Summer Recreation Programs Open House Set for Saturday

Ocean City’s Department of Community Services invites anybody interested in learning more about the city's popular summer recreation programs to attend an 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the  at Sixth Street and Boardwalk.

Representatives from many of the summer programs will be on hand, along with Recreation Department staff, to answer questions and offer information about the many programs available to residents, second homeowners and visitors. Registration for all programs begins 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 1.

Potential participants are encouraged to:

• Browse the online brochure of 2012 summer recreation programs available now on the Ocean City Recreation Department page at ocnj.us (or by clicking on the PDF icon with this story).
• Come to the April 21 Open House with any questions about any programs.
• Register for a free online Community Pass account at work stations available at the April 21 Open House.
• Sign up for programs from home when online registration opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 1.

“We wanted to create a fun and informative event for families to learn about the city’s great summer recreation programs,” Director of Community Services Jim Mallon said. “Team members will be available to provide hands-on customer service and information regarding our Community Pass system, which offers the convenience of registering online instead of having to wait in line.” 

For years, sign-ups for summer recreation programs involved long lines and long waits in what turned out to be a community gathering on registration day at the Civic Center, according to Recreation Manager Wendy Moyle. But some people said they lost something in the transition to a more convenient online registration system.

"People missed out on the face-to-face interaction and information," Moyle said.

Ocean City's summer recreation brochure includes 27 pages of different programs catering to every age (including adults) and interest from arts to athletics, from junior lifeguard camp to Junior Miss Ocean City.

The Open House is designed to help families learn what specific programs and camps entail and what programs are appropriate for various participants.

Any participant who signs up to receive Community Pass login information on Saturday will receive the opportunity to win a free week of summer camp. 

While registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and some fill quickly, Moyle said many programs have expanded over the years, and families should have little trouble finding programs they want.

In addition to online registration, in-person sign-ups will be held starting at 9 a.m. May 1 at the and the . 

For more information, call 609-399-6111, ext. 9301 or visit www.ocnj.us.