title
RECREATION REPORT
recommended action
Informational Item Only
Recreation staff will provide updates on Eggstravaganza Events, Project Toolbox Events, Lifeguard Classes, Youth Sports, and Summer Meals.
body
Summary
Eggstravaganza Events
The community centers hosted our annual Eggstravaganza events on Saturday, March 28. The events included springtime games, refreshments, performers, community information booths, and, of course, our egg hunts with over 4,000 eggs at each location. Arnold Rue, Seifert, Stribley, and Van Buskirk Community Centers.
Project Toolbox
The Community Services Department hosted its annual Teen Career and Resource Expo on Saturday, March 14, at the Arnold Rue Community Center. This year’s event provided teens with meaningful opportunities to explore future career paths by engaging with more than twelve exhibitors and participating in educational activities, including the Bite of Reality financial workshop. Attendees connected with professionals, explored hands-on demonstrations, and gained valuable insight into completing job applications.
In a new collaboration for 2026, the department partnered with the City’s Human Resources Department to offer on-site, in-person interviews for part-time positions within Community Services. HR staff also facilitated same-day pre-employment testing, including fingerprinting, allowing teens to move quickly through the hiring process.
The impact was significant: 44 interviews were conducted, 33 teens completed on-site fingerprinting, and 27 teens received job offers before leaving the event.
Also, Spring is bringing big excitement to our teen programming as Project Toolbox gears up for a high-energy adventure at California’s Great America-a destination that never disappoints. Teens are invited to dive into a full day of thrills in Santa Clara, where more than 50 rides, a sprawling water park, live entertainment, and immersive themed zones set the stage for nonstop fun.
This year’s trip takes place Saturday, May 9, 2026, and as always, the program remains completely free for participants, covering admission, transportation, and lunch to ensure every teen can join the experience. Families can learn more during our Information Night on Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m., hosted at the Stribley Community Center, 1760 E. Sonora Street, 95205. Registration is open now through Saturday, April 18, and spaces are expected to fill quickly given the popularity of our teen day trips.
We’re thrilled to continue offering these meaningful, memorable outings that promote connection, exploration, and positive recreation opportunities for Stockton youth.
Lifeguarding Certification Classes
The Community Services Department is continuing its strong push to recruit and develop qualified aquatics staff through the City’s Lifeguard Training Program. As part of this effort, a full series of certification classes is being offered this spring, with multiple sessions available throughout April to ensure broad access for interested teens and young adults.
The April training schedule includes four class options:
• April 4-6
• April 12-14
• April 18-20
• April 25-27
These intensive certification sessions guide participants through all required American Red Cross lifeguard training components, including water rescue skills, first aid, CPR, AED, and Title 22 content, equipping them with the knowledge and abilities needed to keep pools safe throughout the summer season.
Youth Sports
The Community Services Department is accepting registration for two youth soccer offerings designed to build skills, confidence, and community engagement for young players.
Start Smart Outdoor Soccer, a foundational parent-child program, begins its spring session in April. Families may register through April 7, with the season running April 13 through May 23. Participants select one weekly session, Monday, Friday, or Saturday, with weekday sessions held at the Stockton Soccer Complex and Saturday sessions at Stribley Park. The program fee is $36.00 per player
For players ready to advance into structured team play, the department is offering the MLS GO! Outdoor Soccer - Spring Session. Practices begin April 6, held on Monday evenings, followed by a six-game Friday night schedule from April 17 through May 22 at the Stockton Soccer Complex. The individual registration fee is $55.50, supporting a high-quality recreation league aligned with national MLS GO! program standards. For both opportunities, we offer a 25% scholarship discount when requested at the time of registration.
As an update, Youth Volleyball continues to experience exceptional growth, marking Spring 2026 as the program’s strongest season on record. According to participation data reported by our Youth Sports staff, the Spring 2026 season has reached 271 individual registrations, the highest number recorded since at least 2018.
Registration trends over recent seasons reflect consistent, sustained expansion of the program. This growth represents a 141% increase in participation since Fall 2024, a 32% increase compared to Spring 2025, and a 30% increase over Fall 2025.
The continued rise in enrollment highlights the community’s strong interest in youth volleyball and reflects the department’s efforts to expand access, strengthen program quality, and support the development of youth sports across Stockton.
Summer Meals
The Community Services Department is partnering once again with Stockton Unified School District and Manteca Unified School District to provide free summer meals for individuals under 18. Meals will be available at specific City of Stockton libraries, community centers, and selected parks in the Weston Ranch area. Each year, the department works closely with both districts to coordinate locations, schedules, and program needs. Final distribution dates and times for summer 2026 will be confirmed in March, with the full schedule published in the upcoming Summer Activity Guide.