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RECREATION REPORT
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Informational Item Only
Recreation staff will provide informational updates on the Walking Program at the Oak Park Senior Center and the Community Center’s December Special Programs and Events.
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Summary
Oak Park Community Walking Program Summary
The Oak Park Community Walking Program demonstrated the power of movement and community connection in Stockton. Over the course of 42 community walks this Summer and Fall, the program engaged 102 residents, averaging 21 walkers per session and generating significant health and engagement outcomes. Participants collectively walked more than 5.2 million steps, equivalent to approximately 2,085 miles.
In addition to weekly walks, participants took part in health and nutrition education, Walk with a Doc sessions, food demonstrations, and farmers’ market distributions, supporting healthy habits and improving access to local resources. Walks were hosted in English, Spanish, and Khmer, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming environment for diverse residents.
The program also saw strong ongoing participation, with several walkers achieving perfect attendance, many joining 75% or more of sessions, and multiple participants stepping forward as volunteer walk leaders, which demonstrates deep community investment and leadership development. Participants collectively burned an estimated 72,979 calories, equivalent to approximately 20.85 pounds of weight loss.
This initiative was made possible through a collaborative partnership with Dignity Health, San Joaquin County Public Health Services, CalFresh Healthy Living, and the Center for Wellness & Nutrition. The program remains part of the Community Services Department at the Oak Park Senior Center.
Community Center’s December Special Programs and Events
Holiday Workshops
The City of Stockton Community Services Department will host the annual Holiday Workshops in December 2025, offering free, family-friendly activities across multiple community centers and library locations. Designed to promote community engagement and celebrate the winter season, the program provides opportunities for children, families, and residents of all ages to enjoy crafts, games, and festive experiences. Events will take place December 15-18 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Arnold Rue, Seifert, Van Buskirk, and Stribley Community Centers. On December 18, the Weston Ranch Library will also host an afternoon workshop from 3:30 to 5:00 PM, followed by a special sneak-peek celebration at the new Ursula Meyer Library & Community Center from 5:00 to 7:30 PM on December 19, 2025. All events are free and open to the public. As an update on our Fall Harvest Festivals that were held at the end of October, the community centers welcomed over 750 attendees across the four locations.
Winter Theater Camp
The City of Stockton Community Services Department, in partnership with Missoula Children’s Theatre, will host a free week-long theater camp at Stribley Community Center, December 8-13, 2025. Youth ages 6-18 will audition, rehearse, and perform in two fully staged productions of an adaptation of Hansel & Gretel.
Camp runs Monday-Friday, 3:30-8:00 PM, with final performances on Saturday at 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM. Led by professional teaching artists, the program helps participants build confidence, teamwork, communication, and creative expression.
This initiative expands access to arts and cultural programming in Stockton, providing a meaningful, educational, and accessible experience for young people. Space is limited, and participation is free.
Cookies with Santa
Cookies with Santa will be held on December 23, 2025, at the Oak Park Senior Center from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Santa's workshop, located at the Oak Park Senior Center, will feature holiday crafting stations, cookie decorating, hot cocoa, and a chance to take pictures with Santa. We encourage our senior members to bring their grandkids and family to participate in spreading holiday joy. Cookies with Santa is a free event for city-wide senior members.
Winter Camp
The City of Stockton Community Services Department will offer Discovery Camp for children ages 5-12 during winter break. The program runs for two weeks: December 22-26 (closed December 25) and December 29-January 2 (closed January 1) at Arnold Rue, Van Buskirk, Seifert, and Stribley Community Centers, and Egusa Gymnasium, adjacent to August Knodt Elementary School.
Camp operates 7:30 AM-5:30 PM daily, providing structured activities, creative projects, and games to support social, emotional, and physical development. Weekly registration is $64 per child.
Discovery Camp offers a safe, engaging, and fun environment, helping children stay active and connected during winter break. Space is limited, so we recommend registering soon.