FAQ
Department FAQs
Expand/Contract Questions and Answers
Children learn at various stages and must learn all the skills necessary before advancing to a higher level. It is recommended that participants sign up according to the grade or age limit assigned to a particular program. The Instructor may then recommend a participant to be moved to a more advanced level if the participant is physically and cognitively ready.
Youth Sports: My child will meet the proper age limit in a couple of months. Can he/she still sign up for the class/program?
Participants will be allowed to participate only if they meet the age requirement at any time while the program/class/league is in session.
Youth Sports: Are scholarships available for individuals seeking financial assistance for recreational programs?
Individuals seeking financial assistance must complete a "Recreation Grant Application" form available at the Recreation and Parks Department administrative office. To determine eligibility, the parent/guardian must provide a hardship explanation and ability to pay 50 percent of program fees. Only four (4) grants are allowed per family in one calendar year.
It is recommended that participants wear comfortable physical education clothing such as shorts, sweats, T-shirts and tennis shoes or rubber-soled sports cleats when necessary. A water bottle is also recommended at each class meeting. Jewelry should not be worn during class time in order to prevent loss of valuables.
The department provides all the necessary equipment for youth sports participation. If participants decide to bring their own equipment to class, items should be labeled with the owner’s name.
Volleyball participants must be at least 16 years of age during the season in order to be eligible. Basketball, Dodgeball and Softball participants must be at least 18 years of age during the season in order to be eligible. The age difference in adult sports programs is due to the potential level of physical contact during league play.
Team uniforms are not required for the volleyball or softball leagues. However, basketball and dodgeball teams must wear same color shirts or jerseys with permanent numbers placed on the backs. Teams also provide their own equipment and First-aid kits. Game balls are provided only in the softball program.
League fees are used to pay for scorekeepers, staffing, facility maintenance and equipment. Awards are also given to the top two teams in each division. Compared to other communities, our fees are still considerably affordable.
Age limits are based on the American Red Cross Standards and Recommendations. To enroll in SuperTot, the child must be 3 years old prior to the first class! Children cannot advance to Level 1 prior to their fifth birthday, unless they successfully pass Super Tot Level 3.
Any person age 15 years or older wishing to take swimming lessons would be best served in the adult swim classes.
Aquatics: Should I sign up my child for Level 1-6 in successive sessions? Aren't they goign to advance after each session?
Children learn at various speeds. It is difficult to project how long it will take each child to learn all the skills necessary to advance to the next level. It is recommended that each child be signed up for one session at a time. After the session, the Instructor will be able to make a recommendation as to whether or not the child is ready to advance to the next level. By the end of the first week, the Instructor should be able to make a recommendation to the parent or guardian. We do not advise consecutive signups for Levels 1-6.
Aquatics: What level should I register my child if I cannot remember if they passes their swimming class last year?
Our recommendation is to enroll your child in the last level they participated in whether they passed or failed that level. If you cannot recall the last level enrolled in, please review the Skill Level Sheets available at the Recreation and Parks' administrative office to determine the appropriate fit for your child. The office does not keep a record of pass/fail information.
The American Red Cross has revamped the Aquatic Classes to take out Level 7. However, we now offer two Level 6 classes available and specific skills have been assigned to each level.
Yes. On the City website homepage www.cityofsantamaria.org go to the “I want to” tab and select Register For Recreation Classes. Or go to this webpage: https://apm.activecommunities.com/santamaria/Activity_Search
- ActiveNet is the registration system. You can access it online at this webpage.
Yes, City resident fees are lower than standard activity or facility fees.
The Recreation and Parks administrative office, located at 615 South McClelland Street, is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After-hours registration is also available at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, 600 SouthMcCllelland Street, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Individuals seeking financial assistance must complete a “Recreation Grant Application” form, available at the Recreation and Parks Department administrative office. To determine eligibility, parent/guardian must provide hardship explanation and ability to pay 50 percent of program fees. Only four (4) grants are allowed per family in one calendar year.
Yes, there is a 25 percent fee if you choose to cancel a class or reservation.
- The application and membership are absolutely FREE!
- Teens attending the seventh-grade through the twelfth-grade who are between the ages of 13 and 17 can become members.
The City maintains a three-week policy for facilities that require staff.
- No adults are allowed in the Youth Center during teen hours. Those hours are Monday through Thursday from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 2:30 to 10:00 p.m., and the center is closed on Sundays.
- Fitness Center hours for adults are Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Fitness Center is closed on Sundays. The cost is $2.75 per visit. You can purchase a 30-day pass for $33. For seniors 55-64 years of age, the cost is $1.40. For seniors over 65 access is free.
- The tutors are available Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Fridays from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. Tutoring is done in the Tech Lab at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center.
- For more information contact the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department at 925-0951 extension 2260. You can also go to the Recreation Guide webpage.
- The park's hours change with the seasons:
Spring/Summer: Thursday to Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.;
Fall/Winter: Thursday to Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
Last entry is one hour before closing. - From Santa Maria, drive south on Highway 101, exit at Clark Avenue and turn left (over the highway), then turn right onto Dominion Road and travel a few miles until you reach the park on the right. The address is 6271 Dominion Road.
- Entry is free for Santa Maria residents, business owners, and City employees
Fees for non-City residents are as follows:
Youth (15 yrs. & under): Free
Adults (16-61 yrs.): $3.50/day
Seniors (62 yrs. & up): $1.50/day
Annual Pass (up to 6 guests/day): $49 - Yes, dogs are allowed at the park, but must be on a leash at all times. Also, pick up after your dog.
- Visit www.cityofsantamaria.org/losfloresranchpark or the Los Flores Ranch Facebook page at www.facebook.com/losfloresranch.
- Founded in 1997, the People for Leisure and Youth (PLAY), Inc. is a local non-profit organization dedicated to supporting programs and services in the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department. Visit the PLAY, Inc. webpage.
- There are many programs and events sponsored by PLAY, Inc. including: the free Concerts and Movies In the Park series, free swim days at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, the Safe and Strong after-school and summer drop-off program at 11city parks, the Day of the Dead Festival, and the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony at the start of the winter holidays.
- Contributions to the non-profit People for Leisure and Youth (PLAY), Inc. may be made in-person at the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department, checks made out to PLAY, Inc. may be mailed to 615 South McClelland Street, or, make a donation online at www.SantaMariaAtPlay.org.
- The Tree of Life program is a gift of a living tree to remember a loved one, celebrate a birth, wedding, or anniversary, while helping to improve the environment. For more information or to purchase a tree, visit www.SantaMariaatPlay.org or call (805) 925-0951 ext. 2260