Preschool, Youth & Teen Programs
Specialty Camps: Opportunities designed for participants who want to focus on a particular interest and learn to master a skill—like a specific sport (tennis, soccer, baseball, and more), STEAM, dance, art, academics, etc. Although specialty camps focus on certain areas, children still have the opportunity to learn new skills and have diverse experiences.
Parent Handbook: Explore our Summer Specialty Camps Handbook, your essential guide for an seamless summer experience. We highly recommend reviewing this guide, offering valuable insights into what to expect, camp policies, procedures, and more. Learn about our exciting camp offerings, and ensure a smooth journey with vital information on safety protocols, drop off procedures, online health care forms, etc.
Program Offerings
To learn more about our program offerings, visit our recreation services registration website or view our seasonal program guide, popularly known as the Healthy Brochure. This guide is published three times per year and is filled with hundreds of programming opportunities for all ages.
Preschool: Early childhood programs designed for ages 6 months to 6 years, to encourage early learning and socialization. Offerings include meaningful play, physical activities, fostered and independent experiences, and creative opportunities.
Youth: Programs designed for ages 6 to 12 years, to encourage and promote competency-building, social, and life skills, academic improvement, motivation, and overall community involvement.
Teen: Programs designed for ages 11 to 18, to promote and develop independence, self-esteem, an active lifestyle, and peer relationships.
Esports: Step into the future of gaming at the Respawn Lounge, the latest addition to the Dublin Community Recreation Center’s lineup of innovative programming. Gamers alike can find new collaborative programs and services for growth, beginning with STEAM learning and experiences to broaden the technological education of youth.
Day Camps: Visit our camps webpage for details on our Summer/seasonal camp opportunities, or contact Camps Coordinator, Euan Baker at ebaker@dublin.oh.us
Monthly Email Updates
If you would like to receive monthly email updates on Preschool, Youth & Teen programs, please subscribe to our mailing list. The purpose of the monthly update is to keep patrons informed on what is new in the program area, and to provide updates on program policies and procedures. Click here to subscribe now!
About Us
Our team provides year round, inclusive, affordable and valuable recreational programming opportunities for the City of Dublin. We develop and offer programming options for the preschool, youth and teen populations with classes spanning from parent-child to arts & crafts, preschool open gym to youth sports, technology to performing arts and everything in between. We place a high value on recreation and recognize the many benefits of offering engaging programs to the members in our community.
Our vision is develop future leaders in the community by offering a diverse array of innovative programming and camps for participant’s ages 6 months to 18 years old. To help us accomplish our vision, we work with local partners throughout the Central Ohio area. Our partners include youth athletic organizations, nature education instructors, music teachers, local businesses, computer science educators, Dublin city school district teachers, and many more. Additionally, we hire a team of recreation instructors to lead in-house programming year round. All of the teachers and instructors we hire, as well as the partnerships we create, help us serve the needs of our community.
Are you interested in working with us?
The Preschool, Youth & Teen Program Department utilizes independent contractors, contractual partnerships and community recreation instructors to provide recreation and leisure programming for children ages six months to 18 years old. Potential instructors may propose programs designed to meet these needs.
Prospective instructors who wish to teach for the PYT Department should complete an online Program Proposal Form for consideration. A member of our team will follow up with you after the program proposal form has been completed.
Click here to complete a Program Proposal Form.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed days, evenings and weekends at the Dublin Community Recreation Center, assisting instructors with recreation classes for preschool, youth and teen participants. It is a great way to keep your heart smiling and help kids grow! To volunteer e-mail volunteer@dublin.oh.us
Accommodation Requests
Recreation Services promotes an inclusive policy for all of our programs. To discuss program options to best suit your child’s needs or interests, please contact Meaghan Campbell, Adaptive Recreation Coordinator, at 614.410.4574 or mmcampbell@dublin.oh.us for an inquiry of needs to form an accommodation plan. An accommodation plan must be completed prior to the start of the program.
Program Registration
To register for programs at the Dublin Community Recreation Center, you will need to create an online Household Account with us. Once your account has been established, you are able to easily register for activities on our webpage.
- Visit our registration webpage by clicking here!
- Select the Activity that you would like to enroll into – Clicking the underlined activity name will show you a detailed Activity description including what to bring or wear, parent participation level, etc.
- Click the Add to My Cart button if you wish to register for the Activity.
- Next, sign in to your online registration account by entering your Username and Password, and continue to check out.
When a program is listed as unavailable on our webpage, this means the registration period has ended.
All Preschool, Youth & Teen program registrations close 7-days prior to the start of the first class. The 7-day closure window allows our team the proper time needed to complete program logistics, evaluate enrollment numbers, supply needs, and communicate program details with our participant families.
Late registration requests are not guaranteed. Late registrations are required to pay the full program fee – no pro-rated rates available.
When a program enrollment reaches the set maximum capacity, it is deemed full. Families are encouraged to enroll their child on the waitlist for full programs, as enrollment statuses can change.
You will be contacted VIA EMAIL in the event that a space opens for that Activity or additional Activities are added. Waitlist participants will be contacted in order of waitlist number. If we are unable to contact you, your space will be given to the next customer on the waiting list. No news from us means no enrollments spots are available.
*Please Note: Placement on a waiting list does not guarantee a spot in the Activity.
The My Account feature allows you to view a monthly schedule of your Family’s upcoming activities. Sign into your account and click on the Household Name in the top right corner of the screen. Then click Household Calendar under the reports section. Select the output type (activity enrollments), select your month you would like to view and add any additional filters (i.e. location, waitlisted classes). Lastly, select your file format and select Submit. The report will be emailed to the email address you have listed with your Household Account.
Dublin residents reside within the City of Dublin corporate limits (paying property tax to the City of Dublin). School district residents reside in the Dublin School District, but not within the City of Dublin corporate limits. School district residents are granted “resident status” for Wyandot Camp registration ONLY because the program takes place in Dublin City School buildings that are supported by school district residents’ tax dollars.
Registration Reminder Email
Registered participants receive a reminder email from a member of the Preschool, Youth, and Teen Team approximately 5-7 days prior to the program start. This email contains essential details such as dates, times, locations, equipment needs, etc. It also serves as a friendly reminder for your child’s program information.
What to Bring/Wear
We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle and wearing comfortable attire like athletic shorts and t-shirts for ease of movement. Please avoid sandals, flip-flops, or crocs, and ensure your child dressed appropriately for the weather, especially for outdoor activities. While specific equipment needs may vary by program category, these general items will ensure each child is ready for fun!
Participant Sign In/Out
For the safety of our participants, all preschool and youth programs require an adult to escort a child directly to the program location and sign them in/out with an instructor (if not a parent participation program). We ask that all adults be prepared to show a photo ID upon drop off and pick up – if requested.
*Participants enrolled in our Teen programs who are 13 years or older, have the option to sign themselves in/out.
Program Hours
Our programs operate with specific times. Parents/guardians should drop participants off at the start time and pickup promptly at the program’s end. It is the responsibility of the parent to make every effort to pick up their child(ren) before closing time. Please do not arrive early, as our instructors are preparing programs for the day.
Absences at Programs
Refunds, credits, or transfers are not granted for missed program days due to illness, behavioral concerns, or unforeseen emergencies. Parents do not need to inform the DCRC of absences. No makeup classes are offered for missed days. Cancelled classes due to weather or logistical issues will be rescheduled, and participants are notified via email. If facility or instructor schedule does not permit, a refund is issued.
Healthy Kids
Children showing signs or symptoms of illness should not attend programs at the DCRC. Symptoms of seasonal flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The child can return to registered programs after they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications. Please note, if your child becomes ill or vomits during any of our programs, they must be picked up ASAP and removed from the group. Refunds are not available due to illness.
Accommodations Requests
Recreation Services promotes an inclusive policy for all of our programs. To discuss program options to best suit your child’s needs or interests, please contact Meaghan Campbell, Adaptive Recreation Coordinator, at mmcampbell@dublin.oh.us for an inquiry of needs to form an accommodation plan. An accommodation plan could carry over IEP/504 accommodations and must be completed prior to the start of the program. We kindly ask for a 7-day accommodation request window to facilitate this process effectively.
Program Policies & Procedures
Programs: A cancellation request form must be submitted to the Welcome Desk of the DCRC at least 7 business days prior to the first day of class, for a refund of fees paid less a $15 administrative fee. No refunds or transfers are processed after this time. Participants assume risk and responsibility for changes in personal schedules or health. A full refund is issued if the Division of Recreation Services cancels an activity or rental.
Camps: We understand that summer plans can change. The City of Dublin makes firm financial commitments to camp staff, field trips and program supplies each summer. Outside of priority registration, all camps and specialty camps cancelled prior to May 17, 2024 will be refunded in full minus a $50.00, non-refundable fee per week, per child. Cancellation requests made after May 17 will not receive a refund. Transfer requests made after May 17 will not be accepted.
Refund information, including our cancellation policy, can be found on our registration webpage, in our Healthy Brochure, and on your activity registration receipt for reference. We strive to maintain transparency regarding our policies to ensure clarity for all participants.
Our number one priority is to provide a safe and friendly environment to everyone that visits our facilities or takes part in/ participates/joins our programs. All patrons (including spectators) passing the check-in desk must present a photo ID to enter the facility. The City of Dublin reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone registered as a sexual offender (Resolution 6-13).
DCRC facilities will maintain normal operating hours for general recreation unless directed otherwise by the City Manager. In general, DCRC class/activity schedules coincide with Dublin City Schools.
- Weekends/Holidays/School Breaks: Since there is no school schedule to follow, the City philosophy on program cancellations is to decide according to local Dublin weather observed at the DCRC and not Franklin County or Columbus forecasts. When in doubt, check our websiteor keep our weather hotline number handy – 614.410.4946 (this feature is only available in the Winter Months).
- Cancellation: When school is cancelled, all daytime DCRC classes are cancelled, and a decision regarding evening classes (those after 4 p.m.) will be made by 2 p.m. If a DCS cancellation occurs due to a power outage or other non-weather-related reason at their facility, DCRC classes will run as scheduled.
- Early Release: Whenever schools are released early, all evening classes (those after 4 p.m.) are cancelled.
- Delays: Classes are not affected when schools are delayed.
In the event of a cancellation due to weather, we will make every attempt to offer a make-up class. Participants will be informed of any program cancellations due to inclement weather VIA EMAIL, prior to the start of the scheduled program.
For the safety of our participants, all preschool and youth programs require an adult to escort a child directly to the program location and sign them in/out with an instructor (if not a parent participation program). We ask that all adults be prepared to show a photo ID upon drop off and pick up – if requested.
*Participants enrolled in our Teen programs who are 13 years or older, have the option to sign themselves in/out.
With your child’s best interest in mind and to provide the best learning environment, we ask all parents refrain from entering the teaching area during classes. This eliminates any interruptions between the instructor and participants. We feel it is beneficial for the children to have time alone to interact with their peers.
The City of Dublin and its staff are not liable for lost or damaged items. Parents and participants assume responsibility for any items brought to camps. Cellphones, if brought for emergency purposes, must remain in the child’s bag at all times. Lost items will be turned in to the Dublin Community Recreation Center Welcome Desk. Items are kept for a short period of time in our ‘Lost and Found’ closet before being donated.
Photographs are occasionally taken of program and class participants, and may be used in Recreation Services publications, websites or social media. Please contact a member of the PYT Team prior to your child attending a program, if you do not want your child to be photographed. *All guardians may take photos of their own child at events ensuring that their child the main subject of the photo. Recreation Services reserves the right to ask parents /guardians not to take photographs of children/use videoing equipment if it disrupts an event or feels the images may be used inappropriately.
Due to the structure of the child/parent programs, only children who are the appropriate age for the class will be permitted to register and attend the program. No younger or older siblings are allowed in the classroom to sit and watch or be left unattended in the lobby. For your convenience, we have a Wee Folk Room available for families who are in need of sibling care during our programs (pre-registration & fees apply).
For specific questions about Preschool, Youth & Teen Programs Contact
Rachel Keitz
Recreation Coordinator
rkeitz@dublin.oh.us
614.410.4575
Meaghan Campbell
Adaptive Coordinator
mmcampbell@dublin.oh.us
614.410.4574
Phil Gross
Recreation Program Supervisor
pgross@dublin.oh.us
614.410.4552
Mollie Wills
Program Specialist
mwills@dublin.oh.us
614.410.4573
Bocce Ball Courts
Two regulation bocce ball courts are available for public use, subject to senior adult programming and league play. Bocce ball sets may be checked out at the Welcome Desk by players 18 and older.
Classrooms
The classrooms house a variety of programs, including pottery and arts & crafts—meeting the needs of preschoolers, children, teens, adults and senior adults.
Community Hall
The Community Hall provides space for parties, receptions, meetings and community events. The facility seats up to 300 or can be divided into smaller rooms.
Abbey theater of Dublin
A 200-seat theater can be used for musical, theatrical and dance performances; film/video; lectures; and seminars.
Computer Lab
Equipped with workstations and a variety of software programs, the computer lab provides high-speed Internet access and opportunities for beginning and intermediate instruction. Open to ages 18 & up.
Family Locker Rooms
Each family locker room has its own shower, restroom and lockers. One locker room, designed for people with special needs, features a dressing table.
Fitness Area
Looking for free weights and cardiovascular equipment? Check out the fully equipped fitness area on the first floor. You will find treadmills, elliptical machines, bicycles and stair steppers along with free weights, Nautilus and a complete set of Cybex strength equipment.
Group Fitness Studios
If you enjoy group fitness, check out the myriad of classes offered. Two state-of-the-art studios feature suspended floors to help reduce impact and injury. Several pass options are available, allowing participants to choose from a weekly schedule of classes that include Spinning®, Pilates and TRX.
Jogging/Walking Track
Joggers and walkers on the second floor track can cover a mile in 13 laps. An expanse of windows provides views of the pools and the outdoors.
Multi-Purpose Pool
The competitive/lap pool measures 25 yards by 25 meters and has two one-meter diving boards. This pool often is divided for activities such as aqua aerobics, open swim, swim team practice and instruction. Bleachers provide ample seating and a separate entrance makes it perfect for area swim meets. The natatorium walls in both the lap and leisure pools are lined with sound-absorbing material.
Leisure Pool
A unique feature of the DCRC is the leisure pool, which includes a lazy river, clam slide for children, double helix slide for those a little more daring and a zero-foot entry point for cautious tots. The warmer water and 3.5-foot maximum depth make this pool perfect for children, adults and senior adults.
Senior Adult Lounge
An elegant, cozy lounge welcomes senior adults to our center. Enjoy playing cards with friends, reading by a fireplace or simply relaxing in this peaceful environment.
Teen Lounge
A teen lounge offers space and a variety of programming opportunities for Dublin teens.
Wee folk/Youth Lounge
While moms and dads are working out, attending a class or relaxing in the hot tub, they can rest assured that their children—from ages 6 weeks to 12 years—are nearby and safe. Children can play in the indoor or outdoor area or engage in age-appropriate games and activities.
Courtesy & Rules
Hours of Operation
Our parks are open for your enjoyment from dawn to dusk, unless otherwise noted at the park or during certain special events.
Shelters/Pavilions
A number of our shelters and pavilions are available to reserve on a first-come, first serve basis. Please be courteous of your neighbors and abide by your reservation times.
Keep it Clean
We’re sure you’ll find Dublin’s parks and bikeways to be clean, beautiful places to enjoy with your family. The City strives to keep its parks, playgrounds and bikeways clean and free of litter. Please leave the parks as clean as you find them so that others will enjoy them as much as you do. Disposal of litter in public places is prohibited unless placed in public trash containers or using City-authorized containers as part of the City’s refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.
Pets
We know your furry friends enjoy nature as much as you do. We ask you to be safe and courteous with your pets.
Animals may not run at-large in our parks. All animals must be under the owner’s control at all times. All pets must be securely leashed, kept in a vehicle or suitably caged.
Animal owners also must pick up and properly dispose of any fecal matter left by their pets. It’s not just courteous — it’s the law!
Horses
Horses are allowed in designated areas of Glacier Ridge Metro Park.
Hunting and Fishing
For the safety of our residents, hunting is forbidden in the City. Fishing is permitted in designated areas, including certain City park ponds and in the Scioto River (with a license). Please fish only in ponds where signs prohibiting fishing are not posted.
Respect our Parks
Plants and animals also are part of the Dublin community. Please respect the plant and animal life and ecosystems of our natural areas. Enjoy the flowers, trees and other flora without picking or damaging plants. Touching or disturbing wildlife, including animal and bird nesting areas and eggs can be dangerous to humans — not to mention our flora and fauna! And please do not damage or remove any property or natural feature, including stones and minerals, earth, wood, and nuts. Take only pictures and leave only footprints in our parks.
Rules & Regulations
Dublin Recreation Services is committed to providing quality recreation programs and facilities for the Dublin community. Use of the facilities by families and citizens is strongly encouraged. The following policies have been established to operate the DCRC and to ensure our patrons quality and safe recreation experiences:
- Proper and valid identification is required to gain access to the DCRC. Users of the DCRC need to check in at the front desk and provide annual pass, resident card, temporary pass or pay the daily pass rate for admittance.
- Annual pass holders who do not present their annual pass will only be admitted if an alternate form of photo identification is produced.
- Resident card holders must present their Dublin Resident ID card each visit to receive the daily pass discount rate.
- Annual passes are not transferable and will be deemed void when in the hands of those other than the proper registrant.
- The DCRC and its grounds are smoke- and alcohol-free environments by City ordinance.
- Eating and drinking is permitted in designated areas only.
- Children ages 9 and under must have adult/guardian at least 16 years of age supervising at all times. Supervising adults must keep children ages 4 and under within arm’s reach; there must be at least one adult for each two children in this age group. Children ages 5 through 7 must be within sight of their attending adult at all times. Children ages 8 and 9 must have an adult in the facility at all times. For children ages 5 through 9, there must be one adult for every five children. Children ages 10 years and over may enter the facility without an adult supervisor.
- Youth must be 16 years of age or older to be on the fitness floor. Youth ages 12 – 15 years are permitted on the fitness floor if directly supervised by an adult or if they have passed the Junior Fitness Card Program (see Fitness Program Section). Youth under the age of 12 years are not permitted on the fitness floor area at anytime.
- Youth must be 13 years of age or older to be on the track or in the track stretching areas. Youth ages 8 – 12 years are permitted on the track if directly supervised by an adult or if they have passed the Junior Track Program (see Fitness Program Section). Youth may enroll in the Junior Track Program if they are ages 10-12. Youth under the age of 8 years are not permitted on the track at anytime unless utilizing the pool observation area with an adult.
- Changes in recreation schedules may occur without notice. Staff will post changes in the schedule with as much advance notice as possible. Current pool, aerobics and open gym schedules are available at the Front Desk.
- Dublin Recreation Services is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. It is strongly recommended that you lock your possessions in a locker during your visit to the DCRC.
- Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Locks may not be left on lockers overnight. Locks which are left overnight will be removed by staff.
- All participants must observe the rules and regulations relating to the safety and operation of the facilities. Any passholder who fails to comply with the rules and regulations of the DCRC will be subject to the following penalties:
- One week’s suspension from use of the facilities upon the first incident;
- Thirty days suspension from use of the facilities upon the second incident;
- One year suspension from use of the facilities upon a third violation; and
- Permanent suspension from use of the facilities upon any subsequent incident.
The following activities, although not an exhaustive list, are examples of behaviors that will result in disciplinary action and police reports when applicable:
- Fighting
- Stealing
- Property Damage
- Disorderly conduct
- Criminal damage
- Verbal abuse of staff and/or patrons
- Not following posted policies and rules
DCRC Regular Building Hours
- Monday – Friday: 5:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
2024 Modified Hours
- New Year’s Day: Monday, Jan. 1 open from 8 a.m. to noon
- Easter: Sunday, March 31 – CLOSED
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 27 open from 8 a.m. to noon
- Independence Day: Thursday, July 4 open from 8 a.m. to noon
- Labor Day: Monday, Sept. 2 – CLOSED
- Thanksgiving: Thursday, Nov. 28 open from 8 a.m. to noon
- Christmas Eve: Tuesday, Dec. 24 open from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Christmas: Wednesday, Dec. 25 – CLOSED
- New Year’s Eve: Tuesday, Dec. 31 open from 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025 open from 8 a.m. to noon
2024 Dublin Irish Festival Special Hours
- Friday, Aug. 2 open from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 3 open from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 4 – CLOSED
2024 Annual Cleaning, Maintenance & Repairs
The Dublin Community Recreation Center (DCRC) will be closed from Saturday, Aug. 24 through Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 for annual cleaning, maintenance and repairs. The DCRC will reopen at 5:30am Tuesday, Sept. 3. Offices will be staffed for phone calls from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Parks & Recreation
Recreation Services
614.410.4550
Parks, Shelter Houses & Kaltenbach Rentals
614.410.4510
24-Hour Information Hotline:
614.410.4946
Dublin Community Recreation Center Rentals
614.410.4550
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5555 Perimeter Drive
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