News Flash

Dog swims set for Aug. 11 and 15

TOPEKA, KAN. – The ever-popular season-ending dog swims are set for Aug. 11 at Blaisdell Family Aquatic Center and Aug. 15 at Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center. The events run from 5-7 p.m. The cost is $5 per dog and all dogs must be vaccinate...

Seasonal amenities switch to weekends only beginning Aug. 6

TOPEKA, KAN. – With the first week of school set to begin, Shawnee County Parks + Recreation’s seasonal amenities switch to weekends only beginning Aug. 6. 

• The Gage Park mini-train and carouse will be open Saturdays a...

Memorial plaque at Gage Park carousel to honor Billy “Lu” Griffiths

TOPEKA, KAN. – A memorial plaque honoring long-time Topeka/Shawnee County Parks + Recreation employee Billy “Lu” Griffiths will be dedicated at 10 a.m. Aug. 6 at the old-fashioned carousel in Gage Park. Family and fr...

With school starting, aquatic centers and pools will close Aug. 7

TOPEKA, KAN. – With some school districts starting school Aug. 10 and 11, and college students heading back to campus, Shawnee County Parks + Recreation aquatic centers and pools will close after Aug. 7. Dornwood and Jackson Spray Parks...

KDHE lifts blue green algae watch from Lake Shawnee; canoes, kayaks added to rentals

TOPEKA, KAN. – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has informed Shawnee County Parks + Recreation that it has lifted the blue green algae watch from Lake Shawnee. As a result, canoes and kayaks have been added to the available rentals...

Summer issue of The Guide now online

Summer issue of The Guide now online

TOPEKA, KAN. – The Summer issue of Shawnee County Parks + Recreation’s The Guide is now online at parks.snco.us. The issue features the May 28 date for opening pools and aquatic centers, the...

Lake Shawnee Softball Complex renamed Envista Softball Complex

News Release

For release: Immediately Contact: Kimberly Wolff

Date: Jan. 24, 2022 (785) 251-6878

Lake Shawnee Softball Complex to be renamed Envista Softball Complex

TOPEKA, KAN. -- Shawnee County Commissioners have approved a contract authorizing an eight-ye...

Lake Shawnee Adventure Cove open to paddle boating only

TOPEKA -- As KDHE has lowered Lake Shawnee's status to a blue green algae watch, the Lake Shawnee Adventure Cove is open beginning July 1 for paddle boat and water trike rentals only. Canoes, kayaks and paddle boards will not be rented so as to keep patro...

Shawnee County Parks + Recreation prepares to open seasonal amenities

Spray parks open May 14; pools and aquatic centers open May 28; Gage Park mini-train and carousel begin daily operation May 28

TOPEKA, KAN. – As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Shawnee County Parks + Recreation prepares to open its warm...

Summer Camp registration opens at midnight March 1

Summer Camp registration opens at midnight March 1

TOPEKA, KAN. – Registration for Shawnee County Parks + Recreation Summer Camps opens at midnight March 1. Registration forms can be found at https://parks.snco.us/8/Day-Camps for SCP+R&a...

Shunga Trail reopened at Gage Blvd. underpass

Shunga Trail reopened at Gage Blvd.

TOPEKA, KAN. – The Shunga Trail is now open at the Gage Blvd. underpass. The trail had been closed since March 7 while the underpass was widened to create a better line of sight from the Felke...

Resolution approved for use of e-bikes on Shawnee County trails

TOPEKA, KAN. – Shawnee County Commissioners today approved a resolution authorizing the use of Class 1 and 2 electric-assisted bicycles on established e-bikes on Shawnee County Parks + Recreation trails. Operation of Class 3 e-bikes or ...