Families, Parks and Recreation

Orlando Sentinel - Group promotes pride, arts for young Hispanics August 9, 2007

The Engelwood Neighborhood Center is a large facility with two large multi-purpose rooms (one with a small stage), two smaller classrooms, and two kitchens. Highlights are the popular gymnasium; the 2000 square foot state of the art fitness room offering weight machines, free weights, and cardio equipment including two recumbent bikes, two treadmills, one stair-climber, and one rowing machine; a computer lab hosting 10 computers with internet access; a game room with two pool tables, table tennis and foosball. Outside there are two outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, a softball field, a soccer corral, and a swimming pool with a child’s play pool.

Programs:

Camp Orlando Summer Camp (ages 5 - 14): a safe and affordable summer camp program for youth. This five-day week program at 16 City recreation centers offers a variety of activities, including swimming, crafts, outdoor activities, nature programs, exciting field trips (additional expense), computer labs, arts and crafts, and special events. Sites may offer different activities according to the interests of the children who participate in programs.  

Computer Lab (all ages): Offering open lab for research, resume writing, homework, internet access, and other activities.

ESOL: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., – An ADULT English for speakers of other languages class, through the Orange County Public School System. Those interested must come in Monday through Friday or call 407.482.6304 ext. 2290 to register.  Enrollment fee is $27.50.

Junior Counselor (ages 13 - 15): This year round program offers teens the opportunity to learn job skills by being interviewed, assist counselors and front desk personnel, assist with evaluations, attend field trips to businesses in the area, workshops, and seminars

Junior Magic Basketball (ages 9 to 15): December – March, Ages – 9 and Under, 11 and Under, 13 and Under, 15 and Under – Basketball program run in correlation with the City of Orlando’s Athletic Department; This league is a league to help better the participant’s skill in basketball as well as provide an enjoyable team experience; Youth are evaluated then placed on a team; All teams are put together with the hopes of creating equal level of skilled and unskilled players on each team to make the league competitive, yet fun; Cost – $40 per participant (includes jersey).

Karate: Mon and Wed, 5 – 6 pm (beginners), 6 – 7 pm (intermediate and advance) – A martial arts class for all ages, Classes include a beginner, intermediate and advanced course, Costs – $25 a month, Instructor - Henry Graves.

Midnight Basketball: In a partnership with The Center for Drug Free Living, we offer this prevention program that provides youth with positive, alternative late night activities, such as Open Gym basketball, on Saturday nights fro 8 p.m. - midnight.

OASIS (Orlando After School Is Super) (ages 5 - 10): An after-school program for youth ages 5 to 10 that provides supervised activities for elementary school age children. Children can have access to opportunities such as homework assistance, computer labs, game rooms, cultural arts, pottery, arts and crafts, dance recitals and field trips to local attractions, football, and basketball games.

School Vacation Daze (ages 5- 10): A youth program coinciding with school holidays from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.  Offering fun activities during school breaks, children can enjoy crafts, outdoor activities, game rooms, and much more during the traditional Orange County Public School vacation calendar year. Register at site prior to school holidays.

Seniors First (ages 55 and up): Year round, socializing and eating, billiards and dominoes, bilingual bingo, field trips and more.  Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Seniors Coordinator: Millie Garcia – This program is run by Seniors First, which is a Meal on Wheels, Home Improvement, and Homemaker service for Senior Citizens; The seniors are involved in many activities such as bingo, pool billiards, dominoes, arts and crafts, and field trips; Those interested must contact Seniors First at 407.292.0177 (Lisa McCrystal).

Rentals and Public Use:

Engelwood Neighborhood Center offers certain rooms within the facility for rent for events such as birthday parties, meetings, showers, and so on.

• Multi-Purpose Room - $50 per hour - Capacity 160 persons.
• Community Room- $50 per hour - Capacity 96 persons.
• Warming Kitchen - $15 per hour - Capacity 15 persons.
• 2 Small Class Room Size Rooms (Study Room & Art Room) - $30 per hour – Capacity 42 persons
• Gymnasium (sporting events only) - $65 per hour - capacity 533 persons.
• Outside Basketball Courts - $30 per hour
• Softball Field - $25/$40 per hour
• Park Pavilion - $75 daily for the large pavilion and $30 daily for small pavilions.

Rental Policy and Procedures

• $100 Damage Deposit Required. Deposit will be refunded 4 to 6 weeks after rental if no damage was found after the rental. Insurance is not refundable and prices range from $31 to $80 and will protect any injuries that may happen during the rental.
• No Alcoholic Beverages allowed.
• All rentals must be paid in full at time of booking.
• Rentals must be cancelled at least 72 hours prior to event to receive a refund.

Public Use

• Fitness Center memberships are available at daily, monthly, six month, and annual rates. For more information, call the Center.
• Game Room and Computer Lab are open to the public at no charge during operational hours.
• The Game Room and Computer Lab will close for the OASIS after school program from August through May from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as the School Daze and Camp Orlando summer camp programs.