COVID-19 Information / About Us
ORC COVID-19 Information
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)
- Scottie Vink – City of Ottawa Appointee
- Richard Burgoon – City of Ottawa Appointee (Vice President)
- Ashley Gillaspie – USD 290 Appointee
- Matt Schurman – 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
Director Email: Lmeyer@orcks.org
Levi comes to the ORC after most recently serving as the Operations Coordinator at the University of Kansas in the Recreation Services Department. While at KU, Levi helped coordinate day-to-day operations for the 150,000 square foot recreation facility which served roughly 400,000 guests annually. Levi also helped create the COVID-19 return to work policies for the Student Affairs Department, as well as served on multiple University Committees.
Levi was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from the University of Central Missouri. Levi currently resides in Ottawa with his wife. Outside of work he enjoys watching sports, golfing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. Levi is looking forward to bringing the mission and vision of the ORC to all members of this community.
Recreation Manager Email: Bstortz@orcks.org
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 has officiated 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, CPI), archery as a NASP Instructor, and is a PDGA Tournament Director. Brandon is a member of the National Recreation and Park Association, Kansas Recreation and Park Association, Kansas City Metro Aquatics Council, Kansas City Metro Programmers Group, 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 Chairperson and serves on the KRPA Conference Planning Committee, the National Recreation and Park Association Aquatics Network Leadership, where he serves as Secretary, and the Ottawa Playful City Taskforce.
Brandon enjoys fishing, golf, disc golf, baseball, and football. He also enjoys refinishing antique furniture in his spare time. Brandon and his wife, Sierra, have one daughter (Isabelle) and a son (Harrison).
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.
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.
Tate was born and raised in Ottawa Kansas and has been a lifelong resident in Franklin County. He graduated from Ottawa High School in 2015. He then moved to Pittsburg, Kansas and attended Pittsburg State University majoring in Sport and Recreation Management. Tate has coached, officiated, and participated in sports his entire life. In his spare time, Tate enjoys being outdoors, exercising, and being with friends and family. He is very excited to be a part of the ORC team.
Jaime grew up in Pomona, KS and was a Franklin County resident until she graduated college from Baker University in 2013. While at Baker, she double majored in Exercise Science and Sports Management. After graduation, Jaime moved to Lawrence for a few years, before life took her to Denver, CO. While in Denver, Jaime was a Personal Trainer and Operations Manager for 24 Hour Fitness. Before moving back to Kansas, Jaime also worked for the City of Denver in the Parks and Recreation Department. Jaime has been involved with sports and recreation her whole life, competing on all levels of play, including collegiate softball and powerlifting. In her spare time, Jaime enjoys spending time with her son and family, watching football, working out and being at the lake.
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.