The Lancaster Recreation Commission (Lancaster Rec) is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency formed by a partnership agreement between the City of Lancaster, School District of Lancaster and Lancaster Township. Our administrative offices are located at the Lancaster Recreation Center.

Operating since 1909, we provide neighborhood-based recreation and learning opportunities for all ages – with an emphasis on affordable programs for children – at schools, parks, playgrounds, and other indoor and outdoor facilities.

Programs include youth and adult instructional sports programs and leagues, senior centers, fitness and wellness classes, summer playgrounds and day camps, full-day child care for infants through age 5, club activities, before and after school care, preschool education and seasonal family events.

Our most important functions are the intangible ones – family interaction, the friends we make, memories of playing on the playground, being part of a team or learning to swim. Our recreation services bring people together and make our community stronger. To truly learn about Lancaster Rec, join one of our classes, programs or events.

 

Our mission is to provide quality and affordable recreation and learning opportunities to Lancaster residents.

Our Vision: A healthy community strengthened and brought together by recreation

We believe sports, recreation, fun and exploring new interests is for everyone, regardless of age. Along with improving health, there’s the added benefit of being connected to others and learning from each other. That’s why we offer a range of recreational activities, events and programs.

Our Strategy

We will achieve our mission and philosophy through strategic areas of focus on long-term financial viability, branding, distinguished programming and physical literacy. Learn more about our areas of focus, priorities and success indicators by downloading our 2019-2023 Strategic Plan.

Our Sustainability

Each year we take a look at how the programs, activities and services Lancaster Rec offers fits within our scope of building an active, healthy future for our community. Learn more about the past year’s activities by downloading our Annual Report.

Our Capabilities

As a community partnership of the City of Lancaster, School District of Lancaster and Lancaster Township, we have served as a healthy haven for children, families, adults and seniors for more than 100 years. Learn more about our recreational and educational programs by downloading our Teaming with Our Community brochure.

Our Culture

At the Lancaster Recreation Commission, we reach for excellence to serve our community in the best way possible. View a list of our Culture Characteristics that describe our shared values and our commitment to our work.

Our Youth Sports Scholarship

Lancaster Rec has formed the Lancaster Rec Foundation. Funds will be used to provide scholarships to children and provide expanded training and mentoring for youth sports coaches. As a 501(c)3 organization, contributions to Lancaster Rec Foundation are tax deductible.

Our Diverse Community

In fulfilling our mission, we believe in giving everyone that walks through our doors, participates in our programming or is impacted by it, a positive and equal experience - regardless of race, sexuality or gender identity.

Our Board of Directors

We are governed by an 11-member volunteer board that represents our partners – the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township, and the School District of Lancaster – whose cooperative support provides Lancaster Rec with the funding and facilities use necessary to offer an extensive schedule of recreation and learning opportunities for all ages.

Our recreation services bring people together and make our community stronger.

Lancaster Recreation Commission Board Officers

  • John Carpenter, Chair – City Resident
  • Jaime Arroyo, Vice Chair – City Councilman
  • Drew Schenk, Secretary/Treasurer – Interim School District Chief Financial & Operations Officer

Board Members

  • Amanda Bakay, City Councilwoman
  • Stephen Campbell, Director of Public Works
  • Ramon Escudero, School Board Member
  • Iber Guerrero Lopez, Township Supervisor
  • Jason O’Malley, Township Resident
  • Sean Post, City Resident
  • Kareena Rios, School Board Member
  • Mark Sandblade, City Resident

 

Board meetings are open to the public. Find our board meeting schedule here.