City of St. Louis Recreation Centers to Hold Camp Open House for Parents and Kids, Distribute Free Gun Locks

As registration for the City’s free summer camps opens, St. Louis’ Recreation Division will hold a series of open house days throughout the week at neighborhood recreation centers for parents and families to meet recreation center staff, preview programming, and register. April 4 is the first day St. Louisans can register for the City’s free summer camps with registration for the first camp session running through May 12. Registration is free, and St. Louis City residency is required.

“Our recreation centers offer our kids a safe place to go to have fun, learn from each other, and build the life skills they need to succeed,” said Recreation Division Commissioner Evelyn Rice-Peebles. “The Recreation Division is ready to help make this summer the best it can be for children and families, and I encourage everyone to drop by their neighborhood recreation center this week to check out all the programs we offer and meet our dedicated staff.”

Starting April 4, residents can visit stlcityrec.recdesk.com to check out options and register for summer camps. Those without internet access can call 314-289-5320 or stop by any recreation center during operating hours to register for programs. The open-house opportunities below will help staff connect with parents in their neighborhoods and offer parents the opportunity to preview some camp activities:

• Marquette Recreation Center, 4025 Minnesota Ave.
  Tuesday, April 5, 3pm-8pm
• 12th & Park Recreation Center, 1410 S. Tucker Blvd.
  Tuesday, April 5, 9am-7:30pm
• Wohl Recreation Center, 1515 N. Kingshighway Blvd.
  Thursday, April 7, 12:30pm-7pm
• Buder Recreation Center, 2900 Hickory St.
  Thursday, April 7, 12pm-4pm
• Tandy Recreation Center, 4206 Kennerly Ave.
  Friday, April 8, 12pm-6pm

Free gun locks will also be available for pickup at each event. St. Louis City leaders are urging residents to utilize the city’s free “Lock It for Love” gun lock program to promote responsible gun ownership and to protect children. Locks can be picked up free of charge at participating fire engine houses, library branches and area St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department stations. Gun owners are advised to store their firearms in places not able to be located by children or other persons in the home.

The firearm should be locked and unloaded with ammunition stored away from said firearm.

The Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department is looking to staff up for the summer months and holding a series of job fairs through April and May. The Department is looking for lifeguards, tree trimmers, utility workers, and recreation assistants. Find a full schedule of job fairs on the City website.