If you spot a colorful Macaw at Lake Olathe Park, then Clifton and Jackie Bencke are close at hand.
The Macaw, Captain Flint, is their No. 1 ambassador for the programs they teach at the lake.
The couple has become champions of the lake and park, and have used their love of the outdoors to help teach children and adults about nature and outdoor activities.
“We are concerned about children spending too much time with computers and technology,” Clifton Bencke said.
It’s almost ironic because the couple makes its living in the information technology field.
The city recognized the Benckes for their efforts Tuesday with a Community Pride Award. Mayor Mike Copeland presented the award at the beginning of the City Council’s regular meeting at City Hall.
“This started as an idea of a couple and blossomed into a community,” Copeland said. “Olathe is a better place for your effort and initiative.”
Clifton Bencke had the idea to start a sailing program for youth when he went to Lake Olathe. He talked to the Parks and Recreation Department and took a tour of the beach front and facilities that the city had closed to swimming and public activity.
The program started with the donation of a sailboat and grew with the participation of more people in the community and further donations.
The Benckes now have six sailboats and canoes for the program. They also have added other activities in which they teach children and adults about nature and the environment.
One of those events involves high school students. Their son, a senior last year at Olathe North High School, helped organize 37 students along with his teacher and conducted a shoreline cleanup at the lake last spring.
“We plan on making this an annual event,” Jackie Bencke said of the cleanup.
The Benckes hope their work benefits the community and hope it has sparked the imagination of the children and adults they’ve taught and received help from.
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