Schertz Parks & Recreation Summer 2023 FUN Guide

THREE WAYS TO REGISTER

Registration is first come, first served. Online registration is your best opportunity for getting into the program of your choice or reserving a pavilion.

1. ONLINE

When enrolling online, please sign in to CivicRec. Scan the QR Code or go to Schertz.com/CivicRec to create an account and register.

2. WALK-IN

Parks and Recreation Administration Office 10 Commercial Place, Building #1 Schertz, TX 78154

Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

3. PHONE-IN (210) 619-1850

Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

SUMMER

2023

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT STAFF

Administration

10 Commercial Place, Bldg #1 Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 619-1850

Lauren Shrum Director lshrum@schertz.com

Jared Montney Parks Manager jmontney@schertz.com

Robert Dobratz Parks Maintenance Crew Supervisor rdobratz@schertz.com

Cassie Paddock Recreation Manager cpaddock@schertz.com

Sydney Paredes Recreation Coordinator sparedes@schertz.com

Kathryn Scheel Recreation Specialist kscheel@schertz.com

Lexis Michael Administrative Assistant lmichael@schertz.com

PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD

Johnie McDow Chair

William Bosch Member

Regina Agee Member

Sally Macias Member

Floy Simmons Member

Robert Sheridan III Member

Carol Yauger Member

James Garvin Member

Shawn Moore Member

Jamie Acevedo Alternate Member

Brad Snow Alternate Member

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board exists to advise and make recommendations to the City Council concerning policy matters related to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the City’s parks and recreation programs. The Board meets on the fourth Monday of every month at City Hall in the Bob Andrews Conference Room, located at 1400 Schertz Parkway.

PHOTO RELEASE

The Schertz Parks & Recreation Department may videotape or take photographs of participants enrolled in recreation activities, programs, and special events. These photos and/or videotapes may be used for promotional purposes.

VISIT SCHERTZ.COM

OWL PROWL

Fourth Sunday of the Month

8:30 p.m.

Crescent Bend Nature Park

See page 4

Wednesdays, June 7 – 26

6 – 10 p.m.

Thulemeyer Park

See page 6

Month of July

Date, time, and location varies

See page 9

May–October

7 p.m.

Date and location varies

See page 8

July 4

9:15 a.m.

Pickrell Park

See page 8

NATURE EDUCATION

NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES

Second Saturday of the Month | 9:30 a.m. | FREE | Crescent Bend Nature Park

Get your little ones outdoors to discover the exciting nature right in our own backyard. Kids are encouraged to explore, discover, and ask questions to help grow their knowledge of nature. This FREE program is designed for families with elementary-aged children, but older and younger siblings are also welcome. Texas Master Naturalist volunteers will lead the themed programs the second Saturday of the month, starting at 9:30 a.m. at Crescent Bend Nature Park.

Date

Theme

Saturday, May 13 Discover What’s Buzzing & Blooming

Saturday, June 10 Discover the Forest

Saturday, July 8 Discover Clues and Traces

Saturday, Sept. 9 Discover Horns and Thorns: Staying alive is tough

Saturday, Oct. 8 Discover Dinosaur Tracks: Tracks tell tale

Saturday, Nov. 12 Discover Early Texans: When kids knew how to live off the land

Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Register at Schertz.com. Meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and trailhead.

DARK SKIES AND FIREFLIES

Saturday, May 20 | 7 p.m. | FREE | Crescent Bend Nature Park

Local Firefly Expert and founder of Firefly Conservation & Research, Ben Pfeiffer, is partnering with Schertz

Parks and Recreation for the third year to provide a great fun and educational program for all ages. This program will offer firefly education, and a chance to explore and learn how to carefully catch local fireflies. Bring your chair, a butterfly net, and a flashlight for the walk back to your car after the program.

ED-ZOO-CATION IN THE PARK

Saturdays, June 17 & September 16 | 10 a.m. | FREE | Crescent Bend Nature Park

San Antonio Zoo Center for Conservation and Research has selected Crescent Bend Nature Park as a harvesting location to help feed their Texas Horn Lizards. Learn about the Texas Horned Lizards, harvester ants, the history of the animals, and their importance. If this program is not already cool enough, there is also an opportunity for appearances of live animals/lizards from the zoo!

Meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and trailhead.

OWL PROWL

Fourth Sunday of the Month | Jun – Sept | 8:30 p.m. | FREE | Crescent Bend Nature Park

For all the night owls trying to beat the Texas heat, come take a night-time stroll with our Guadalupe Master Naturalists and see which animals come out at night. Inspired by the interests and observations of those who attend, the naturalists will expand one's knowledge on all types of nature from soil, plants, insects, mammals and birds, talking about their dependence, interaction and place in preserving the nature around us.

Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Register at Schertz.com. Meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and trailhead.

RECREATION PROGRAMS

WILD ADAPTATIONS

Ages: 6 – 12 | 9 – 11 a.m. | $10 per session | North Center

Animals have been evolving and adapting to their environments since the beginning of their existence. This program will explore some of the cool adaptations of different animals through a fun and interactive learning experience.

Date Program

June 8

June 15

June 22

June 29

Penguins/ African Darkling Beetle

Butterflies & Moths/Smelly Animals

Owls/Ducks

Birds/African Bullfrog

PARENT AND ME

Ages: 2 – 5, accompanied by at least one adult |

9 – 10 a.m. | $7 per session | North Center

Trying to conduct, or even come up with creative activities for your little ones at home can be a challenge. Join us in this special Parent & Me program, as we pair enriching science experiments and nature activities. All instructions and supplies for each activity will be provided. You and your kiddo will get to experience the fun together and enjoy the company of other parents and kids participating!

Date Program

June 2 Sticky Nature Collage/Colorful Mix-Up

June 9 Tiny Seed/ Fizzing Bins

June 23 Nature Painting/ Milk Magic

June 30 Rain Sticks/Rain Cloud in a Jar

BATTLE OF THE BOTS: TOURNAMENTS OF CHAMPIONS (iCODE)

Ages: 6 – 9 | June 5 – 9 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | $200 | Schertz Community Center

Let the battle begin! Calling all robot masters. Campers will team up to learn to design and build their own motorized battle robots. Using the fundamentals of mechanical engineering, students will try to flip, push, pull or smash their opponent’s battle.

ROBLOX EDITOR: CREATE & CODE YOUR WORLD (iCODE)

Ages: 10 – 13 | July 17 – 21 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. |

$200 | Schertz Community Center

Get your imagination flowing with Roblox Studio, an immersive game engine that can be played on the web, mobile, or even in virtual reality! You'll learn the fundamentals of game design and build your very own obstacle course, complete with fire-spawning platforms and speed boosts that’ll put your name on the top of the leaderboard.

CRAFTY TWEENS

Ages: 10 – 14 | 1 – 3 p.m. | $10 per session | North Center This program is for the tweens that are looking for a crafty challenge. Each session will be dedicated to creating a detailed project that tweens will want to show off. The only necessities expected are patience and enthusiasm!

Date Program

July 13 Geometric Photo Board

July 20 String Board Décor

July 27 Macrame Wall Hanging

ARCHERY

Ages: 8 – 17 | Aug 7 – 11 | 8:30 – 11 a.m. | $50 per person | North Center

Discover your hidden archery skills in this beginnerlevel archery camp. Learn how to hold, draw, and aim a bow! Pre-registration is required as spots for the camp are limited.

SOCIAL LEAGUES & SPORTS

SOCIAL LEAGUES

PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

Tuesdays in Jun & July | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | FREE | Pickrell Park Large Pavilion

Pickleball is fun for players of all ages and skill levels. The sport incorporates elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong. Pickleball free open play will be hosted on Tuesdays in June and July, excluding July 4. Nets, paddles, and pickleballs will be provided.

SOFTBALL

Age: 21+ | Wednesdays, June 7 – July 26 | 6 –10 p.m. | $25 per person | Thulemeyer Park

Get your bats ready because community softball is here! Grab your team and come out to play in our Adult Softball Social League. Teams must be co-ed, 21 years of age and over, with at least 10 players, but no more than 15. This is a recreational league and requires NO EXPERIENCE. Just FUN! There will be 6 guaranteed Wednesday night games throughout the season followed by a championship tournament for the top teams to find the ultimate champion.

YOUTH SPORTS

LACROSSE (SKYHAWKS)

Ages: 6 – 8 & 8 – 12 | Jun 19 – 23 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | $169 per child | Schertz Soccer Complex

Athletes will learn the fundamentals of stick handling, cradling, passing and shooting in a fun, non-checking environment. All equipment is provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own lacrosse stick. Participants are not required to wear goggles, a helmet, or gloves due to the use of soft lacrosse balls and Skyhawks staff ensuring non-checking, non-contact play. Every participant receives a free Skyhawks shirt.

STEM & PLAY MULTISPORT (SKYHAWKS)

Ages: 8 – 12 | Jul 17 – 21 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | $185 per child | North Center

This program combines strategic STEM-based activities with traditional Skyhawks sports instruction and a focus on life skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship. The STEM Sports® curriculum gives students the opportunity to get behind the sports they love with modules centered around technology, science, and innovation. Subjects vary by sport, but include ball design, calculating distances and angles, velocity, acceleration and much more! Participants will also learn the fundamentals each sport through skill-based drills and scrimmages. Skyhawks puts the Sports in STEM. Every participant receives a free Skyhawks shirt & ball.

SPECIAL EVENTS

4TH OF JULY JUBILEE

July 4 | Pickrell Park

Schertz is proud to host one of South Texas’ largest tributes to freedom and independence. Join us for the 47th Annual 4th of July Jubilee Celebration. Start the day at 9:15 a.m. with the ‘Let Freedom Run’ 5K, followed by the downtown parade. Starting at 6 p.m., head to Pickrell Park for a full evening of fun family activities, kids’ carnival, festival food, and Fireworks!

For more information, visit Schertz.com/jubilee.

FLOAT & FIREWORKS

July 4 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Pickrell Park Pool | $3 per person with advance purchase only

Have the BEST seat in the house for everyone’s favorite show, the 4th of July Jubilee Fireworks Spectacular! You can’t beat the view from the water! Participants will enjoy the show from the pool's cool waters while lounging on patriotic floats. Limited capacity applies for the event.

Tickets go on sale on May 1 online at Schertz.com.

NATIONAL WATERMELON DAY

August 3 | 5 –7 p.m. | Pickrell Park Pool

Grab your sunscreen and bring your appetite! Join us in celebrating National Watermelon Day; with floating watermelons in the pool and watermelonthemed games, contests, and more. Regular pool admission applies.

For more information, visit Schertz.com

MUSIC & MOVIES IN THE PARK

May – October | 7 p.m. | FREE

Each year the Music and Movies in the Park series showcases movie events at area parks. We encourage everyone to bring lawn chairs, refreshments, friends, and neighbors out for a free night of entertainment. Activities begin at 7 p.m. and the movie will begin when it gets dark. The 2023 Series is sponsored by The Crossvine and H-E-B.

Date Movie Location

May 5 Selena Pickrell Park

June 9 A League of Their Own Johnnie McDow Sports Complex

June 24 Hotel Transylvania 3* Pickrell Park Pool

July 15 Jungle Cruise* Pickrell Park Pool

July 28 Lightyear Wendy Swan Memorial Park

Oct. 20 Hocus Pocus Rhine Valley Park

* FLOAT & FLICKS: Please keep in mind, due to pool occupancy regulations, there will be pool capacity limits. If you wish to attend, please arrive early.

It’s time to share why local parks and recreation is Where Community Grows!

We’re celebrating Park and Recreation Month this July by celebrating the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services and fostering the growth of our communities. Join us for an activity-packed month and follow along on Schertz Parks and Recreation social media outlets for more details on our month-long celebration.

AQUATICS

PICKRELL PARK POOL

(210) 419-9439

701 Oak St., Schertz, TX 78154

Ymcasatx.org/schertz/swimming

Hours of Operations: Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays for maintenance) 12 – 7 p.m.

Admission Prices:

• Child 2 and Under: FREE

• Per Person: $2

• All Day Entry (in and out permitted): $3

Group Swim Lessons: Tuesday – Friday

$95 Members/Residents, $120 Non-Members

Pre Swim Team: Tuesday – Friday

$100 Members/Residents, $140 Non-Members

Session 1: May 30 – June 9

Session 2: June 13 – June 23

Session 3: June 27 – July 7**

Session 4: July 11 – July 21

Session 5: July 25 – August 4

**Lessons this week will be held on Monday July 3rd instead of Tuesday July 4

Level 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m.

Parent/Child A/B

Preschool 1 & 2

Preschool 3 & 4

School Age 1 & 2

School Age 3 & 4

School Age 5 & 6

Pre-Swim Team

FLOAT & FLICK

May–October | 7 p.m. | FREE

Each year the Music and Movies in the Park series transforms into a Float & Flick that showcases movie events at Pickrell Park Pool. We encourage everyone to bring their floaties, refreshments, friends, and neighbors out for a free night of entertainment. Activities begin at 7 p.m. and the movie will begin when it gets dark.

Dates Movie

June 24 Hotel Transylvania

July 15 Jungle Cruise

WENDY SWAN MEMORIAL PARK SPLASH

PAD

(210) 619-1850

4601 Cherry Tree Dr., Schertz, TX 78154

Schertz.com

Hours of Operations: Coming Soon

SCHERTZ AQUATIC CENTER

(210) 619-1900

560 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154

Ymcasatx.org/schertz/swimming

Hours of Operations:

Lap Pool:

Monday – Thursday: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Leisure Pool:

Monday – Thursday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. (pool may be closed due to programming)

Friday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.;

Saturday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

AQUATIC SUPERVISION & SWIM TEST POLICY

A Family Who Swims Together, Stays Together. Adult supervision of children is important as it allows our lifeguards and aquatic safety staff to focus on the water and keeping everyone safe. All youth ages 16 and under must complete a new swim test each visit prior to entering the water. Each youth will receive a wristband that will allow him or her access to certain areas of the pool.

• Children 6 & under must be within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian at all times

• Children 7-16 are required to take a swim test once a year

• Children 14 & up are allowed access to the pools without a guardian

• Any children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older

Admission Prices, Passes:

• $6 per resident

• $10 per non-resident

• $15 per resident family

• $20 per non-resident family

• Or by YMCA membership

Group Swim Lessons: Tuesday – Friday

$95 Members/Residents, $120 Non-Members

Session 1: May 30 – June 9

Session 2: June 13 – June 23

Session 3: June 27 – July 7**

Session 4: July 11 – July 21

Session 5: July 25 – August 4

**Lessons this week will be held on Monday July 3rd instead of Tuesday July 4 Level 4 p.m.

Parent/Child A/B

Preschool 1 & 2

Preschool 3 & 4

School Age 1 & 2

School Age 3 & 4

School Age 5 & 6

Teen & Adult

Private Swim Lessons: In sessions 1, 3, and 5 $130 Members, $150 Non-Members Days

Parent/Child A/B

Preschool 1 & 2

Preschool 3 & 4

PARK PAVILION RENTALS

Perfect for your next big celebration! For those interested in reserving a pavilion, please review our reservation information below. To see the calendar of availability and make your reservation please visit our website at Schertz.com/CivicRec to create a CivicREC account. Contact the main Parks & Recreation Office at (210) 619-1850 if you need assistance setting up your account.

RECREATION FACILITIES

SCHERTZ COMMUNITY CENTER

(210) 619-1600

1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg. 5, Schertz, TX 78154

Schertz.com

The Community Center has a true recreational feel – sport court floor, tall ceilings and kitchen with pass-through service. This facility houses some of our new recreation programming and is also available for private rentals.

SCHERTZ NORTH CENTER

(210) 619-1600

3501 Morning Dr, Schertz, TX 78154

Schertz.com

The North Center, located in Northern Schertz, accommodates small gatherings and has stained concrete flooring, a partial kitchen and portable audiovisual services. This facility houses some of our new recreation programming and is also available to rent out.

SCHERTZ AREA SENIOR CENTER

(210) 619-1970

608 Schertz Pkwy, Schertz, TX 78154

Schertz.com/Seniors

Hours of Operations:

Monday -Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FREE LUNCH PROGRAM

The City of Schertz offers a free lunch program at the Center Monday – Friday from 11:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m. (excluding city holidays). Call the Schertz Area Senior Center for more information at (210) 619-1970.

AMENITIES

The Senior Center is open to new guests and members over the age of 50. Memberships dues are $36.00 per year and include ALL of the following activities plus more: art classes, aqua aerobics, bingo, bunco, chair volleyball, choir, dominoes, gardening, health screenings, pickleball, technology classes, Wii bowling, yoga, and zumba.

SCHERTZ RECREATION CENTER

(210) 619-1900

621 Westchester, Schertz, TX 78154

Ymcasatx.org/schertz

Hours of Operations:

Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 1 - 5 p.m.

AMENITIES

Membership to the Schertz Family YMCA includes access to all branches in the San Antonio Association as well as Nationwide. Our Schertz facility includes: the Recreation Center, Aquatic Center, and the Splash Pad plus ALL of the following activities & amenities: 6,000 sq. ft. Basketball Gym, 8,000 sq. ft. Cardio & Fitness Area, Child Watch, Competition Quality Pool, Leisure Pool, Kid Fit, Group Exercise Classes, Lockers & Showers, Spin Studio, 1,000 sq. ft. Splash Pad, and Water Rowing Machines.

LIBRARY

(210) 619-1700

798 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154

schertzlibrary.org

Hours of Operations: Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday Noon – 6 p.m.

The Schertz Public Library promotes the love of reading and the joy of discovery for persons of all ages, provides information and learning resources in a variety of formats for both education and leisure, and supports our customers in their life-long learning pursuits.

SUMMER READING EXPERIENCE 2023!

Three cheers for summer reading! The Schertz Public Library holds their Summer Reading Experience each year during June and July. For 2023, the theme of the program is All Together Now celebrating kindness, friendship, and unity. Registration for the program will open on Saturday, May 27 and the program will conclude on Saturday, July 29 with our family fun library minigolf event. This summer, participants can read, make, and explore to earn prizes at the library!

In correlation with the theme, the Schertz Public Library will be offering several programs encouraging compassion for others and building community. The key events and programs are highlighted in the Fun Guide and include Human Library, a scavenger hunt at Pickrell Park, chalk the block with kindness, and a complete 18-hole mini golf course inside the library.

You can borrow all sorts of things from the library – how about borrowing a fresh perspective? In a Human Library, people are books, and the reading is a conversation! Each human book is unique and has something to share regarding his or her experiences, perspectives, values, or beliefs. Readers are invited to select books that offer new experiences and viewpoints so that both the book and the reader can learn something new and foster understanding through a shared conversation. The Schertz Public Library will be hosting their first Human Library event on Sunday, July 16, from 1 – 5 p.m.

For more information about the event, please visit Schertz.com/adultcalendar

In addition to unique summer programming, the library will maintain a regular weekly schedule of programs for all ages. Some of the youth programs include Baby & Me, Toddler, and Preschool Storytimes, Teen Tuesdays, Lego Lab, Game On, and Crafternoon. Also, be sure to check out the adult programming schedule that includes Sunday Afternoon Meditation, Poetry Open Mic, Tech Help classes, and several crafting programs. We look forward to seeing you at the library this summer!

For a complete schedule of summer programming for youth & teens visit Schertz.com/youthcalendar and for adults visit Schertz.com/adultcalendar

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK @schertzlibrary

WE WANT YOUR BEST SHOT @schertzpubliclibrary #schertzpubliclibrary

POPSICLES AND PALS SCAVENGER HUNT @ PICKRELL PARK

Last Summer, we hosted our first scavenger hunt at the park, and it was a huge success. Back by popular demand, the library will host its second summer reading scavenger hunt at Pickrell Park on Wednesday, June 14 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will be various puzzles and challenges setup throughout the park for participants to decode and complete. After the scavenger hunt, stop by Cori Jean Ice Cream’s trailer located near the large pavilion to get a complimentary treat. Invite a friend to join you for the library’s Popsicles and Pals Scavenger Hunt.

CHALK THE BLOCK WITH KINDNESS

Help the library spread kindness this summer! Join us at the library on Wednesday, June 28th at 11:30 a.m. to participate in our community kindness sidewalk chalk event. The library will have a list of designated locations in the community, as well as kits containing all the supplies that will be needed. Groups will then visit their assigned location and create encouraging messages outside with sidewalk chalk. This program is open to all ages youth-adult and registration is not required.

MINI GOLF @ THE LIBRARY

The Schertz Public Library will be transformed into a mini golf course on Saturday, July 29. The public is invited to drop by to play a round of golf anytime between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The course, which will be set up by a professional mini golf company and library volunteers, will wind through the stacks of the library. We hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to see the library in a new way as they play the course and help us celebrate a successful Summer Reading Experience. This fun, free event is open to the public. The library will be closed for business all day.

Image source: Marvin Pfeiffer / San Antonio

WE THANK OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS