IRVING RECREATION CENTER

2010 Van Dorn (attached to Irving Middle School)
441-7954
lincoln.ne.gov Keyword: parks

Irving Recreation Center is a Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department recreation center that is attached to Irving Middle School. The Center staff have been providing activities for Irving students and Lincoln citizens for the last 29 years. We always look forward to the start of the new school year and welcoming all Irving students to use the recreation center after school.

HOURS: The Center is available for middle school students exclusively from school dismissal time (2:58 p.m.) until 5:00 p.m. From 5:00 p.m. to closing time all ages can use the facilities. Closing time is 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday. On Fridays the Center closes at 5:00 p.m.

FEES: There is a $1.00 daily fee charged until 4:30 p.m. After 4:30 p.m. until closing time no admission is charged. Punch cards are available for $15.00 for 20 uses and a yearly card for $125.00 for the entire school year. The yearly card is a savings of approximately $53.00. A reduced rate of $10.00 for a 20 punch card is also available. It is based on the size of household and income level. To be considered for the reduced rate, parents will need to fill out a Sliding Fee Request Form (available in the recreation center) and turn in at the recreation center with proof of income. Proof of income can be a recent tax return or two recent paycheck stubs.

The Center will be open on Saturdays for no charge from 1-5 p.m. beginning November 4th through April. One court in the gym is reserved for "open gym" activities for ages 18 and younger at no charge. A SAFE PLACE FOR STUDENTS: The recreation center provides a safe, supervised environment for teens to be involved in positive activities. By 3:10 p.m. all students not in the recreation center or school must be off the grounds. This policy is consistent with the Irving Middle School after school policy. Once a student leaves the Recreation Center, they are not allowed to re-enter until the following day. Students cannot loiter outside the Center and must leave the grounds. Students will need to wait inside the Center for their rides home. It is important that parents plan with their child so that pick-up time from the Center is clear.

If you are coming to pick up your child, please pick them up inside the Center, so your child is not in violation of our policy. If your child will need to make phone calls home, please send money ($.50) with them to use our pay phone. The Center phones need to remain available for business use.

FACILITIES: Students can use our Teen Center/game room which includes two pool tables, ping pong, foosball, two video game systems, youth oriented magazines, and a TV lounge area. A Homework Room is also available to provide a quieter area for studying. The Center lobby area has more lounge areas, snack and pop machines. The Teen Center and lobby areas are served by an overhead speaker system for music. We have a wide assortment of board and card games that can be used by the students. The Center serves a variety of purposes throughout the year. Room and facility rentals are available as are: equipment rental, athletic leagues, classes, day camps during summer and school breaks, open gym for youth, court rentals for all ages, a fitness/weight room, and other activities.

ACTIVITIES: In addition to students being able to select activities of their own choosing, a variety of organized activities are available. We have a student elected Student Advisory Board (SAB) which assists the staff in planning activities in the Center. These activities provide skill building in the areas of socialization, creative and strategic thinking, physical fitness, lifetime sports and recreation.

Activities during the year have included: crafts; baking; ice cream socials; tournaments; special interest activities; music; pool league; holiday parties; dances; art, poetry, dancing and photography activities; environmental activities; movies; games and sports among other activities.

The Center is also available for a limited number of students during their lunch break. Students can get a pass from school staff in the cafeteria to use the Center after they finish eating.

STAFF: The Recreation Center is staffed by a full time director (Dan Payzant), a Lead Supervisor (Kara Maybee) and several part-time staff. Many of our staff have teacher education training (some are middle school education majors) or other youth related training. The staff supervise the students inside the Center and ensure that rules are followed and activities are safe. We strive to provide a positive environment where the kids can be comfortable and enjoy their after school time.

We welcome you to visit the Recreation Center at any time to see the facilities and meet the staff. If you have any questions, please call us at 441-7954. We look forward to working with you and your child this school year.