Parks and Recreation

Activities & Recreational Programs

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The City of Fresno offers numerous programs with the focus of bringing community members together for recreation, science education, computer training, fitness, and more.

Our youth recreation activities are created to meet the needs of the whole child… mind, body, and spirit. The programs offered at Fresno’s neighborhood centers enhance the physical, cultural, intellectual, and social experiences of Fresno youth. Most centers are open to the public Monday through Friday from 3-7pm.

The City of Fresno takes pride in providing the finest action sports facilities for the community—creating a destination for enthusiasts, and throughout the year, neighborhood parks offer a range of sports programs including basketball, soccer, baseball, flag football, and more.

We encourage you to participate in any one of our low- or no-cost activities and programs.

Action Sports Program

Bikers getting ready to race

The Action Sports Program provides dynamic Bicycle Moto Cross (BMX) venues to support beginners, enthusiasts, and professional bicyclists of all ages from the community. The Woodward Park BMX racetrack will be open for the 2023 season February 5th through November 19th on Thursday Nights at 6:00pm-9:00pm, Saturdays at 9:00am-12:00pm and Sunday Mornings at 9:00am-12:00pm. The Woodward Park Bike Jumps and Trails are open to the public year-round from 7:00am-10:00pm. Families can enjoy a variety of action sports programs including mountain biking, BMX racing, and BMX competitions.

The City of Fresno Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department receives grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) that funds activities to raise awareness about traffic rules, rights, and responsibilities while promoting safety of bicyclist and pedestrians. Activities target all age groups and include educational workshops and presentations, community walks, bicycle safety courses, and helmet fitting inspections. Following educational presentations, helmets, reflective safety items, and bicycle headlights and taillights may be distributed to those in need. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For more information on programs and services please contact the PARCS Customer Service Team at (559) 621-7529

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Adaptive Recreation Program

Group of women making posters

The City of Fresno Parks, Afterschool, Recreation and Community Services Department is committed to providing safe, enjoyable, and inclusive recreation opportunities for all abilities and ages. Daily opportunities for recreational activities include social dances, adaptive sports, culturally inclusive activities, inclusive hands-on science, and theme-based adaptive special events. The program currently operates at Ted C. Wills Community Center Monday- Friday from 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

For more information on programs and services please contact the PARCS Customer Service Team at (559) 621-7529

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Adults Sports Program

Two Adults playing baseball

The Adult Sports program offers year-round recreational and competitive play for members of the community ages 18 and older. Leagues are organized into divisions from novice to competitive for softball, basketball, soccer, and cricket. Games are played on weekday evenings and weekends at Ted C. Wills Gymnasium, Regional Sports Complex, Inspiration Park, and other local neighborhood parks.

Registration is taken on a team basis only. Individuals interested in joining a team may be placed on a free agent list. Leagues & Events offered for fiscal year 2022 included the Up All Night Softball Tournament, Summer Basketball League, Elite 8 Basketball Tournament, Summer Softball League, Fall Softball League, Fall Cricket League, Winter Basketball League, Spring Softball League & a Flag Football League.

For more information on programs and services please contact the PARCS Customer Service Team at (559) 621-7529

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After School Program

The After School Program (ASP) offers a safe environment for youth ages 5-17 to learn and explore through an array of engaging games and activities such as arts and crafts, health and fitness, sports, and more!

The Fresno PARCS Department is committed to the continuous development of your child’s social, physical, and intellectual skills beyond school hours. From homework centers and science exploration classes to computer and cooking sessions, we are dedicated to fostering their growth through our community-centered programs.

Ages:
Youth ages 5-17

  • Children under 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
  • The Teen Center at the Paul “CAP” Caprioglio Community Center serves teens ages 13-17.

Cost: FREE

Weekend Hours:

All Centers
Monday – Friday from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Free snack served from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Weekend Hours:

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at select sites listed below

Saturday Only

  • Pinedale
  • Highway City (11:30am-3:30pm)
  • Inspiration
  • Maxie L. Parks

Saturday and Sunday:

  • El Dorado
  • Holmes
  • Romain
  • Frank H. Ball


Questions? Please call (559) 621-PLAY (7529).

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All Centers:

Einstein Neighborhood Center
3566 E. Dakota Avenue
(At Millbrook and Dakota in Central Fresno)

El Dorado Neighborhood Center
1343 E. Barstow Avenue
(Adjacent to Wesley United Methodist Church in Northeast Fresno at Fourth and Barstow)

Fink-White Neighborhood Center
535 S. Trinity Street
(Near Amador and Whitesbridge in Southwest Fresno)

Frank H. Ball Neighborhood Center
760 Mayor Avenue
(Near Inyo and A Street in Southwest Fresno)

Highway City Neighborhood Center
5140 N. State Street
(North of Shaw and East of Highway 99 in the Highway City Community)

Holmes Neighborhood Center
212 S. First Street
(West of First and South of Tulare near the historic Huntington Blvd.)

Inspiration Park
5770 W Gettysburg Avenue
(South of Shaw and West of Highway 99 near Teague Elementary)

Lafayette Neighborhood Center
1516 E. Princeton Avenue
(West of Blackstone and South of Shields at Princeton and Glenn)

Mary Ella Brown Community Center
1350 E. Annadale Avenue
(South of Jensen and West of Elm in Southwest Fresno)

Maxie L. Parks Community Center
1802 E California Avenue
(At the corner of Elm and California in Southwest Fresno)

Melody Neighborhood Center
5935 E. Shields Avenue
(At the corner of Fowler and Shields in East Central Fresno)

Mosqueda Community Center
4670 E. Butler Avenue
(Southeast corner of Maple & Butler in Southeast Fresno)

Paul “CAP” Caprioglio Community Center
5191 N 6th St, Fresno, CA 93710
(Southwest corner of N 6th St and E Bulldog Lane)

Pinedale Community Center
7170 N. San Pablo Avenue
(Next to Pinedale Elementary, North of Herndon and West of Blackstone)

Quigley Neighborhood Center
808 W. Dakota Avenue
(South of Ashlan at Northwest corner of Fruit and Dakota)

Romain Neighborhood Center
745 N. First Street
(Between Belmont and Olive in Southeast Fresno)

Sunset Neighborhood Center
1345 W. Eden Avenue
(Next to Sunset Elementary, West of West Ave. and South of Kearney in West Fresno)

Ted C. Wills Community Center
770 N. San Pablo Avenue
(Between Olive and Belmont in the Tower District in Central Fresno)

For more information on programs and services please contact the PARCS Customer Service Team at (559) 621-7529

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Aquatics Program

The City of Fresno Aquatics Program is designed to provide the local community with opportunities for safe, fun, low-cost summer recreational swimming, swim lessons and senior water exercises at various locations in Fresno. All lifeguards working for the city are certified in Lifeguard, First Aid, and CPR training.

2023 Splash Pad Park Locations:

September 5, 2023 – September 24, 2023
Updated hours: 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Splash Pad Season will end on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

2023 AQUATICS SEASON

The 2023 Aquatics Season has come to an end and the City of Fresno pools are officially closed for the season. Thanks for a fun and safe summer!

We are already gearing up for an exciting 2024 summer! If you’re interested in joining the Aquatics Team as a lifeguard or junior lifeguard next year, here’s what you need to know:

Requirements:

  • Minimum age of 15 years old to apply.
  • Hold a valid Red Cross Lifeguard, CPR, and First Aid certificate.
  • No certification? No worries! The City of Fresno PARCS Department offers free Red Cross certification classes for aquatics employees.
  • Proof of Tuberculosis (TB) clearance is also required prior to employment with the City of Fresno.

Fill out THIS form, and our team will contact you with next steps. Let’s dive into the 2024 season together!

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kids in the water playing
kid swimming with mother
Kids by a pool

For more information on programs and services please contact the PARCS Customer Service Team at (559) 621-7529

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Camp Fresno

Group of kids in the wood doing the camp Fresno program
Visit Camp Fresno

Camp Fresno is a family-oriented facility located 62 miles east of Fresno in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Camp Fresno is a 35-acre site that has been operated by the City of Fresno since the 1920’s and has provided a retreat for thousands of campers. The wilderness camp facilities include 51 cabins equipped with electricity and running water. Camp Fresno cabins are available to rent to the public.

Additionally, the PARCS Department provides therapeutic recreation activities to the community with a focus on serving disadvantaged youth and young adults. Camp recreation includes activities such as hiking, fishing, art, career exploration/workforce development opportunities, and much more!

For more information on programs and services please contact the PARCS Customer Service Team at (559) 621-7529

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Neighborhood Safety and Community Engagement Program

Picture of one Fresno tabling

The City of Fresno PARCS Department’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Community Engagement (ONSCE) provides collaborative efforts to minimize violence in the community, providing support for Fresno’s youth and families through partnerships and community services. ONSCE facilitates community-wide collaborative efforts to prevent and mitigate violence. This is achieved by providing support for Fresno’s youth and families through job readiness programs, training opportunities, tutoring, tattoo removal, hospital-based intervention programs, and street outreach. The Programming brings together over 100 local service providers to provide wrap-around resources for youth and young adults including: substance abuse intervention, anger management, mental health, education, food, housing, mentoring, health services, activities, and other basic life skill needs and services.

For more information on programs and services please contact the PARCS Customer Service Team at (559) 621-7529

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Science Program

A teacher discussing to students

The Highway City Community Science Center operates programming citywide. The Science Program includes hands-on workshops and monthly teen science nights at Highway City, mobile science workshops at over 10 community centers, family science events, and much more! The focus of the program is to foster the love of science and engage the youth in learning opportunities. The best practice of learning science is to be emerged in it which is why the program has over 50 hands-on exhibits for the community to explore and observe.  The program provides Next Generation Science Standard lesson plans to educate and enhance participants knowledge of life science, physics, chemistry, engineering, and technology.

  • Located at Highway City Community Science Center
  • 5140 N. State St Fresno, CA 93722
  • Tuesday – Friday 2:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
  • Saturday 11:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Additionally, the Science Program takes the discovery of learning to a whole new level through the Mobile Science Unit. This unit is a 45ft long science lab on wheels offering over 30 exhibits that spark the interest and imagination of its guests. The Mobile Science Unit supports knowledge growth in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering. And Mathematics (STEAM).

For Mobile Science Unit Reservations please call 559-621-2945

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Senior Program

The Senior Recreation Program provides specialized activities tailored to the unique needs and interests of Fresno’s senior population. Senior programming aims to improve quality of life in a safe and enjoyable environment through recreation and community-building.

Monday- Friday 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at 8 locations.
The Link @ Blackstone: Monday-Saturday 9:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.

Programing for seniors includes informational workshops, crafts, ceramics, exercise, billiards, and the opportunity to connect with other seniors in the area. 

Senior Programs

Program sites:

Senior Hot Meals

  • Meals are free to anyone 60 years and older.
  • Anyone under 60 can buy a meal for $5.70.
  • Must complete an FMAAA registration form on site the first day of receiving meal.
  • Meals are on a reservation system.
  • Must make reservation at the senior site of your choice in person or over the phone by 11:00 A.M. one day prior to the day you want to eat.
  • Serving times vary at each location.
  • Meals are served for 30 minutes after the start of the serving time.

For general question please call 559-621-6727.

Meals are served Monday through Friday at the following locations:

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For more information on programs and services please contact the PARCS Customer Service Team at (559) 621-7529

SPARK Program

Spark program

Sports, Play, Active Recreation, for Kids (SPARK) is a program facilitated by PARCS employees at up to 29 Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) school sites. Employees supporting this program play an integral role in FUSD after school programing throughout the school year. While on-site, PARCS staff focus on the importance of health and fitness education by implementing FUSD approved curriculum. SPARK incorporates a wide variety of physical activities to achieve all-around fitness and movement skills.

To compliment fitness education and round-out this enriching program, PARCS staff also integrates age-appropriate nutrition literacy for children that is designed to promote positive behavior change by teaching the importance of healthy eating.

For more information on programs and services please contact the PARCS Customer Service Team at (559) 621-7529

Youth Employment Program

young kids sitting on the bleachers

The City of Fresno PARCS Youth Employment Program (YEP) provides youth mentorship in an environment focused on employment readiness and life skill building. Youth increase their understanding of accountability while they earn a paycheck and provide a positive and meaningful public service for their community. Youth participate in a 7-week summer employment development program that includes functions such as light custodial, activity monitoring, park upkeep, summer camp support, and much more. Participants are hired as City of Fresno PARCS employees and a earn a paycheck by supporting existing staff. Participants also attend paid employment training workshops that are aligned with youth development principles and infused with life skill education.

The Youth Employment Program aims to target distinct soft skills vital to employment success:

  • Social Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Higher-order Thinking Skills
  • Self-control
  • Positive Self-concept

Workshop topics:

  • Core Values & Goal Setting
  • Learning Styles: Strengths & Weaknesses
  • Communication & Problem Solving in the Workplace
  • Time Management & Work/Life Balance
  • Taking Initiative & Being Productive
  • Career Paths, Resumes, & Interviewing Techniques
  • Program Review

For more information on programs and services please contact the PARCS Customer Service Team at (559) 621-7529

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Youth Sports Program

group of kids holding hands

The Youth Sports Program provides opportunities for youth, ages three to fifteen, to participate in recreational programs. Youth Sports provides a supportive and safe environment for youth while bringing the community closer together to create lasting memories. Through the program, participants engage in and develop skills in teamwork, socialization, problem solving, and many other life skills. Participants also experience physical improvements in hand eye coordination, balance, and endurance.

Programs include:

  • Bitty Basketball (Ages 3-4 and 5-6)
  • Bitty T-ball (Ages 3-4 and 5-6)
  • Bitty Soccer (Ages 3-4 and 5-6)
  • Junior Basketball (Ages 7-9, 10-12 and 13-15)
  • Junior Flag Football (Ages 7-9, 10-12 and 13-15)
  • Fitness Camp (Ages 7-9, 10-12 and 13-15)

To apply to for a Youth Fee Waiver, click the below link.
Youth Fee Waiver Information and Application

For more information on programs and services please contact the PARCS Customer Service Team at (559) 621-7529

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