Summer is here, and there is no excuse for kids to be bored

There is no excuse for kids to be bored this summer. The Hamtramck Recreation Department offers a variety of free activities.

By Charles Sercombe

Kids, got the summertime blues (already?) and nothing to do?

Well, the summer is just starting and there is plenty to do in Hamtramck. And the best part is, for Hamtramck kids there is absolutely no charge.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, the school district’s Recreation Department has three sites for kids to spend the day and receive a free breakfast, lunch and afternoon treat.

Unfortunately, the program at Pulaski Park is at capacity, but there might be a few openings if there are drop outs in the days and weeks to come, said Teresa Graves, Recreation Coordinator.

But there is plenty of room at programs being run out of Keyworth Stadium and at the Hamtramck Housing projects.
To sign up, stop by the Hamtramck Community Center on Charest just north of Caniff, during regular business hours, Monday-Friday. Kids age 5 to 13 may participate. Non-resident can participate, as well, for a charge of $100, and an additional $25 per family member.

Besides free meals, kids will get to participate in a number of fun activities, or they can just hang out and play board games.

On Fridays, there are free field trips. Future trips include a picnic on Belle Isle, and trips to amusement parks in Ohio.

On really hot days, kids will be bused to the community center to play inside where there is air conditioning.

The kids’ program runs for eight weeks. The program started this past Monday. Kids are free to come and go during the day.

Summer recreation isn’t just for kids. Adults can participate in evening physical fitness classes, featuring Zumba and Hula Hoop aerobics.

The Community Center also has racquetball courts and gyms for use.

Seniors meet at the Community Center every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8-10 a.m. You can meet just for coffee and conversation or take advantage of a workout session.

So, if you find yourself with nothing to do this summer, head on over the Recreation Department. Who knows, you might make some new friends.