The Summer Playgrounds & Wading Pools program has ended for the 2023 summer. We look forward to seeing you next year!

The Summer Playgrounds & Wading Pools program is a FREE, 8-week drop-in program for youth ages 6-13. Wading pools open at each site at 12 p.m. so kids can cool off from the summer heat. Free lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. for all children 18 and under.

Children ages 6-13 are welcome to use the wading pool. Children ages 5 & under must have a parent or guardian in the water with them. Children 3 & under must wear a littler swimmer diaper. A Lancaster Rec supervisor visits each playground at least once each day.

The Summer Playgrounds & Wading Pools program keeps the following schedule:

  • 11:30 a.m. – Playgrounds open / Lunch is served to all children 18 and under
  • 12 p.m. – Wading pools open
  • 3-3:30 p.m. – Wading pools close for a break, snack is served to all children 18 and under
  • 3:30-4:30 p.m – Wading pools are open

We ask that you please register your child on your first visit to the Summer Playgrounds & Wading Pools program. Please be respectful of our playground leaders and follow the program rules. Please note that smoking is not permitted at any of our playgrounds.

If you are age 18+ and looking for a part-time summer job, we are hiring Summer Playgrounds & Wading Pools staff. Please complete an application and email it to Leida at lcollazo@LancasterRec.org or drop off at the Lancaster Rec Center between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Locations and Availability

The Summer Playgrounds & Wading Pools program is open:
Monday – Friday, June – August from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

  • Buchanan Park - Buchanan and Race Avenues
  • Culliton Park – Farnum and Water Streets
  • Reservoir Park – East Orange and Reservoir Streets
  • King Elementary School – South Duke Street
  • Rodney Park – Third and Crystal Streets
  • Sixth Ward Park – Hamilton and East Ross Streets

Details

A nutritious lunch and snack are served free of charge at all playground sites daily to all children 18 and under. Lunch time is at 11:30 a.m. and snack time is at 3 p.m. Wading pools close for snack to be served.

The Summer Playgrounds & Wading Pools program is not a babysitting service. Children are free to come and go as they please. We are not responsible if your child leaves the playground without your permission. Playground leaders remain at the playground only until closing time. Leaders will leave at closing time, even if children have not been picked up.

The playground closes during severe weather as structures on the playground do not provide adequate protection.

Registration

As parent or guardian, you must register your children for the Summer Playgrounds & Wading Pools program using our registration form. You may register at the Lancaster Rec office prior to the summer program’s opening day, or at any of the playgrounds after opening day. General rules for the children to follow, consequences of rules violation and inclement weather rules are provided at registration. All children must be registered before they can attend the Summer Playgrounds & Wading Pools program.

If you have questions concerning the program, contact Leida at lcollazo@LancasterRec.org or at 717-392-2115 x140.

Registration Form, Rules and Waiver Haga clic aquí para la versión en español.