Category Archives: Exercise

Exercise, Government, Kansas

Celebrate New Years Day With A Hike In The Park

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Kansas State Parks to Offer New Year’s Day Hikes

SHAWNEE – Celebrate the New Year with fun, fresh air, and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike at a Kansas State Park. These self-led and guided hikes are organized annually by parks staff to encourage individuals and families to start the year on the right foot – by getting outside and connecting with nature.

This year, more than 1,000 hikes will be available in state parks around the country, including 33 First Day Hike events hosted by Kansas State Parks. While the distance and rigor of the hikes will vary at each state park, all aim to create a fun experience for all. Savor the beauty of the natural, cultural, and historical resources our state parks offer, and be inspired to continue taking advantage of these local treasures throughout calendar year 2024.

“This will be our 13th year to offer First Day Hikes in Kansas’ state parks and we couldn’t be more excited,” said Linda Lanterman, Kansas State Parks director. “Each year, these events grow more and more popular because they’re a fun and healthy way to start the New Year, they’re a great cure for cabin fever, and they’re held in some of the prettiest parts of our state.”

Where to Participate
For a complete list of First Day Hike events in Kansas on January 1, 2024, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Special-Events/First-Day-Hikes.

What To Expect
Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort levels including walks along lakes, exploring trails, and options best for wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. And, if hiking isn’t in your interest or ability, Kansas State Parks invite you to explore other fun offerings, from boating to fishing and horseback riding, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment from a park picnic table or bench.

What To Bring
Kansas State Park staff recommend coming prepared for a First Day Hike with the following, if possible:

  • Water
  • Snacks Weather appropriate clothing (hat, gloves, heavy coat)
  • Hiking shoes
  • Binoculars
  • Hiking stick
  • Camera

NOTE: LIMITED First Day Hike T-Shirts will be available for participants on a first-come, first-served basis. And, a vehicle permit may be required ($5.00 at the state park entrance).

First Day Hikes began more than three decades ago at the Blue Hills Reservation state park in Massachusetts in 1992. Since 2012, all 50 states have participated. America’s State Parks hopes to make 2024 a record-breaking year as the annual event approaches major milestones, including inching closer to 1 million miles hiked and 500,000 participants in the program’s history.

For information on First Day Hikes across the nation, visit stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes/. And don’t forget to share your January 1 hiking story on social media with #FirstDayHikes and #MyKSStatePark.

Click HERE to find a Kansas State Park nearest you.

Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

Halloween Benefit Run for Piper Weeks This Saturday

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The Fort Scott Recreation Center is facilitating an event to help a local Fort Scott High School in her battle with cancer.

“Piper Weeks is a high school student here in town who is diagnosed with bone cancer,” said Lucas Kelley, recreation director. “She is currently undergoing treatment. All proceeds from this race will be donated to the Weeks family to help with treatment costs.”

Lucas Kelley is the director of Fort Scott Recreation Center. Submitted photo.

This Halloween-based 5k Run/Walk is on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 9 a.m.

“It is called the Spooky Scurry,” he said. “The route begins at Frary Stadium (at FSHS, 1005 S. Main) then goes south on Main Street, east on East National, south all the way to the end of Cooper Street and back. The total route is 3.1 miles. We are encouraging all participants to wear their Halloween costumes for a chance to win the prize of tickets to the Enchant Christmas Light Show in Kansas City this winter.”

“The purpose of all our 5k Run/Walks is to help provide for a need in the community,” he said. “The cost is $30 per participant. Participants can register at Buck Run Community Center (735 Scott Avenue) or the day of the race starting at 8 a.m.”

 

The recreation staff has created a Venmo account to accept donations for the Weeks family. To make a contribution you can do that on Venmo with the following QR code.

A reminder that 100% of the money raised will go to help Piper Weeks with her cancer treatments.

Bourbon County, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Introducing Gravel Kansas: A Cycling Initiative that Redefines Adventure and Connection [Kansas

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Gravel Kansas is thrilled to announce the official launch of its innovative cycling initiative, dedicated to crafting unforgettable gravel cycling routes across the picturesque landscapes of
The State That Made Gravel Famous©.

This exciting venture is returning to gravel roots by merging the thrill of gravel riding with the power of storytelling to foster a deep connection between cyclists and the remarkable places they traverse.

At the heart of Gravel Kansas is a commitment to celebrating the rich heritage, culture, and stories that define the state. Through
a meticulously curated selection of gravel routes, cyclists will embark on journeys that weave through historic towns, rolling prairies, and breathtaking vistas. Each route serves as a gateway
to discovery, leading riders to hidden gems and immersing them in the tapestry of Kansas’ diverse landscapes.

“We are thrilled to introduce Gravel Kansas to cyclists around the world,” said LeLan Dains, Founding Chair of Gravel Kansas. “Our initiative is all about forging a profound bond between
people, places, and stories. With every pedal stroke, cyclists will experience the beauty, history, and character of Kansas in an entirely new way.”

This project wouldn’t be possible without funding support from Kansas Tourism.

Locally, “Bourbon on the Rocks” is the name given to the group of gravel cycling routes in Bourbon County. Those routes are anywhere from 7-60 miles. Bourbon on the Rocks routes include beginner routes that are family oriented, intermediate routes (not for the faint of heart), and a couple of advanced routes for serious gravel grinders that want to be “punished” on a ride.

 

Fort Scott Public Relations & Tourism Director, Jackson Tough met with LeLan Dains at the 2021 Kansas tourism conference. Jackson said, “we started brainstorming ideas about a statewide
tourism push to promote Kansas as the gravel cycling capital of the world. We organized a committee and recruited other communities.”

At the same time, Tough began working with Tayton Majors, Business Retention & Community Initiatives Manager for Bourbon County Regional Economic Development on the project.
“Tayton was a great contributor in helping to design, describe, and map our variety of a dozen gravel bicycling routes within Bourbon County, all starting and ending in or near Fort Scott.

Each of the “Bourbon on the Rocks” routes offers a payoff—whether it’s a million-dollar view, a story of local lore, or a historic feature. To view Bourbon County routes simply go to www.GravelKansas.com, click “find routes” then “southeast.” Bourbon County is at the top of
those listings.

Tough said “we anticipate even more routes being added locally and from around the state. I’m excited to see the project’s website, gravelks.com come to fruition. It’s a great step to get more
gravel cycling enthusiasts to come to Bourbon County and the state.”

For more information about Gravel Kansas and to explore the inaugural routes, please visit gravelks.com.

Follow Gravel Kansas on Facebook for updates, stories, and exciting cycling content.
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About Gravel Kansas:
Gravel Kansas is a pioneering cycling initiative that creates iconic gravel routes across the
picturesque landscapes of Kansas. Combining the thrill of gravel cycling with the power of
storytelling, Gravel Kansas aims to foster a deep connection between cyclists and the
remarkable places they explore. Through meticulously curated routes and engaging narratives,
Gravel Kansas celebrates the heritage, culture, and stories that define the state. For more
information, visit gravelks.com.
https://gravelks.com/

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

The Super Step Walking Challenge

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WALK INTO BOOKS, BOURBON COUNTY!

 

Submitted by Valetta Cannon, Fort Scott Public Library Youth Librarian & Assistant Director

Log your daily steps and compete for prizes with the library’s walking program. Fort Scott Public Library & The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team invite you to virtually walk from Fort Scott to a fictional Kansas town known for its superhero origin story. This walking contest is for people of all ages & fitness levels.

  • Record your daily step counts through the Reader Zone app or browser version OR in Google Sheets
    • Connect with teammates & compete against other teams
    • Receive a pedometer & t-shirt just for signing up!
    • Each member of the winning team will earn a free book & may also win coupons or gift cards from local businesses
    • Drop-in reception after the contest ends for all participants

Register here: https://forms.gle/nYq9ireLHAFMqiSTA or fill out a paper form at the library.

The contest begins on Saturday, Sept. 25, is open to everyone, and free of charge. Registration will remain open until October 2, so invite your friends and relatives to join you! If you need help using the technology, come to the library for help or send an email to [email protected]. For persons with special needs, library staff will do their best to make accommodations. Send a message to the above email detailing your needs.

 

Click here for more information on the contest: https://fortscott.mykansaslibrary.org/walkintobooks/

Sponsors include After Affect Salon, Buck Run Community Center, and Hedgehog.INK!. If you’re interested in sponsorship opportunities, please email Valetta Cannon at the above address.

This program is made possible in part by a dream grant from the Southeast Kansas Library System. Funding for this Story Telling Project is also being provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas as a part of the library’s and the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team’s Pathways to a Healthy Kansas grant

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

New Play Equipment Installed at Third Street Park

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Third Street Park is just east of Hwy. 69 past the railroad overpass on the south side of the street. This is a view from Wilson Street looking up the hill, taken in May 2022.

A park on Third Street is in the process of new playground equipment being installed and stairs have been completed for better access.

A Building Up Our Neighborhoods Placemaking project has already repaired the bathrooms and existing structures, including the basketball goal. Last week stairs were made from the upper level of the park to the lower level.

Rachel Carpenter. Submitted photo. 2023

This week additional playground structures will be installed and mulched, Rachel Carpenter, director, of the Healthy Bourbon Action Team (HBCAT), who is spearheading the project,  said.

Bales of mulch await the final installations of playground equipment at Third Street Park on Sept. 15.

A project that was identified by the community through public forums, surveys, and a steering committee is making enhancements to Third Street Park, located just east of the train tracks on Third Street, according to  Carpenter.

“The community members were able to develop priorities that they wanted to see happen at the park, Carpenter said in a press release. Those priorities are:

  • Fixing the bathrooms
  • Fixing the existing structures
  • Fixing the basketball goal
  • Adding additional playground structures
  • Adding stairs

“Fort Scott Pioneer Kiwanis provided volunteers to fix the existing structures, the basketball goals, and paint the bathrooms,” she said. “The City of Fort Scott provided an additional $10,000 that will go towards fixing up the bathrooms, fixing the pavilion floor, and surfacing for the existing structures.”

“This week Playscapes will be installing the new playground structures and putting down the rubber mulch surfacing,” she said. “The playground structures include a Temple Trolley, a Swizzler, and two bouncers.”

Mitch Welch, of Playscapes, Yates Center, puts up caution tape on Friday afternoon, Sept. 15, to keep people off the equipment that is being installed.

Marbery Concrete just constructed the concrete stairs that will allow community members to access the playground easier from the ballpark down the hill from the play area.

Tyler Sharp, Marbery Construction, Fort Scott, lays straw to prevent erosion following the building of the concrete stairs from the upper-level playground to the lower-level ball field at Third Street Park on Sept. 15.

“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is addressing the Social Determinants of Health by building up Neighborhoods and Environment,” Carpenter said. “One tool to increase community vitality is through creative placemaking projects.”

“Through funding from Patterson Family Foundation and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthy Kansas, HBCAT started the Stronger Together: Building Up Our Neighborhoods placemaking projects.”

The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team office phone number: is 620-215-2562 and is located at 104 N. National, Fort Scott.

 

 

 

Entertainment, Exercise, Food, Fort Scott, Youth

Music and Bike Races at Gunn Park on Sept. 16-17

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Submitted photos.

Some of the region’s fastest mountain bikers will be in Fort Scott for the 10th Anniversary of the Marmaton Massacre Festival, on Gunn Park Trails, the weekend of September 16th & 17th. 

Race promoter and trail steward Frank Halsey is proud of what his team of volunteers has accomplished over the past ten years. 

“Our event attracts all types of riders from the region, professionals as well as beginners,” he said.  “Lots of riders prefer our hand-built trails over the machine-built trails in popular areas such as northwest Arkansas, we just don’t have enough mileage to be a destination trail.”

The Festival begins Saturday, with some participants arriving on Friday, to prepare for the Saturday Marathon Race, which is as many miles as possible in a three-hour timeframe.  Sunday events will consist of the age and ability Category Races. 

Halsey encourages locals to grab their lawn chairs and join us in the park for the Saturday evening festivities which will include a performance by the Fort Scott High School Orchestra at 5:30 pm, followed by the always popular little kids race, and live music by the Pittsburg band, Left of Center.  Sharky’s Pub & Grub will be providing food truck services.

 

“Mountain bike racing is not really a spectator sport, but my goal for this event has been to bring riders to our beautiful city and park, while providing locals an opportunity to have a relaxing evening in our beautiful Gunn Park,” Halsey said.  “None of this would be possible without our awesome volunteers and local sponsors including, Cheney Witt Funeral Home, CrawKan, Southwind Cycle & Outdoor, Sonic, Typhoon Bay, Union State Bank, Ward Kraft, RPS Benefits, and Mid-Continental Restoration.” 

For more info: https://www.bikereg.com/61371

Location & Contact

Location address:
1010 Park Ave, Fort Scott, KS  66701
Event Phone Number:
(620) 223-3700

Event Websitehttps://gunnparktrails.com/

 

Races begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Exercise, Government, Kansas

New Kansas Bicycle Map now available

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Whether you’re looking to cycle from one county to the next or across the entire state, the new 2023-2025 Kansas Bicycle Map has a lot to offer those planning a short trip or a long ride.

“The revised map has new features such as a focus on rail-trails, Kansas Tourism resources, and information on the recently published Kansas Active Transportation Plan,” said KDOT’s Active Transportation Manager Jenny Kramer. “This map provides information for cyclists of all levels of experience as well as community advocates wanting to develop and improve trails and paths in their areas.”

The 2023-25 map includes a state map showing daily traffic volumes, county roads, rest areas, bike shops, byways, state parks, bicycle routes across Kansas, and also includes:

  • Kansas Rail-Trails revised map and infographic.
  • Section on Sharing the Trail.
  • Information on Kansas Tourism Cycling resources.
  • Information on the Kansas Active Transportation Plan.
  • S. Bicycle Routes 76 and 66 information.
  • A table of state recreation areas and amenities.
  • State bicycle laws.

Maps and cards with bicycle safety tips are available free of charge on the Kansas Bicycle Map webpage – KSBicycleMap (ksdot.gov) This page also includes links to an interactive bicycle map and several city maps.

For more information or to order maps by email or phone, please email [email protected] or call (785) 296-5186.

Below: 2023-2025 Kansas Bicycle Map cover.

Bike Map

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Bourbon County, Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott

Special Olympics Benefit on Woodland Hills Golf Course July 29

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Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton, Fort Scott.

The 6th Annual Bourbon County Special Olympics Golf Scramble is July 29.

Amy Bockerstette, a Special Olympian from Phoenix, AZ. Submitted photo.

“To date we have raised over $115,00 for Special Olympics Kansas,” Steve Anthony, tournament director said. “Because last year was such a huge hit for us we are bringing back former Major Leaguer Otis Nixon to our event.”

“Otis will be bringing with him Harlem Globetrotter Hollywood Brown, Golf Trick Shot Artist Rocky Shipe, and Olympic Medalist Arthur Culbreath,” he said.

They have a full field of sixty-two teams with 264 players coming from seven different states.

Tee times will start on Saturday July 29 at 7a.m. with the first wave of teams. The second wave will take off at approx 1:15 p.m.

“I want to thank Andrew Defebaugh and Chase Halsey for all of their help to make this tournament a success,” Anthony said. “The community is invited to come out starting at 7 a.m. to purchase raffle tickets for $1 each.”

Time Judy, Ben Cole, Steve Anthony and Nick Rule at the Special Olympics event three years ago. Submitted photo.

“We also have a golf cart we will be giving away that day to the lucky winner of one of our many raffle prizes we will have available,” Anthony said. “I can’t thank the community enough for always stepping up to raise funds for such a great cause.”

For more information please contact him at 620-215-2392.

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

Construction of Downtown Splash Pad Is Moving Forward

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Submitted photo of work on the splash pad.

The splash pad project is moving ahead with plans for a summer opening, according to Bailey Lyons, one of the committee members spearheading the project.

The project is located on North National Avenue, across from Brick Street BBQ Restaurant on Skubitz Plaza.

“You may have noticed there has been a lot of recent action at the site of the Splashpad and Sensory Park,” according to a press release from Lyons. “With Playscapes Recreation leading the charge, and the Splashpad and Sensory Park committee heavily involved, much progress has been made in the last few weeks.”
Looking west towards National Avenue, one can see the recent work at the splash pad site. Submitted photo.
The Splashpad and Sensory Park Committee is comprised of Kelly Barr, Katie Hueston, Josh Jones, Lyons, and Meredith Tucker.
They have been actively working on this project for the past year, and have raised over $300,000 in funds and in-kind donations.
From the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Park Facebook page.

The committee’s mission is to build the first all-inclusive, fully accessible park in Fort Scott, according to the press release.

The full press release is as follows:

“This sensory playground and splash pad will offer children and their families a fun, safe, barrier-free space to play, laugh, interact, and feel like they belong – regardless of their abilities. This project is about community, education, engagement, advocacy, and inclusion.”

“This playground has been intentionally designed with sensory stimulation in mind to maximize play and support the development of all children. The park will include a variety of equipment and activities made to engage as many senses as possible, and appeal to a broad range of ages and ability levels.”

“While the Splashpad and Sensory Park will provide a new, unique, and fun option for able-bodied children to play, it will be the first and only option for many kids in our community who have disabilities and cannot enjoy our other parks. These special kids and their families will no longer be left out or displaced when it comes to enjoying recreational amenities, something that many take for granted.”

The committee has plans to open the splash pad this summer and “is almost to the finish line….through grants, monetary donations and in-kind donations,” according to the press release. “As work quickly progresses towards a grand opening (date to be announced), there are notable changes occuring at the site regularly.”

Here is a list of what has been done:
  •  the pad has been leveled and brought up to grade,
  • elevations have been set,
  • water and electric have been laid to the site,
  • drain lines have been laid,
  • feature footings have been set,
  • piping from the features has been laid,
  • and the vault has been set to house the manifold which will soon be placed.
“Once all of this is wrapped up, concrete will be poured, and the features will be installed after the pads have cured. The committee is still actively working to complete the park with the final piece – an ADA accessible restroom – which they hope will be added in the very near future.”
A portion of the concrete for the splash pad is being poured today, June 27. Submitted photo.
The committee is planning two work days and is  inviting the public to help on-site with the project
In the coming weeks, clean up and landscaping will take place on  Sunday July 9, and/or Saturday July 15.
Those who would like to help, please contact Lyons at (620)224-7795 so that jobs and tools/materials can be coordinated for the work.
Robert Coon, A-1 Towing, donated his company’s personnel and truck to put a concrete vault in place on June 22 for the upcoming splash pad project. The concrete will house the plumbing for the splash pad. Submitted photo.
“The Splashpad and Sensory Park Committee would like to sincerely thank all of the generous donors who have contributed thus far, both monetary and in-kind donations,” according to the press release. “Donors who have given $500 and above are listed below, and will be featured on permanent signage at the park:
FOUNDERS
Timken Foundation of Canton
Walmart
BENEFACTORS ($10,000+)
Contributors to YAT/Parks Advisory Board
Alta Davis
Evergy
No Limits Rehabilitation/Brad & Meredith Tucker
City of Fort Scott
ADVOCATES ($5,000-9,999)
Advanced Bourbon County
Aetna – Better Health of Kansas
Bourbon County REDI
Bourbon County, KS
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas
Forrest & Julia Sewell
Fort Scott Area Community Foundation
Healthy Bourbon County Action Team
Key Charitable Trust
Lyons Realty Group
Niece Products of Kansas
Steven & Jessica Tucker
SPONSORS ($2,500-4,999)
Bloomfield Foundation In Memory of Tim Bloomfield & His Grandaughter Olivia Bloomfield
Hammerson Ready Mix
Jayhawk Wind
In Honor & Memory of Lillian Rose Kraft
Modern Woodman Fraternal Financial
O’Brien Ready Mix
Joshua & Terra Tecchio-Baseley
Sheridan Nash
Skitch’s Hauling & Excavation
DONORS ($1,000-2,499)
A1 Towing & Recovery
Advantage Metals Recycling
Big Sugar Lumber
Bourbon County Cars
Bourbon County Garden Club
Cheney Witt Funeral Chapel
DelBrenna Jewelry by Megan Neil & Sebastian Ghezzi
Dreamscape Innovations, Inc.
Fort Scott Recreation Department
Highway 3
In Loving Memory of Marsha Lancaster, Longtime Owner of Marsha’s Deli
In Memory of Angelo-Sondra Dellantonia
Janet Braun
Jeff Allen Electric
Landmark National Bank
Lee Sewell-Painter
Legacy Health
Mid-Continental Restoration
Mitch Welch
Pearson Towing
Pete’s of Erie, Inc.
RII Concrete Construction
Sleep Inn
Sonic
Thomas Concrete & Construction
Valu Merchandisers Co.
W/K Holdings
FRIENDS ($500-999)
Bowman’s NuGrille
Budgetel Inn & Suites – Aaradhya Piyush Mistry
Clifton Chiropractic
Davis & Associates Tax + Consulting
FSHS FFA & Construction Trades
Greyhound Football Legacy Center
The Gugnani Family
The Horton House
John Crain – In Memory of Don & Connie Crain
JW & Diana Endicott
Konantz – Cheney Funeral Home
Labconco
Liberty Savings Association, FSA
Lyons & Lyons
The Meeks Family
Scott and Melissa Meyers
Museum of Creativity
{Re:freshed} Spa
The Reynolds Law Firm
Riggs Chiropractic of Fort Scott
Stewart Realty
Union State Bank

The donors listed above have contributed $500+, according to Lyons. “In addition to these, there have been numerous donors below the $500 level, and their generosity and support is also much appreciated!”

 

An artist’s rendition of the splash pad from the Fort Scott Splash Pad and Sensory Facebook page.

The City of Fort Scott is supplying the water to the splash pad.

“The city’s part is to get the splash pad the water supply,” Fort Scott’s Water Distribution Supervisor Bill Lemke said.

Entertainment, Exercise, Fort Scott, Pool, Youth

Change For Fort Scott Aquatic Center on July 1

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Swimming lessons at the Fort Scott Aquatic Center  July 2018.

Currently the Fort Scott Aquatic Center has a family swim time designated Monday through Friday for 5:30-6:15 p.m. but that is changing.

“We have noticed a rise in families coming to take advantage of that time and are very pleased to see this,” said Kathi Hall the pool manger.

“Effective July 1, 2023, we are changing the time span of family swim to be 5:30 to 7 p.m. ,” she said.  “The change just affects the unsupervised patrons who are 17 and under. These patrons can go ahead and exit the facility for the day.”

The pool hours are Monday through Saturday from 1 to 7 p.m., Sunday 1 to 6 p.m. On Monday through Friday the change is the family swim will be  from 5:30 to 7 p.m. starting July 1.

Pool parties are from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. when scheduled. Cost is $150 per hour.

Pool rates are:

2 years and younger are free.

3-14 years: $2

15 to 62 years: $3

63+years: $2

A single season pool pass is $65, a family of four season pass is $200 and a $25 per person fee for over four family members. Members must reside in the same household.

Children 10 years old and younger must be supervised by someone 14 years and older, at all times..

Assistant pool managers are Brayden Moore, Kayla Hall, Billie Jo Shoemaker, and Dakota Hall.

Exercise, Fort Scott, Youth

Lucas Kelley: New Buck Run Recreation Director as of July 1

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Lucas Kelley is the new Buck Run Community Center Recreation Director. Submitted photo.

Lucas Kelley will assume the position of recreation director at Buck Run Community Center on July 1, with the retirement of Tom Robertson. Robertson served for 23 years in the position.

Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

“He has been here since May 1, and will take over on July 1,” Robertson said.

“I feel so fortunate,” Kelley said. “Tom has done wonders with the rec. department, he has made it (the transition) easy on me.”

Kelley, 24, graduated from Houston, MO. high school and attended Fort Scott Community College on a basketball scholarship, where he earned an associate of science degree. He then went to Pittsburg State University where he earned a bachelors degree in exercise science in December 2021.

“All through high school I worked at the rec. department, then at FSCC I was assistant coach for one year and also refereed for some of the rec. programs here,” Kelley said. “I then moved to northwest Arkansas and worked in cardiac rehabilitation for a year, before moving to Fort Scott to take this job.”

He is married to Makayla Kelley.

For Kelley, the best part of this new job is “service, and getting to help people and get them involved through recreations.”

Kelley is working on making sign-up for leagues and payment of fees online, “So they won’t have to come to the building every time they want to sign up for something,” he said. “I’m in the process upgrading the system we have now.”

His community involvement so far has been with the Healthy Bourbon County’s Local Health Equity Team and also enjoys Bingo Nights at Memorial Hall to help support Veterans, he said.

 

 

Exercise, Fort Scott

Tom Robertson To Retire From Buck Run Center after 23 Years

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Tom Robertson. Submitted photo.

Tom Robertson, 55, has been the Buck Run Community Center Recreation Director since May 2000.

Buck Run Community Center, 735 Scott Avenue.

His last day on the job is June 30 ,2023.

Robertson said he has served the Fort Scott community to the best of his ability, developing relationships with many community leaders, and representing the Fort Scott Recreation Commission and BRCC with “high moral values and leadership.”

“Th best part of my job was to improve the quality of life for the Fort Scott families,” he said.  “Dealing with all ages that want to be active, serving the community through offering of programs, events or facilities.”

The biggest challenges of his job?

“Finding quality, responsible volunteers and staff to carry out the programs that we offer,” he said. “And staying within a restricted budget.” Also working evening, weekends and holiday hours, ” when the patrons want to be active.”

Thinking back over the 23 years he feels his accomplishments are:

  • Working to not increase the mill levy, a tax.
  • Helping organize “Pennies in the Park” with the Youth Activity Team and also three concerts that featured Country singers Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. All money raised went to providing a sand volleyball court, outdoor basketball court, lighting at two ball fields, a walking trail at Ellis Park.
  • Hosting various district and state Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth baseball tournaments.
  • Helping to secure a half-cent 10 year sales tax to build an additional phase to Buck Run Community Center and the renovation of the Fort Scott Aquatic Center.
  • Hosting community events: Corporate Olympics, corn hole and  pickle ball tournaments, as well as others.
  • Renovating unused tennis courts to four lighted outdoor pickleball courts.
  • Serving on the Gunn Park Committee that hosted many Christmas in the Park events as well as Independence Day, Halloween and other holiday activities in the park.

There have been many changes in the Buck Run Community Center in his tenure:

  • The new phase of the center that included a fitness center, locker rooms, racketball court, additional office and lobby space in 2012.
  • The renovation of the center’s kitchen in 2020.
  • The renovation of the youth dance studio upstairs in 2020.
  • New services introduced in his tenure:
  • Youth indoor soccer, pickleball tournaments and open play, co-sponsored camps with the Fort Scott High School, corn hole leagues and tournaments.
  • An annual fundraiser for Adopt a Family,  that included garage sales, corn hole tourneys and middle school dances.
  • The Biggest Loser Weight Loss Competitions for the community to become more health conscience.

Robertson has big plans for his retirement.

“I’m getting married the first day of retirement, July 1,” he said. “To Becky Colding from Chanute. She will be moving to Fort Scott. She has accepted the job of administrative assistant for the Bourbon County Public Works Department.”

He plans on staying active but also spending time with his family.

“I want to find a job that is rewarding but not stressful,” he said. “(And) being the best dad, grandpa, husband, son, brother and friend I can be.”

 

About the Fort Scott Recreation Commission

All employees of FSRC work for U.S.D. # 234, that levies taxes.  The city of Fort Scott has contracted the FSRC to manage Buck Run Community Center. The FSRC has their own budget and board.

The mission of the Fort Scott Recreation Commission is to promote the development of a healthy and productive life for the citizens who reside in the USD #234 School District through broad based recreational opportunities, according to its Facebook page.

The Fort Scott Recreation Commission has a board consisting of five members serving three  or four terms. These are non compensated positions. Tammy Hill is the chairperson, board membersare Adam Lancaster, Stewart Gulager, Mike Chipman and Susan Marbery.