Programs & Special Events

ADULT CO-ED SOFTBALL:
Date:  Wednesdays; Begins April 12, 2023
Ages:  18 and older
Time:  6:30 p.m.
Location:  Lakeview Fields
Fee:  $260.00 (min. 10 games per team)
Minimum 6 teams; Maximum 8 teams
League Rules
Team Roster
Hold Harmless Agreement
To register, click here

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
•Refunds will be made up to two (2) weeks prior to the beginning of the program.  Once the program begins, partial refunds may be granted on an individual basis at the discretion of the Parks and Recreation Department.  Refunds will be given for all programs cancelled by the Parks and Recreation Department.
•Cancellations will be placed on the Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page.
•AMERICANS DISABILITIES ACT:  The Parks and Recreation Department is addressing the regulations contained in the American Disabilities Act.  Although the compliance plan has been endorsed, any comments or suggestions which would assist to accommodate persons with disabilities in our program and/or activities are always welcome.  If you or someone you know needs special accommodations to participate in any program or event, please notify our office 48 hours prior to the scheduled program or event.

WITCHES ON MAIN STREET:
Ages:  21 and older
Date:  Thursday, October 6, 2022
Time:  6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location:  Farmers’ Market
Fee:  $8.00/per person per ticket; must purchase in advance
•Food and beverages will be available for purchase
•No outside coolers, cans, bottles or pets
•Contests:  Best Broom, Best Hat, Best Cackle, Best Outfit
To register, click here

MUSIC AT THE MARKET:
Date:  October 13, 2022; Texas Giants
Time:  5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location:  Farmers’ Market
Fee:  FREE Admission
*Food and beverages available for purchase
**Events coordinated by the Parks & Recreation Department and the Chamber of Commerce

LETTERS TO SANTA:
Dates:  December 1 – December 20
Santa will be answering letters from boys and girls who write him at:
SANTA
Washington Parks & Recreation
405 Jefferson Street
Washington, MO 63090
You may also drop off your letter at the Washington Public Library in the Santa Mailbox located on the bottom level.  Letters must include a stamp self-addressed envelope.

OLDE FASHIONED CHRISTMAS:
Partnered with the Washington Chamber of Commerce
Date:  Sunday, November 27, 2022
Time:  3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location:  Farmers’ Market
Fee:  FREE Admission
Activities Include:
•Marshmallow Roasting
•Photos with Reindeer
•Hot Chocolate/Hot Cider/Mulled Wine
•Christmas Crafts
•Cookie Decorating
•Face Painting
•Local Choirs and the Washington Brass Band
•Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus

WASHINGTON BRASS BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT:
Date:  Sunday, December 11, 2022
Time:  3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location:  City Auditorium
Fee:  FREE Admission

FLASHLIGHT CANDY  CANE HUNT:
After the hunt, there will be hot chocolate, cookies, crafts and a visit from Santa.
Ages:  1-10
Date:  Thursday, December 15, 2022
Time:  6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location:  City Auditorium, Lower Level
Fee:  $10.00/per child
*Registration deadline is Tuesday, December 13, 2022
**Minimum 25; Maximum 50
To register, click here

DADDY DAUGHTER SWEETHEART DANCE:
This event is for girls with their dads, grandpas, uncles or special escorts
Ages:  3-10
Date:  Friday, February 10, 2023
Time:  6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location:  City Auditorium
Fee:  $52.00/per couple; $20.00/each additional child; $16.00/each additional adult
*Pre-registration ends Friday, January 27, 2023 or when the program is full
**Minimum 50 girls; Maximum 75 girls
To register, click here

EASTER EGG HUNT:
Ages:  1 (walking) – 10
Date:  Saturday, April 1, 2023
Time:  9:00 a.m. Sharp
Location:  Fairgrounds – Midway Soccer Field
Fee:  FREE Admission

For additional information, please contact the Parks Department at (636) 390-1080.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION:
•Cancellations will be placed on the Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page.
•AMERICANS DISABILITIES ACT:  The Parks and Recreation Department is addressing the regulations contained in the American Disabilities Act.  Although the compliance plan has been endorsed, any comments or suggestions which would assist to accommodate persons with disabilities in our program and/or activities are always welcome.  If you or someone you know needs special accommodations to participate in any program or event, please notify our office 48 hours prior to the scheduled program or event.

The Auditorium will be open for walking on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays,
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. beginning Wednesday, November 2, 2022.  No pets allowed.
*Last day for walking is Thursday, March 30, 2023

No walking on the following dates: 
•Thursday, November 24, 2022
•Thursday, December 8, 2022
•Thursday, December 15, 2022
•Monday, December 19, 2022
•Monday, December 26, 2022
•Monday, January 2, 2023
•Monday, January 16, 2023
•Monday, February 20, 2023
•Thursday, March 9, 2023

The Parks and Recreation Department offers a free open gym period for walking in the City Auditorium at 211 High Street.  The gym is closed on City holidays and other special dates.  These dates are posted in the Auditorium.

For additional information, please contact the Parks Department at (636) 390-1080.

AMERICANS DISABILITIES ACT:  The Parks and Recreation Department is addressing the regulations contained in the American Disabilities Act.  Although the compliance plan has been endorsed, any comments or suggestions which would assist to accommodate persons with disabilities in our program and/or activities are always welcome.  If you or someone you know needs special accommodations to participate in any program or event, please notify our office 48 hours prior to the scheduled program or event.

REVENUE AND PRICING POLICY:
The City of Washington Parks and Recreation Department offers diversified parks and recreation services to its residents and the surrounding community. Historically, these services were financed by appropriation of tax dollars from the City’s general fund, which is to say that residents of Washington have previously paid for their parks, recreation facilities, and recreation services primarily through taxation. In recent years, with the growing population in and around Washington has increased demand for new, expanded, and more diversified services. Additionally, costs of land and capital projects have increased, as have operational costs, and with the decline in the economy over the past several years, a greater emphasis has been placed on generating non-tax revenues. These pressures are of such magnitude as to cause alternative sources of revenues to be more and more critical for the operation of parks and recreation programs and facilities. In the field of parks and recreation, sources of funds other than local taxes include:
•Gifts and bequests
•Grants
•Contractual receipts
•Concessions and leases
•Fees and charges
•Sponsorships

The guiding principle of the Washington Parks and Recreation Department’s philosophy is to provide the most efficient and highest quality parks and recreation experiences possible within its appropriated budget, and to ensure that all Washington citizens have an equal opportunity to participate in a variety of programs, services, parks and facilities. This principle is accomplished through two primary funding sources: taxes (property and sales) 2 and user fees and charges. Tax dollars may provide for capital improvements, land acquisition, and basic administrative costs for parks and recreation services; however, user fees and charges offset operating costs and continue to be an important source of income to assist in narrowing the gap between the levels of tax subsidy and revenue.

The underlying principle of financing the parks and recreation system is to offer an efficient, balanced program of parks, facilities, trails and services in Washington. Frequently, the demand upon our parks and recreation system is greater than the tax revenues available to support the demand. Realizing that tax dollars alone should not subsidize programs, services and facilities, it is necessary to charge user fees for selected programs, services and facilities, particularly in instances where a program, service or facility is directly consumed by the individual(s), group or organization for his/her or their own personal benefit. Philosophically, fees charged are designed to reduce or eliminate subsidies from the General Fund. It is felt that the user(s) of the program, service or facility shall pay for all or part of the costs.

This system of user fees and charges must supplement and not replace existing financial resources. They must be constructed on a level consistent with the needs of Washington residents and in accordance with national and local trends. User fees and charges must be viewed as a method of continuing and expanding the ability to provide quality parks and recreation services at a level that is fair and equitable to both participants and nonparticipants in the City of Washington. User fees and charges provide only one source of finance for the Parks and Recreation Department. A system of user fees and charges must supplement other resources available to the Department, not replace them or be used to diminish the Department’s responsibility to provide public open space and recreational opportunities for all citizens.

The prime objective of this Policy is to develop guidelines to efficiently direct the Department toward a more consistent and effective method of establishing fees and charges while, at the same time, maintaining a high degree of equity for the citizens of Washington. The general benefit of services, programs and facilities must exceed any detriment imposed by the user fees themselves and collections must be practical.

Revenue and Pricing Policy

All Service Project Proposals and Volunteer Forms shall be directed to:
City of Washington
Attn:  Parks & Recreation Department
405 Jefferson Street
Washington, MO 63090
(636) 390-1080
cwarren@washmo.gov

Service Project Proposal Form
Volunteer Form

Aging Ahead is proud to operate a Community Senior Center in Washington.  This location serves as a focal point for older adults.  They offer nutritious hot meals for center participants and delivers Meals on Wheels to eligible home bound seniors.  Educational, recreational and health programs are also offered at the center.

Contact Center Administrator:
Debbie Steagall

Center Address and Phone Number:
1459 West Fifth Street
Washington, MO 63090
(636) 239-3374

Hours of Operation:
Beginning Thursday, December 2, 2021, the Senior Center will open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For more information:
https://www.agingahead.org/