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University City to advertise CENTCOM University summer enrichment pilot after council consensus
Summary
Parks and Recreation presented an eight-week, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. summer enrichment pilot called CENTCOM University for ages 5–12 at $700 per child; staff will begin advertising and may seek a budget allocation at the Feb. 10 meeting.
Director Girdler presented the University City Parks and Recreation Department’s proposed summer enrichment pilot, “CENTCOM University,” to the City Council on Jan. 27 and the council indicated consensus to move forward with advertising the program.
Girdler said the pilot would run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for eight weeks for children ages 5–12, priced at $700 per child for the session, and that the department expects a first-year enrollment of about 50 campers. He presented a sample eight-week schedule with weekly themes including STEM week (staff said they plan to meet with St. Louis University about support), horticulture, creative fine arts, “around the world,” and field-trip Fridays to venues such as the zoo, a trampoline park (Sky Zone), water park, aquarium, science center, Magic House and museums. The department proposed a staffing structure with Merrick Meehan as recreation supervisor organizing the program, plus a camp director, inclusion coordinators and counselors.
Girdler provided a draft budget estimate of about $120,600 based on 50 students. He said the Parks Commission reviewed the plan at its prior meeting and had no objections. On scholarships, staff said they would consider awards in the future but have not set criteria; staff noted one likely funding source would be the general fund or reserves. In response to multiple council questions, staff said pre- or after-care will not be offered in the pilot year because of staffing constraints, and that enrollment would be for the full program rather than single weeks this first year.
Council members praised the affordability and enrichment focus of the plan and discussed alignment with the school district’s summer schedule; Council Member McMahon noted the city program covers much of the summer but not the exact weeks of the school district program and suggested the city could scale slots in future years to align more closely. Director Girdler said a budget allocation for the program can come to the council at the Feb. 10 meeting; meanwhile staff will proceed with advertising.
Next steps: Parks and Recreation will begin advertising the pilot, meet with St. Louis University about STEM programming, and return to the Feb. 10 meeting if a budget allocation is needed.
