SPARC Header

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.

gray line


  2. 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!
    SPARC Before & After School Care is only available for days your child is receiving in-person instruction. Reduced rates available; proof of free/reduced meal status required. View flyer.

    AGE
    Grades K-6
    TIME
    6:30 a.m.-School Begins; School dismissal-6 p.m.
    BEFORE & AFTER SITES
    Harrison, Truman, Watkins, Westport, & Wilson’s Creek
    AFTER ONLY SITES
    Cherokee, & Williams
    FEE
    BEFORE SCHOOL: $16/Week/Child (4 days); AFTER SCHOOL: $32/Week/Child (4 days)

     


  3. Wacky Wednesdays


    SPARC will provide a safe environment and assistance with virtual learning every Wednesday. Each child needs to bring their school-issued supplies and headphones to participate in virtual learning activities. Masks are required. This program is only available to students currently enrolled in SPARC Before and After programs. View flyer.

    AGE
    Grades K-8
    TIME
    Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Harrison, Truman, Westport, & Wilson’s Creek (Details vary; see flyer for details)
    FEE
    $20/Child/Day

     


  4. School’s Out Program  


    Don’t sit around bored while school is out. Join us for a fun-filled day of field trips, camp-style activities and memories that last a lifetime! Due to ongoing COVID-19 prevention efforts, only students currently enrolled in SPARC before- and after-school are eligible for single-day programs (Jan. 18 and Feb. 15.)

    AGE
    5-12 yrs.
    DATE
    Mon., Jan. 18; Mon., Feb. 15; Spring Break (March 12, 15-19)
    TIME
    7 a.m.-6 p.m.
    LOCATION
    Feb. 15 at Wilson's Creek; Spring Break location TBA
    FEE
    $20/Child per day

     


  5. Counselor in Training


    Is your teen looking for a great summer experience where they’ll have fun working with elementary age children while learning valuable leadership skills? The CIT program is a wonderful opportunity where teens will assist with daily operation of our summer camp programs. They will help facilitate activities with the kids while gaining self-confidence, job experience, and a sense of responsibility. Successful participation as a CIT in the summer SPARC program can be used as work experience, professional reference, and a lead toward future employment.  View flyer.

    AGE
    13-15 yrs.
    RESERVE
    by Fri., March 5
    DATES
    May 24-Aug. 13
    FEE
    $30/Week

     

  6. 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



  7. Art-C Paint - March


    Attention artists! ART-C at Home is here to help you create your very own canvas masterpiece with no experience required. Register for this step-by-step virtual painting class which includes an art kit with everything you need: canvas, paint, brushes, and an apron! A video tutorial by a certified art teacher will be available for download immediately upon packet pick-up, March 23 or 25.   View flyer.

    AGE
    5 yrs. and up
    RESERVE
    by Fri., March 19
    PICKUP
    Tues., March. 23 at Oak Grove Community Center; Thurs., March 25 at SPARC Office
    FEE
    $30/Kit

     
gray line
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.