Nine of Pima County’s community centers and park buildings will be getting some repairs, improvements and general sprucing up, thanks to $1.5 million budgeted by the Board of Supervisors.

Repairs and improvements will be carried out at:

• Catalina Recreation Center
• Picture Rocks Community Center
• Ajo Community Center
• Drexel Heights Community Center
• Continental Community Center
• Agua Caliente Bunkhouse
• Robles Junction Community Center
• Thomas Jay (Littletown) Recreation Center
• Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center

Pima County Facilities Management conducted a comprehensive review of all the County’s community centers with the Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department to compile the list of recommended improvements.

The repairs and improvements range from adding two disabled-designated parking places at Continental Community Center to the installation of energy-efficient lighting at four of the centers and include, at various centers:

• Conversion from evaporative cooling to air conditioning
• Roof, ceiling, and floor repairs
• Restroom repairs and renovation
• Security lighting and new fire alarms
• Interior and exterior repainting
• New exterior signage
• Cracksealing and recoating parking lots, drives and walking paths

The work is expected to be completed by July 1, 2013.

Form more information about Pima County community centers, please visit http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/centers/index.htm.

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Applications for Pima County after-school programs will be available for on-site completion and due Friday, July 13, at participating Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Department community centers.

Applications for the early fall Kids And Parent Playtime (KAPP) program at the community centers will be available for on-site completion and due Monday, July 30, through Friday, Aug. 3.  The KAPP program runs from Aug. 13 through Oct. 5.

Both programs are free, except for special events.  Because of the programs’ popularity, registration is by lottery.  The lottery will be held the week after the application deadline, and applicants will be notified of their status.

The after-school program at eight community centers is for children ages 5-13 and runs from the first day of school until the holiday break in December.  Five-year-olds must be enrolled in elementary school.  Activities include homework help, reading program, group games, sports, arts and crafts, board and table games and special events.

Days and times vary by center.  The program will run from school dismissal until 6 p.m. at most locations.  Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation facilities are not licensed child-care facilities.  The school-age youth programs are “at will” drop-in programs, and youth enrolled in the programs may come and go of their own volition.

For more information about the after-school program, go to http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/youth/index.htm.

The KAPP program is for children ages 3-5 who are toilet-trained and their parent/s.  A variety of activities are offered such as arts and crafts, music, story time, nutrition education, early learning skills, socialization, sports skills and active games.  Days and times vary by center.  Parent must accompany the child and remain on premises during the entire program.  Please contact the participating community centers for more information or go to http://www.pima.gov/nrpr/tots/index.htm.

The participating community centers are:

Ajo Community Center
E.S. Bud Walker Park
290 5th St.
Ajo, AZ 85321
Phone: (520) 387-6641
Fax: (520) 387-6758

Arivaca Community Center
16012 W. Universal Ranch Road
Arivaca, AZ 85601
Phone: (520) 398-3010

Catalina Community Center
16562 N. Oracle Road
Catalina, AZ 85739
Phone: (520) 825-9011

Drexel Heights Community Center
5220 S. San Joaquin Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85746
Phone: (520) 883-4228
Fax: (520) 883-4260

Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center
1660 W. Ruthrauff Road
Tucson, AZ 85705
Phone: (520) 887-9786

Littletown Community Center
6465 S. Craycroft Road
Tucson, AZ 85706
Phone: (520) 574-1404

Picture Rocks Community Center
5615 N. Sanders Road
Tucson, AZ 85634
Phone: (520) 682-7166

Robles Ranch Community Center
16150 W. Ajo Highway
Tucson, Arizona 85735
Phone: (520) 822-4408