Parents who crave the convenience of fun, educational play for their little ones close to home can check out the City of Glendale’s innovative REC on Wheels program, which will roll into Chaparral Park on April 25.
REC on Wheels provides FREE outdoor recreation programs and activities to parks around Glendale. The main goal is to engage children in play to boost their health and wellness through safe physical activity that also keeps their minds active. Children can drop in on the program to play soccer, baseball, mini-golf and cornhole, as well as participate in board games and use their imagination to create LEGO structures. The popular Jenga and large Connect Four games also add to the fun and friendly competition outdoors. This is a drop-off program, where participants can play and leave as they like, but parents should stay at the site with their children if their little ones are ages 5 and younger.
The next REC on Wheels will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on April 25 at Chapparal Park at 57th Avenue and Greenbriar Drive. This park features basketball, volleyball, tennis and racquetball courts, as well as baseball and soccer fields, an interactive playground, a fitness course, picnic tables and other features that enhance children and adults’ recreational experiences. The fun will continue with the Glendale Family Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 4 at the GESD System of Care Center at 7677 W. Bethany Home Road.
REC on Wheels is available for children of all ages but it targets those in grades kindergarten through eighth. Glendale employees offer general supervision to ensure equipment is being used safely and occasionally to facilitate group games, but they encourage youths to enjoy leading activities independently.
“Our department strives to enrich the lives of our residents and visitors by offering unforgettable experiences and learning opportunities,” City of Glendale Parks and Recreation Director John Kennedy said. “REC on Wheels is one of the creative ways our dedicated team helps families involve their children of all ages in enriching experiences that foster their physical, mental, social and emotional growth while bringing smiles to children’s faces in a safe, supportive atmosphere in our beautiful parks around Glendale.”
Glendale’s Parks and Recreation Department is proud to have received Agency Accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), demonstrating its commitment to the park and recreation field. This distinction shows the City of Glendale complies with standards deemed essential for the quality of services delivered and the professionalism of its operational system, as well has having accomplished best management practices.
To learn more, visit, h
ttps://www.glendaleaz.com/play/parks_and_recreation/rec_on_wheels