Douglas County invites community to Discovery Day on April 21

March 31, 2026 9:28 am


Douglas County will celebrate National County Government Month with Discovery Day, a community event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, in the Open Pavilion at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 21st and Harper Streets.

The family-friendly event will highlight Douglas County’s services, programs and the employees who deliver them. County departments support the community by maintaining roads, parks and bridges; providing public safety and court services; keeping land records; preserving local history; conducting elections, advancing sustainability; and supporting behavioral health and human services.

“Discovery Day is a chance for residents to meet the people behind county services and see how we work every day to support our community,” County Administrator Sarah Plinsky said. “We’re looking forward to connecting with our neighbors in a fun and meaningful way.”

Event highlights include:

Touch-a-truck activities featuring vehicles and equipment from Public Works, the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, Emergency Communications, Consolidated Fire District No. 1, Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and Maintenance.

Interactive games for all ages hosted by county departments, including Criminal Justice Youth Services, Administration, Clerk/Elections, GIS and Sustainability.

Information and resources from county departments and community partners, including Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, the Treatment and Recovery Center, Engage Douglas County and LiveWell Douglas County.

Local food trucks – Barbwire Barbecue, JB’s Tacos and Pretzelly – will be on-site offering food for purchase.

Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has encouraged counties across the country to raise public awareness about county roles, responsibilities and services during April. National County Government Month provides an opportunity to highlight the many ways county government serves residents every day.

The Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to proclaim April as National County Government Month at its April 8 meeting.


Contact: Karrey Britt, Communications and Media Coordinator, Media Contact Form

In the News

The Douglas County Heritage Conservation Council (HCC) announces the recipients of the 2026… Read More

Douglas County will celebrate National County Government Month with Discovery Day, a community… Read More

After 17 years on the bench and nearly five decades in the legal profession, Kansas Seventh… Read More

The Douglas County Appraiser’s Office will mail Change of Value Notices for real estate… Read More

Eighth-grader Daniel Dao, of Lawrence Virtual School, received first place in the 2025-2026… Read More

After nearly two years of preparation and planning, it’s official: Lawrence will be a base camp… Read More

K-State Extension Douglas County invites residents to learn how fire shapes our landscapes and… Read More

Douglas County Emergency Management is accepting registrations for its Spring 2026 CERT (… Read More