About Us
Our History
Recreation commissions were created by Kansas State Statute. The Ottawa Recreation Commission (ORC) was established in 1947. We are partially funded through property taxes levied by USD 290 and specifically dedicated by law for the recreation commission. ORC provides essential quality of life services in the form of recreation programs for the community. We partner with the City of Ottawa and USD 290 to operate our programs using properties they own.
The Commission is governed by a five-member policy-setting board. Our board is comprised of two appointees from the City of Ottawa, two from USD 290 and one at-large position appointed by the four previously appointed members. Commissioners, by law, are not paid and donate their time.
Mission Statement
The purpose of Ottawa Recreation Commission is to improve and maintain the mental and physical health, happiness, and wellbeing of the citizens of USD 290 taxing district, through a well-planned program of organized, constructive leisure activities.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to get our community active and involved in balanced recreation programs and services.
ORC Board
Meetings
ORC Board Meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the Goppert Building Classroom located at 705 West 15th Street in Ottawa.
Agenda & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to meetings. Minutes are available following board approval. To request a copy of the agenda and/or minutes, contact Glenda Guge at 785-242-1939 or by email.
Board Members
The board is comprised of five members that each serves one 4-year term. Board members are as follows:
- Casey Chapman – At-large Appointee (President)
- Dennis Tharp – City of Ottawa Appointee (Vice President)
- Richard Burgoon – City of Ottawa Appointee
- Ashley Gillaspie – USD 290 Appointee
- Aaron Miller – USD 290 Appointee
This board is an autonomous board that is responsible for establishing written policies, rules and regulations to govern the Ottawa Recreation Commission property, operations, and safety.
NAYS Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider
The Ottawa Recreation Commission has been awarded the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program Provider designation by the National Alliance for Youth Sports. Earning the Better Sports for Kids Quality Program designation demonstrates that the Ottawa Recreation Commission has taken steps to ensure a safe, quality playing environment for children. The ORC has proven it meets key requirements in five categories – Written Policies and Procedures, Volunteer Screening, Coach Training, Parent Education and Accountability. The ORC is only the 3rd agency in the state of Kansas, and the 101st in the world, to earn this distinction!
Meet Our Staff
Chad grew up in Moran, Kansas. He graduated from Marmaton Valley High School in 2008. After graduation Chad went to Allen Community College where he was part of the golf team. He then transferred to and graduated from Emporia State University with a degree in Recreation Administration. After graduating college Chad worked as the Recreation Supervisor for the ORC. He returns back to the ORC having worked the last 2.5 years at Lindenwood University serving as the Assistant Director of Campus Recreation. Chad is happy to return back to the Ottawa Community.
Glenda has been with ORC since 2003. She is a lifelong resident of Franklin County and attended Ottawa schools. She is a graduate of Johnson County Community College. Glenda has always been active in the community, and enjoys meeting the public and volunteering. In her spare time, she enjoys being with family, taking motorcycle trips, and canning. Glenda and her husband, Scott, have been married for more than 30 years, and have four children. Glenda also has 3 grandkids.
Brandon was born and raised in Concordia, Kansas. Brandon graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Park Management and Conservation with an emphasis in Recreation Business. Brandon had previous stops working in recreation in Branson, Kansas City metro area, and Manhattan, KS. Brandon officiates multiple sports including volleyball, football, basketball, and baseball where he has worked at multiple levels including the recreation, high school, and collegiate levels. Brandon holds certifications in youth sports (CYSA), aquatics (AFO), and is a certified PDGA Tournament Director. Brandon is a member of the Kansas Recreation and Park Association and the Association of Aquatic Professionals. Brandon also serves on various boards including the Kansas Recreation and Park Association Sports Branch, where he serves as chair, the Kanza Disc Golf Club Board, and the Ottawa Playful City Taskforce. Brandon enjoys fishing, golf, disc golf, baseball, and football. He also enjoys refinishing antique furniture in his little spare time. Brandon and his wife, Sierra, have one daughter (Isabelle) and a son (Harrison).
Josh is a lifelong Franklin County resident and resides in Ottawa. He is a 1993 graduate of Pittsburg State University and came to ORC in 2008 after working for Ford. He is a former member of Pomona Recreation Commission board. He and his wife Laurie have 2 children, Kendall and Dawson.
Pedro was born and raised in Liberal Kansas where he attended High School and graduated in 2011. In 2013, Pedro received his associate’s degree from Seward County Community College. He then moved to Manhattan, Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from Kansas State University in the spring of 2018. During his time as a student, Pedro coached youth sports, was employed by Habitat for Humanity, and competed as an amateur boxer. In his spare time, Pedro enjoys grilling, hanging out with his dog, and enjoys any sort of outdoor activities. Whether as a player or as a coach, Pedro has always enjoyed being involved with others and his community and he is excited to be a part of the ORC.
Lanny was born and raised in Kiowa, Kansas. He graduated from high school in 1983. Lanny played college football for two years at Garden City Community College and majored in Industrial Arts. He and his wife of 25 years, Chris, have 3 children, Jake, Riley and Cooper. He has worked for Gardner Parks and Recreation for the past 9 years. Lanny is happy to be employed by the ORC in Ottawa. He enjoys his family, fishing and barbecuing.