Chester's Recreation Department, has increased its budget 48 percent from $1.67 million in 2009 to almost $2.5 million in 2010. A big part of the increase went to expanding staff from one to five full-time employees.
"In the city of Chester, if a child wants to do something, they are able to do it," said Brian Warren, deputy director of recreation. More than 1,000 youths took part in their activities in the last year, he said.
Warren points to a host of available programs, including basketball and soccer leagues, boxing, computer classes, mentoring programs, fashion camp, teen camps, outdoor movie nights, Soap Box Derby, and music, golf, and dance lessons.
But Warren admits the "toughest" group to reach is those in the 15-to-18-year-old age range. Too old for camp-type activities, many want jobs. Next year, he hopes to develop a program to provide employment.
Getting the word out about the city programs has its challenges, acknowledged Councilwoman Marrea Walker-Smith, who oversees the Parks, Public Property, and Recreation Department.
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p.s. Hello! I'm here to help get the word out. I'm real curious what the challenges are. Share those challenges here. I'm sure there are a lot of folks willing to help.
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