Giving Grace

The Parks For All Foundation is pleased to feature the most prominent stewards of Shawnee County outdoor spaces that we all enjoy and benefit from.

Featured Donors

The Bettis Family

The Bettis family contribution to the Shawnee County Amateur Baseball Association (SCABA) is best described as a labor of love. A key force in the establishment of SCABA, George Bettis worked tirelessly to grow the association in a way that met the needs of all youth, including his three sons Terry, Duane and Kim.

Jerold and Joan Binkley

For 22 years, the Binkley’s shared their personal gardens with Topeka visitors. Over time, it was Jerold’s greatest desire to create an ongoing county-wide event that featured the flower he loved so well. Shawnee County Parks + Recreation’s annual Tulip Time Festival has since become an tourist attraction that draws visitors from around the nation.

Betty Dunn

Ms. Dunn has been a prominent figure within Shawnee County for decades. In September 2014, the Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners honored her years of community service by unanimously voting to rename Adams Park to Betty Dunn Park.

Ted Ensley

A first-class public garden encompassing 20 acres, including 9.5 acres of landscaped flowers, trees, and special gardens, the Ted Ensley Gardens feature many annual perennial, rose, water and rock gardens, and an arboretum.

Dick and Dotty Hanger

Dick Hanger served as Shawnee County Commissioner from the Third District from 1960 to 1968, a time that saw the creation of the Shawnee County Parks + Recreation, the construction of the Shawnee County Courthouse, and the development of Lake Shawnee as a public park. The Lake Shawnee Junior Pond and the Lake Shawnee Golf Course were also constructed during his tenure.

Harold North

Born Jan. 8, 1933, on a farm in Clay County, Kan., Harold North was an avid student and player of fast-pitch softball. He joined the United States Army in 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1954. Afterward, he enjoyed a 40-year career at the Goodyear Tire Company in Topeka. Harold has always been a staunch supporter of Shawnee County youth sports. He served as a coach, manager, and on the SCABA Board of Directors for 16 years.

Jerry Robertson

The Jerry Robertson Baseball Field is a first-class baseball facility designed for high school and college players. Available for use from March through October, the field features artificial turf in the infield and warning track areas. A natural grass outfield, professional lighting, batting cages and field dugouts have been provided by Shawnee County Parks + Recreation.

You can make a difference in your community by supporting endowment funds and legacy projects that are supported by Parks For All Foundation.

Register for the Golf Tournament - September 23