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RECREATION REPORT
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Informational Item Only
Recreation staff to provide informational updates on Youth Sports, Mobile Recreation, Project Toolbox Teen Local Outings, Fireworks Safety Demonstrations, and National Parks and Recreation Month.
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Summary
Youth Sports
Junior Giants
The Junior Giants Program for 2026 is currently underway with over 450 Stockton youth participating. This flagship program of the San Francisco Giants Community Fund is a free, non-competitive, coed baseball and softball program for youth ages 5 -18. The program supports participants' ability to play by providing gloves, bats, balls, and uniforms at no cost. Additionally, the program focuses on character development, education, health, and bullying prevention. Games will continue through June and July, wrapping up on July 24.
Fall Flag Football, Futsal, and Volleyball
We are currently accepting registration for our Fall season of developmental and recreation youth flag football, futsal, and volleyball leagues through August 12. While our developmental programs for younger children use age-appropriate curriculum and modified equipment to teach fundamentals, our leagues for older youth promote sportsmanship, teamwork, and skill development following more traditional rules of play. Fees for the Start Smart developmental programs are $36.00 per player, and our traditional sports leagues are offered at $55.50 per player. A 25% scholarship can be requested when registering in person at one of our centers.
Mobile Recreation
The Playmobile program kicked off this June, launching a summer of free recreation across more than 30 neighborhood stops. Each visit brings games, crafts, sports, and family-friendly activities directly into local parks and community spaces. This year introduces two exciting literacy additions: the Bookmobile and the Training Wheels literacy vehicle. Selected stops will feature both the Playmobile and one of these literacy vehicles, expanding opportunities for reading and early learning engagement. The program follows a consistent weekly schedule, with sessions offered Sunday through Thursday at various parks and pools. Throughout June, families can expect a blend of recreation, creativity, and literacy support at sites all across the city. This expanded model strengthens community connection while promoting both active play and youth development. A full schedule of
locations, times, and days can be seen in our current activity guide and on our social media platforms.
Project Toolbox Teen Local Outings
The Summer Teen Local Outings program provides safe, supervised drop-off opportunities for teens to stay active and socially connected throughout June and July. Participants enjoy a variety of fun local trips, including visits to West Lane Bowl, Sky Zone, Oak Park Ice Rink, Zap Zone, Victory Park Pool, a Stockton Ports game, and Regal Cinemas for a movie. These weekly outings provide teens with a positive, engaging space to build friendships and create lasting summer memories. Special extended activities, such as the Awake-A-Thon at Arnold Rue Community Center, offer even more chances for teens to bond and participate in unique experiences. Most outings take place on Tuesdays, with one Monday trip and one weekend overnight event. All activities are free and open to youth ages 12-17. Overall, the program supports a safe, enriching, and memorable summer for Stockton teens.
Fireworks Safety Demonstrations and Education
We are hosting our annual series of Fireworks Safety Demonstrations to educate the community on safe and sane fireworks use. Each session will cover the proper handling and disposal of legal fireworks, the dangers associated with illegal fireworks, and how to report unsafe activity in your neighborhood. Community members are encouraged to report illegal fireworks to the Stockton Police Department’s non-emergency line at 209-937-8377 or by visiting StocktonCA.gov/Fireworks. Demonstrations will take place June 22 through June 25 at Stribley, Arnold Rue, Seifert, and Van Buskirk Community Centers, with each event scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. These brief but informative sessions are offered in partnership with the Stockton Fire and Police Departments to help reduce injuries and fire hazards during the busy summer season. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and learn best practices directly from fire personnel. This community outreach effort supports a safer Fourth of July season by empowering residents with clear and accessible safety information.
National Parks and Recreation Month
For over 40 years, the National Recreation and Park Association has chosen July to promote building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. The month is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals, along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers who maintain the country’s local, state, and community parks. This year's theme highlights "The Power Of" parks and recreation and the people who make it all possible. Parks and recreation bring us together, strengthen our health and well-being, and build more resilient, connected communities.
On Tuesday, June 23, President Lockwood will attend the City of Stockton council meeting to receive a proclamation designating July as Parks and Recreation Month, and our department will celebrate the month by offering free weekly special activities and events at our community centers. More details on the activities will be shared with the public through our social media platforms starting June 29.