Empowering Our Community Through Early Education & Athletics
Early Education Center – Strengthening Families & Workforce
- Expands childcare capacity from 110 to 172 children, helping meet a critical workforce need—right now, only 55% of childcare demand in Shawnee is being met.
- Allows more parents/caregivers (especially women) to return to work and sustain local employment.
- One of the few infant & toddler care providers in the region – offering safe, licensed early learning to young families in a supportive, faith-based environment.
- Modern, accessible facility with secure play spaces supports all families, including wait-listed ones and grandparents.
- Inclusive programming through partnership with Special Olympics Kansas welcomes children of all abilities.
- Prepares children for kindergarten in both academic and social readiness—supporting long-term educational outcomes.
Community Impact:
This renovation directly supports Shawnee’s working families, expands access to essential early care and education, and strengthens the local workforce by helping parents balance work and family responsibilities.
Athletic Facility – Fostering Community Through Sports
- Revitalizes the historic Mirocke Stadium into a dynamic youth-oriented sports hub, serving thousands of area children and families.
- Becomes the only dedicated youth tackle & flag football field in the Catholic Youth Organization’s regional network.
- New turf adaptable for soccer and lacrosse promotes multipurpose sports usage.
- Adds a family-friendly walking and jogging track—encouraging healthy activity across ages.
- Enhanced amenities—lighting, sound, scoreboard, accessible restrooms, fencing, and parking—ensure safe and inclusive access.
- Widely available to CYO, Special Olympics Kansas, and other community youth and adult groups.
- Provides a desirable location for companies and brands to reach thousands of families engaged in community-building and recreational activities.
- Regular use, sponsorships, and rentals create sustainable community programming opportunities.
Community Impact:
This facility will serve as a regional gathering place for sports and recreation, fostering physical health, inclusive participation, and community cohesion across Shawnee and beyond.
Why This Matters to Shawnee & the KC Region
- Workforce Support: Improved childcare access empowers parents—especially mothers—to enter/re-enter the workforce, addressing labor shortages and economic vitality.
- Health & Well-Being: Safe recreation options support physical fitness, social interaction, and mental health for families and neighbors.
- Regional Hub: These facilities attract families and organizations from across Greater Kansas City, raising community visibility and vibrancy.
- Inclusivity & Engagement: Partnerships with Special Olympics and CYO promote inclusion, diversity, and outreach beyond parish life.
- Sustainable Community Assets: Long-term financial models ensure these improvements remain accessible and supported for generations to come.
- Regional Attraction: These facilities position Shawnee as a leader in family services and recreation, drawing families and organizations across the Kansas City metro area (population over 2.2 million, with Shawnee home to about 67,000).
Your Support Builds Community
By investing in the Generations Growing Together campaign, you're supporting more than buildings—you’re investing in the well-being, growth, and inclusivity of Shawnee and the wider Kansas City region.
