Irene B. French Community Center receives new gymnasium floor

With winter approaching the Irene B. French Community Center’s gymnasium is in high demand for court and party rentals, open gym basketball, fitness classes, and pre-school park activities.  Gym users are enjoying a brand new state of the art Taraflex synthetic floor, courtesy of a donation by the Merriam Parks, Recreation, and Community Center Foundation.  Merriam City Council recently recognized the Foundation for their contribution to the community center.

The new floor replaces the 70 year old wooden floor and is receiving rave reviews from patrons.  Benefits of the new floor include improved safety, performance and comfort for athletes and improved versatility and reduced maintenance costs for the parks and recreation department.

Corporate and individual donations to the Foundation for the gym floor project and other park and facility improvements are recognized with an engraved leaf on “The Giving Tree” which is installed in the lobby of the community center.  Individuals who would like to make a tax deductible contribution to the parks foundation in honor or memory of a loved one may contact Susan Hayden at 913-322-5550.

Come join us on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for a very special playgroup and FUN! From 9:30 - 11:30 AM, toddlers can ride, slide and climb on our indoor pre-school playground. This is our 5th year of operation, and since fall of 2003 we have enjoyed over 7,000 people attending our indoor playground program.

Step 2 climbers, Little Tykes riding toys and MORE will entertain your little ball of energy. New items this fall include the Fisher Price Mega Bouncer Inflatable, Step 2 Push Buggy, Radio Flyer Inchworm, Kawasaki - four wheeler & motorcycle and the Harley Davidson Aero trike.

Bring your flashlights and join us at the Merriam Marketplace to hunt for the hidden candy.  Other activities include a costume contest for the scariest, prettiest, best homemade, as well as the youngest, best boy and best girl costumes.  Pick a pumpkin from our pumpkin patch and decorate it!  Or try out the "Mummy Wrap" and "Pumpkin Bowling."

Refreshments will be provided. For more information call (913) 322-5550.

Mothers, aunts and grandmothers… grab your partner and head on down to the ranch for a western style dance! You may dress in overalls and straw hats, while learning a line dance or two.

We have a very special and memorable evening planned for you. A disc jockey/caller will be spinning some sounds at our dance with activities, games and dinner. A photographer will be on hand to capture the moment and provide a free keepsake.  Plus free limo rides!