Did you catch PlayJC on KSNT? We spoke with James Ryan about our mission to increase youth sports engagement and build a volunteer roster for our local leagues and organizations!
Check out our interview, and if you’re ready to volunteer with our local youth sports and activities, fill out our Get Involved survey!
On August 19, 2019, PlayJC Committee members and staff were invited to present to the Geary County Commission. PlayJC discussed their vision for local youth sports and activities to the commission and answered questions from the elected officials.
PlayJC thanks the commission for their time and consideration and looks forward to working with the county to bring new sports and opportunities to the Junction City community!
Check out the JC Post for a full review of this meeting!
Kendall Schoenrock spoke with JC Now about future upgrades to Playground Park, including the performance space and other playscape equipment. He also covered the PlayJC Committee of Quality Play for All, its mission, and the current push to organize youth activities in Junction City.
The PlayJC.org Committee, an extension of the Quality Play for All Non-Profit, is now accepting volunteer information and building connections between volunteers, local youth sports groups, and other organizations.
After meeting with leagues and Junction City Recreation Department, PlayJC.org identified volunteer recruitment as a critical need for local youth sports and activities.
“Everyone is asking for more volunteers and this is an area we think we can help,” said Amber Schilling, PlayJC.org Program Coordinator. “From coaching to teaching classes, many organizations need support from the community to grow. We want to serve as a bridge between volunteers and the organizations in need. Please send us your information, and we will connect you with the right people.”
PlayJC.org went live in early July with information about local leagues, facilities, and continues to grow with new content every day. The committee continues to foster connections within the youth programming community, aid in new league development, and explore new sites for development.
Do you want to volunteer with a local team or teach a class at the community center? Fill out our form, and let’s get started!
In 2017, Quality Play for All set out to fund the Playground Park project. Obtaining funds from a Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) became a key factor in funding the project.
These grants require applicants to identify a service area and gather specific information related to income in the area.
Working with a professional grant writer, City Commission approval, and many community volunteers, Quality Play for All conducted a random survey of over 580 residents in Junction City. These residents provide key information about their household, including sensitive details about:
The survey was completed in October 2017, and Quality Play for All received a CDBG for $188,244 in January 2018.
Playground Park isn’t the only project to utilize this survey data. In 2018, the survey was put to use by the City to apply for funds for the Spring Valley Road improvement project. The City was awarded $425,000 in CDBG funds for the upgrades in early 2019.
Currently, the City plans to use the survey to apply for approximately $700,000 in funds for the roundabout at McFarland Road and Eisenhower Drive, according to the City Manager Allen Dinkel.
With a value of over $613,000 already and the potential for up to $1,313,000 in grant funds, use of the income survey has proved invaluable for the Junction City community. The 2017 survey has been gold for us,
said Allen Dinkel. Thanks to all who made that survey happen.
Unfortunately, the survey can no longer be used after this year. Future CDBG requests will require a new survey. If the 2017 survey is an indicator, any future income surveys will be more than worth the time, effort, and coordination put in by volunteers to complete the undertaking.
Future engineers and builders have the opportunity to help build a brand new Zenith CH750 CruZer full-size kit aircraft right here in Junction City!
Wing Nuts Kids is a youth aviation education program offered by Flint Hills EAA Chapter 1364. Middle and high school students can participate in this exciting program, which is held the 2nd Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to noon, at Freeman Field Airport. There are no costs to participate, and no registration needed!
Youth ages 8 to 17 can also become Young Eagles when they experience a free flight in a general aviation craft with Flint Hills EAA Chapter 1364.
To learn more, email Flint Hills EAA Chapter 1364, or call 785-210-7500.
Did you know there’s a local Special Olympics team? JC Pacesetters provides fun sports and fitness activities, as well as social events, for individuals with intellectual disabilities, ages 8 and up. Sports include bowling, basketball, and track and field, as well as fitness programs such as Zumba.
There’s no fee to participate in Pacesetters. Athletes are required to complete a physical exam. Activities are held almost every week, and athletes can participate in state tournaments in Topeka and Wichita.
To learn more about Pacesetters, email Coach John Hagerty or call 785-209-1996.
Do you have a junior Picasso at home? The Junction City Arts Council will begin hosting art classes for elementary-aged children (ages 5 to 10) on Saturday, August 17.
Classes will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. Limit of 15 participants, so act fast!
Check out the Junction City Arts Council on Facebook for the latest updates!
JUNCTION CITY, KS, June 19, 2019 — The PlayJC.org Committee, an extension of the Quality Play for All Non-Profit, has secured a $10,000 donation from the R2B4 Bramlage Family Foundation to build a new informational website focused on all things youth sports related in the Junction City, Kansas region.
The committee formed when a group of parents recognized the need to organize and share information on youth sports activities in one centralized location.
“It is difficult to find all of the youth sports opportunities in our area,” said Kelli McCallum, a member of the PlayJC.org Committee. “We hear that same message from families that are new to Junction City. I am excited to see all of the options that are available for my children on one central website. It will be easier to find the activities that best fit our schedules.”
The PlayJC.org website focused on local sports programs is currently under development and should launch in early July. The committee will also focus on promoting existing youth programs, aiding in new league development, and exploring new sites for development, including the JCHS site at 9th and Eisenhower.
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If you would like more information about these topics, please email Press@PlayJC.org.