park Marina will offer weekend hours on Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 4. Available daily boat rental times at the Shawnee Mission Park Marina are 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. All boat rentals are one hour. Walk-ins are welcome, but will only be processed 30 minutes prior to the set boat launch times, so advance registrations at JCPRD.com/marinas are highly recommended.

Sept. 5 - Games: Outburst (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 1 to 2 p.m., FREE

"Cars that start with 'C'!...GO!" Come play this virtual game of verbal explosions. You'll yell, you'll laugh, you'll rack your brain! Most importantly, you'll have a good OUTBURST! Activity number 31829.

Sept 5 - (2 separate classes) Buddy Pegs: Learn to Pedal (Ages 3-5 & 5-11)
Meadowbrook Park, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, Tuesdays, times vary, 4 sessions, $120 per person, $132 nonresidents

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. No refunds one week prior to class start date. Class for ages 3-5, activity number 32013. Class for ages 5 to 11 running 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on same days with same cost, activity number 32030.
 
Sept. 5 - Gardening: All About Pollinators (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. An overview of what Gardening for Pollinators is all about. What are pollinators? Clarifying and increasing your pollinator IQ to improve your ability to advocate for these important creatures and create a thriving habitat. Activity number 31915.

Sept. 5 - Music: Garage Band 50 & Up - Fall Session 1 (Ages 50 & Older)
Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Tuesdays, 12:30 to 1:50 p.m., 8 sessions, $162 per person, $178 nonresidents

NEW! In this class, we’ll guide you through the essentials for forming a band, jamming together, and creating harmonious masterpieces that will make heads turn and feet tap. Whether you’re a guitar guru, a drum dynamo, a bass magician, or a vocal virtuoso, our talents instructor is here to nurture your talent and help you find your unique sound. Get ready to learn the fundamentals of various instruments, the art of crafting killer riffs, and the secrets to creating killer hooks. Don’t worry if you if you’ve never played in a band before – this class is all about collaboration and teamwork. This class will culminate in a sharing for your friends and family that is sure to rock! Activity number 31139.

Sept. 5 - Music: Garage Band Adventures - Fall Session 1 (Ages 12-18)
Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Tuesdays, 2 to 3:30 p.m., 4 sessions, $72 per person, $80 nonresidents

Learn instruments, form bands, and create original songs! Perform for each other and develop your musical skills in a supportive environment. Unleash your talent and ignite your passion for music. Let's rock! While the entire group will work together participants will be encouraged to mentor and work together in age appropriate groups. In this collaborative setting young artists will develop a knowledge of not only team work but history and practice of both epic bands and masterful musicians from the past! Activity number 31156.

Sept. 5, 6, 7 - (3 separate classes) Art: Homeschool Art Adventures II (Ages 12-17 & 8-13)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, days and times vary (see below), 11 sessions, $230 per person, $253 nonresidents

Intermediate artists will hone skills learned in previous art experiences while following instructions and working independently, try out more advanced techniques and mediums, as well as having an opportunity to explore art history and art theory. This class is designed to supplement your homeschool curriculum and encourage students to explore art through consideration, conversation, and creation!  Tuesday class for ages 12 to 17 meeting 10 a.m. to noon beginning Sept. 5, activity number 31055. Wednesday class for ages 8 to 13 meeting 1 to 3 p.m. beginning Sept. 6, activity number 30976. Wednesday class for ages 8 to 13 meeting 1 to 3 p.m. beginning Sept. 7, activity number 30994.

Sept. 6 - Dance: Movers & Shakers! – Fall Session 1 (Ages 50 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Wednesdays, 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., 8 sessions, $152 per person, $167 nonresidents

Get ready to move, groove, and flow with Movers and Shakers - our invigorating 50 and over dance/fitness program! Join us for a fun and energetic class designed to boost your fitness, improve flexibility, and bring joy to your dance moves. Let the rhythm guide you as we dance our way to better health and happiness. Join us and dance your way to a fitter, happier you! Activity number 31120.

Sept. 6 - Theatre: Script Club - Fall Session I (Ages 50 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., 8 sessions, $152 per person, $167 nonresidents

NEW! Join Script Club, our engaging 50 and over program where we dive into new scripts and bring literature to life! Explore a variety of genres, dissect captivating plays, and share insights with fellow script enthusiasts. No acting experience necessary, just a love for storytelling. Enroll now and let’s embark on this literary journey together! Activity number 31121.

Sept. 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. Meet at the parking lot flagpole to walk into the building together at 6 a.m. Instructor is Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher Robin Olson. Advance registration required. Activity number 31773.

Sept. 6 - Alzheimer's Classes: Know the 10 Signs (Ages 50 & Older)

Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse, 9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village, 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 31922.

Sept. 6, 7 - (2 separate classes) Art: Homeschool Art Adventures I (Ages 6-10)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, days times vary (see below), 10 a.m. to noon, 11 sessions, $230 per person, $253 nonresidents

Beginner artists with little to no prior experience or formal instruction will get the opportunity to learn basic art skills while exploring art history and art theory. This class is designed to supplement your homeschool curriculum and encourage you to explore art through consideration, conversation, and creation! Wednesday class beginning Sept. 6, activity number 30974. Thursday class beginning Sept. 7, activity number 30975.

Sept. 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

1st of a new season! - 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. Sept. 6 session, Butterfly in the Sky, activity number 31532; Sept. 20, session, Johnny Appleseed, activity number 31533. See all upcoming sessions this season.
 
Sept. 7 - Special Event: Live Well Age Well Expo 2023 (Ages 50 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., FREE

Live Well Age Well is an opportunity for residents of Johnson County and the greater metro to engage with businesses and organizations serving aging adults and their loved ones. This free event features a vendor fair, health screenings, education sessions, bingo, and other giveaways. Spend the day discovering new ways to live and age well in our community. For additional details, including the schedule of events, visit JCPRD.com/LiveWellAgeWell.
 
Sept. 7 - Crafts: Silver Hair & Golden Needles (Ages 50 & Older)

New Century Fieldhouse, 551 New Century Parkway, near Gardner, ongoing, Thursdays 4-7 p.m. weekly drop-in program through Dec. 28, $1 per session

NEW! 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 31998.

Sept. 8 - Dance: Drop in and Dance! Musical Theatre (Ages 14 & Older)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 7-9 p.m., $15 per person / $16.50 nonresidents

1st of 13 separate Friday night classes - Each class in this Drop in and Dance series running through mid-December will focus on a different genre, including swing, tap, belly dancing, and musical theatre. In this Musical Theatre Class, you'll have the opportunity to learn choreography from popular musicals that will help prepare you for your next dance call or audition! This drop-in series is perfect for dancers of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete beginner. Each class will be taught by experienced instructors who are passionate about their respective dance styles, and who will guide you through the movements step-by-step. Classes are just $15 each so whether you’re looking to improve your technique, learn a new style, or just have fun and meet new people, our drop-in dance class series has something for everyone! Activity number 32121. See all classes in this series.
 
Sept. 8 - Special Interest: Exploring World Religions (Ages 50 & Older)

Virtual Program, 10 to 11 a.m., FREE

Join speaker Hal Costly, an Open University presenter, and explore a series of world religions. This 8-week presentation series is based upon a book titled "The World's Religions" by Huston Smith, as well as other sources Smith has researched. Explore each religion in chronological order of their development, its history, and its meaning to its adherents. Each of these religions will be explored: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity, and Islam, as well as an introduction of Huston Smith's work. Activity number 31832.

Sept. 8 - Adventure Walk: Twilight Hike (Ages 3-6 with an Adult)

Ernie Miller Park, 909 N. Kansas 7 Highway, Olathe, 7-8:30 p.m., $9 per person - including adults, $10 nonresidents

Explore the trails at Ernie Miller Park as the sun sets. Listen for the nocturnal sounds of a cricket’s chorus and a barred owl’s call. Gather around a cheery fire ring for stories, activities, and a tasty treat. Participants should bring a flashlight. Advanced registration required. Activity number 31528.

Sept. 9 - Make: Sewn Circuits Lab (Ages 10-15)

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., $55 per person / $60 nonresidents

NEW! Learn about electronics while making a piece of glowing, wearable art. Students will sew wearable electronic components onto fabric to make glowing DIY patches that can be worn on any fabric item. Prior hand sewing experience is recommended but not required. Activity number 30973.
 
Sept. 9 - Fishing: Overnight Saturdays after 11 pm (All Ages)

Lexington Lake Park, 8850 Sunflower Road, DeSoto, 11 p.m. - 5 a.m., permit fees vary

Final overnight fishing session of 2023 - The park will be open for fishing only and park police officers will be on duty throughout the night. Before fishing, area anglers will need to have a valid Kansas fishing license, a Johnson County Park and Recreation District fishing permit, trout permit if fishing for trout and all appropriate boat tags, if applicable. For all dates, see activity number 26489.