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RECREATION REPORT
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Informational Item Only
Recreation staff will provide updates on the Parks and Recreation Month, Aquatics, Project Toolbox, and National Night Out.
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Summary
Parks and Recreation Month
This July marks the 40th anniversary of Parks and Recreation Month, established by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) in 1985. Each year, we join agencies across the country in recognizing the vital role that parks and recreation professionals play in enhancing the health, well-being, and quality of life in our communities.
The 2025 theme, “Build Together, Play Together,” celebrates the collective impact of over 160,000 full-time professionals and countless part-time staff and volunteers. This theme highlights our commitment to:
• Creating sustainable and accessible green spaces,
• Fostering healthy, connected communities,
• Offering inclusive, high-quality programs, and
• Encouraging joyful play through diverse activities.
This year, to highlight our park and recreation efforts, we scheduled a full month of daily drop-in activities at parks and community centers across the city, and no registration was required. Examples of events included teen outings, flag football instruction, pickleball tournaments, painting classes, Playmobile visits, a “Dive-In Movie” at Holiday Park Pool, and more.
Aquatics
Learn to Swim Program
This summer, 360 participants received free swim lessons through our Learn to Swim initiative, funded by the Brian M. Stocker Fund in partnership with the San Joaquin Community Foundation. The program focused on water safety and foundational swim skills for youth, particularly in underserved communities. Program funds have been fully utilized for the season.
New Partnership With Manteca Unified School District - Weston Ranch Pool Access
We launched a new collaboration with Manteca Unified School District to open the Weston Ranch High School Pool for public recreational swim in July. Operating from 12:00 to 6:00 PM, this program provided free access to residents in Weston Ranch and has been well-received. We are exploring options to continue this partnership in future summers.
Project Toolbox
To support positive youth engagement, the Project Toolbox program has offered weekly teen outings throughout the summer. Participants have enjoyed trips to:
• West Lane Bowl
• Zap Zone
• Underground Arcade
• Sky Zone
• Stockton Ports baseball game
Upcoming destinations include Regal Cinemas and Pacific Bowl.
The program also includes educational enrichment, such as a recent trip to the Marine Science Institute and a guided nature experience with Gaia Guides. These outings promote learning, exploration, and social connections for local teens.
National Night Out
Staff are working on the final logistics for our National Night Out events and activities slated for Tuesday, August 5. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. We will be celebrating this annual event at six locations: Louis Park Softball Complex, Oak Park Senior Center, Rue Community Center, Seifert Community Center, Stribley Community Center, and Van Buskirk Community Center. Each site will feature informational booths, arts and crafts, games, entertainment, and refreshments. These events aim to strengthen community bonds and foster safer neighborhoods. All event times are 5:00 - 8:00 PM.
Additional Notes
Budget Presentations
Parks and Recreation Division budget presentations are scheduled for delivery at the September 22 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting.
Playmobile Expansion
The Playmobile continues to offer pop-up recreation throughout the summer at City of Stockton parks. Starting this fall, we plan to expand the service to include Sundays to increase weekend programming access for families.