The Lancaster Recreation Commission is an intergovernmental, nonprofit agency. Lancaster City, Lancaster Township and the School District of Lancaster are partners based on an agreement of cooperation and provide funds to support the many recreation programs we offer the community.

Only 17% of our operating budget is funded by tax dollars. Based on population, Lancaster City and Lancaster Township provide a share of our public funding allocation. The School District of Lancaster provides a set dollar amount for each student enrolled in the district. The remainder of our budget is derived from fees, donations, business sponsorships and grant funds, for a total annual budget of approximately 2 million dollars. We also receive a large amount of inkind support from the City, School District and Township by extensively using the schools and parks for our recreation programs. To increase recreation program opportunities for all citizens, we establish cooperative relationships with community agencies and businesses.

Organizational Chart

We were founded in 1909 on a part-time basis as the Lancaster Recreation Association. In 1910, the School Board granted the Recreation Association use of all the school grounds and buildings. In 1911, the School Board gave $2,500 for the year’s program. In 1920, our first full-time Director was hired. We have a long history of involvement with and service to the community. More history.

Our Vision for Recreation in Lancaster

An 11-member board of directors governs our operations. It consists of two school board members, two city council members, one township supervisor or staff member, the city director of public works, the school district business manager, three Lancaster City residents and one Lancaster Township resident. These dedicated people represent the community and contribute their talents and experience to improve the quantity and quality of recreation opportunities. The Commission meets at the Lancaster Recreation Center on the last Wednesday of every other month beginning in January at 12 noon.

Lancaster Recreation Commission Board of Directors Barbara Boben, School Board Roberta Bruns, Sec./Treasurer, Twp. Resident Helen Duncan, City Resident Gerald Harrison, City Resident Charlotte Katzenmoyer, City Dir. of Public Works Nelson Polite, Sr., City Council Matt Przywara, School District Chief Financial Officer William Schulz, Chair, City Resident Suzanne Teske, Vice-Chair, Twp. Adm. Asst. Jose Urdaneta , City Council

Program Locations
We own no property. Instead, we utilize tax-supported resources by holding recreation programs at city and township parks and playgrounds and at public school buildings and grounds. Maintenance of these facilities is the responsibility of our funding partners, the City of Lancaster, Lancaster Township and the School District of Lancaster. The Lancaster Recreation Center is a city-owned building that houses our administrative offices in addition to many recreation programs. Directions

Our Publications
To inform you about the recreation program opportunities available to you, we publish our Recreation Guide four times a year. It includes a catalog listing of upcoming programs and activities. The Recreation Guide is mailed to all Lancaster City and Lancaster Township homes and businesses. Newsletters are distributed for many of our programs, including dance, before and after school age care and Happy Hearts Club older adult activities. Most of our programs have individual flyers that give you the program details.