BUREAU OF RECREATION
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WHAT’S NEW
About the Bureau of Recreation
The Bureau of Recreation proudly offers year-round recreation programming for the City of Harrisburg with the theme of “Focus on the Future” stressing the holistic approach to self improvement, i.e., to improve both the mind and the body through positive, fun-filled, educational, cultural, and sports/fitness related programming; programming that will expose inner-city youth, in particular, to experiences that will broaden their horizons and build their confidence and self-esteem; thus, setting the stage for their development into positive, motivated, young adults.
In addition to the traditional games, sports and fitness workshops, clinics, and leagues, many new games and water activities such as snorkeling, and anger and stress management programs were offered. Carnivals for tennis, basketball, and soccer were offered in place of workshops and leagues for participants of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, whether they resided in the City or not. Nine of the most popular traditional and new programs which attracted thousands of new participants and observers were indoor tennis, The Black History Showcase of Talent, with its auditions, the Fishing Derby, the creation of an ongoing Dance Class, The Black History Month Gala, playground activity days, a visit from the Nickelodeon Helpmobile, Kickboxing, and Cardio-Step Classes. With the seventeenth consecutive year of year-round programming, the credible image of the Bureau continued to grow and further establish it as the local leader in recreation programming and activities in the community. The annual participation figure in all programs for 2001 was 546,860, a 14% increase from 478,180 in 2000.
Both traditional programs and new activities were organized with specific goals in mind to continue to maintain the very credible reputation of the Bureau to offer safe, positive, fun-filled educational, and culturally-diverse, programs at clean, attractive, well-maintained facilities for very minimal registration fees or for no cost at all. The goals consistently set forth each year to guide the Bureau are the following:
- To enrich the quality of life in the community by providing pleasurable andconstructive leisure opportunities for residents of all ages, backgrounds, and socio-economic classes.
- To contribute to the physical, emotional, and social growth, health, and development of participants through various recreational experiences.
- To prevent or minimize destructive uses of leisure time, such as gang behavior and drug abuse by offering young people desirable and enjoyable alternatives.
- To meet the needs of special populations by guaranteeing access to recreation programs on an integrated basis in the community.
- To expand cultural experiences in the community by offering courses, special events, and field trips in the multi-ethnic/native arts, fine arts, and performing arts.
- To provide safety and vocational training and counseling for the recreation bureau program participants and staff.
Seasonal Programming
Programs offered by the Bureau of Recreation change seasonally. To find out more about these seasonal programs and others, follow one of the approriate links below.