[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6655945,"mediaKeyId","5355016-24010344f6b7cea8909e41c1e8e7a81a","parentId",5355016,"title","Shawnee County parks list major projects including Family Park clubhouse, Bettis turf and Shawnee North replacement options","audioSeconds",631,"startMs",8098190,"endMs",8730000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5355016-24010344f6b7cea8909e41c1e8e7a81a&start=8098&end=8730","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5355016-24010344f6b7cea8909e41c1e8e7a81a/thumbnail_8098190.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6655945/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Shawnee-County-parks-list-major-projects-including-Family-Park-clubhouse-Bettis-turf-and-Shawnee-North-replacement-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655945-03755ed6e13bde90bb525618c2de2819/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116431&Signature=fP67Moi6lUaWTeisuOIjlt4ohVTyIVqPOIYDToNaSqEVhNfSMZWal35KuaEvCyvw9IV0-I4NABBo~DEXieIiaH5QrteEE81aE8yjo5i5GRCEa~qvcpveNUqRvpuUnDoqtanMAmmPb0~mLJ9BOa3TGIPLHB7I6qQcGg-EAF7h84spdU92QnqxPaTtN2o-xtJQS9tQtZsZXa6bCd3OG3J11NPGQN-Emn0KVHkoMpdUBYdJoS44jUZakmOglfqmtifrv5aeKKCX6JyWiPEk4ep6mg2md7uQ-iHFve-rnYN1EatxpvxQk159w0P0s6Bgt1TtVxrRHG-YDH5ta0VerUm8Sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Shawnee County","date","2025-07-10T16:41:36Z","article","Parks and Recreation staff outlined a range of large parks projects during the July 10 Capital Improvement Plan review, asking commissioners to consider how much of the work to advance and which projects might be financed through bonds, grants or other sources.

Major items discussed included a potential renovation or replacement of the Family Park clubhouse and associated trail, dog park and amenity work; turf replacement for the quad fields at Bettis; renovation phases at Dornwood (sometimes referred to as Dormwood) including lighting and field improvements; a boathouse renovation at Lake Shawnee; and a proposal to replace or substantially renovate the Shawnee North community center. Staff suggested the Family Park clubhouse could combine greens‑fee revenue and private donations but said no private donor figure had been pledged yet.

On the Shawnee North community center, Parks staff described the existing building as aging, with accessibility and plumbing issues that make it difficult to program; staff estimated a full replacement or “state‑of‑the‑art” recreation center could cost on the order of $20 million. Commissioners and staff discussed alternatives including preserving the historic building for limited programming, building a new facility in another location, or pursuing public–private partnerships and school‑district arrangements to share gym space.

Other items discussed included the boathouse at Lake Shawnee (staff said preliminary plans and prior grant applications exist), replacement of worn turf at Bettis (staff said the current quad fields are in their mid‑teens of service life and showing wear), and upgrades at Dormwood including replacement light poles and regrading in places where drainage has become problematic.

Parks staff also noted smaller, higher‑priority work such as playground equipment replacement at several neighborhood parks and requested more refined, itemized cost estimates. Commissioners asked staff to break larger packages into discrete line items so they could prioritize clubhouse, trail, lighting and field work separately and to explore grant and sponsorship opportunities, especially for trails and smaller improvements that might attract outside funding. No final funding decisions were made at the work session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Shawnee County Kansas Commission Work Session 2025/07/10","oneSentenceSummary","Parks and Recreation staff presented a slate of large facility requests — from a possible Family Park clubhouse and Dormwood/Dornwood complex renovations to turf replacement at Bettis and a proposed $20 million replacement or new recreation center for Shawnee North — and commissioners asked for project breakdowns and partnership options.","taxTitle","Shawnee County, Kansas","taxId",2886,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6655951,"Shawnee County weighs short‑term loan from Gage Park sales tax fund to accelerate carousel and playground projects",375,2954320,3330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5355016-24010344f6b7cea8909e41c1e8e7a81a&start=2954&end=3330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5355016-24010344f6b7cea8909e41c1e8e7a81a/thumbnail_2954320.jpg","/articles/6655951/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Shawnee-County-weighs-shortterm-loan-from-Gage-Park-sales-tax-fund-to-accelerate-carousel-and-playground-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655951-6cc372f1784c77fd2aa627c699f505bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116431&Signature=Ddp3AYY8vBo4RzitvLe9DzyG3s95tLcR3SC7-njSHRRGr4W9O8h69TdXITq-843mlXJoOACS1v4~PKzPYdUDK1vQRohz8tqjHfd23f2aE1Wirx4~ETrKZ92x7mV5Ap1Yp3cyhlxwyPQu3d9MvNCGwo1DrBxKkMv7LVDQh1Ef8ESG1kxDgOIIefrBH2aTNwy0xNQSjIp65gQhbfRIWCU1YExkjhFqffdRdDJnZVv8QfuTmxWzd0nsb-z9IhVxpfTO-z28SoTe-xUBrBw4sbx0nkW1w9iog2OZlwbTRbwzpNL-RNpOdxjJx4~liNSdsGNb0zYKbRQrAYlnpI6xBNiHwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff and commissioners discussed whether to advance funding to Gage Park projects from county reserves so construction can start before annual sales tax receipts would fully fund the work.

Parks staff described a multi‑project plan including playground renovation and a carousel building renovation. Staff said the carousel project has timing sensitivity because camps and summer programming are planned in that location and that they would like the project completed before certain summer programming months. Parks and Gage Park Improvement Authority representatives said the authority has agreed to contribute $150,000 for design work but does not control schedule or authority to reclaim county property.

When asked about an outside deadline tied to the zoo’s interest in space, county counsel said the county ‘‘does not have a formal agreement to move out of the shelter house’’ and that prior discussions were informal requests from other parties rather than a binding date. The counselor added, “if you ask me if that's a hard deadline, I would say no. It is not. We control the deadline.”

Staff outlined a possible short‑term financing approach in which the county would effectively loan the Gage Park sales tax fund money from other county funds so projects can begin while sales tax revenue accrues. Staff presented an estimate of the fund’s cash flow that showed the fund holding roughly $3.5 million after current encumbrances at the end of 2025, then receiving roughly $2.0 million in 2026. Under the county’s project schedule, anticipated contract obligations in 2026 could push the fund briefly into a small negative balance if the commission authorizes an advance.

Commissioners discussed tradeoffs: moving funds forward would accelerate visible park work tied to the sales tax while temporarily lowering the fund balance and foregoing some interest earnings. Several commissioners asked staff to produce a memorandum of understanding that would set limits on how far the sales tax fund could be advanced, how repayments would be made and what interest would be charged. Staff also discussed lower‑cost temporary alternatives—such as renting modular space for summer programming—while projects proceed.

No formal approval for a loan or bonds was made at the session. Staff said they would return with options, revised cash‑flow estimates and an MOU template for commissioner consideration.","Commissioners and staff discussed a possible short‑term loan against the Gage Park sales tax fund to start large projects—staff said the fund could show a small negative balance in 2026 under one plan—and clarified there is no firm outside deadline to vacate the current shelter house.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6655955,"Shawnee County considers using reserves to replace aging election equipment as vendors and standards shift",621,4418550,5040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5355016-24010344f6b7cea8909e41c1e8e7a81a&start=4418&end=5040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5355016-24010344f6b7cea8909e41c1e8e7a81a/thumbnail_4418550.jpg","/articles/6655955/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Shawnee-County-considers-using-reserves-to-replace-aging-election-equipment-as-vendors-and-standards-shift","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655955-43115fb6ebf5a9423e8bf544a5687244/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116431&Signature=WlYrmRDc22RPlgiEHUKZipSmIHx6aeZ5rA~Zp~dHobxO3yvti6Yvs~p6wPhuTlJ~fI4Gecx~fOb3Vxjevn8JPEE-7aZ~J73pElZZ-iCqxrpBRD0Ll3mtOjJlkX3~659BfguqWLnOXTr7FBO3YGlAp22H33geM2VuzYN3SCr5TEM1VT2LQhx5hJIj2UAJEnHKta-0aLFhNmh-PgMgbdbN4Unmk24aI1YhWBedIvkJ4VJgYc08UnOUQsb5ejRghxAX6ReXFid7P20s5-z7kRjzJhrT3sOWDy~~~fAH~FBmLMqKxrH3Mg2~uw6U3YPdopucVWWoLnVvSJDekvl9ZIfCcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Shawnee County election staff told commissioners during the July 10 work session that the county faces roughly $3,044,000 in replacement costs for election equipment, including electronic poll books and voter‑assistance devices that local staff said are reaching the end of their useful life.

Staff said much of the county’s election equipment was purchased in 2015 and has been treated as having a roughly 10‑year lifespan; some components brought into service in 2021 were labeled five‑year items. Staff warned that bonding is a poor match for these purchases because bonds are repaid over 15–20 years while the equipment would not reliably have that useful life. As a result, county staff presented reserves and one‑time funding as the most suitable options to replace the equipment without stretching repayment over a long period.

The discussion also noted complicating changes at the federal level. County staff cited an executive order affecting the Election Assistance Commission’s guidance and said the EAC has until September to clarify whether barcodes will remain on certain ballots and how the voluntary voting system guidelines (VVSG) will evolve. That uncertainty affects vendors’ roadmaps: some manufacturers are moving toward plain‑text OCR or alternative approaches rather than barcode workflows, and other vendors are revising hardware baselines.

Commissioners asked about grants and state assistance. Staff said some counties used federal ARPA funds for parts of their equipment purchases but that broad, statewide grant programs for electronic poll books were not identified as an option for Shawnee County at this time. Several commissioners pressed staff on whether lease arrangements or staged acquisitions could reduce one‑time costs; staff said lease pricing the county saw in prior procurements did not offer a cost advantage and that owning equipment over the expected vendor lease term was typically less expensive.

Staff framed the choice as a policy decision for commissioners—whether to use reserves to replace equipment now or pursue other alternatives—while noting the county’s election‑administration procedures rely on the electronic poll book system to verify voter registration, ballot style and polling‑place processes. No final funding decision was made at the session.","County election officials told commissioners they face about $3,044,000 in equipment replacement needs, argued bonding is a poor fit and urged use of reserves or other near‑term funding while federal and vendor standards evolve.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6655958,"Shawnee County reviews $167 million five‑year capital improvement plan",7278,2111755,9390000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5355016-24010344f6b7cea8909e41c1e8e7a81a&start=2111&end=9390","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5355016-24010344f6b7cea8909e41c1e8e7a81a/thumbnail_2111755.jpg","/articles/6655958/Shawnee-County/Kansas/Shawnee-County-reviews-167-million-fiveyear-capital-improvement-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655958-2b61ff3df44b69ebc48f11b525791d4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771116431&Signature=JMWens0rYIr5i40uPSP-ukxIS6XNLLuV6GApH2xFApytz662Clp9UTB49fpm6rDgbULkTacOCAJQvYKJNdEgDY7eHvwWSAu222cpWEJykQqqdNlH6FcXaNQ9Xt6HhU4s30hOU9mK1s604o1nZREAu51K2bFxQPWhqeRsv6jEvuU-hCDL-Xkcv4Q~wb4En50lTNfqJh7ZuYwpTHsKEKi2mXZkLpkQwG2iSWYsXuQEubqBILWFmx8YLtnNRCJuu0Qz5hKmLY2L3HINZ4wGtKDYhfkpXfjg3sLv1-gMB0s0cxngeWlSFHIFiNnhqziZ~S3K8AG~tnhCBAD-fpnsE1AZ4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a July 10 work session, the Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners reviewed a draft five‑year Capital Improvement Plan that staff estimated would include $167,342,000 in potential capital projects over the next five years. Staff emphasized the presentation was for guidance and that “none of this has been approved as of this time.”

County staff said the draft plan organizes requests by funding source and by department to help smooth large, unexpected capital needs. The largest departmental totals in the presentation were Public Works (just under $54 million) and Parks and Recreation (about $47 million). Other figures shown included roughly $7.3 million for solid waste, about $23 million in requests appearing under the capital outlay fund, and about $74 million of requests listed as needing unidentified funding sources.

The commissioners and staff discussed how the CIP is a planning tool to avoid sudden spikes in the mill levy and to identify bonding or other financing options. A presenter said the county moved to a multi‑year plan so it would not be surprised by large single projects and could prioritize work across departments.

Commissioners also reviewed special‑funded projects (for example the Gage Park sales tax fund) and department‑level equipment and facility requests that would be considered when setting the 2026 capital outlay budget. Solid waste and public works staff described equipment refreshes and infrastructure projects; parks staff reviewed playground, shelter and renovation requests.

Staff showed county debt service has been falling since 2024 and projected another material drop between 2026 and 2028. Staff estimated the county’s uncommitted general fund balance at about $42.0 million at the end of 2024, with $3.0 million later designated for an airport contingency, which they said would leave about $39.0 million available for planning purposes. Commissioners asked staff to provide more detail on which fund balances are statutorily restricted and which can be moved at the commission’s discretion.

No formal votes were taken; staff said the presentation was intended to give commissioners enough information to finalize capital outlay priorities and budget guidance before upcoming meetings and statutory deadlines.","County commissioners reviewed a draft five‑year Capital Improvement Plan totaling $167,342,000 and discussed fund sources, debt trends and departmental requests; no formal approvals were taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Shawnee County parks list major projects including Family Park clubhouse, Bettis turf and Shawnee North replacement options

Shawnee County weighs short‑term loan from Gage Park sales tax fund to accelerate carousel and playground projects

Shawnee County considers using reserves to replace aging election equipment as vendors and standards shift

Shawnee County reviews $167 million five‑year capital improvement plan