Rec Center Seeks Summer Camp Applications
So far, less than 100 kids have signed up for the program, which is slated to begin next month.
Last year, the New Port Richey City Council proposed raising the fees for the recreation center’s summer program to a level that was unaffordable for most families.
Due to intense media coverage and public outcry, the council wisely backed off the plan. However, there was little in the press regarding the council’s decision to drop the proposed increase and remain at the rates that were in effect at the start of the 2011 summer camp. When registration for the 2012 summer program opened in April, it became evident that not many people were aware that the fees remain the same as last year.
Normally the recreation center has a line out the door on the day registration opens with people rushing to fill the approximately 170 open slots before they are all taken. So far, less than 100 kids have signed up for the program, which is slated to begin next month.
The New Port Richey Parks & Recreation Advisory Board is concerned with the tough economic challenges facing the recreation center. As one can imagine, if the summer program is not filled then there will be an even greater fiscal strain on the center. Families that participated last summer but decided they could not afford the rates that were proposed may be pleased to learn that the recreation center’s summer camp continues to be one of, if not the most, affordable summer program in West Pasco.
The eight-week camp for kids 6-12 years of age begins June 18 and runs through August 10 (Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM).
The cost for city residents is $400 per child for all 8 weeks or $120 per child for any two consecutive weeks. For non-residents the fee is $480 for all 8 weeks or $140 for any two consecutive weeks.
If you were unaware that the camp fee is the same extremely affordable level it was last summer, please consider this an invitation to sign up for this year’s program. If you are not familiar with the summer camp then this is a great time to sign up and become part of Pasco’s fun and exciting way to pass the school break. If you need more information or would like to register for the summer camp please call (727) 841-4560, visit the city’s website: www.cityofnewportrichey.org or stop by the recreation center at 6630 Van Buren Street, New Port Richey.
Greg Giordano is vice-Chair of the New Port Richey Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
kathy
6:16 pm on Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Are you nuts...WAY too Expensive....I'm a 40 year resident...LOWER the rates!!!! and your begging for people to sign up???? get real
Greg Giordano
10:52 am on Thursday, May 10, 2012
Kathy,
Thank you for your comment. I do want to point out that the city council recently approved raising the rec center's membership fees, but this article discusses the fees for the summer camp only. The 2012 fees are identical to 2011's, despite an early effort to raise them. I don't know of any summer camp that costs a mere $40 per resident child per week. With 10 hours a day of child care available it is truly a bargain that can't be beat
Thanks again for taking the time to leave a note.
Greg
Vicki Paganus
8:52 am on Saturday, May 26, 2012
I would love to send my child to the rec center this summer but being a non-resident of NPR and a single mother it is way too expensive for me. Are there any programs for children of lower income/reduced lunch?