The Summer Open Rec Program returns for its 5th year, offering children in Sahuarita a fun, engaging, and cooling alternative to the summer heat. Children can participate in sports, crafts, board and card games, and movies in air-conditioned comfort.
The Sahuarita Unified School District, Town of Sahuarita Parks and Recreation Department, and Rancho Sahuarita began this program five years ago as a Summer program for children while they were off from school. Utilizing local resources, this no-cost program also frees up the afternoons for parents. Each year, approximately 2000 children, ages 6-13, participate in this program.
As part of the program, each week carries a different theme, and all the programming and guest presentations are based on that week’s theme. For example, the first week in this year’s program was an “Air and Space” theme, and the portable planetarium was brought in to give a space presentation to the participants. Children also participate in daily crafts and play games associated with the weekly theme.
Additional activities and fun include a magician, a visit from Rural Metro Fire Department, a talent show featuring the children, and more. Approximately 75% of participating children reside at Rancho Sahuarita with the remaining numbers of children residing in the greater Sahuarita area, making this a true community event.