Recreation & Community Services

The Recreation & Community Services Department's mission is to enhance life through high quality recreation, educational, social and cultural programs, and events and leisure activities which are responsive to Salinas' diverse population. The Department offers a wide range of programs and activities for all ages to create wholesome experiences.

Important Numbers
Recreation Center	(831) 758-7306
Sherwood Hall Box Office	(831) 758-7477
Salinas Community Center / Sherwood Hall	(831) 758-7351
Parks, Grounds, & Forestry Service	(831) 758-7233

First Annual See Our Youth (SOY) Summit a Big Success

January 3, 2020

Did you know that approximately 30% of Salinas residents are under the age of 18? The Library and Community Services Department successfully launched its first youth-led “See Our Youth (SOY)” Summit last spring at the Salinas Boys and Girls Club, and is making plans for this year's event.

The goal of the Summit is to highlight the many youth leadership opportunities the City has to offer and to celebrate and empower young leadership. Over 100 high school youth came together last March to learn, connect and celebrate with their peers. The Summit consisted of...

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Moving the Parks, Recreation & Libraries Master Plan Forward

January 3, 2020

One of the significant accomplishments for the Library & Community Services Division in 2019 was the adoption of the Parks, Recreation & Libraries Master Plan. Following a two year planning effort, which included a robust community engagement effort, the City Council adopted the Master Plan last July. The Master Plan will guide policy development, prioritize demands and opportunities, and generate a strategic action plan. The plan incorporates elements that ensure the consideration of racial equity in resource and service development.

Through this process, the Park Classifications and Sports Facility Standards were also updated in...

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Youth Development Programs Serve Record Number in 2019

January 3, 2020

The 2019 Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) and Youth and Government Institute (YAGI) had record enrollment this past year. Both programs combined to serve over 60 youth in well-designed free programs that leverage participation by our incredible City of Salinas staff across all departments, and partners from the Community Alliance for Safety and Peace. Both programs represent an increased investment in youth development by the City of Salinas and are a critical component of the City's larger violence prevention strategy. These programs also offer part-time employment opportunities for program alumni.

"The partnership between the Recreation...

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