Michelle Lynch: Reading Recreation Commission is ramping up summer programs for youths

May 6—The Reading Recreation Commission is ramping up its programs and special events as the community emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

"We have a lot of cool things going on," said Daphne Klahr, commission executive director. "It's exciting to get back into programming again."

The level of programming is returning to or exceeding pre-COVID levels, she said.

"It's been a stressful two years," Klahr said. "If you think about a traffic light, we were in yellow."

It's full speed ahead now as summer programs and events are set to start.

Klahr updated City Council recently on upcoming activities and those in full swing.

A number of new recreation opportunities will be aimed at city teens, she said.

Success for Teens will continue with two sessions scheduled for Saturdays in May at the Third and Spruce Recreation Center.

Activities include cooking and art instruction, open gym play and music by a local DJ.

An upcoming new series for teens, Knights at the Rec, will focus on socializing in a safe environment.

The idea grew from discussions with city youth, who asked for more teen-specific programming, Klahr said.

The recreation center gym and game room will be open free of charge to city teens in grades nine through 12, from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on select Saturday nights in May and June. Activities will include dancing to music by a DJ, and refreshments will be provided.

The program will be offered in collaboration with the Reading police and fire departments and the help of volunteers from Mayor Eddie Moran's Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, Klahr said.

Valid Reading School District student identification is required.

"I can't say thank you enough to the Reading police and fire departments for helping us make this happen," Klahr said, also adding her thanks to mayor's staff.

Knights at the Rec is not the only activity offered in collaboration with the city's first responders.

A Boots vs. Badges basketball game, rescheduled after cancellation in 2020 due to COVID-19, will take place in May.

Members of the police and fire departments will lead opposing teams of city youth on the court in Reading High School's Geigle Sports Complex.

In addition to programs aimed at teens, the recreation commission has activities for all ages, Klahr said.

An upcoming movie night at Essick Playground in June will be held in conjunction with the Reading Film Fest and the help of the Reading Rotary Club, and a July 4 celebration at Schlegel Pool will focus on family fun, she said.

The city-owned pool will reopen this year after being closed for two years and undergoing major refurbishing.

Registration is now open for the city's annual summer playground program, Klahr said. Swim, art and other special interest camps also will be offered in partnership with Berks Nature, Reading Public Museum, Reading Public Library and other organizations.

Wacky Water Wednesdays will be back at select city fire hydrants this summer.

Moran launched a pop-up spray park initiative in 2020 to provide kids a unique and fun way to cool off during the hotter months. The program is a collaboration of the city fire department, Reading Area Water Authority, the mayor's office and Helping Harvest.

"It has been just amazing over the past few years," Klahr said, "and so we are continuing this great tradition."

For a full list of programs, events and activities and more information, visit www.readingrec.org.