Welcome to summer, when the sun shines the brightest on the City of Tampa, and the spotlight falls squarely on its Parks & Recreation Department.
Parks & Recreation will host more than 7,000 kids in various summer camps between now and August 8, and employ 400-plus seasonal hires to get that done. And the increasingly popular Stay & Play teen program had total attendance of more than 13,000 last summer.
"Summer is the best time of year in Parks & Recreation," Mayor Jane Castor said. "Our camps are full of kids day and night, and they are laughing, playing, and growing - and getting better at sports, dance, gymnastics, swimming, theatre and so much more."
The increase in campers and activities also means an increase in staff needed to run the programs.
"The employment opportunities available in the summer are staggering - more than 400 get to earn a paycheck and start a career," City Councilwoman Naya Young said. "Many of these seasonal employees enjoy their jobs so much that they return in following summers, or move on to full-time jobs with the City of Tampa."
One such returnee is Russell Cole, who is in his third summer as a seasonal employee. His job as a Recreation Leader this summer at Riverfront Recreation Center will fulfill his internship requirements at the University of Florida.
Parks & Recreation also offers specialty camps in various sports. Spots remain in eight specialty sports camps, including basketball, flag football, and multi-sports camp, as well as girls-only flag football and basketball. Parents can visit tampa.gov/summer-camp to register, and call (813) 274-5132 to get information.
Parks & Recreation also offers Stay & Play - a free program for teenagers every night of the summer. This year, Stay & Play will be operating seven nights a week from 6-11 pm at nine sites across the City.
Amahj Malphus, 16, has particiapted in Stay & Play for two years, playing basketball and kickball. He has become a seasonal employee.