10/21/2026
Way to go Ottawa Recreation Commission and Live Healthy - Franklin County!
The Ottawa Recreation Commission (ORC), in partnership with Live Healthy Franklin County, has been awarded a $25,000 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Pathways to a Healthier Kansas grant to develop a new youth physical activity program serving children throughout Franklin County.
The program will expand opportunities for youth to participate in individual sports and physical activities, recognizing that traditional team sports aren't the right fit for every child. By providing access to equipment, resources, and new experiences, the ORC hopes to help more young people discover activities they enjoy while building healthy, active lifestyles.
Thanks to this grant, the program will be offered at no cost to participants, removing financial barriers and making physical activity more accessible to youth across Franklin County. The program is currently in development, with a planned launch in the spring and summer of 2027.
The ORC is grateful to Live Healthy Franklin County and Blue Cross and Blue Shield for their investment in our community's youth. This support will help create new opportunities for children to stay active, explore individual sports, and develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
Pictured here from left to right are Sheila Robertson, Pathways Grant Coordinator Live Healthy Franklin County, Taylor Neiswender ORC Board Chairperson, Phil Bures Executive Director ORC, Scottie Vink ORC Board Vice Chairperson, DeEtta Lee ORC Board Member.