MUNCIE, Ind. — At its June 17 meeting the Muncie Parks and Recreation Board received an update on summer programming: a six‑week summer intern program, a learn‑to‑swim initiative with more than 100 participants, and a slate of free youth clinics and camps supported by local partners.

Parks staff said the six‑week summer intern program launched with about 110 youth and that Whiteley Neighborhood Association agreed to serve as the fiscal sponsor for the program after discussions with city staff. Staff said partners, including the YMCA and local businesses, are helping provide transportation and site placements so interns can work at parks and community locations.

Staff described a learn‑to‑swim program developed through city partnerships with a local university faculty member and Cardinal Swim Club; staff reported 116 participants across children, teens and adults enrolled in an eight‑week, 16‑lesson series with 45‑minute lessons. Staff said participants include older adults; the program’s oldest participant was reported as age 70. Parks staff called the learn‑to‑swim program a full house on its first day.

The department also said it will offer free baseball and softball clinics led by a local academy beginning later this month, free basketball programming for elementary and middle school players, Aqua Zumba classes, and flag football and kickball community events. Staff noted existing partnerships with local sponsors for giveaways, including a backpack giveaway scheduled for July 22 at McCullough Park and a winter coat giveaway planned for Nov. 4 at the same site.

Parks staff credited school and community partners for helping place interns in roles that range from park upkeep to garden and janitorial tasks and praised local media coverage that highlighted program activities. The board did not take a formal vote on programming at the meeting; staff requested continued support from partnering organizations and volunteers to sustain the season’s activities.