Q&A: Recreation for all ages and interests

Barbara Singer has been the recreation superintendent for the Carson City Recreation Department for 20 years. She works with the recreation division to provide leisure activities for residents.

How many programs does Carson City Parks and Recreation Department offer?

The division is divided into sections:

Aquatic Facility: Therapy pool, parent/tot pool, 50-meter pool, outdoor pool and slide and weight room. (Activities include) lap swim, open swim, swim lessons year-round, Carson Tigersharks, Aquacise, Adapted Aquatics, Wet Sweat and Range-of-Motion Class.

Community center/theater: Rooms ranging from 750 square feet to 11,000 square feet.

Performing Arts: 803-seat theater (Bob Boldrick Theater) used by the Carson City School District, Western Nevada Community College and dance companies for recitals, concerts, lectures, plays and musicals.

Recreation programs include: Youth activities - Latch Key (morning, afternoon) for kindergarten through middle school, Fremont Break programs, winter- and spring-break programs, summer camp for children entering kindergarten through ninth grade, specialty summer camps. Kids Klub preschool. Classes: Aerobics, dog obedience, karate, Renaissance Arts, golf classes and Positive Energy (acrobatics classes).

Other programs: Movers and Doers for the mentally and physically challenged.

Sports: Adult volleyball, men's basketball, women's basketball, adult softball, youth basketball, junior ski/snowboard program.

What are a few of your most popular programs?

Youth programs are very popular because they help the working parent. They do not have to worry about their child(ren) after school or during summers and school breaks due to the programs we offer. Last year, summer camp registration increased by 20 percent. Winter break increased from 80-100 participants to 135, with a waiting list. Sports programs are increasing in popularity, but we are very limited by the size of the gymnasium. We are unable to provide drop-in facilities, which are much needed during the winter months when outdoor play is impossible.

How are programs funded?

All of the recreation programs are fee-based and must cover the direct costs of the program. We do receive funding from the Carson City general fund.

Are programs offered year-round?

We are seasonally oriented for sports, but some programs such as classes and swim lessons are held year-round.

Do you offer a Web site or other online information?

Information about the Recreation Division can be found on our Web site at www.carson-city.nv.us/recreation. We also publish the Discover Us brochure three times a year on the last Tuesdays in August, December and April with all kinds of important information. The Discover Us brochure is distributed as an insert in the Nevada Appeal, in elementary school PeeChees and is available for pick up at the Community Center, Aquatic Facility, Carson City Library and City Hall.