New information now available regarding summer recreation programming and updated safety measures
Milwaukee Recreation will open registration for summer programs beginning June 8 for city of Milwaukee residents and June 15 for non-residents. The fun, affordable, and accessible programs are designed for every age and ability level. Classes include music, dance, science, art, outdoor education, fitness and more. The programs are listed in Milwaukee Recreation’s Summer Guide, which has been mailed to every city of Milwaukee household.
In-person registration will not be available this season, but participants can register via the web, mail, fax, or – for the first time – over the phone by calling 414.475.8180. In addition, some Milwaukee Recreation summer programs have been canceled but many programs will still be running with new social distancing measures. Details, including what programs will not be running, can be found at mkerec.net.
New safety measures will be in effect for community center programs. Every class will be limited to 9 participants or less. Masks are strongly recommended, but not required for participants. Free disposable masks will be available for all participants upon request. Hand sanitizing stations will also be available; patrons will be asked to wash their hands prior to starting each activity. All recreation staff will wear masks and follow a regimented cleaning schedule.
Milwaukee Recreation continues to monitor recommended guidelines, which may result in schedule changes and/or cancelations of activities. Any schedule changes will be communicated to participants as soon as possible. If a class or activity is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund will be provided.
Beginning July 6, Milwaukee Recreation Twilight Centers, safe places for teens to spend time with friends, will also be open for middle and high school students. Six locations will be open weekday evenings (Monday – Friday) and will offer a variety of safe and fun activities for students, including a new E-Sports program at Madison, North Division, and South Division sites. All Twilight Centers will operate at a limited capacity and participants must wear masks, available for free on site.
On June 22, Milwaukee Recreation will begin offering free meals at 13 playfields throughout the city with additional sites being added as the summer progresses. In the interest of safety for all staff and participants, the traditional structured play opportunities at these sites will not be offered this season. However, Milwaukee Recreation will unveil a new Mobile Recreation program beginning July 6. Mobile Recreation vehicles will be visiting 15 playfield sites throughout the city multiple times a week for 20-30 minutes, with structured play opportunities and exercise components. Children will have the chance to take home equipment they personally use during these activities. More information and schedules regarding the Mobile Recreation vehicle will be available at mkerec.net/playgrounds.
Milwaukee Recreation will also continue its popular “Rec. At Home” virtual programming. Each week, Milwaukee Recreation instructors will bring free classes to participants in the comfort of their own homes via Facebook Live. Weekly schedules, featuring fitness workouts, cooking classes, outdoor education videos, and more will be posted to the Milwaukee Recreation Facebook and Instagram pages every Sunday afternoon. No registration is required and all classes will be archived on the Milwaukee Recreation Facebook timeline and YouTube channel to watch after sessions conclude. The department has already produced over 200 Rec. At Home videos, generating over 200,000 views.
Milwaukee Recreation remains committed to the safety of staff and participants during this unprecedented time. While this is an ever-changing situation, it is the goal of Milwaukee Recreation to bring programs and services to the community in the best way possible.
Milwaukee Recreation is a department of Milwaukee Public Schools, established in 1911 to enrich and strengthen the community by promoting healthy lifestyles, personal development, and fun through memorable recreational and educational experiences for people of all age and abilities. For more information, visit MilwaukeeRecreation.net or contact Claire McHugh ([email protected]) at (414) 475-8634 or Brian Hoffer ([email protected]) at (414) 475-8938.
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