CITY’S SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAM BEGINS AT 12 CITY PLAYGROUNDS AND TWO SWIMMING FACILITIES
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that the City’s Summer Recreation Program, which offers daily activities, free lunches, field trips and more for City youth, is in full operation and will run through August 15, 2008, at 12 City playgrounds and two City swimming facilities. The program serves an estimated 5,000 City children and adults each day.
Reed said the City’s Summer Recreation Program is free and open to all City youth. Children need only show up at any of the conveniently-located program sites to participate, where free lunches provided by the Harrisburg School District are served to all participating youth. The program will operate through mid-August at Morrison Park (Cameron & Herr Streets), 4th & Dauphin, 4th & Emerald, Gorgas (Jefferson & Columbia Streets), Vernon Street, Cloverly Heights (18th & Pemberton), 14th & Shoop, 13th & Sycamore, Reservoir Park, Norwood (rear of 200 block of S. 20th Street), Pleasantview (20th & Foster), Wilson Park (Rumson Drive), the Jackson Lock Pool (1201 N. 6th Street) and the Penn National Insurance Pool (18th & Cloverly).
The Mayor said each day’s programming offers arts and crafts, nutrition, fitness, dancing, new games, swimming, fishing, social skills, team sports, cultural field trips, educational classes, bowling, special activities days, golf, tennis, soccer, skating, and much more.
One of the highlights of this year’s programming is the Spark Fitness Program, running from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. each morning at each of the staffed playgrounds. Participants of all sizes will get "fit and fabulous" by participating in inclusive team sports, games and competitions. All ages and sizes are welcomed, Reed said.
Reed said the Harrisburg School District’s Free Lunch Program also runs through August 15th, 2008, at or near most staffed playgrounds. To receive a free lunch, youth under 17 years of age must simply sign up the previous day. All lunches must be consumed on-site.
The Mayor said both of the City’s swimming pools are open and will be in operation until Labor Day. Learn-to-swim programs are being conducted at both pools. City pools are open Mondays through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Further, the City Island Beach is open Monday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. through September 1, 2008.
The Mayor said that in addition to the youth recreational programming, a variety of adult programming is also offered at free or nominal charge, including the 2008 Harrisburg Open Tennis Tournament, Adult Volleyball League, and a Women’s Summer Basketball League (sanctioned by the NCAA).
"The City’s Summer Recreation Program provides a safe, nurturing, educational and supervised environment for children of all ages," said Reed. "Plus, we are able to provide participating youth with a free daily lunch that helps to ensure proper nutrition during the summer months."
For more information on the City’s Summer Recreation Program, call the City’s Department of Parks & Recreation at (717) 255-3020 or the Recreation Bureau directly at (717) 233-7403, or visit the City’s official special events website at www.harrisburgevents.com.
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