Mission
Forest Park hosts many community events throughout the year: Topeka Haunted Woods, Science is a Blast, and Camp Cosplay, Easter Egg Hunt, and Topeka Christmas Village. We host several consignment sales and vendor events throughout the year. We are adding more activities and events to our calendar.
Defining Statement
Forest Park is a place of fellowship in a woodland setting, enriching mind, body and faith.
The Board of Trustees
We are currently recruiting for the Board of Trustees, class of 2019. If you would like to be considered to serve the community in this way we ask that you contact events@forestparkretreat.com
Forest Park Board of Trustees oversees and implements the operations, business plan, and programs of the facility. The trustees are officially approved by the Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church at their Annual Conference. The officers of the Board are:
- Susan Cunningham, Chair
- empty, Vice-Chair
- Karen Nelson, Secretary
- Edith Gaines, Treasurer
- Janice Klamm
- Ed Pranker
- Roy Nelson
- Amanda Gordon
- Terry Jansen
- Clarice Nelson
- Shannon Reed
- Thelma Bray
History
Forest Park began its ministry through the Kansas Conference of the Evangelical Association in 1922, with 22 acres of beautifully wooded land, completely undeveloped. Developments in the park during the early years included the building of a large auditorium, a smaller auditorium known as the departmental building, two dormitories, a dining hall, a caretaker’s house, a bathhouse, and several small cabins.
Forest Park prepares for our second century of service by welcoming all of God’s children and sharing the gifts of God’s kingdom.