Legacy gift for Theatre in the Park

A driving force for Theatre in the Park for 27 years prior to her retirement in 2000, former Theatre in the Park Producer Demmaree Carns died in May of this year. With a generous planned gift to the foundation, Demmaree leaves behind a legacy of generosity and passion for parks and recreation and the performing arts that our community will benefit from for years to come. 

If you are interested in learning more about how a planned gift could work for you, contact Kelly Blandford at kelly.blandford@jocogov.org.

““We are looking forward in the coming years to some additions and improvements at the park/theatre, and I’m hopeful that we can find a wonderful way to honor her memory and legacy with something unique and lasting in whatever the theatre facility becomes.” ”

— Theatre in the Park Producing Artistic Director Tim Bair

Foundation Teams Up with JCPRD Natural Resources to Offer Summer Internship

The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County is thrilled to announce a three-month summer internship with JCPRD’s talented Natural Resources team. This internship will provide hands-on conservation experience from prescribed fire to wildlife management for a current university student or recent grad. Foundation Director, Kelly Blandford, shared “This opportunity was made possible by generous donors who care deeply for our parks and natural areas. We hope to offer this unique educational experience each year as part of our dedication to continued excellence in all we do.”

Apply today or share with someone who loves the outdoors! Natural Resource Internship in Shawnee Mission, Kansas | Careers at Shawnee Mission Park (icims.com)

Unique Bee Species Found In Prairie Remnant at Lexington Lake Park!

We are buzzing to share about a unique species found in the remnant prairie at Lexington Lake Park this fall! KC Wildlands staff (Ginger Werp) observed a male American Bumblebee feeding on Downy Gentian. Tom Schroeder, a long time KC Wildlands volunteer, identified the bee and has been trying to get a photo of this species feeding on gentian for over a decade. This is important since the American Bumblebee population has plummeted by 90% over the past 20 years. Finding this unique species in a prairie in a JCPRD park means the work we’re doing is providing food and refuge for this struggling species that has disappeared from several states.

The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County is proud to support JCPRD’s incredible Natural Resources Program through private fundraising efforts. You can support this vital work by making a gift to the Foundation here on our website and selecting Natural Resources as your designation.

Thank you to KC Wildlands (Bridging The Gap) for sharing this cool find and their continued work with our JCPRD Natural Resources team!

Johnson County Park and Recreation District will expand WPA-inspired poster collection in 2024 with generous contribution from AT&T

Thanks to a generous contribution from AT&T, Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s (JCPRD) Public Art Program is thrilled to announce the 2024 continuation of the popular Poster Project, which began in 2023. Posters feature JCPRD parks, trails, and facilities using the iconic and majestic style used by Work Progress Administration (WPA) artists in the 1930s. JCPRD is excited to announce that the parks to be featured in 2024 are Antioch Park, Mill Creek Streamway Park, Ernie Miller Park, and Stilwell Community Park.

The Poster Project is part of a Public Art Program JCPRD launched in 2019 to activate parks, trails, and facilities in a new way. AT&T was one of the earliest supporters of JCPRD’s Public Art Program, providing funding in 2021 for “Gateway,” the iconic sunflower archway at Meadowbrook Park. The $13,000 contribution for the 2024 Poster Project was secured through The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County.

“Art enriches our lives. And public art that features our spectacular parks enriches our communities, which is why we’re supporting JCPRD’s Public Art Program,” said Laine Raitinger, area manager for AT&T External Affairs in Kansas.

In 2023, four local artists were selected and assigned to illustrate a specific feature or attribute from the following parks: Big Bull Creek, Cedar Niles, Lexington Lake, and Shawnee Mission. The successful artists were chosen by an Art Selection Committee and received a $2,500 stipend. The posters were revealed at a special event, which showcased the talented Kansas City region artists in an interactive Q&A session and are now displayed at multiple locations throughout the District. More information about this project and the selected artists can be found at JCPRD Poster Project | Johnson County Park & Rec, KS. Artists who are interested in applying to create future poster art can expect a Call for Artists in late February 2024.

“We hope these designs leave our community inspired to go and explore these and all of the beautiful park spaces that make up JCPRD,” said Superintendent of Culture Susan Mong. “Each poster highlights a beautiful element of each park. I really love the process each artist went through to develop their vision and determine what feature, perspective, or unique element they wanted to focus on. The artists spent time with park staff and a lot of time in their assigned park before finalizing their design.”

The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County plays a crucial role in the fulfillment of JCPRD’s Public Art Program through the procurement of grants and donations. The foundation continues to seek support for future projects through corporate and private funding. Those interested in supporting this program should contact Foundation Director Kelly Blandford by email kelly.blandford@jocogov.org or by phone at 913-826-3448.

Johnson County Park and Recreation District has been enhancing the lives of the citizens of Johnson County for the past 60+ years through its parks, quality of programs, professionalism, and response to developing trends. The district's contributions to the personal lives of Johnson County's citizens have earned the district local appreciation and national acclaim. Each year, the district records nearly 10 million park visitors and participants across its 10,000 acres of parkland, 136 miles of trails, and more than 4,000 programs.

Carol and Fred Logan Share Their Love for Art with the Community

It is with great excitement and appreciation that The Parks & Recreation Foundation of Johnson County would like to acknowledge Carol and Fred Logan of Leawood for their recent pledge of $30,000 over three years to the JCPRD Public Art Program. 

“The importance of charitable giving means something different to each donor,” the couple shared in a statement. “In this specific instance, we’re so happy to support JCPRD as it creates exciting new opportunities to make art accessible and a part of the daily lives of all visitors to its parks and programs. For many years, we’ve had a lot of fun in Johnson County parks and we love the idea of supporting the JCPRD Public Art Program that is sure to engage visitors of all ages and add to the excellence of our already amazing system of parks, programs, and facilities!”  

JCPRD launched the Public Art Program in 2019 to activate its park spaces in a new way, and with input from the public, community partners, and local artists, completed a Public Art Master Plan in 2021 to serve as a road map for the next five years.  

“JCPRD’s Public Art Program will add a new dimension to Johnson County parks, programs, and facilities - an easily accessible opportunity for visitors of all ages to experience and interact with works of art in what might be unexpected settings,” Carol Logan added. “The arts offer something for everyone.  Our family has had many wonderful experiences thanks to arts organizations in this community.”

Their monetary contribution is not the Logans first involvement with JCPRD, as Fred Logan and his son Andy serve as the district’s legal counsel. Fred also chaired the successful 1998 campaign in which Johnson County voters overwhelmingly approved funding to establish Big Bull Creek Park which opened to the public in 2018.

“We’ve been pleased, over many years, to be actively involved with our church, our children’s schools and activities, and organizations that support the arts, libraries, higher education, and health care,” the Logans said. 

Their donation serves as the lead major gift for the foundation’s public art fundraising efforts which began in earnest this past fall. Since that time, the program has been awarded $10,000 from the AT&T Foundation and $7,500 by the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission for the Art and Natural Resources Residency.

For more about JCPRD’s public art program, click here!

To donate, click here!.

The Parks & Recreation Foundation of Johnson County Introduces the Access + Equity For All Fund

The Parks and Recreation Foundation of Johnson County announces the Access + Equity For All Fund, a program that raises funds for scholarships, projects, and accommodations that reduce barriers to participation and increase enjoyment of JCPRD parks, arts, and recreational offerings. The fund is a core pillar of the foundation’s new strategic direction, led by JCPRD Development Director Erika Seward, and follows a series of steps by JCPRD to progress its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“We are pleased to be partnering with The Parks & Recreation Foundation of Johnson County for this dedicated effort to increase funds, access, and equity for underserved populations,” said JCPRD Deputy Director Travis Buell, who has been guiding JCPRD’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. “The benefits of parks, the arts, and recreation are innumerable, and something all people should be able to experience.”

Individuals who register online for JCPRD programs may contribute directly to the Access + Equity for All Fund at checkout by selecting a donation amount that is added to their transaction. Donations are tax-deductible and are also being accepted through the foundation website.

“It’s super easy and directly pays that appreciation for JCPRD programs forward,” said Seward. “We quietly introduced the checkout option a few months ago and have been receiving gifts of $1, $5 or more, some as much as $250. It truly makes a difference as it adds up, especially for households that otherwise could not afford certain programs or may be experiencing financial hardship.”

Corporate partners can also sign on to provide local community investments; Olathe Health is one partner that has pledged long-term support of the fund for scholarships.

“The response has been incredibly positive,” Seward continued. “Partners want to give and want to encourage community members to give by matching contributions online, and hopefully in the future at store locations, and more. We’re excited to see how the fund grows over time and the impact it makes.”

Scholarships for JCPRD programs and activities are currently being accepted by applying online.

To learn more about The Parks & Recreation Foundation of Johnson County, click here.

Remembering Former JCPRD Executive Director Gary L. Haller with a Golf Tournament

Johnson County and the state of Kansas recently lost a champion of green space and recreation activities who was  instrumental in impacting the quality of life in Johnson County. Former JCPRD Executive Director Gary L. Haller passed away in the early hours of Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. He had retired from the agency in March 2001 after 27 years with JCPRD.

In June of 2002, 17 miles of the Streamway Trail System was renamed to honor Haller. Interpretive signs featuring a portrait of the former director and information about his impact in the field of parks and recreation are located near all eight access points to the trail, which stretches from 119th and Northgate in Olathe to Nelson Island in the Kansas River.

New Public Art Program Gets a Boost from Meadowbrook Car Show

The Meadowbrook Car Show and Cocktail Event is a benefit in support of the Kansas City Automotive Museum and The Park & Recreation Foundation of Johnson County (supporting the JCPRD Public Art program).

The Meadowbrook Car Show kicks off Friday, April 9 with a ticketed Evening Cocktail Event, including live music, light appetizers, an open bar, free gifts, and a raffle on experiences. Tickets will go on sale starting in late January. 

The Car Show itself gets started on Saturday, April 10 with 100 vehicles on display in Meadowbrook Park’s entrance. This will be free and open to the public.

Click here or the image below to learn more about the Meadowbrook Car Show!

Johnson County Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners Announce Stewart’s Appointment

The Johnson County Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners has announced Deputy Director Jeff Stewart has been tapped to serve as the Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s next executive director. 

Following an executive session called to consider personnel matters during its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday night, the board voted unanimously to appoint Stewart to the position effective Sept. 21. This will follow the Sept. 20 departure of current Executive Director Jill Geller, who announced her resignation during the board’s July 24 meeting, and who accepted a position of Parks, Recreation, and Libraries Director for the city of Roseville, Calif.

“JCPRD has received national recognition, accolades, gold medals, and accreditations for our management of parks and recreation programs,” said Board Chair Steve Baru.  “That happens because we have talented staff. Because of the demonstrated talent we already have in house, we knew we wouldn’t need to look far to find our next leader. Jeff has proven his leadership skills as deputy director and the board saw him as a natural fit to step in  and fill the executive director position. We are lucky to have Jeff and his talents to lead the JCPRD into the future.” 

“Jeff has served our agency very well in his role as deputy director for the past 3½ years, and he’s certainly ready for this next step,” Geller said of the board’s action. “As the best park and recreation agency in the nation, JCPRD deserves the best executive director. There is no doubt that we have that in Jeff. Under his leadership, there are great times ahead for our organization. I will be watching, cheering for you, and celebrating JCPRD’s many successes from California.”

“I couldn’t be more honored and excited for the opportunity and trust to serve the Johnson County community as executive director for JCPRD,” Stewart said. “The future is very bright as we have the best team of dedicated professionals, commissioners, volunteers, and partners that are committed to building on our rich tradition of providing the best park and recreation services in the country.”  

Stewart began as JCPRD’s first-ever deputy director in April 2016.  He brought 22 years of previous professional parks and recreation experience, and had served as the director of the parks and recreation department for the city of Gardner since March of 2000.

As deputy director, Stewart has served as superintendent of JCPRD’s Administrative Services Division, providing oversight and support for all departments within the division. Additionally, he facilitated cooperative projects with area municipalities, made presentations to area groups, represented JCPRD on county committees and workgroups, and served as a JCPRD ambassador throughout the community.  He coordinated and oversaw implementation of the Legacy Plan, and worked on various special projects.  He also served as executive director in Geller’s absence.

Prior to his 16 years with the city of Gardner, Stewart worked for about two years as recreation specialist for the Independence, Kan., Recreation Commission, and about four years as assistant director of parks and recreation for the city of Junction City, Kan.

Stewart is a graduate of Kansas State University where he was a member of the Kansas State Baseball Team, and earned a bachelor of science degree in parks and recreation administration. He is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), and has been recognized with the Kansas Recreation and Park Association’s (KRPA) Distinguished Professional Award. His leadership in the field includes three terms as a board member for the KRPA. He is a current member for the State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Committee and the Kansas Recreation Park Association Professional Development Committee.

He previously served as chairperson for the Kansas City Metropolitan Area Parks and Recreation Directors Association, a member of the Midwest Regional Council Board of Directors, and as a member of KRPA’s Administration Branch Committee.  Locally, he continues to serve on the USD 231 Facilities and Planning Committee and as a volunteer coach to numerous youth athletic teams. He is also an active member of the Gardner Rotary Club.

Stewart’s wife of 24 years, Christine, is a physical therapist for Olathe Medical Center.  They are the parents of 21-year-old Taylor and 17-year-old Brock. Stewart is a sports fan, with emphasis on baseball, and in his free time enjoys fishing, hiking, biking, camping, , and playing in the Senior Baseball League at Mid-America Sports Complex.

Johnson County Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners Announce Geller's Departure

Jill Geller, executive director of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, has announced plans to leave the agency in late September.

Geller’s resignation was accepted by the Johnson County Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners during its regular monthly meeting held on July 24. The executive director will leave the agency on September 20.  In October, she will assume the position of Parks, Recreation, and Libraries Director for the city of Roseville, Calif.

“I thank you for your support and confidence in me to lead this incredible agency for the past 5½ years, and I am deeply appreciative for the many opportunities that have been afforded me during my 36-year tenure. I will be forever grateful to this organization, and especially to you, for making every single day a ‘great day at work’ for me,” Geller wrote in a letter to JCPRD staff last week.

Geller has been with JCPRD for 36 years, and has served as the agency’s executive director since 2013. After coming to JCPRD in 1980 as a recreation coordinator whose duties included teaching aerobics, gymnastics, and officiating volleyball, Geller went on to serve for more than a decade as the agency’s first-ever Kansas City Corporate Challenge executive director, and ten years as superintendent of recreation.

“Jill Geller has expertly guided JCPRD toward its mission of enhancing the quality of life in Johnson County by providing excellent parks and high quality recreation programs,” said Board Chair Steve Baru. “She has achieved this by listening to our patrons, and responding in a professional, timely, and knowledgeable manner. She has also molded the organization into an employer of choice, allowing us to present professional and effective services to the community by employing highly qualified and talented staff.”  

Among her major accomplishments with JCPRD, Geller developed and oversaw the implementation of a healthy concessions initiative, known as SCORE! introducing healthy menu items at the district’s major sports venues. She played a lead role in the acquisition, renovation, and opening of JCPRD’s New Century Fieldhouse and Mill Creek Activity Center.  Most recently under her leadership, JCPRD has opened several new parks, trails, and facilities including Lexington Lake Park, Big Bull Creek Park, Meadowbrook Park, Coffee Creek Streamway Trail, Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, and Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse.

Since Geller took the helm as executive director, JCPRD has twice been re-accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies.  In 2017, the agency received park and recreation’s highest honor, the National Gold Medal of Excellence from the National Recreation and Park Association.

Among the many awards Geller has received include: the Kansas Recreation & Park Association’s Distinguished Fellow Award in 2018, Inspirational Woman of Johnson County in 2017, Special Achievement and Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Kansas City Corporate Challenge; the KC District Heartland Leadership Award from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the Women’s Intersport Network Spirit Award from the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission; and she was named one of Kansas’s “Heartiest Five” by the Governor’s Council on Fitness.

“The board will very soon decide on a preferred strategy to fill the executive director position,” Chair Baru said. “We are fortunate to have a very talented internal pool of highly-qualified candidates but we have also had inquiries from some outstanding individuals around the country. Obviously our executive director position is a prestigious position that is highly sought after. The Board will soon decide which direction to proceed and what steps to take.”

Note: All inquiries should be addressed to Steve Baru at SteveBaru@aol.com, phone (913) 269-0768.