New City Recreation Programming

The City of St. Louis Recreation Division has been working diligently over the last year to establish new partnerships with organizations that specialize in certain fields to provide increased programming and resources to City Recreation Centers. Contracts have been finalized over the last several months, and schedules are being finalized.

Ms. Evelyn Rice, who has served as Recreation Commissioner for over 20 years said simply, “It is the Re-Creation of City Recreation and is unprecedented. We couldn’t be more grateful to Mayor Krewson and the Board of Aldermen for all of their support.”

A request for proposals was established and the feedback was very positive. A variety of organizations submitted proposals, and through a committee comprised of people representing different divisions of the City, 16 organizations were selected as new partners.   

“It is an incredibly exciting time for our division”, said Bill Bixon Program Manager II. “Our staff has done an admirable job for many years with limited resources to engage citizens, specifically the youth, of the City of St. Louis. And they have done so with an unwavering passion and enthusiasm. We are not only focused on supporting the staff with established programs, but also adding these partnerships to bring additional programming with experts in their fields. The youth have the opportunity to learn from professionals in a variety of areas.”  

Some programs have started, while many will have their first sessions in the coming weeks. So, while the youth have headed back to school, they can also find something they are interested at their local recreation center, other than just a sports activity. From singing, drama, new dance classes, to learning to play a musical instrument, or somewhere to hang out and get some homework done. 

City of St. Louis is responsible for the daily operation of 7 Recreation Centers. Visit our “Programs Page” as participants are encouraged to register early for certain programs as space can be limited.

Here is a sampling of the partnerships…

• Better Family Life                                            
• Stray Dog Theatre
• Thomas Dunn Learning Center                  
• Backyard Lifeguards
• Bricks 4 Kidz                                                      
• Unleashing Potential
• COCA                                                                   
• Warren 360 Media
• Nu-Art Series                                                    
• The Black Rep
• University of Missouri/St. Louis Storytelling

Related Resources

• Recreation Centers
• City of St. Louis Recreation Programs