The Parks & Recreation Department organizes camps, recreational activities, sports and fitness programs, cultural arts and enrichment learning for preschool, youth, adult and 50+ age individuals, including aquatics and tennis programs.
We facilitate four seasonal community events and Movies in the Park. In partnership with Get Fresh Markets, we offer the weekly farmers market.
PLAY UA Financial Assistance Program
The PLAY UA Financial Assistance Program is designed to support community members who face financial barriers that may prevent them from participating in UA Parks & Recreation programs. PLAY UA will provide a 50% reduction for most program and membership fees – including summer and winter camps (with a cap of $400 for summer day camp assistance), Safety Town, and membership passes for pools, tennis and the Senior Center’s Studio 55 – for qualifying residents and those who work in Upper Arlington. The program is not available for daily admission fees or facility rentals. Assistance will be awarded as funds are available.
December 2024
Concourse Gallery
January 2025
Friends of UA Parks Volunteer Day
Concourse Gallery
Concourse Gallery
Concourse Gallery
Annually, the Recreation Division organizes four free community events, Spring Fling, Summer Celebration, Fall Fest and Winter Festival. Spring Fling is held in May at Sunny 95 Park; Summer Celebration is held in July at Thompson Park; Fall Fest is held in October at Fancyburg Park; and Winter Festival is held in December at Mallway Park.
Experience the joy of movie watching in the great outdoors. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and snacks to enhance your movie watching experience. If a movie is cancelled due to inclement weather, it will not be rescheduled (weather hotline: 614-583-5345). All movies are free and begin at dusk.
Parks & Recreation has partnered with Common Greens, a local non-profit organization led by Michelle White, who has more than 10 years of experience as market managers. Michelle is a member of the Ohio Farmers Market Network, a statewide organization providing resources and training to market managers and producers. This partnership connects our farmers market to other Central Ohio markets and engage ours in a USDA Farmers Market Promotion Program grant.
The Farmers Market also features a new start date, hours and a more centralized location! Rain or shine, UA’s Farmers’ Market will take place at the northwest corner of the Tremont Pool parking lot on 2850 Tremont Road from 4-7 pm each Wednesday, starting May 18 thru October 26.
If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact Get Fresh Markets at [email protected] or visit //www.commongreensohio.org/upper-arlington. We look forward to helping you continue those healthy habits this summer Upper Arlington Farmers Market!
Our Preschool activities consist of a vast array of programs that will get your child active, inspire creativity, encourage social interaction and stimulate learning.
Our Youth activities include a variety of camps, classes and activities designed to enrich, stimulate and entertain youth of all ages and interests.
Children enjoy programmed recreation activities, weekly field trips, arts and crafts, games, quiet recreation, movies, swimming and library visits. Qualified leaders staff the program at an approximate ratio of 12:1. Registrants must be completely potty trained, without prompting or receiving reminders, to attend Summer Day Camp. Participants bring a packed lunch daily, a water bottle/drink and an afternoon snack. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited. The registration fee is per child and includes admission to the Upper Arlington Pools while with Day Camp and a camp t-shirt. Fees include field trip costs.
Camp Locations: Thompson Park North Shelter, Reed Road Park Shelter, Tremont Elementary School Cafeteria, and Barrington Elementary School Cafeteria. Aging Date: must be 6 by September 30, 2025.
We are offering two methods of payment this year. Payment can be taken in full for camp at time of registration or there is an option to sign up for installment billing. By signing up for installment billing, you will link a credit card to the future installment payments that will come out March through June. You still need to pay an initial fee.
Please note: For an Installment bill transaction, you are required to enter your card number twice – once to link future installment payments and once to process the initial payment. If you do not process the initial payment, your spot is not guaranteed in camp.
There will no longer be credit for missed days of Camp.
Full Summer Registration (Residents Only): January 29, 2025 at 6 am
Non Residents: January 31, 2025 at Noon
Camp Payments
- Thompson Park and Reed Road Park Locations
- Full 10 week ($2,275 R | $2,730 NR): $455 R | $546 NR due at registration, $455 R | $546 NR due on March 3, April 7, May 5, and June 2.
- All Other Locations
- Full 9 week ($2,050 R | $2,460 NR): $230 R | $276 NR due at registration, $455 R | $546 NR due on March 3, April 7, May 5, and June 2.
Winter Break Day Camp runs concurrently with the Upper Arlington School’s Winter Break, providing a valuable service for those families in which both parents work. New this year is a location change to Tremont Elementary School Cafeteria.
Children enjoy a variety of activities including arts and crafts, games, quiet recreation, movies, library visits and one field trip. Qualified leaders at an approximate ratio of 15:1 staff the program. Participants should bring a packed lunch daily, water bottle and an afternoon snack.
Winter Break Day Camp fees are non-refundable, non- transferrable and cannot be credited to a household account. Select the days you wish to register for below; you must register for each day your child wishes to attend. Register early as camp does reach the maximum!
Activities and classes for participants 18 years and up range from sports, yoga and fitness to the arts, cooking and technology. An ever-changing line-up of new offerings and popular returning favorites is featured in each edition of the Activity Guide. It’s a great way to socialize with family and friends, expand your network and meet new people. Enjoy, Participate and Discover!
Activities and programs offered to the 50+ section provide an exciting range of options to enrich your soul and educate your mind. Join us to gain skills, meet new friends, get in shape and open up a whole new world. Our active Senior Center provides collaborative resources for health, financial and social needs, as well as providing fitness and enrichment opportunities.
Various community groups and organizations provide UA residents with youth and adult athletic opportunities in partnership with the Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation Department. Each has its own registration requirements and timeframe. Contact each entity for more information.
| Organization | Season | Age | Description | Web or Email |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Cub Baseball | Spring & Fall | pre-K-Grade 6 | T-ball; Coach-Pitch; Kit-Pitch. Boys & Girls. Ages pre-K-Grade 6. | [email protected] or uabcb.com |
| Bear Cub Girls Softball | Spring & Summer | K-Grade 6 | Girls. K-Grade 6. | bearcubsoftball.com |
| Northwest Kiwanis Soccer | Spring & Fall | K-Grade 6 | Boys & Girls. Grades 1-6 = Fall & Spring. Kindergarten = Spring. | northwestkiwanis.com/youth-soccer |
| UA Adult Co-Rec Soccer | Spring & Fall | Adult | Soccer | [email protected] |
| UA Athletic Association Football UA Youth Football | Fall | K-Grade 6 | K-Grades 2 = Flag. Grades 3-6 = Tackle. | uayouthfootball.com |
| UA Softball Association | Grades 6-12 | bearcubsoftball.com | ||
| UA Junior Baseball Association | Spring & Summer | Grades 3-12 | Boys. Traveling teams for Grades 3-6 and 7-12. | uajba.org |
| UA Lacrosse Association | Spring & Summer | Grades 3-6 | Boys & Girls. Grades 3-6. | eteamz.com/uala and Registration uala.info |
| UA Optimist Basketball | Winter | K-Grade 12 | Boys & Girls. K-Grade 12. | uaoptimist.org |
| UA Swim Club | Summer | Beinner-Collegiate | Competitive swimming for all ages, beginner to collegiate champ! | uasc.org |
| UA Shuffleboard Club | Adult | [email protected] | ||
| UA Silver Bears Softball | Spring | 60+ | Men. 60+ | |
| UA Summer Softball Association Girls Fast Pitch Traveling Team | Spring & Summer | Grades 6-12 | Girls. Grades 6-12. | uasoftball.net |
Recreation (6)
Sand volleyball courts are located at Reed Road Park by the shelter house. Available for use 7 am-11 pm. Athletic fields are available for rent beginning mid-April through December. Fees vary by amenities and user.
For fees, availability, and to rent, call Darcy Baxter at 614-583-5316. Shelter houses at Thompson, Fancyburg, and Reed Road parks are available to individuals and organizations by rental only.
This cannot be done online. The first step in switching an activity would be to call the Upper Arlington Parks & Recreation Department at 614-583-5300. A staff member can assist you in switching activities. Please have ready the name of both the activity being dropped and the activity that you wish to enroll. Having the activity number on hand is not necessary, but is much appreciated in completing the switch.
Registration for activities can be completed online at this link: parks.uaoh.net
Safety Town is coordinated by the Police Division, in cooperation with the Fire Division and Parks & Recreation Department. Program details can be found in the Spring/Summer Parks & Recreation catalog or by visiting the Police Division – Support Services Bureau – Safety Town section of our website.
All facilities are cash-free. All pass and daily fees must be paid by credit card (Visa, Master Card and Discover Card). If you wish to use cash or check to purchase your passes, please visit the Municipal Services Center. Children two and under are free, and do not require a pass or daily admission.
Camps (13)
Swim tests are mandatory for all campers at Summer Day Camp. To pass, campers must swim the width of the pool, without stopping, struggling, or touching the bottom, and tread water for 30 seconds. The swim test is given on the first pool day, but campers can retake it daily until they pass, even later in the summer. Campers who join camp later in the season must also complete the swim test. Campers are not allowed to enter water deeper than their heads (including the diving boards) until they pass the swim test.
Duration of Camp
- Full 9-Week: June 2-August 1
Closed June 19 and July 4 - Full 10-Week: June 2-August 8
Closed June 19 and July 4
Hours of Operation (All Camp Locations): 7:15 am-6:00 pm
Barrington Elementary School Cafeteria
1780 Barrington Road, Columbus, OH 43221
Thompson Park North Shelter House
4250 Mountview Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43220
Tremont Elementary School Cafeteria
2900 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221 (Entrance Off South Parking Lot)
Reed Road Park Shelter House
3055 Reed Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221 (Behind Fire Station #72)
You may drop-off and pick-up your child at SDC at any time during the course of the day. You may even drop-off and pick-up your child at the pool and/or a field trip location, however the adult bringing or calling for a child at an off-site location MUST make personal/direct contact with a leader (preferably the Camp Director /Asst. Director) to let them know that your child has arrived or is departing from SDC. On days of required field trips, Campers who do not wish to attend the field trip must be picked-up prior to the scheduled departure time.
Campers must turn 6 by September 30, 2025 and the maximum age of a camper is 13. Campers cannot turn 13 before the first day of Camp, however if the camper’s 13th birthday is during the course of Camp, he/she may attend the entire summer.
Residents are those families who reside and/or work within boundaries of Upper Arlington. The Upper Arlington City boundary encompasses most, but not all Upper Arlington School District. If you are in doubt, please call our office at 614-583-5300 or consult the Franklin County Auditor’s website (//franklincountyauditor.com) to check your Tax District under Parcel Search.
Registration for Summer Day Camp (SDC) is online at //parks.uaoh.net. Camp fees are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be credited to your household.
You can either pay for camp in full when you register or choose installment billing. With installment billing, you’ll link a credit card to make payments on March 3, April 7, May 5, and June 2, as well as an initial payment at the time of registration. Please note: You will need to enter your credit card information twice–once to set up future payments and again to process the initial payment. If the initial payment is not made, your spot in camp is not guaranteed. All fees must be paid by the first day of camp.
Camp Payment Plans:
Full 10-Week Camp ($2,275 for Residents | $2,730 for Non-Residents):
- $455 for residents | $546 for non-residents due at registration
- $455 for residents | $546 for non-residents due on March 3, April 7, May 5, and June 2
Full 9-Week Camp ($2,050 for Residents | $2,460 for Non-Residents):
- $230 for residents | $276 for non-residents due at registration
- $455 for residents | $546 for non-residents due on March 3, April 7, May 5, and June 2
Camp offers more than just supervision during the summer months. Our staff creates a dynamic environment with engaging activities, guidance, and support, ensuring a fun and enriching experience for every camper. The registration fee includes access to the UA Pools, but only when the camper is participating in the SDC program. It also covers camp supplies and an SDC t-shirt. Additionally, the fee helps fund a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, sports, outdoor games, and team-building exercises. Campers will also enjoy exciting field trips throughout the summer, providing valuable opportunities for exploration and fun.
Every Camp utilizes electronic check-in/out. Parents must accompany their child into Camp each day and swipe the key fob that has been assigned to each camper. If your child had a pool membership or has attended Camp in the past, they have an assigned key fob. These fobs can be used year to year, pool to Summer Day Camp. There is a question in the online registration process that asks if a new key fob is needed. Please check yes accordingly. New key fob cards are distributed at Parent Orientations or given to you on the first day your child attends SDC. Camp staff scans your fob each day, upon arrival and departure from Camp. If you arrive or depart at an off-site location, staff enters your arrival or departure manually upon return to Camp.
Children should bring a packed lunch and water bottle/drink that does not require refrigeration each day. Prior to arriving at Camp, parents should apply a liberal layer of sun screen. Campers should bring sun screen, bathing suit, towel, swim bag and addition drinks and/or snacks for the pool. Sun screen is re-applied prior to leaving for the pool and at rest periods. Campers may bring goggles, ear plugs, additional money for pool and/or field trip snacks, however all personal items and money are the responsibility of the Camper. The UAPR policy is that staff cannot ‘hold’ or be responsible for money or personal valuables brought to Summer Day Camp. The general rule of thumb for personal items brought to Day Camp is that if it is too valuable to lose or get broken, it’s better left at home.
- 7:15-9 am – Free play/activities
- 9 –11 am – Organized activity and Camper attendance check– All-inclusive organized activity lead by a different leader each day and the activity typically changes each day.
- 11-11:45 am – Lunch (Campers bring a packed lunch that does not require refrigeration & drink) 11:45 am-12:30 – Clean-up, attendance check and change for the pool.
- 12-3 pm – Pool time (subject to change)
- 3:15-4 pm – Free play
- 4-5 pm – Organized activity and Camper attendance check
- 5-6 pm – Free play/clean-up
Transportation is contracted with the UA Schools using UA busses and drivers. Transportation is occasionally provided by UAPR staff in the City’s 15 passenger van for trips between Camps or the pool.
Campers attend the pool every day, with the exception of field trip Wednesdays. This is subject to change throughout the summer.
- Barrington SDC – walk to Devon Pool
- Thompson SDC – bussed to Reed Road Water Park
- Reed Road SDC –walk to Reed Road Water Park
- Tremont SDC – walk to Tremont Pool
Field trips are typically every Wednesday, with the exception of the first week of Camp. Each field trip has a permission form which must be completed. Field trip forms for all trips are available at Camp on the first day.