It is a summer unlike any other. Many businesses are closed or just partially open, families are staying indoors, and for the first time in decades, the City of Takoma Park cancelled all summer camps. Unfortunately, after carefully evaluating the health guidelines related to COVID-19 and ongoing discussions with our local officials, the City made the difficult decision to cancel all in-person summer camps for the 2020 summer season.

Now, nearly everyone is stuck at home trying to figure out what’s going to happen next during the pandemic. Parents are desperate for answers, while camps are scrambling to come up with a plan to avoid complete shutdown. Though we are disappointed that we’re unable to offer our regular camps this year, it’s Takoma REConnect to the rescue! We told one of our parents from last year’s camp about this new program, and she said, “This sounds great! Since this pandemic, we have been looking for something safe and appealing for our children. This is the answer. Based on past experiences with the Recreation Department, I know that Takoma REConnect will rock!”

We will provide a free virtual summer program opportunity for the residents of Takoma Park. Through this program, registered residents will have the opportunity to connect with staff and friends by participating in a special twist of fun and traditional camp crafts, games and activities. We won’t allow youth to be distracted with a computer screen. We will help the kids realize that a tablet/computer is an avenue to similar camp instruction that they would receive at an actual camp.

Our goal is to keep the youth active and Takoma REConnected with a safe and engaging program that is much more than just passive screen time. Gregory Clark, the director of the Takoma Park Recreation Department, believes that Takoma REConnect is a “great opportunity because of the uncertain times that we’re in. This program is a chance for us to deliver services for youth ages 6–12, that is not only fun, but can be safely done at home.”

The program is for children ages 6–12 and will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are two, forty-five-minute sessions; 6–9 year olds from 10–10:45 a.m. and 10–12 years olds from 1–1:45 p.m. Registration has already opened and space is limited. If you have any questions regarding programs and classes, please contact us at recreation@takomparkmd.gov or 301- 891-7290.

This article appeared in the July 2020 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.  

Dear Recreation Friends and Participants,

With the updated guidance provided by the Montgomery County Executive, we know we are all safest at home and we continue to follow the stay-at-home order, as well as the guidance of our state and local public health officials. We know, too, that you have questions about summer camps and programs, especially now that schools are closed.

The Recreation Department is working on plans for a fun and safe summer season of virtual activities and classes while being mindful of the challenges presented by COVID-19. Safety standards will require us to restructure the way we deliver leisure services, and we are working with the County and other local jurisdictions to see how our services might be provided. These decisions were not made lightly and take into account the safety of the participants and staff.

After careful consideration, we’ve made the following determination regarding our services. As information changes, we are committed to providing you updated information as quickly as possible:

• Summer Camps: All in-person summer camps are canceled for the summer and we are working to process refunds. Look for an email shortly detailing options for refunds. All camp auto payments scheduled for June 1 have also been canceled. Updates detailing future virtual summer camp offerings will be provided as soon as they are available.
• Child Care Programs: We are actively working to refund the remaining Morning/Afternoon Addition and After the Bell fees (if applicable). We are waiting to hear MCPS’s final plans for the next school year before developing a comparable program and accepting registrations.  Please contact Recreation@takomaparkmd.gov for more information. 
• Facility Rentals: All rentals through June 30, 2020 have been canceled and refunds are being processed. If you have any questions regarding your refund, please check your ActiveNet account or email us at Recreation@takomaparkmd.gov.
• Memberships: We’ve stopped auto-renewals of all memberships at the Takoma Park Recreation Center and will extend the membership according to the length of time that the City was closed. Please send questions to Recreation@takomaparkmd.gov.
• Summer Registration: Registration for our virtual summer classes and activities will soon open; watch for dates on the City’s social media pages. Classes will begin in July and will be free or have a nominal registration fee.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email us at Recreation@takomaparkmd.gov or call the Recreation Office during normal business hours at 301-891-7290.

Please stay home and stay safe. To participate in our exciting programs and activities from home, visit us at our virtual Community Center at https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/recreation/virtual-community-center/ 

Continue to be safe and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Gregory Clark

Director, Recreation Department
City of Takoma Park

Full letter here

TPRD’s Winter Class Registration begins Thursday, December 12 for Takoma Park Residents.

Registration for all Winter 2020 classes and programs (unless otherwise noted) will begin Thursday, December 12th at 8:30 a.m. online as well as in person for City residents only. Don’t wait to register, programs fill up fast! For more information, please visit us online at www.takomaparkmd.gov/government/recreation, or contact the Recreation Department at 301-891-7290.

Review the City Guide here.

Non-resident registration opens Thursday, December 19th.