Blue Valley Rec actively serves as a problem solver in the community. We offer educational training and promote active participation in the fight against childhood obesity. In addition, we generate economic impact for the community and support sustainability through educational classes. Furthermore, we facilitate social interaction and help develop both analytic and cognitive skills. We also save lives through Learn-to-Swim classes. Moreover, our programs contribute to crime reduction and, ultimately, help boost property values.
About Us
Below you can read all about us – what we do, how we started, our core values, and what makes us go! Community is a huge part of us and what we are about. Originally formed in August 1986 under the auspices of the Blue Valley School District, Blue Valley Rec was established by a concerned group of citizens who wanted to address the shortage of recreation opportunities in the area. Since then, Blue Valley Rec has remained primarily focused on serving residents of the Blue Valley School District.
Blue Valley Recreation
Blue Valley Rec enriches the lives of community members by offering hundreds of youth and adult programs, classes, activities, and sports leagues. To support these offerings, we utilize several facilities. These include the Sports Complex at 137th and Antioch, the Activity Center at 6545 W. 151st Street, the Recreation Center at Hilltop at 7720 W. 143rd Street, and various Blue Valley School District locations.
- Integrity – refers to the degree to which the employee consistently adheres to a strong ethical set of values in the workplace.
- Communication – reflects the clarity, conciseness, and overall effectiveness of both oral and written communications.
- Customer Service – highlights the employee’s ability to deliver exceptional service to both internal and external customers.
- Teamwork – defines how well the employee interacts and collaborates with the entire BVRC team.
Blue Valley School District
In 1986, voters formed the Blue Valley Recreation Commission under Kansas State Statutes to provide local recreation programs with support from the Blue Valley School Board. Since then, Blue Valley Rec has operated as a separate entity. Meanwhile, the Board of Education continues to play a key role by certifying the Commission’s budget, appointing commissioners, and assigning two BVSD board members to serve as liaisons. As a result, the strong partnership between Blue Valley Rec and the Blue Valley School District helps keep program costs low for patrons.
Thanks to a tremendous partnership with the Blue Valley School District, Blue Valley Rec is able to utilize school district facilities whenever they are available. These include cafeterias, commons areas, gymnasiums, performing arts centers, and sports fields.
Taxes
Currently, the property tax supporting Blue Valley Recreation is $14.58 per month on a home valued at $509,000.
Approximately 2.80%.
Recreation programs are primarily supported through user fees and non-tax revenues. Meanwhile, tax revenues generally cover facility-related expenses. These expenses include lease service, facility improvements, certain administrative costs, and a portion of ongoing maintenance.
According to Kansas State Statute, no—the Blue Valley School District’s Board of Education is responsible for certifying and levying mills, which currently total 2.216.
Overlapping Agencies
Typically, no. However, it’s important to remember that the Blue Valley community originally initiated the Commission to offer recreational opportunities that were not being adequately provided at the time. As a result, Blue Valley Rec collaborates with other agencies to avoid duplication and make the best use of available facilities and programs. To support this collaboration, several conditions allow these agencies’ services to align and complement one another.
One key distinction lies in their missions. While Blue Valley Rec focuses primarily on programming, the county and two cities place greater emphasis on providing facilities such as community centers, parks, trails, golf courses, and swimming pools.
Board of Commissioners
Blue Valley Rec is governed by a seven-member Commission, made up of community members appointed by the Board of Education. Specifically, each of the three school board districts appoints two commissioners, while one at-large commissioner represents the entire district. Additionally, commissioners serve a four-year term without compensation and may reapply for a second term upon completion of their initial service.
First, the Blue Valley School District Board of Education reviews all commissioner applications. Next, the board conducts interviews with selected candidates. Finally, the board appoints all commissioners to the Blue Valley Rec Commission.