Irving Recreation Center

After School Newsletter

We can hardly believe we’ve made it to the final month of the school year! Thank you for sharing your students with us throughout the year. Their energy, creativity, and laughter truly make our program special. As we head into May, we have a few important reminders to help everyone plan ahead.

Irving Rec Center Closure Tuesday, May 12

Irving Recreation Center will be closed for the after‑school program on Tuesday, May 12, as the building will serve as a polling location. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.

Last Day of School Thursday, May 21

To assist Irving Middle School with clearing school grounds upon dismissal, there will be no after‑school program on the last day of school, Thursday, May 21.

Please make other arrangements for your student during after‑school hours that day.

As we wrap up the year, we want to extend our appreciation to all of you for your ongoing support. We hope your family has a fun, safe, and sunny start to summer and we look forward to seeing many of you again soon!

After School Recreation for 26-27 – Registration is Open!

Since 1977, our goal has been to offer more than just a place for students to spend time after school. Our staff creates a welcoming environment built around meaningful activities, positive relationships, and opportunities for students to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

Families choose Irving Rec because students get the support they need and the fun they’re looking for. Whether they want to finish homework, explore hands‑on clubs, be active with friends, dive into creative arts, or simply unwind in a safe and structured space, this program has something for every student. As we look ahead to a new school year, we invite you to register early and secure your student’s spot in a program that has served Irving families for nearly five decades — and continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s middle schoolers. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

https://secure.rec1.com/NE/lincoln-ne/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTQyNjE4NzM=

Let's Make the Most of Every Day!

🌟 Be On Time

Students should sign in at the Rec Center by 3:10 p.m.. If you're arriving later, just bring a pass from a teacher or be coming from a school-sponsored activity—we’re happy to welcome you!

🎫 Use Your Own Punch Card

Each student has their own punch card to check in. Please help us keep things running smoothly by only using your own card—thanks for your honesty and responsibility!

🚪 Stay Safe, Stay Inside

For everyone’s safety, we ask that students do not wait outside for rides or hang out near the building. Once you're here, we want you to enjoy the activities inside until it’s time to head home.

🔁 One Entry Per Day

Once you decide to leave the Rec Center for the day, we hope you had a great time! You'll be able to join us again the next school day when we open.

⏰ Public Hours Start at 5:30 p.m.

While students are welcome to stay after 5:30 p.m., please remember that we open to the public at that time. Be respectful and share the space with others as it gets busier.

🏠 Time to Head Home

We close at 8:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday and 6:00 p.m. on Fridays. Please be sure to arrange your ride or start walking home by then so everyone can end the day on a positive note.

CLOSED THE FOLLOWING DAYS

Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day After Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, M.L. King Jr. Birthday, Presidents' Day, May 12th for election, May 21st for the last day of school, Memorial Day, Juneteenth Independence Day, the Last day of School and Election Days (the rec center is a polling location.)

• 
  
• $4.00/day
• 
  
• $50/punch card (20 days); 38% Savings

How to Register:

How to Register for the Irving Recreation Center Program

Getting started is quick and easy!

1. Visit Civic Rec
2. Create or log in to your account at Civic Rec and search using the keyword "Irving" to find our program options.
3. Choose Your Pass. Select either a 20-Day Punch Card or a School Year Pass—whichever works best for your family.

Scan & Go

1. Prefer using your phone? Simply scan the QR code below to go directly to our registration page.

Payment Options:

You can pay online or in person at the Irving Recreation Center front desk using cash, check, or credit/debit card.

you can also call us at (402) 441-7954 to pay over the phone—we’re happy to help

Positive Youth Development and after-school programming provide students with more than just a safe place to go after school—they create opportunities for growth, connection, and success. Research shows that when young people are engaged in meaningful activities with supportive adults, they build confidence, develop important life skills, and form positive relationships with peers. At Irving Recreation Center, we design our programs to help students explore their interests, discover new strengths, and feel a true sense of belonging, all while reinforcing the values of safety, respect, and responsibility.

Benefits for your student include:

• Building self-confidence and independence
• Forming healthy friendships and positive social skills
• Exploring new interests through clubs, sports, and creative activities
• Developing responsibility, leadership, and teamwork
• Staying active and engaged in a safe, supervised environment

May Calendar (click here)

Please look for information about new clubs starting this month.

If there is an incident inside or outside the building that may be considered unsafe, we will use the Standard Response Protocol established by Lincoln Public Schools.

Summer Day Camp 2026 – Registration is Open!

Summer is the perfect time to stay active, explore new adventures, and create lasting memories! Lincoln Parks and Recreation offers opportunities for children, youth, and adults, including:

• Summer-long Day Camps
• Nature Camps
• Adaptive Recreation
• Leadership Programs

Our Summer Day Camps are all about fun, friendship, and discovery. Campers will enjoy a wide variety of activities designed to keep them moving and engaged, including:

✅ Swimming

✅ Sports & active games

✅ Wellness activities

✅ Outdoor exploration

✅ Arts & crafts

✅ Gardening & building projects

✅ Reading & learning

✅ Field trip adventures

These experiences help campers gain new skills and make memories that last a lifetime!

Registration is now open for students currently in grades K–7 for Lincoln Parks and Recreation’s 2026 Summer Day Camp.

Spots fill quickly—don’t wait!

Register here: https://secure.rec1.com/NE/lincoln-ne/catalog

Call us with any questions. We’re happy to help!

Our staff looks forward to working with your family. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 441-7954 or rlingard@lincoln.ne.gov.

Take Care,

Rick Lingard

Center Director