Recreation Centers

Recreation Centers Are the Local Resource for Families

The simple definition of a recreation center is that they are establishments for individuals and families to go to for physical activity and a community connection. As such, recreation centers provide a venue for athletic performance and community support networks. Many recreation centers offer programs, childcare facilities and a community forum as well as athletic equipment and sports teams.

Recreation centers have a multi-purpose function and must maintain an atmosphere of neutrality in regards to race, gender, incomes bracket,or religious preference. Recreation centers are in place so that all members of the community can have a place to recreate and have fun in a non-threatening community environment.

While most recreation center require a paid membership of some type, there are others who will subsidize a membership through government funds or will offer discounts for those who are unable to pay. Most of the time, there must be proof shown that a potential member cannot pay through. Although every recreation center has its own focus, depending on the communities they serve, most offer low cost programming and facilities for all ages and interests and staff dedicated to making the recreational or educational activity first rate.

Workers

There is not a very high level of education required to work at a recreation center. Most of the time only a high school diploma is necessary. The main duties of those who work at a recreation center include planning, organizing, and planning community activities such as arts activities, concerts, theater, camping, and sports in local playgrounds and recreation areas, parks, community centers, religious organizations, camps, theme parks, and tourist attractions.

Recreation leaders, therapists, supervisors and directors, however must have some form of higher education. A typical recreation center leader will instruct visitors, plan valuable programming and ensure that there are a diverse range of opportunities for individuals representing all walks of life and who have interest in many areas.

Programs

Most recreation centers offer programs to members for free; however there may a bee involved for the more long-term programs such as day camps, summer camps, sports camps or specialized instruction such as lesson in archery, tennis, gymnastics, martial arts, music and drama.

YMCA

The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) is perhaps one of the most well-known recreation center chains in the United States. With millions of members around the country, the YMCA provides numerous resources to the communities they serve. One benefit to having a YMCA membership is being able to take it anywhere in the country to use. Visitors from other states can enjoy a YMCA facilities use, although sometimes on a limited basis, and have resources available in the event of unforeseen circumstances or simply exercise while in vacation.

Each branch of the national chain of the YMCA determines its own programming and has a director and unique staff in place to ensure that all types of people have recreational opportunities available for them. No matter what age or social disposition, the Y strives to meet a very diverse and multifaceted set of recreational needs and has a reputation for providing quality service and programming. YMCAs are the largest providers of child care in the United States, operating nearly 10,000 child care facilities from coast to coast. The facility also has a reputation for being a leading provider of jobs for teenagers.

YMCAs are operated in more than 120 countries around the world, and provide human services such as job training, new immigrant education, teen leadership opportunities, parenting classes, opportunities to socialize and affordable housing.