Recreation Division

SUMMER 2021

Summer 2021 Guide Cover with two kids playing with a large inflatable soccer ball

Click on this button to access the registration website. Opens in new window

AQUATICS: We regret we are unable to offer swimming lessons or recreation swim at Christopher High School’s Aquatics Center this year. While things are beginning to open up in California, the Covid-19 guidelines around pool operations with high touch areas like the waterslides and picnic tables, as well as capacity limits, make it logistically and financially challenging for us to operate this summer. We hope to resume an aquatics program next summer.

Recreation Programs

We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. City Hall remains closed until further notice in accordance with the County of Santa Clara Public Health Order. Parks and playgrounds are open and visitors are encouraged to wear a mask, maintain adequate social distancing, and wash or sanitize your hands before and after your visit. Stay updated by connecting with us on Facebook, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, or read the monthly Senior Center newsletter.

If you have an urgent Recreation Division related message, please email us or call (408) 846-0460 and leave a message. This phone line will be checked every 48 hours and items will be responded to as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, check out the classes that are open for registration or visit Gilroy’s Virtual Recreation Center. 

Gilroy Youth CenterPicture of a boy making green slime at the Gilroy Youth Center After School Program

The Recreation Division is committed to engaging high-risk youth and their families to social, recreational and educational programs that support and enhance their quality of life through Community-Based Recreation.

The Gilroy Youth Center is a free program for income eligible residents living in the incorporated areas of Gilroy. The Gilroy Youth Center operates an after school program during the school year and a day camp during the summer. Programming is held at the Cesar Chavez Gym, 227 IOOF Ave.

Qualifying families must register their child and complete a CDBG Gilroy Youth Scholarship Application. All information is confidential and is used to meet Federal grant audit requirements. 

GILROY YOUTH CENTER SUMMER CAMPS 2021
English: Flyer, Parent Letter and Waiver, and Registration Form
Spanish: Volantes, Carta de los Padres y Execiones, y Formulario de Inscripción

Gilroy Receation Logo with the Mission and Vision statements and 5 recreation photos

How Do I:Parks Opens in new window

Apply for a Job
Teach a Class (Independent Contractors)
Rent a Picnic Area or Facility
Apply for or Support the Youth Scholarship Fund
Participate in the Bench Plaque Program
Advertise in the Activity Guide

Needs Assessment 

To optimize the delivery of recreation services, the City hired PROS Consulting in fall 2019 for the development of a Facility and Program Needs Assessment. With support from the Mt. Madonna YMCA for the community survey, this Assessment included a robust community engagement process and market research to identify current and future resident needs related to recreation programs and facilities.  The research is used in tandem with industry knowledge and an internal assessment to determine strategic priorities for advancing the Recreation Division’s operations and increasing access to quality recreation in the City. 

To view the report click on the links below.
Executive Summary
Complete Report

Food Resources

The Recreation Division is assisting with FREE food distribution at the following locations:

  • Box Lunches for Seniors on Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 12:00pm at the Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna Street. 
  • Breakfast and Lunch for Gilroy Children on Monday through Friday from 12:00 to 2:00pm at San Ysidro Park, 7700 Murray Avenue. Children do not need to be present to receive food, adults can pick up the food on behalf of their children under the age of 18. Meal-to-go bags contain a breakfast item and a hot lunch. The program flyer contains more details.
  • Second Harvest Food Bank Brown Bag Drive-thru Program on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 9:00 to 10:00am at the Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna St.