Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Continues Fall Programming Options for Columbus Residents
COLUMBUS, OH – Registration for the
next round of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s fall programming kicks
off Saturday, Oct. 24 at 8:30 a.m. for the Cultural Arts Center and Monday,
Oct. 26 at 9:30 a.m. for all other programs. Classes take place Nov. 2 through
Dec. 12. Interested participants of all ages can register for programming such
as arts, education, sports and wellness classes.
In
addition to offering its standard recreation programming, the department is
partnering with Columbus City Schools to serve as a Learning Extension Center
(LEC). As a LEC, the department will provide multiple community center-based
Active Learning Points, which serve as safe, fun, adult-supervised spaces for
youth to engage in remote learning while school buildings remain closed.
The
department’s Active Learning Points will continue to operate after children
return to in-school instruction, supporting families with the ongoing need for
safe, out-of-school alternatives.
“I am
excited that we are able to continue providing safe, engaging spaces for
children in our community to learn, remain active and stay on track for
academic success,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “We remain committed to
ensuring all youth in our community have access to the resources needed to
support learning during these unprecedented times.”
Columbus
Recreation and Parks’ Active Learning Points are located at 15 community
centers, including Barnett, Brentnell, Dodge, Far East, Lazelle Woods, Milo
Grogan, Schiller and Scioto Southland.
Students
can bring their laptops or tablets or access a computer onsite, if needed, to
complete and get assistance with schoolwork. The department also offers youth
sports, enrichment activities and arts instruction to support artistic and
athletic needs.
The
City of Columbus prioritizes keeping residents safe and healthy during the
public health emergency, especially the city’s youth. Necessary safety
protocols and adjusted formats for programming will remain, including reduced
group sizes, advanced registration for all programs and facilities and a
face covering requirement.
“We
continue to experience success with our safety protocols, which ensure the
safety of residents and keep our facilities open for public use and enjoyment,”
said Paul Rakosky, interim director of Columbus Recreation and Parks
Department. “We remain focused on doing everything we can to provide
uninterrupted access to programs and services that are valuable to this
community, for free or little cost, in neighborhoods throughout the city.”
Residents
can register online for Active Learning Points, regular center programming and
more, including:
- The Columbus Aquatics Center – Swim lessons,
lap swim, open swim and water fitness.
- Outdoor Recreation – Hiking, canoeing and
fishing.
- The Cultural Arts Center – Adult and senior
arts programming, along with exhibitions in both galleries.
- Get Active Fitness – Fitness rooms, exercise
equipment, group fitness classes and yoga.
- Seniors (50+) – Line and ballroom dance, Tai
Chi and senior fitness.
In
accordance with increased safety protocols, residents will need to register in
advance for all activities, including fitness room use, and open swim and lap
swim. More information, including
program schedules and registration details, is available on the department’s
website.
For a
full list of department-related programs and activities, visit ColumbusRecParks.com.
For additional resources and information about COVID-19 safety, visit Columbus
Public Health, Ohio Department of Health or Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, Ohio
residents with specific questions related to COVID-19 can also call
833-4-ASK-ODH (833-427-5634).