November 13, 2008

Shawnee County Parks & Recreation hosted a press conference today at the Garden House and Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee to publicly launch the Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation.   Shawnee County has contracted with Jim Deines and ASA Marketing Group to establish and facilitate a fundraising process to raise $1,000,000 in cash and pledges by September 30, 2009.  The long range goal is to raise $7,000,000 over 10 years with the process established by Deines which includes help from volunteers and patrons who have interest in preserving the beauty, maintaining and enhancing Shawnee County parks and facilities. 

Shelly Buhler, Chair of the Board of Commissioners said, “Our vision is to continue improving the quality of life opportunities of Shawnee County residents.”   The funds will be supplementary to tax dollars that have been invested over the years and will help lessen the financial burden on taxpayers.”

Topeka Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors unveiled the new Shawnee County Parks & Recreation Foundation logo and website, www.scprfoundation.org to officially kick off the campaign.  Roger Viola of the Topeka Community Foundation welcomed the opportunity to manage the fund for the County.  Sandy Wilber was introduced as Volunteer Coordinator of the Foundation.

John Knight introduced Jim Parrish, President, Parrish Hotel Corporation. Parrish presented a mock up check for $50,000 representing a 10-year commitment by the Parrish Hotel Corporation for advertising at Lake Shawnee, including advertising at the new baseball complex which is currently in the first phase of renovation. 

Ted Ensley announced the formation of two Endowments, the Ted Ensley Gardens Endowment and the Dick and Dotty Hanger Endowment.   Volunteer committees to assist in funding the endowments are being formed with goals of raising $1,000,000 for each fund over ten years.  The Ted Ensley Gardens Endowment will provide funds to maintain the gardens permanently as a benefit to future patrons and the public.  The Dick and Dotty Hanger Endowment will help insure the new walking trail will be maintained and enhanced over the years.  The first mile of the trail starts at the Trailhead which will be named in honor of the Hangers. Future plans include building an observation tower at the starting point.  Funds from their endowment would be used to fund the tower construction.

Dick Hanger, while serving two-terms on the Board of County Commissioners, was instrumental in hiring Ted Ensley right out of K-State as the new Lake Superintendent.  Dick and Ted became good friends and worked together to see many improvements including the Lake Shawnee Golf Course. 

While Lake Superintendent, Ted Ensley lived at the Lake in what is now the Garden House.   Dick and Dotty Hanger built their house across from where Ensley Gardens are located. The cove adjacent to Ensley Gardens is called Hanger Cove.  The cove is directly aligned and framed in the living room window view from the Hanger’s home.  It is only fitting that these two good friends who have devoted their lives to the betterment of Lake Shawnee are the name sakes of these endowments which were established to ensure the two most popular aspects of Lake Shawnee, the gardens and the trail will always be a part of Lake Shawnee.

Fundraising Campaign Kickoff Photos