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St. Helens recreation program reports growth, new partnerships and childcare gaps
Summary
The city’s recreation program reported increased registrations, daily youth care capacity, several grants including a five‑year 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, and new partnerships; staff said before‑school care remains a gap and volunteer availability is limited
City recreation staff told the St. Helens City Council on March 5 that the program has expanded registrations, is operating multiple free learning centers and has active grant funding and community partnerships to support programs for children and teens.
The presentation said the recreation program served about 2,425 participants across 148 registered programs and reported an average daily attendance of 83 youth in care. Staff said a new program serving an estimated 25–40 youth will open after spring break at Lewis and Clark and that the city recorded roughly 203 program registrations over the previous 60 days.
Program staff said grants, user fees and city support form the program’s financial base. The presenter detailed a five‑year 21st Century Community Learning Center grant through the Oregon Department of Education that provides $230,000 annually and requires substantial reporting and grant administration. Staff said the grant also funds hiring of high school students; presenters reported four high‑school employees and two high‑school volunteers currently working with the program.
Staff described partnerships with local nonprofits and regional groups — naming Grow Greater St. Helens, Columbia County Health Coalition, CCMH, Griffin’s Place and Intel — and said new vendor partnerships (including Skyhawks) allow the city to host sports camps and STEM sessions while outsourcing instructor hiring and insurance responsibilities. Staff also described collaborations with local schools and the high school to create a workforce pipeline and volunteer opportunities.
Councilors asked about expanding before‑school care to address a childcare gap and about staffing and space constraints. Recreation staff said scheduling, staffing and facility access (including coordination with school start times) are barriers; they said they are exploring high‑school employees and volunteers but noted volunteer availability is limited and that youth‑program positions require vetting.
The presentation concluded with staff seeking council support for continued partnerships, modest facility rentals, and program growth. No formal funding or policy action was taken; staff invited council members to visit programs and asked for continued communication about priorities.
