For summer 2022, we will open the Summer Playground and Wading Pool Program at Buchanan Park, Culliton Park and Reservoir Park. All other locations will be closed at this time until staff can be hired.

If you are age 18+ and looking for a part-time summer job, we are hiring Summer Playground and Wading Pool Staff for King Park, Rodney Park and Sixth Ward Park. 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. and 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

The Summer Playground and Wading Pool Program is a free, 8-week drop-in program for youth ages 6-13. Wading pools open at each site at noon 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 Playground and Wading Pool 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 Playground and Wading Pool 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.

Locations and Availability

The Summer Playground and Wading Pool Program is open:
Monday – Friday, June 13 – August 5 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 (currently not open)
  • Rodney Park – Third and Crystal Streets (currently not open)
  • Sixth Ward Park – Hamilton and East Ross Streets (currently not open)

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 approximately 11:30 a.m. Snack time is 3 p.m. Wading pools close for snack to be served.

The Summer Playground and Wading Pool 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 Playground and Wading Pool 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 Playground and Wading Pool Program.

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

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