From the Director

Hello, Recreators –

Spring is normally a season of growth and exciting changes after winter releases its icy grip on all of us. This spring the opportunity for growth and resurgence is higher than any spring many of us has ever experienced. In preparation, the Recreation Department has cautiously planned for numerous programs and services to be released from some of the restrictions COVID-19 placed on us. I am excited to share our spring program offerings in this edition of the Recreator.

I think about the hundreds of memories that were replaced over the last year with a pandemic; the nine year-olds adventuring together on a Camp FunQuest field trip, friends meeting up to play in a basketball league, children swimming for the first time, an adult learning to dance, and so many more.

When spring emerges this year, I want to see bats hitting balls in our adult softball league; I want to hear the joy in children’s screams while learning to ice skate at EPIC; I want to feel the satisfaction of a good sweat in my favorite cross training class; I want to smell the delicious foods from our cooking classes. Consider this your invitation to join a recreation program and let us be a part of your memories this spring.

Spring is indeed a time of growth and renewal, and my hope is this year will bring some badly needed refreshment for us all.

Let’s make some memories, Recreators!

Credits

City of Fort Collins Parks and Recreation Board

Catherine Carabetta, Ken Christensen, Mary Carlson, Jeff Haber, Shari Heymann, Bob Kingsbury, Michael Novell, Jesse Scaccia, Michael Tupa

Interim Recreation Director

Aaron Harris

Recreation Manager

Marc Rademacher

Community Relations & Marketing

Emily Frare Kathryn Gehrke Valerie Van Ryn

Pagination

Craig Powell Tina Chandler

Cover Design Tina Chandler

Cover Photographer

Tina Chandler

Contact Information City of Fort Collins Recreation Department 215 N. Mason St. P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522 Registration & Programs 970.221.6655 recreation@fcgov.com Advertising, Partnerships, & Sponsorships 970.221.6875 recreator@fcgov.com Aaron Harris Interim Recreation Director 970.416.2225 aharris@fcgov.com For subscription information, please visit fcgov.com/recreator.

City of Fort Collins

Vision

To provide world-class municipal services through operational excellence and a culture of innovation.

Mission

Exceptional service for an exceptional community.

FROM THE

PARKS & RECREATION BOARD

Camp FunQuest programs serve an important role in our community, giving kids a place to play, learn and grow in a safe environment. Camp FunQuest offers weekly programs during summer as well as other Poudre School District breaks and school out days throughout the year. Programs are for kids ages 4-16 years, and feature a variety of exciting activities. Childcare options were limited this summer, due to COVID-19, but recreation staff worked on a myriad of solutions to keep campers and parents, safe and happy.

When children were unable to attend school in-person, Camp FunQuest provided a full-week remote learning classroom experience. Campers were provided with: instructional assistance by childcare staff, inclusion support, individual and small group opportunities for self-directed art and science activities, and free time to play on the playground or gymnasium during breaks from classes.

Recreation staff worked on many COVID-19 safety protocols to ensure the safety of campers. Some protocols include: staggered drop-off and pick-up outdoors, daily temperature checks and health screens, electronic (no contact) sign-ins, wearing of masks by staff and children at all times, and increased hand washing, sanitizing of materials and disinfecting of any shared equipment.

This summer, Camp FunQuest will run programs from Northside Aztlan Community Center and Foothills Activity Center, offering families flexible options. Camp FunQuest also has a newly modified registration process in order to assist families in planning their childcare budget, and providing them with a comprehensive understanding of what camp will look like before they commit. Families are able to pre-register for summer camp for $30 starting Thursday, February 11. With this pre-registration, families will be invited to attend monthly information meetings where recreation staff will provide information on COVID-19 protocols, camp policies and procedures, and planned weekly themes prior to the start of camp. Beginning in April, pre-registered families will be able to select the camp weeks their children will attend by paying a $20 per week deposit, which will be applied to full camp fees. Remaining camp fees will be due monthly throughout the summer. Families may enroll in individual camp weeks at any time throughout the duration of summer, even if they miss the introductions held in spring, however it is encouraged to pre-register to ensure your child’s space is reserved.

Space in the camps is limited and participants must register in advance online at fcgov.com/recreator or at any recreation facility. As a reminder, reduced fee participants qualify for a 70% discount on all recreation activities including Camp FunQuest.

I hope you will take a look at all Camp FunQuest has to offer and make plans to join in the fun soon!

Mike Novell, Parks & Recreation Board Member