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Summer programming roundup: swim lessons, Camp Off the Chain, Rockin' Freedom Fest and Juneteenth plans outlined
Summary
Parks & Recreation staff reported increased swim-lesson enrollment and expanded summer camp capacity, described partnerships that provide scholarships and free lesson slots, and previewed the July 3 Rockin' Freedom Fest and mid-June Juneteenth events.
Parks, Recreation and Culture staff used the June 4 agenda review to summarize summer programs and events, including expanded swim lessons, the city's Camp Off the Chain summer-camp series, the Rockin' Freedom Fest July 3 celebration and Juneteenth events planned for mid-June.
Chase Hogue described aquatics programming growth, saying the department provided lessons to more than 1,000 participants last year and offers classes year-round with peaks in June and July. Hogue highlighted water-safety partnerships with the Kiwanis Club (two free sessions per year) and the American Red Cross Centennial program, which supplies 50 scholarships annually that reduce lesson fees to $10 for residents and $14 for nonresidents.
Tanisha Duncan, the summer-camp coordinator, said Camp Off the Chain opened June 2 with a capacity of 340 campers (kindergarten graduates through fifth grade) running weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Staff said Polk County School Board partners will provide lunch at selected sites and the city seeks additional school sites to expand capacity due to strong demand.
Natalie (city events staff) outlined Rockin' Freedom Fest, scheduled for July 3 at MLK Park at 6 p.m., featuring the Bay Kings band, a ski show by the Cypress Gardens RC team, food trucks and fireworks over Lake Silver. She invited commissioners to lead a countdown at the fireworks. The city also confirmed a Juneteenth celebration for Saturday, June 14, at the Reuben Williams Sports Complex with a related movie night at the Ritz Theater; final programming and committee meetings were ongoing.
Staff emphasized safety and partnerships: aquatics instructors use American Red Cross curricula and the new Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center pool design will enhance beginner instruction. Commissioners and staff discussed capacity constraints and opportunities to shift sites and resources to meet strong summertime demand.
