CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – The Conway Recreation Center has seen an increase in the number of drop-ins for kids under 18, and staff say it’s because of their new Youth Membership Program.
This program was approved by city council in April, and it allows kids to come to the center for a discounted price. Anyone between ages four and 18 can participate in the recreation center activities for a drop-in rate of $2, or $5 per month. Previously, it was $7.50 for city residents, and $10 for non-city residents. In May 2017, the center saw about 200 drop-ins for kids under 18, but in May 2018, they saw nearly 1900.
“The population we’re serving with this program is a population that can’t afford to spend $10 for a drop-in multiple times a week,” said City of Conway Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, Addison Jarrell. “It’s just not feasible.”
He said with this program kids participate in structured activities and they can do things like play basketball or swim. “They’re all very happy with being able to come in,” said Jarrell.
While kids are out of school, Jarrell said this is a good time to make sure they have a positive place to hang out. “Get them where they’re not doing things they shouldn’t be doing,” said Jarrell. “They have a place where they can come, where it’s a structured environment, a safe location, and participate in activities to give them a positive outlet for their time out of school.”
In order to be apart of the Youth Membership Program, a parent needs to bring the child to the recreation center to fill out paperwork, but after that, the kids can come anytime the center is open. It’s open to anyone, regardless of whether or not you live in Conway.
Jarrell said the recreation center will have a booth at the Conway Riverfest celebration to reach out to the community and get more kids involved in the program.