For over three decades, Broward County Parks and Recreation has been a cornerstone of the community, providing exceptional after-school and summer recreation programs. These free programs are thoughtfully designed to offer children in Broward County a safe, supervised, and enriching environment beyond school hours. Our commitment is to nurture the holistic development of school-aged children, fostering their physical, social, cultural, and mental growth within our dedicated park settings.
The Enduring Legacy of Broward County’s After Care Program
Initially launched in 16 parks within unincorporated Broward County, our program has adapted and evolved alongside community changes. As areas have been annexed by cities, some parks transitioned to municipal control. Today, six pivotal parks continue to serve the Broward Municipal Services District, a significant 11.5-square-mile area of central Broward. These parks – Boulevard Gardens Community Center, Franklin Park, Lafayette Hart Park, Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park, Roosevelt Gardens Park, and Sunview Park – remain vital hubs, supported by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, ensuring access to essential parks, libraries, and recreational services.
Daily Schedules and Flexible Options for Broward Families
Understanding the diverse schedules of Broward County families, our After-School and Summer Recreation programs operate Monday through Friday with flexible hours. The After-School Program typically runs from 2 PM to 6 PM on regular school days, extending from noon to 6 PM on early release days. On teacher planning days and select holidays, we offer full-day care from 9 AM to 5 PM. The Summer Recreation Program mirrors these full-day hours, operating from 9 AM to 5 PM. To further assist busy parents and guardians, both programs provide convenient early drop-off and late pick-up options, ensuring seamless integration with family schedules.
Program Structure Aligned with Broward County Schools
The After-School Program is meticulously structured to align with the Broward County Public Schools calendar, running from late August through early June. Immediately following, the Summer Recreation Program commences, offering eight weeks of engaging activities, followed by a brief one-week recess before the After-School Program resumes for the subsequent academic year. While traditionally catering to children aged 6 to 17, individual parks have adeptly tailored their programs to meet specific neighborhood demographics. For instance, Boulevard Gardens now focuses on younger children aged 6 to 10, while Sunview Park specializes in programs for teenagers aged 13 to 17, ensuring age-appropriate and impactful experiences for all participants in our After Care Program Broward County.
Diverse Activities for Every Child’s Interest
The daily activities within our after care program broward county are dynamic and site-specific, designed to capture the diverse interests of Broward County children. Participants can engage in a wide array of activities, including arts and crafts to stimulate creativity, cultural programs to broaden horizons, and fishing clinics to connect with nature. Fitness and sports activities promote physical well-being, while game-room activities and guest speakers offer fun and educational experiences. Crucially, nutrition and safety programs are integrated to foster healthy habits, and water-safety instruction is provided through SWIM Central, Broward County’s leading resource for swim education. Optional field trips to local attractions like bounce house centers, bowling alleys, movie theaters, and Broward County’s own water parks (during summer) are also available for a nominal fee, adding extra excitement to the program. Special events are also integral, enriching children’s experiences and celebrating occasions like Hispanic Heritage Month, Martin Luther King Day, and Black History Month. Our annual spring Arts Exhibit & Talent Showcase, in collaboration with the county’s Cultural and Libraries divisions, further highlights the creative talents of our program participants.
Broward Star Time Talent Show: A Summer Highlight
A highly anticipated event within our Summer Recreation Program is the Broward Star Time Talent Show. For 27 years, this event has showcased the incredible talents of young participants, featuring solo and group performances across categories such as vocals, dance, instrumentals, stepping, baton twirling, and spoken word. It’s a platform for children to shine, build confidence, and celebrate their achievements within a supportive community environment, making our after care program broward county truly special.
Nourishing Bodies and Minds with Free Meal Service
Since its inception, the Summer Recreation Program has incorporated a vital free meal service for all participants. Made possible through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service and the Summer Food Service Program established in 1968, this component ensures that children receive nutritious lunches and snacks throughout the summer break. This commitment to nutritional support helps maintain children’s physical and social development, ensuring they return to school ready and eager to learn, fully supported by our comprehensive after care program broward county.
Participating Parks in Broward County
Discover the enriching after care program broward county at these convenient park locations:
- Boulevard Gardens Community Center: 313 N.W. 28th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 – 954-357-6867
- Franklin Park: 2501 Franklin Dr. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 – 954-357-7080
- Lafayette Hart Park: 2851 N.W. Eighth Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 – 954-357-7970
- Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park: 2520 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 – 954-357-8801
- Roosevelt Gardens Park: 2841 N.W. 11th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 – 954-357-8700
- Sunview Park: 1500 S.W. 42nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317 – 954-357-6520
Broward County Parks and Recreation is proud to manage approximately 6,500 acres, encompassing nearly 50 regional parks, nature centers, neighborhood parks, and natural areas. Our extensive facilities, including water parks, campgrounds, sports complexes, and educational farms, reflect our dedication to providing diverse and enriching recreational opportunities for the Broward County community. Join us and experience the difference our after care program broward county can make in your child’s life.
