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Harrisburg unveils free 2026 summer enrichment program at six parks
Summary
City parks officials detailed a free summer enrichment program running June 15–Aug. 7 for children ages 6–14 across six parks, with free lunch, specialty clinics, rolling registration at high-demand sites and about 85–100 seasonal staff.
Kevin Sanders and Ryan Shipper of Harrisburg’s Parks, Recreation and Enrichment department presented details of the city’s free 2026 summer enrichment program, which runs Monday–Friday from June 15 through Aug. 7 and serves children ages 6–14.
The program will operate at six sites—Wilson Park; Cloverly Heights; 15th and Vernon; Reservoir Park; 7th and Radner; and Sunshine Morrison Park—with daily hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. “This year we’re going to offer our summer enrichment program at six parks,” Sanders said, noting that lunch will be provided “in partnership with a Central PA food bank.” The city also listed special offerings including learn-to-swim sessions at Jackson Lake Pool, tennis clinics at John Harris tennis courts, basketball skills clinics, and a “Street to Stage” dance program.
Registration and staffing: Parks staff said registration is open online at the city portal used by the department, with rolling weekly signups at higher-demand sites (Reservoir Park and 7th & Radner) and open enrollment at the other four sites. Sanders said the department onboards roughly 85 to 100 seasonal staff for the summer, drawn from recent high school graduates to local teachers. On safety, staff said at least one site leader at each location and all pool staff hold CPR certification.
Council members asked practical questions about access and operations. Councilwoman Green raised concerns about transportation and ADA access for events on City Island; staff said coordinating Friday-night transportation will be difficult but welcomed Green’s offer to help explore options. Councilman Lawson and others pressed for outreach to ensure 11–14-year-olds are engaged; staff said the department is working on targeted outreach and weekly signups to address capacity.
Why it matters: The program is free to city residents and aims to provide supervised activities, meals and specialist instruction over the summer months, with officials emphasizing both enrichment and public-safety benefits.
How to participate: Parks staff said families can register through the department’s online registration portal and may call the parks office for help with sign-up or hard-copy forms if needed.
