Buck Run Community Center is having a Back to School Bash with free backpack giveaways.

“Enjoy mouthwatering meals and treats from our amazing local food trucks—perfect for lunchtime cravings,” said Lucas Kelley, director of Fort Scott Recreation, of which the Center is a part.

“We’re celebrating 50 years of Buck Run Community Center with a fun-filled Back to School Bash! We will also be handing out backpacks and school supplies that day! Come see what we have for you! We are excited to be able to host our 2nd Annual Backpack Giveaway,” said Kelley.

They will give away: 480 backpacks, glue sticks/bottles of glue, pencils,  and notebooks.

“Bring the whole family and enjoy free activities like:

 mini golf,  laser tag,  cookies and lemonade, face painting and inflatables,” he said.

The center is celebrating 50 years of service to the community this year, and here is what is offered to the community: handicap-accessible services, with a full-sized basketball court and two regulation volleyball courts. The structure also has a tumbling/gymnastics and aerobics room upstairs, as well as a weight room and fitness center. Picklball and racquetball are played there as well, according to its website. There is another pickleball outdoor court at 9th and Burke Street, by the water tower.

The recreation program also oversees the maintenance and scheduling of Ellis Park, Fisher Park and Third Street Park.

Additionally, they provide a self-serve kiosk at Gunn Park for renting discs for the disc golf game holes.

To learn more:

https://brcc.recdesk.com/Community/Home

Features of the  center:

• Auditorium with a stage
• Fitness center
• Kitchen
• Lounge with a television
• Shower facilities
• 2 meeting rooms

Also outside of the Buck Run Community Center, there is a sand volleyball court. The meeting rooms and auditorium may be rented for private use.

The Fort Scott Recreation Department runs an extensive adult and youth program from within the Center. For information on facilities or recreation programs, call 620-223-0386.

There is an on-site meal for those 60 years old and over at Buck Run in one of the meeting rooms.

Deb Stewart, site director of 60+Nutrition, said the meal is provided with a $2 suggested donation at 11:30 a.m., and the only qualification is being at least 60 years old. For more information: https://www.sekaaa.com/nutrition

The Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging manages the 60+ Nutrition Program for nine SEK counties, providing nutritious meals to individuals 60+ years of age. The meals can be provided in home (for those who qualify) or at designated sites in the community. A suggested donation of $2 per meal is requested, but inability to pay does not prevent anyone from receiving a meal, according to its website.