Joyce Henry, an Andover resident and performing artist, told the City Council on Nov. 13 that the city should add youth performing-arts programming to its recreational-services offerings to reach children who do not excel in sports. “Not every child grows up excelling in sports, and I feel that it is Andover’s best interest to broaden the horizons of our recreational services program,” Henry said.

Henry, who said she has worked in Wichita schools for 20 years, recommended themed summer camps, dance exposure and a musical-theater track with auditions and chorus enrollment similar to sports registration. She suggested classes be held at the Andover Community Center and performances at the Capital Federal Amphitheater with a modest ticket fee.

Parks and recreation staff present confirmed the city has offered small dance programs in the past and maintains open times at the community center for new classes. “We certainly have resources to look at that further,” a parks manager said.

Henry said she emailed supporting research and her contact information to the city and offered to work with staff on program design. Councilmembers thanked her for the suggestion and asked staff to follow up.

The item was heard as part of the public forum; no formal funding or program authorization was requested at the meeting.