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Parks & Recreation

Show All Answers

1. How do I register for programs?

There are three ways to sign up for any Recreation program, including camps.

• Online
• In-person: Thornton Park (3301 Warrensville Center Rd.) and/or Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building (3450 Lee Rd.). Proof of residency required: driver's license, current utility bill, lease or purchase agreement. Current holders of Recreation ID cards must have cards renewed annually as proof of residency.
• Phone: 216-491-1295 or 216-491-1360. Have MasterCard, Visa or Discover ready.
• Registration Office Hours Thornton Park: Monday 8:30 am-5 pm, Tuesday-Friday 8:30 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-3 pm Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm.

2. How can I learn more about camps, classes, and programs?

There are several ways to explore current camps, classes and programs offered by Shaker Recreation.

• Visit the Programs section of our website for a general overview.
• Download and read the PDF version of the catalog, which is published three times a year (spring/summer, fall and winter) and mailed to Shaker residents.
• Browse our online catalog (select Catalog).

To keep up with what's happening at Shaker Recreation, including announcements about upcoming programs:

• Follow our Facebook page for the latest news and events.
• Visit our Calendar to learn about upcoming events.
• Sign up for Rec ENews.

3. How do I sign up for school-age care?

The Recreation Department offers quality care before and after school for children in grades K-6 in the Shaker Schools. Learn more about our School Age Care program. Register online (select Catalog, then School Age Care; call 216-491-1295 or 216-491-1360; or register in person at Thornton Park (3301 Warrensville Center Rd.) or the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building (3450 Lee Rd.).

4. If I register late, are programs pro-rated?

Unfortunately, we do not pro-rate programs based on the time of enrollment. Some programs that are continuous have fees designed to allow for payment that is not affected by start dates.

5. Is financial assistance available?

Yes, financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Assistance is available for programs such as summer camp, learn to swim, etc. Assistance cannot be used for one-on-one or personal programming such as private lessons. Call 216-491-1295 for more information.

6. Are swim lessons offered?

From our popular American Red Cross swim lessons to pool-based wellness programs, our Aquatics Program has something for everyone. Visit our online catalog or download the recreation catalog (PDF) to view a list of current aquatics classes.  Private swim lessons are also available year-round. Contact the Recreation Department at 216-491-1295 to learn more.

7. Do you offer childcare when Shaker Schools are not in session?

During the school year, Fundaze provides all-day childcare when Shaker Schools are not in session. Learn more about Fundaze.

8. Where can I learn more about camps, including costs?

You can find detailed information and schedules for summer camps in the Winter Recreation Catalog, which is mailed to all residents in late winter. This information is also available in the online registration system (select Catalog, then Summer Camps). Learn more at Summer Camp.

9. I have a problem with my camp registration?

Please call Shaker Recreation at 216-491-1295 for help with summer camp registrations.

10. I’m not sure where my program is located?

Program locations are published in the printed recreation catalog and in our online catalog. You can also call Shaker Recreation at 216-491-1295 for location information.

11. What should my child bring to camp?

It depends on the camp. You will receive an email from your camp’s director before camp starts. In general, campers should bring water, a lunch (if an all-day camp), and sunscreen (if the camp is outdoors).

12. I’m on a waiting list for a Recreation program. When will I find out if you can accommodate my child?

If a spot opens up, you will receive a call from a Recreation Department staff member. You can also call Shaker Recreation at 216-491-1295 to check on your status.

13. What’s the schedule for public skating at Thornton Park?

You can find current schedules at our Thornton Park Ice Arena page.

14. What are the admission fees for Thornton Park Ice Arena?

Find current admission and rental fees at our Thornton Park Ice Arena page.

15. Can non-residents skate at Thornton Park?

Yes. Find rates for non-residents at our Thornton Park Ice Arena page.

16. How can I learn more about the Shaker Youth Hockey Association?

Visit our page on Hockey Programs to learn more about playing hockey in Shaker Heights, including the Recreation Department’s partnership with the Shaker Youth Hockey Association.

17. How can I learn more about the Shaker Figure Skating Club?

Visit our page on Ice Skating Programs to learn more about figure skating in Shaker Heights, including the Recreation Department’s partnership with the Shaker Figure Skating Club.

18. What is the Thornton Park pool schedule?

Thornton Park pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. During the season, you can find the pool schedule on the Thornton Park pool page of our website.

19. What are the admission fees for Thornton Park pool?

Check the Thornton Park pool page for admission fees. Note: Fee schedules are published after January 3 for the current year.

20. What is the inclement weather policy?

Shaker Heights City Schools Closure

All Recreation Department activities held in school facilities will be cancelled. Thornton Park and the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building will remain open and activities will proceed as scheduled. 

Shaker Heights City Schools Delayed Opening

Recreation Department activities within school facilities will operate on a normal schedule including Before Care programs. Thornton Park and the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building will open on time.

City of Shaker Heights Building Closures

Thornton Park and the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building will be closed and activities cancelled. 

City of Shaker Heights Delayed Building Openings

Thornton Park and the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building will open on a delayed scheduled.

For information on closures and delays, refer to the City’s Facebook page, the Shaker Schools website, or local radio and TV stations.

21. What is the refund policy?

Refunds are available for class or program registration cancellations by registrants up to 3 business days prior to the first program meeting. A refund request must be completed. All refunds are subject to a processing fee based on the type of program. Please allow 2-4 weeks to process all claims.

All refunds are subject to a $10 processing fee. A $5 processing fee will be applied to Senior Programs. A $25 processing fee will be applied to Camps, Summer Figure Skating School, School Age Care, and Fall/Winter Hockey Program (Mighty Mites). A $125 processing fee will be applied to Fall/Winter Hockey Program (Bantam, Pee Wee, and Squirts).

22. View our Non-Endorsement Policy

The City of Shaker Heights does not necessarily endorse the opinions or business affiliations of the individuals who may teach recreation classes and programs.

23. What is the disability policy?

The City is committed to providing access to recreational programming for all. For individuals with special needs, please call 216-491-1295 for assistance from the appropriate Program Coordinator.

24. Why are classes sometimes cancelled? What other class policies are there?

The City of Shaker Heights may terminate a class with fewer than the required number of participants and provide a full refund/credit. Programs subject to change of location and/or personnel. Decisions to hold classes are based on enrollment 72 hours prior to first class; no refunds granted after second session except for injury or illness. (Doctor's letter required.) Refund claim forms must be submitted 72 hours prior to the start of the first class. Special programs such as child care, camps, and one-nighters handled on case-by-case basis.

25. Where can I get a catalog?

Recreation catalogs are published three times/year and the camp catalog is published once/year. Brochures are mailed, at no charge, to residents of the Shaker City School District.

26. What recreation amenities are available to residents?

We're proud to offer a wide array of amenities to our residents. This includes a 50-meter pool, tennis courts, a basketball court, a skate park, numerous multi-purpose trails, and lots more. Search for the amenity you're seeking with our Facilities module.