Free Use of Rec Centers for Youth Ends Soon

DENVER FAMILIES JUMP ON FREE SUMMER PASSES
TO REC CENTERS, SWIMMING POOLS

City recreation center use up 200 percent

If the first month of free recreation is any indication, Denver youth are delighted to have a free place to go this summer.

Since Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and Denver Parks & Recreation announced May 29 that the City would offer free access to recreation centers and pools throughout the summer, rec centers have seen a 200 percent increase in use, while swimming pools are experiencing a 54 percent increase in use overall.

"This is exactly the response we hoped for when we waived fees for the summer," Hickenlooper said. "It’s great to see so many of our kids taking advantage of this opportunity to participate in healthy, positive activities."

In June 2007, youth member card scans show 14,358 unique visits to the 29 recreation centers around the city. By contrast, there have been 43,557 unique visits this year, representing a 203 percent increase in visits. This number includes card scans and individuals who come in daily and sign in.

In addition, Denver swimming pools have experienced a 54 percent increase in use over 2007 during the first month of free swimming. 28,800 youth visited the swimming pools during the month of June 2007, compared to 44,420 in June 2008.

"Our rec centers and swimming pools play an important role in the health of our neighborhoods," said Scott Robson, Acting Manager of Parks & Recreation. "We’re very pleased to be able to serve our youth and their families in this way."

"Our Parks & Recreation team has really stepped up to make this happen," Robson added, "offering more activities to meet the increased demand and working extra hard to ensure the safety of Denver’s kids."

Robson said recreation center directors have been closely monitoring usage, adding activities and increasing staff where necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience at the centers. For example, Montbello Recreation Center ensures 1-2 full time staff in the building everyday between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., when the majority of youth visit. In addition, they have engaged six youth staff through the Youth Employment Program to assist with monitoring the building, working at the front desk and cleaning locker rooms. They have also increased pool staff hours to monitor the increased number of kids using the pool.

The Montbello Recreation Center also has increased the number of youth activities offered throughout the week, including gym games, arts & crafts projects, outdoor games, 3 on 3 basketball league, cooking projects and swimming pool games. At other recreation centers, staff has converted the preschool space into a summer youth game area and are offering more drop-in opportunities: 2 on 2 basketball tournaments, gaming tournaments, drop-in climbing wall programs and drop-in craft classes.

The aquatics department has hired 18 additional lifeguards to accommodate the increased usage of the swimming pools.

All Denver recreation centers and pools are free through August 16 for Denver youth ages 17 and younger. Area recreation centers offer a variety of summer activities, including open swim, basketball, game room and a Food Bank of the Rockies program that offers free food for families. Programs available for a nominal fee include Hoopin’ with Hickenlooper, baseball, t-ball, volleyball and swim lessons. Denver residents may locate their nearest recreation center by visiting www.denvergov.org/parks_recreation and clicking on "Recreation."

USAGE INCREASE BY CENTER

	June 2008 Visitors	June 2007 Visitors	%
Ashland	3,286	673	388.3%
Athmar	3,291	872	277.4%
Aztlan	1,567	827	89.5%
Barnum Rec	1,559	426	266.0%
College View	365	60	508.3%
Cook	516	592	-12.8%
Eisenhower	184	147	25.2%
Glenarm	1,521	433	251.3%
Globeville	466	573	-18.7%
Green Valley Ranch	1,764	528	234.1%
Harvard	349	294	18.7%
Harvey Park	1,161	308	276.9%
Johnson	735	178	312.9%
La Alma	1,434	1,000	43.4%
La Familia	1,079	437	146.9%
M.L. King	1,572	219	617.8%
Montbello	5,087	1,147	343.5%
Montclair	3,239	1,880	72.3%
Rude	4,132	860	380.5%
Davis	3,544	966	266.9%
Scheitler	674	290	132.4%
Southwest	370	626	-40.9%
St. Charles	2,096	89	2255.1%
Stapleton	505	202	150.0%
Swansea	670	120	458.3%
Twentieth	244	89	174.2%
Washington	2,147	522	311.3%

Total	43,557	14,358	203.4%

Outdoor Pools 6/2/2008 to 6/30/2008

44420

28800

54.2%

Posted on Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Posted by AlanD Contributed by AlanD

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