The Mulvane Recreation Commission was conceived in 1957 when a group of local citizens brought a petition before the school board. This petition asked the Board of Education to support this community project by raising funds through 1 mill property taxation. At that time, a mill equaled approximately $5,000.00.
The BOE approved the plan and in January of 1958, MRC was formed with 5 local appointed citizens (2 representing the City, 2 representing the District, and 1 selected at-large by the other 4). The first session of Summer Recreation took place in June of that year. Programs first offered in 1958 included archery, rifle range, folk dance, arts/crafts, baseball and summer band. The Commission oversaw all of the programming and policies.
We have had 5 directors over our 5 decades. Willard Meek, Bill Fairchild, and Marc Anderson served as part time directors and ran the MRC programs from home offices. In 2006 we hired our first full time director, Clayton Bishop, and opened our first office space in downtown Mulvane. Ticia Herd, was hired in June 2007 and was with the MRC for 16 years, until June of 2023. The current director is Andrea Kelly who began in September 2023.
In February of 2007 we moved into our first Recreation Center housed in the new USD 263 Admin Center (the former Mulvane Intermediate School) located on East Mulvane Street. With this move we have greatly expanded our programs to include more diversity and a wider age range.
In April of 2014, we completed our Annex building in partnership with USD 263. The addition serves the Mulvane Grade School as well as the MRC. In this space we have a walking track, an oversized gymnasium and two program studios.
The History of
Mulvane Recreation Commission
Our Mission
To serve the citizens of the USD 263 by providing quality, affordable recreation programs that invite participation, build relationships and enhance lives.
The Mulvane Recreation Commission supports its Mission by:
Inviting Participation:
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We will meet the community needs and assure quality through continual evaluation of programs, services, facilities and mission.
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We will offer programs and activities for the entire community by planning and implementing a year-round program of diverse opportunities for all ages.
Building Relationships:
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We will cooperate with school, city and other agencies, both public and private, with regard to planning, programming and facilities.
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We will include all citizens of USD 263 in leisure programming, eliminating any discrimination of the basis of race, sex, religion, ability or economical status.
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Through commission supervision, ensure that programs are conducted in a safe manner and facilities are maintained.
Enhancing Lives:
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Organize opportunities for citizens to strengthen existing relationships while creating new relationships through the implementation of programs for individuals, groups and families thus promoting a stronger community bond.
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Promote productive leisure time activities that spark interests, educate minds, and enrich lives.
Our Team
MRC Board Members
Ron Hladik - Board Chairperson
Theresa Cummins - Vice Chairperson
Debbie Kendrick - Member
Brian Comer - Member
Caleb Hatfield - Member