NEW YORK—Swimming, music, dance, chess, board games, and martial arts are just some of the activities offered at the Parks Department’s after-school programs, all for free.
The Parks Afterschool Program is for children ages 6 to13 and takes place Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on Sept. 16. The programs are available at local recreation centers throughout the five boroughs.
Registration is required and starts on Sept. 4. Make sure to bring the child’s birth certificate to the registration.
“There is a lot of pressure on parents these days. Many parents that have kids going to our programs have two and sometimes three jobs,” Kevin Jeffrey, deputy commissioner at the city parks department said in an introduction video.
The programs are designed to complement what children are already learning in school. Staff in the programs are trained to create a safe learning environment and foster the kids’ sense of belonging in their communities.
