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1. At what age can I start working for Emporia Rec?

Emporia Rec. hires at the age of 16.

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1. How do I rent a park shelter house?

All park rentals are done through the City of Emporia Parks Department. Call 620-341-4365 for more information.

2. When will rentals be available at the ERC?

We shut down rentals back in March due to COVID-19.  Capacity limits are a crucial part of mitigation strategies here at the Emporia Recreation Center.  Due to these limits, we will continue to limit rentals.  You are currently able to rent the gymnasium after-hours only.  This is the largest space available at the ERC and will allow people to spread out and social distance.  Capacity limit is (20) people and is $25 per hour.  You must reserve at least 2 weeks in advance and equipment is not provided.  The gym may be unavailable for rent due to Emporia Recreation Center programs.  Contact 620-340-6300 for reservations.

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1. What is Emporia Recreation Commission's relationship to the Emporia School District and the City of Emporia?

The Emporia Recreation Commission was formed by Emporia voters as a joint recreation commission in 1953 to provide local recreation programs for the youth of Emporia under the auspices of the Emporia School Board. The ERC is, however, a separate entity, although the Emporia Board of Education has authority over the ERC budget.

A five-member Commission, comprised of community members and elected officials are appointed by the Board of Education and the City Commission, sets policy for the ERC. One citizen is appointed from each governing body, and one is at-large. All members serve four year terms, without compensation.

USD 253 Appointments

• 1 USD School Board Member (4 Year Term)
• 1 USD Citizen Appointee (4 Year Term)

City of Emporia Appointments

• 1 City Commission Member (4 Year Term)
• 1 City Citizen Appointee (4 Year Term)

Emporia Recreation Commission Appointments

• 1 At-Large Appointee (4 Year Term)

2. How is the Emporia Recreation Commission funded?

ERC is funded through a variety of sources which include 

• Donations
• Property taxes
• Sponsorships
• User fees

The FY 2011 / 2012 Budget identifies that 59% of the budget is derived from taxes and 41% from self-sustaining funds. In 2010, the USD 253 School Board approved ERC to increase it’s mill levy up to 4 additional mills to be used for:

• The care and upkeep of the Lee Beran Center and the various athletic facilities in town
• Maintain and improve programs
• Fund improvements for recreational facilities

The mill levy for the 2013 - 2014 budget was increased in anticipation of the recreation improvements approved in the Commission’s Recreation Facility Plan. Currently, ERC has levied only 2.5 additional mills out of the four to fund much needed infrastructure improvements to the Lee Beran Recreation Center and is in the process of studying improvements to various outdoor athletic fields.

Tax revenues pay for facility-related expenses. Adult recreation programs are supported by user fees and non-tax revenues, while youth programs, are supported by user fees and non-tax revenues, and in some instances are partially subsidized by tax revenues for our Financial Assistance Program.

Facility-related expenses include lease service, improvements, some administration, and a the maintenance on facilities. Facilities include the Lee Beran Recreation Center, various baseball and softball diamonds scattered around the community and the TRYSA Soccer Complex.

3. Of my total property tax bill, what portion goes to ERC?

Approximately 4.8% of your property tax bill goes to the Emporia Recreation Commission.

4. What does Emporia Recreation Commission provide?

The Emporia Recreation Commission is dedicated to creating a welcoming and safe environment where everyone can participate in a wide range of recreational opportunities regardless of age, ability, background and economic status. We know recreation is vital to the overall health, wellness and spirit of our community. That’s why we strive to connect people to each other and to their community in a positive way.

Funding

We are funded in part by the Emporia School District, with the invaluable assistance of our volunteers, community organizations and partners, the Emporia Recreation Commission has served one of the state’s most active communities for more than 58 years. We are proud to provide high quality programs and services that enhance the quality of life for all Emporia residents.

Programs Offered

The ERC offers a wide variety of youth and adult programs; classes and activities include swimming, individual and team sports, wellness and fitness programs, after school programming and much, much more. Facilities for these activities include:

• Emporia Arts Council
• Emporia High School
• Emporia Middle School
• Flint Hills Optimist Diamonds
• Granada Theatre
• Jones Aquatic Center
• Jones Park
• The Lee Beran Recreation Center
• Logan Avenue Elementary
• Lowther North Intermediate School
• Lowther South Intermediate School
• Peter Pan Park
• Riverside Elementary
• Santa Fe Park
• Soden’s Grove Baseball Diamond
• Timmerman Elementary
• Trusler Sports Complex
• TRYSA Soccer Complex
• Walnut Elementary
• Whittier Park Diamonds
• William Allen White Elementary
• William L. White Auditorium
• Wilson Park

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1. Why are some activities not eligible for the youth free/reduced program?

Programs that require the ERC to contract with an outside instructor are not included in the ERC Youth Fee Waiver Scholarship program.  This is why we rely heavily on volunteer coaches and instructors to help execute our youth programs.  If you are interested in volunteering to be part of the Youth Sports Experience, contact our office at 620-340-6300.

2. How can I hold a spot in an activity for my child?

Payment is required in order to insure a spot for your child in any activity/program.  You can enroll online, call 620-340-6300 to register over the phone or visit the office Monday - Friday, 8:00a.m.-5:00pm.

3. If I forgot my loyalty card when I registered my child for an activity, can I bring it back to be stamped?

You may bring your loyalty card back within 2 weeks from signing up to receive your punch. 

4. How do I get my loyalty card stamped if I enrolled my child online?

Print your online receipt and bring it to the Recreation Center's Main office within two weeks of paid date and we can stamp your loyalty card.

5. How do I know if an activity is cancelled or rained out?

Emporia Rec. Center will update their hotline and Facebook page to show cancellations/rain-outs.  

Hotline # (620) 340-6399

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1. How many laps is a mile?

35 laps=1 mile. Down and back is 1 lap. 

2. Are there lockers that I can use to keep my belongings in while I swim?

Yes, we do have lockers for you to use but they do not have locks on them. However we do offer lockers that you can rent that do have locks on them. 

3. Can my child come to an aquatic fitness class with me?

Children can participate in appropriate aqua classes as long as they can swim unsupported and follow all rules.

4. What do I do during lap swimming if there are no more lanes to swim in?

In the case of all the lanes being filled up for lap swimming and others wanting to lap swim, we will start doing circle swim. Circle swim is where two people swim in one lane and you will stay on the right side of the lane if you are sharing a lane with someone. So in the case of circle swim you will swim down on the right side of the lane and then back down on the right side of the lane sharing the lane with someone else. 

5. During my child's pool party, as a parent do I have to get in the pool with the kids?

Here at ERC, we would like for everyone to enjoy the pool and have a great time. But, with that being said if there is a child in the pool that is 6 years of age or younger there must be a adult in the water to accompany them. We have a 1 adult=2 children rule. So, 1 adult can count to watch 2 children that are 6 years of age or younger and if anymore than 2 get in then another adult must get in. An adult is anyone 18 years or older. 

6. Can parents stay and watch kids swim lessons?

Parents are more then welcome to watch from the viewing room right next to the pool. This gives the kid confidence that their parent is there watching and supporting them during this time. 

7. How long are swim lessons?

Swim lessons depending on the level are from 20-30 minutes in length for their lesson. 

8. How do I know what level to put my child in for swim lessons?

For each type of swim lesson we offer we like to break them down into age groups and if your kid excels or is struggling in a certain level than our swim lesson teachers can modify their lessons to the kids level of swimming. 

Parent and Child Lessons: Ages 6 months-3 years old

Preschool Levels 1-3: Ages 4-5 years old

Level 1&2/Private Lessons: Ages 5&up

9. If it is raining and storming outside how will I know if the pool is opened or closed?

If you are wanted to know if the pool is opened or closed before you come, you may call the Emporia Recreation Center at (620)-340-6300 to ask if the pool is opened or closed at that time.

This hitting tee vision drill incorporates a baseball, set on the ground, 6' out in front, in line with where you are set up.

Set the height at just below belt high.

Have the batter concentrate on the ball out in front, swinging at the ball without moving their eyes.

For younger players, have them start by tracking back to the ball and then swinging, gradually moving towards not moving their eyes.

This makes a good station rotation station during BP.

Use whiffle balls and drive them into a fence or net.

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1. How do I know if an activity is cancelled or rained out?

Emporia Rec. Center will update their hotline and Facebook page to show cancellations/rain-outs.  

Hotline # (620) 340-6399

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1. What is RecXtra?

RecXtra is an after school day care program through our school district- USD253. It is available at all elementary schools in the district. The program is operated by Emporia Recreation Center for registration and staffing. All fees and policies are set by the school district.

2. What is the policy on suspending kids from RecXtra?

Behavior Management/Termination Policy

If a staff member finds that a child is impacting the program in a negative way, the following disciplinary actions will occur:

1) Use of positive reinforcement and/or redirection to change behavior. Staff will provide guidance and encourage use of problem-solving techniques. Consequences for a second offense will be explained.

2) If behavior persists, consequences will occur (privileges taken away).

3) If the offense is repeated, the child will be escorted to the Head Leader and an incident report will be filled out and placed with the child’s records. The parent will be informed of the incident report and the parent will be asked to help produce methods of correcting behavior.

4) If a total of 3 write ups occur, then the child will be asked to leave the program. The number of suspended days and/or terminations will be determined at that time.

RecXtra staff reserves the right to suspend and/or terminate services immediately for the following:

Child’s inappropriate behavior at the program;

Chronic tardiness when picking up a child from the program;

As determined to be in the best interest of the program.

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1. When will I be contacted by my coach?

The coaches will draft teams the week of August 6th.  Players will be contacted after the coaches draft.  If you have not recieved a call from your coach by August 13th, please call the ERC Sports Office at 620-340-6300.

2. How do I know if an activity is cancelled or rained out?

Emporia Rec. Center will update their hotline and Facebook page to show cancellations/rain-outs.  

Hotline # (620) 340-6399

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1. How do I get my tax receipt for daycare fees paid?

We will e-mail your tax receipt by January 31st.  If you would like to have the tax receipt mailed to your physical address please contact the Main Office.

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1. What is the first step if our organization wants you to time our race event?

The first step is to notify Amanda Gutierrez, our Timing Equipment Manager, and find out if your date is available. She will give you more information on how to host a successful race event.

2. How do I sign up for the Super Series?

Click here to register for the Super Series.  You may need to create an account at registration if you don’t already have one. This program requires no fee to sign up as the Super Series Program is funded by the Emporia Community Foundation. Individual race fees may be required so please check with each race organizer for individual registration requirements.

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1. What size football jersey does my child need?

Football jerseys are designed to fit over shoulder pads, We recommend one size larger than your normal t-shirt size.

2. When will I be contacted by my coach?

The coaches will draft teams the week of August 6th.  Players will be contacted after the coaches draft.  If you have not recieved a call from your coach by August 13th, please call the ERC Sports Office at 620-340-6300.

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1. If I have a membership, can I use the indoor pool?

Your Membership includes use of our Wellness Center, walking track, open gym, fitness studio along with access to aquatic and fitness classes.