Blue Valley Recreation

Blue Valley Recreation is honored to be a host for one of the 2024 Parade of Hearts sculptures. The public art experience celebrates our diversity, unites communities, and supports nonprofits by placing beautifully designed hearts by local artists throughout the Kansas City region. From April to August of 2024, 101 hearts will be placed across the Kansas City region showing the world why the are is known as America’s Heartland with the biggest hearts. Each sculpture is 5 feet high and designed by local artists and will remain up until mid-August. The piece located at the Blue Valley Rec Sports Complex is one of six heart locations in Overland Park and hosts the heart titled Fountains in the Outfield as it pays tribute to baseball in Kansas City and the memories created through moments and experiences while at the ballpark. From the outfield fountains to enjoying a game under the lights on a warm summer evening, fans can relive to those memories when visiting the heart. The design is two-sided and located where fans can easily get photos of both sides of the heart. https://lnkd.in/dKWz3QXF

Blue Valley Recreation has partnered with the Kansas City Royals to be a steward of youth baseball and youth softball as a Crown League member in the Royals Amateur Development (RAD) System. The initiative improves and enhances participation in local youth baseball and softball leagues. As a Crown League member, Blue Valley Rec patrons can access resources for coaches, parents, and players through RAD's website. Coaches can view practice plans and drills while also having access to various coaching courses. Parents will be able to view information on sportsmanship, TED Talks and sports medicine. Players can watch current Royals players wishing them luck for the upcoming season.

Blue Valley Rec announces an exclusive three-year partnership with Scheels of Overland Park. The agreement provides an opportunity for a collaborative effort that encourages the community to understand the importance of health in both mind and body. SCHEELS recognizes that participating in sports programs offers benefits and lessons that carry over to all aspects of life. Their commitment to maintaining excellence, organization, and availability of athletic programs complements Blue Valley Rec’s vision statement of Enriching lives, strengthening a spirit of community. https://lnkd.in/gABg6x8Z

Henry Abbott Appointed as New Commissioner for Blue Valley Rec The Blue Valley School District Board of Education appointed Henry Abbott to the Blue Valley Recreation Commission Board. Abbott, representing the south district, will complete the term vacated by Clay Norkey who was recently elected to the Blue Valley School Board. Abbott moved to the community eight years ago to spend more time with his three grandchildren who all attend school in the district. As a retiree, he has spent time volunteering at school functions as well as coaching in Blue Valley Rec baseball, softball, and basketball leagues. He’s also spent many hours transporting his grandkids to gymnastics and swimming lessons at the Activity Center. The last 15 months, he has been a patron liaison for Blue Valley Rec’s Finance and Risk Management Committee. “Henry’s contribution to the FARM Committee has been immeasurable and we look forward to the value he brings to the Commission,” commented current Commission Chair Mark Hoffmeister. Abbott holds a degree in economics, an MBA, and has more than 30 years of practical work in the insurance industry. Throughout his career, he served on various foundation boards, was active in promoting positive mental health, and passionate about inclusiveness. “We look forward to Henry expanding his role with Blue Valley Recreation,” said Executive Director Shane DeWald. “His expertise and ability to look at things from a different perspective will greatly benefit our organization.” Volunteer commissioners have a passion for enriching the lives of residents through recreational activities and sports. The seven-member Board serves as a policy-setting board for the organization and meets monthly. Each commissioner serves on a committee comprised of staff and citizen members from the community. Abbott will serve on the Community Relations, Facilities, and Programming Committee and as a liaison to one of the sport advisory councils.

It's time for New Year's Resolutions, so we thought we would share ours.

Christi Pribula Joins Blue Valley Rec as Commissioner The Blue Valley School District Board of Education recently appointed Christi Pribula to the Blue Valley Recreation Commission Board. Pribula’s four-year term began with the August meeting after being appointed as an At-Large representative. Pribula has lived in the Blue Valley School District for 13 years and is an estate attorney for Lathrop GPM. She and her husband are raising four kids aging from kindergarten to high school and are active in their day-to-day activities. Pribula has spent time as a room parent at Stillwell Elementary School and has volunteered for many activities in the Blue Valley School District. Her husband has volunteered as a coach for youth baseball and basketball teams. “The benefits to the community for access to a plethora of recreational activities cannot be understated,” Pribula wrote in her application. “Blue Valley Rec is an amazing community resource that invests in our community members so they can explore and find the activities that allow them and our community to thrive.” Professionally, Pribula holds affiliations with the Johnson County Bar Association, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Kansas City Estate Planning Symposium, and the Missouri Bar Association. Pribula’s passion for community is evident in her servant leadership. She serves on the board for the Estate Planning Symposium and previously served as a board member for Cancer Action. She is an active volunteer at Spofford Home for Children and was a registered foster parent for several years. It’s the community ties that enticed Pribula to apply to be a commissioner. “Blue Valley Rec continues to demonstrate innovative investments for the good of our community,” continued Pribula. “It truly brings community together and it is important we continue to prioritize strategic growth to ensure community access for many years to come.” Volunteer commissioners have a passion for enriching the lives of residents through recreational activities and sports. The seven-member Board serves as a policy-setting board for the organization and meets monthly. Each commissioner serves on a committee comprised of staff and citizen members from the community. Pribula will serve on the Community Relations, Facilities, and Programming Committee and as a liaison to one of the sport advisory councils.