Already, a plan is being worked on that will connect several south-central Kansas counties with canoeing routes along the Arkansas River. More plans are in the works and a plan that connects those plans is what the Recreation Alliance wants to see come to life.

A part of the Quality of Life Foundation of Visioneering Wichita, the Alliance is making sure its activities meet the Foundation's goal to be a healthy, safe community that has a vibrant recreation, entertainment and arts focus that embraces diversity and builds pride.

Recreation is all-encompassing. It contributes to individual, economic and environmental health. And, it is one of the key components identified to attract both young and old alike. It seems that despite one’s age, the idea of finding active, safe and accessible spaces where we can interact is among the most important reasons we call a geographic place a home.

Among the Alliance's first steps is connecting the dots. That is, defining a virtual place an online community where people can come together as a community. And then come together in the community.

Using maps and other geographic locators, the online resource will strive to point people in the right direction when they want to come together around common recreational interests. It also will allow communities in the Wichita area to promote their plans and attract more visitors to their areas.

So, whether it is golf, youth baseball, or even canoeing, there should be something for everyone. And the Recreation Alliance wants a well-funded, comprehensive plan to make it happen.