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RECREATION REPORT
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RECOMMENDATION
Informational Item Only
Recreation staff will provide updates on Stockton Arts Night, Stockton Arts Commission Grants, Youth Sports, Project Toolbox, Aquatics, and Playmobile.
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Summary
Stockton Arts Night
On September 9, 2026, the Stockton Arts Commission hosted its third Stockton Arts Night of the year at the City’s Civic Auditorium. September’s event showcased 8 local artists. The final quarterly event of 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16, at the Civic Auditorium from 4:00-7:00 PM and will focus on youth artists. Applications for local artists to be part of these events are available on the City of Stockton’s website at stocktonca.gov/arts <https://www.stocktonca.gov/arts_in_stockton/stockton_arts_commission.php>.
2026 Stockton Arts Grants and Mural Program
In November, the Stockton Arts Commission will release its 2027 Stockton Arts Grant and Public Mural Grants applications. The Stockton Arts Commission encourages project submissions that support public engagement with and access to various forms of art within the City, the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, learning in the arts at all stages of life, and the integration of the arts into the day-to-day life of our communities. This year, the Stockton Arts Grant program has $ available funds, and the Public Mural Grants program has $50,000.
Guidelines are available on the City’s website, stocktonca.gov/publicart <https://www.stocktonca.gov/arts_in_stockton/public_art/index.php>, and provide guidance for artists and artist teams on the process, criteria, and responsibilities associated with the grant program.
Youth Sports
Youth Sports provides children with the opportunity to participate in sports in a fun, safe, and positive environment. Participants develop teamwork and sportsmanship while learning the fundamentals and skills of each sport.
Registration is currently open for upcoming sports programs and leagues, including Start Smart, Indoor Futsal, and Jr. NBA Basketball. Sports camps and clinics are also open for registration, including Intro to Golf (October 5-8), Soccer (October 16), and Basketball (December 12).
Programs currently underway include Start Smart, Fall Volleyball and NFL Flag Football. Both Fall Volleyball and NFL Flag programs have experienced continued growth over the past few years. From the 2024 Fall season to the 2025 Fall season, Volleyball participation increased by 83% while NFL Flag participation increased by 84%. From the 2025 Fall season to the 2026 Fall season, Volleyball participation grew by 29%, and NFL Flag football participation grew by 24%. All of our Youth Sports offerings are available with a 25% Scholarship discount when requested at the time of registration.
Project Toolbox
To support positive teen engagement, the Project Toolbox program offers seasonal day trips, providing participants with opportunities to explore new experiences, build positive relationships, and participate in healthy recreational activities.
Upcoming outings include:
• Winchester Mystery House - Saturday, October 10
• Lawrence Hall of Science - Saturday, November 14
These free experiences continue to provide teens with safe, enriching opportunities that encourage personal growth, community connection, and positive use of leisure time.
Aquatics
Swim lessons are being offered this Fall at Edison High School, in partnership with Stockton Unified School District. Our swim lessons help participants build confidence in the water while developing essential swimming skills and water safety in a fun and supportive environment.
Swim Lesson Schedule:
• Parent and Child Swim Lessons
o Saturday and Sunday: September 26 - October 18
o Tuesday-Friday: October 24 - November 15
• Preschool Swim Lessons
o Saturday and Sunday: September 26 - October 18
o Saturday and Sunday: October 24 - November 15
• Learn to Swim Lessons
o Saturday and Sunday: September 26 - October 18
o Saturday and Sunday: October 24 - November 15
For a complete list of swim lesson levels and class times, please visit the City of Stockton Activity Guide at Stocktonca.gov/community/recreation/activity guide.
Playmobile
The Playmobile is a mobile recreation and library program on wheels that brings free activities directly to neighborhood parks, offering safe and engaging opportunities for youth and families. This initiative provides games, crafts, sports, reading resources, and positive community interaction led by trained mobile recreation staff. The Fall schedule runs from August 16 through October 1, with Sunday sessions from 1:00-4:00 PM and Tuesday and Thursday sessions from 4:00-6:00 PM. During school Fall Break, October 4-8, the Playmobile will stop at two parks each day, visiting the first park location from 12:00-2:00 PM and the second from 4:00-6:00 PM. These accessible park-based opportunities help strengthen community connections and ensure that recreation and library services remain available to families throughout the season.
For a complete list of park locations, please visit the City of Stockton Activity Guide at Stocktonca.gov/community/recreation/activity guide.