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RECREATION REPORT
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Informational Item Only
Recreation staff to provide informational updates on Stockton Art Nights, the 2026 Stockton Arts Grant Program, Youth Sports, and Winter Theater Camp.
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Summary
Stockton Arts Night
On September 10, 2025, the Stockton Arts Commission hosted its third Stockton Arts Night of the year at the City’s Civic Auditorium. September’s event showcased 15 local artists and performers, with the Commission welcoming over 100 attendees. The final quarterly event of 2025 is scheduled for December 10 at the Civic Auditorium from 4:00 - 7:00 PM. 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 Grant
On October 22, 2025, the Stockton Arts Commission will release its 2026 Stockton Arts Grant Application. The purpose of the Stockton Arts Grant program is to support local artists and art organizations and engage Stockton residents with diverse and outstanding arts projects. 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 program has $100,000 in available funds.
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 artist(s) and artists teams on the process, criteria, and responsibilities associated.
Youth Sports
Our Start Smart youth sports series offers engaging and age-appropriate programs designed to introduce young children to the fundamentals of sports in a fun and supportive environment.
The Skills & Drills program, designed for children ages 3-4, is an interactive six-week session where children and parents participate together in activities that build fundamental motor skills and introduce the foundational elements of various sports. This hands-on approach encourages learning through play while promoting coordination, confidence, and teamwork. For children ages 5-6, the Start Smart Game On! program provides a natural progression from Skills & Drills. Also offered over six weeks, this transitional program emphasizes enhanced skill development and introduces participants to the structure of team play. Sessions include both practice drills and scrimmage games, helping young athletes gain confidence and prepare for future league participation. The Start Smart Basketball season will run from January through March, and registration is currently open. The fee is $36.00 per player.
For those ready for league play, our Jr. NBA Youth Basketball program offers a more competitive experience. Registration closes January 11, with practices beginning the third week of January. Games will be held at various community centers, to be determined. The registration fee is $55.50 per individual player or $324.00 per team, and scholarships are available to help ensure all interested participants can join.
Winter Theater Camp
In partnership with Missoula Children’s Theater, the City will host a weeklong theater experience this winter featuring an original adaptation of The Tortoise and the Hare. This engaging and imaginative program offers children the opportunity to participate either on stage as performers or behind the scenes assisting with direction and production.
Throughout the week, participants will audition, in which everyone is guaranteed a role, rehearse their lines, build friendships, and prepare for two live performances at the end of the week. The program provides a fun and supportive environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and self-expression while helping children develop communication skills and self-confidence.
The program is open to youth ages 6-18 (1st through 12th grade) and will take place December 8-13. Registration is required to participate, and this program is free.