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SPARC (School-Parks Are Reaching Communities) is a partnership between the Springfield-Greene County Park Board and Springfield Public Schools, promoting opportunities for youth and families through after-school and recreational enrichment, summer camps, intramural sports and more. Most SPARC programs are conducted at school-park sites. Scholarships may be available. Visit ParkBoard.org/Scholarships for details.

Register Now

 

Sports

 
SPARC offers sports leagues in basketball, soccer and volleyball. Visit our sports page for information and registration forms on current leagues offered.

Now Hiring

SPARC is now hiring for the 2021-2022 school year. Positions include Site Directors, Program Assistants and Academic Coordinators for before- and after-school programs, and support staff for SPARC Soccer, Basketball and Volleyball leagues. Apply at ParkBoard.org/Jobs. Select SPARC Youth Before- and After-School Programs.
Position details here.

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  2. Before-and-After-Banner

    Before and After School Programs


    SPARC Before and After School Program is a licensed child care program that provides a great opportunity for your child to learn and grow both before and after school through a variety of clubs, sports, enrichment activities, homework help, and mentoring. The program provides:

    • Snack Time: A healthy after school snack and 100% Juice are provided.
    • Social Time: A chance for friends to catch up, talk about their day, and unwind.
    • Games and Activities: Every day provides a different activity, or choice of activities that work on a core physical, mental, or enrichment element. SPARC focuses on teamwork, sportsmanship, strategy, critical thinking, and more!
    • Homework Time: We give the students a chance to work on any homework from the day, study for any tests, or ask the staff for any specific help with an assignment.
    • Special Events: Movies, pizza parties, and cookouts!

    Important documents:


    AGE
    Grades K-8
    TIME
    6:30 a.m.-School Begins; School dismissal-6 p.m.
    LOCATIONS
    Harrison, Truman, Watkins, Wilson's Creek, Carver, Cherokee, Pipkin (a.m. only), Pleasant View, Westport
    FEE
    $25-45/Week; Scholarships may be available.

    Important Registration Information:

    Springfield Public School Employees

    Prior to enrolling online, email SPARC@springfieldmo.gov your NAME, what PROGRAM and LOCATION you would like to register your child(ren), and we will email you registration instructions. 

    SHINE Scholarships

    To qualify for the SHINE Scholarship, you will need to provide proof of your child’s Free and Reduced Lunch status (more info below). Once eligibility is determined (5-7 business days), the SHINE Scholarship will cover the cost of the of the program eligible for the SHINE Scholarship. 

    SPARC Programs Eligible for SHINE Scholarship 

    SchoolEligible Program
    CarverSPARC Before School Only
    CherokeeSPARC Before School Only
    HarrisonSPARC After School Only
    PipkinSPARC Before School Only
    Pleasant ViewSPARC Before School Only
    TrumanSPARC After School Only
    WatkinsSPARC After School Only
    WestportSPARC After School Only
    Wilson's CreekSPARC After School Only

    A reduced fee is available for programs not eligible for the SHINE Scholarship.

    Proof of Free and Reduced Lunch Eligibility

    Option 1: Prior to enrolling online, email your Free or Reduced Lunch Letter to SPARC@springfieldmo.gov and indicate what program and location you would like to register your child(ren). We will then email you registration instructions.

    Option 2: If you would like to enroll online, without first providing proof of eligibility for the SHINE Scholarship or Reduced Fee, a credit card will be required to be placed on file. Proof of eligibility will need to be provided by Aug 9., 2023, for the SHINE Scholarship and/or Reduced Fee to be applied.

    If proof of eligibility is not provided by August 9th, 2023, the card will be charged the Regular Program Fee at 12 a.m. the Tuesday prior to each week the child is enrolled. The Regular Program Fee will continue to be charged until the FRL Letter is received and processed (5-7 business days).

    If you are needing a new copy of your Free and Reduced Lunch Letter, please reach out to SPS Nutrition Services at: 417-523-1130.

    *Both 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 FRL letters will be accepted as proof of SHINE and Reduced Fee eligibility until September 22, 2023.

    After September 22 2023, only 2023-2024 FRL letters will be accepted.


  3. Ritter Springs Challenge Program


    The Ritter Springs Challenge program will inspire your team to effectively communicate, support each other, solve problems together, and develop stronger relationships. Individually, we will build everyone's self-confidence, awareness of strengths and limitations, trust, stress management skills, and respect for each other. The highlight of our program is our Challenge Course set in the quiet and natural setting of the 245-acre Ritter Springs Park. Our Challenge Course provides a low risk, but challenging element to our teambuilding program that will have your group walking cable ropes, negotiating obstacles, and balancing on elements built close to the ground. Call to schedule for your team or group 874-2412

     View Participant Information Letter | View Registration Form | View Liability Waiver and Medical Release Form 

    Ages 5 yrs. and up
    By appointment, year-round
    Time varies, call for details
    $50 non-refundable deposit
    $15/ person for 3-hour session
    $25/ person for 6-hour session


  4. Parent's Night Out


    Join SPARC for a Halloween party at Sequiota Elementary. It will be a fun night with a glow in the dark dance party, gym games, Halloween crafts, dinner, a movie, and more! You can wear your Halloween costume, bring your favorite things to play with and something comfy to sit on. View flyer.

    AGE
    5-12 yrs.
    DATE
    Fri., Oct. 27
    TIME
    6-10 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Sequiota Elementary
    FEE
    $20/Child
     
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Parent Handbook

Effective July 1, 2017, the Springfield-Greene County Park Board shall discontinue accepting Electronic Checks as a payment option for program payments. Credit card & debit cards will continue to be accepted.

For those patrons paying by credit card or debit card: Should funds not be available during the withdrawal process the $20 insufficient funds fee will be assessed and due at the time of payment failure and will be collected with any outstanding program fees. Program privileges will be suspended until all delinquent fees, charges and costs are paid in full. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have any additional questions, please see the Administrator or Coordinator.