What does Blue Valley Recreation provide?
Blue Valley Recreation is primarily a youth-serving agency that builds physical and mental skills while providing opportunities for socialization, improved self-esteem and teamwork.

The BVRC offers hundreds of youth and adult programs; classes and activities include swimming, gymnastics, visual and performing arts, individual and team sports and more. Facilities for these activities include the Recreation Complex at 137th and Antioch, the Activity Center at 6545 W. 151st Street, and various school district facilities.

How many people use BVRC? Over 90% of the individuals participating in BVRC programs are residents of the Blue Valley School District.

In 2007, Blue Valley Recreation Commission

Processed more than 40,000 youth registrations and over 11,000 adult registrations
Experienced attendance of over 443,000 youth and 63,000 adults at BVRC programs
Had more than 325,000 total spectators at programs, events and tournaments

More than 900 adults volunteered to help coach Blue Valley Recreation youth programs for 2007. Coaches help with programs including basketball, baseball and softball, and give countless hours to others. The next time you see your child's coach, be sure and thank them!

What do these services cost the average taxpayer?
The property tax which supports BVRC is approximately $45.97 per year on a home valued at $250,000.

Of my total property tax bill, what portion goes to BVRC?
Approximately 1.7%

What do my taxes pay for?
The mill levy for the 2007-08 budget resulted in a decrease of 5.7% over the previous year's mill levy. Blue Valley homeowners have experienced a 36.7% reduction in their taxes paid to the BVRC since 2000-01.

Tax revenues pay for facility-related expenses. Recreation programs are supported by user fees and non-tax revenues.

Facility-related expenses include lease service, improvements, some administration, and a portion of the maintenance on facilities. Facilities include the Activity Center and Aquatics Center on 151st Street and the Recreation Complex on 137th Street.

When fields are not being used by BVRC programs, they are leased to the Blue Valley Soccer Club and the Blue Valley Football Club, both volunteer organizations which are independent of the BVRC.

What is BVRC's relationship to the Blue Valley School Board?
The Blue Valley Recreation Commission was formed by Blue Valley voters in 1986 to provide local recreation programs under the auspices of the Blue Valley School Board. The BVRC is, however, a separate entity. The Board of Education has authority over the BVRC budget and appoints the commissioners.

Does Overland Park, Johnson County or Leawood offer the same services as BVRC in the Blue Valley District?
Generally, no. It is the goal of these agencies to work together to avoid duplication of facilities and programs. Listed below are several conditions which enable the services of these agencies to dovetail and compliment each other.

Differences in Mission. The missions differ considerably between the BVRC and these parks and recreation entities in that the BVRC's emphasis is on programming, while the county and two cities emphasize facilities such as community centers, city and county parks, trails, golf courses and swimming pools.

Geographic and Program Distinctions. In terms of the recreation programs offered, there is both a distinct geographical and programmatic separation between the BVRC and the three jurisdictions, whereby the BVRC is the main program provider south of I-435.

Does the BVRC utilize volunteers or is it all paid staff?
Though paid professionals plan, organize and orchestrate BVRC programs, the quality and supervision of our programs could not be maintained without a large cast of dedicated volunteers. Annually, some 1,400 volunteers donate over 120,000 hours, serving on advisory committees, at registrations, as teachers, supervisors, coaches and leaders.

Can the BVRC levy taxes?
No. The Blue Valley School District's Board of Education first approves and then levies the mills, currently 1.599, which is then passed through to the BVRC.

Does the BVRC utilize school facilities?
Yes. School facilities are utilized when available, although use is limited because of the many school activities. Cafeterias, commons, gymnasiums, swimming pools, performing arts centers and sports fields are made available to the public through BVRC programs and activities.

Who sets policies for Blue Valley Recreation?
A seven-member Commission, comprised of community members appointed by the Board of Education, sets policy for the BVRC. Two citizens are appointed from each of the three school board districts and one is at-large. Commissioners serve four year terms, without compensation.