Community Center Summer Youth Enrichment Programs
The Metropolitan Nashville Board of Parks and Recreation offers the Summer Enrichment Program for school-aged children at 22 community recreation centers across the city. Children between the ages of 6 and 14 can participate in an organized program that includes competitive sports, organized games, cultural arts, environmental awareness and fitness activities. Programs for teens over 14 are offered at our regional facilities; Coleman, East, Hadley and Hartman. Space is limited for these free programs, so advance application is required.
Application/Registration Information
Summer youth enrichment program application/information forms will be available at all community center locations on May 1. Centers will begin accepting the completed forms on the same day. All forms must be submitted in person at one of the 22 community center locations. Also, each community center will be hosting program information meetings that will be required for all parents who wish to have their children participate in these programs.
Program Dates and Times
The program officially begins on Monday June 1st, and runs through July 31st. Program hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Most community centers are eligible for the daily free lunch service, which is provided for all school-aged children at the site. For specific information on the daily activities offered at each location, as well as information on the lunch service and other details, call any of the 22 community center locations listed below.
This is a “Drop-In” Program
The summer enrichment program operates under a “drop-in” policy. Since many of the youth served by these programs live within walking distance of the centers, participants are free to come and go from park facilities. Metro Parks does not accept any custodial responsibilities for children attending these activities.
Daily Program Activities
The program at each community center is built around a core set of activity types including competitive youth sports, organized games, cultural arts, environmental awareness and fitness. Youth sports include softball, track and field, tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer and flag football. Games such as table tennis, billiards, roller skating, relay races and table games are also part of all programs. Offerings in the area of cultural arts include dance, step team, drawing, music, drama and multi-cultural events. Environmental awareness is focused on through the outdoor program, “People Exploring Nature” summer camp as well as Boy and Girl Scouting programs. Each program also emphasizes fitness through group exercise classes, walking/hiking groups, and weight training. Children also have opportunities to participate in special off-site fieldtrips, sports leagues and other activities that are planned at many of the community centers. Specific activity information and schedules are available at each center.