City of San Antonio announces changes in summer youth recreation fees

The City of San Antonio announced Saturday that fees for the Parks and Recreation Department’s summer youth recreation programs have been reduced to ensure lower to middle income working families have full access.

At a press conference with representatives from COPS/Metro Alliance, Mayor Phil Hardberger and Councilwoman Delicia Herrera unveiled the changes, which combine the two lowest income levels into one, with a rate of $20 for the first child and a family maximum of $40 for the entire summer.

“It’s important for people to know that no child will be turned away from this program, regardless of their family’s income,” Mayor Hardberger said. “We will work with families to make sure they can participate.”

Registration continues through June 13 for the Kid Quest program, which offers eight weeks of art and science activities, sports, crafts and games at area schools and community centers.

City staff will continue to work with families through the Department of Community Initiatives’ Affordability Program to find the necessary resources to register their children. For those who have difficulty verifying income, paperwork such as utility bills that include proof of address can be used as proof.

The summer recreation program fee was approved in September 2007 by City Council when the budget was adopted. The program was expanded this year to serve a larger number of children.

Kid Quest offers 10 hours of programming Monday through Friday from June 16 to Aug. 8. It includes a free hot lunch and snack. Children ages 6 to 12 are eligible to attend.

Parents can register their children through June 13 at the Recreation Office at the Catholic Life Insurance Building, 1635 N.E. Loop 410, Suite 700, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours are extended to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday.

After June 13, parents can also register their children on-site at the school site of their choice on the first day of the program as long as openings continue to be available. Program staff will explore other options with parents if their first choice is no longer available.

For more information, call (210) 207-3000 or visit the web site at www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec.