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Gainesville will transform into a masterful blend of art, music and entertainment during the 37th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show, one of the nation’s premier outdoor fine arts festivals. Presented by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA), the festival draws a crowd of more than 80,000 visitors each year. On Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., visitors can meet the exhibiting artists, enjoy live music and sample international cuisine.

The Downtown Festival & Art Show, a nationally-recognized event, helps Gainesville get in touch with its creative side. Since 1996, it has ranked among the top festivals in the nation. Visitors embrace the culture of more than 240 of the nation’s most talented artists, who showcase their original oils and acrylics, vibrant watercolors, unique sculptures, dazzling jewelry, decorative ceramics and vivid photography. Artisans compete for more than $20,000 in cash prizes.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA) draws another successful Summer Heatwave program to a close by featuring two great events. Several coed basketball championship games will be played Thursday, Aug. 2 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center (MLK) and a Back-to-School Pool Party will take place at Andrew R. Mickle Sr. Pool Sunday, Aug. 5.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA) is pleased to offer another year of Foundations Academy. The after-school program takes place from Monday, Aug. 20–Friday, May 31, and is available at four convenient locations: Albert “Ray” Massey Recreation Center, Eastside Community Center, Clarence R. Kelly Community Center and Porters Community Center.

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA) is pleased to announce a recreation opportunity for a Gainesville family to enjoy a year’s worth of events, programs, tours and more - at no cost! Now in its fourth year, the Michelle Park Family Recreation Scholarship provides a low- to moderate-income family from Gainesville the opportunity to participate in nature, recreation and cultural activities which are offered by PRCA and other providers in the community, such as the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Arts and the Florida Museum of Natural History. This scholarship was made possible through the generous gift of an anonymous donor.

The award consists of one scholarship valued at $1,500, including a $250 gas gift card, that can be used to enjoy activities such as:

1. After-school activities and day camps for school breaks and teacher holidays, for children age six–12
2. Access to the Wellness Center at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Multipurpose Center
3. Tickets to cultural events, such as the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire
4. An annual pass to Sweetwater Wetlands Park
5. Adult and youth recreation and sports activities such as golf lessons, swimming lessons and tennis lessons; free registration to participate in city-sponsored youth baseball, basketball, flag football, Pop Warner football or cheerleading

Criteria:

1. Family must be live within City of Gainesville city limits;
2. Family must meet the criteria of the Alachua County School Board Free or Reduced Lunch Program and
3. Family must be able to complete 20 volunteer hours during the award year or the following year.

Application packets are available at the Albert “Ray” Massey Westside Recreation Center, Clarence R. Kelly Community Center, Eastside Community Center, MLK Multipurpose Center, T. B. McPherson Center, Porters Community Center and the PRCA Administrative Office, which is located on the third floor of the Thomas Center, Building B. The packets are also available online at http://tinyurl.com/gnvScholarships.

The deadline for scholarship applications is Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018. Final scholarship award selection will be made by the City of Gainesville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) Department’s evaluation team. Applications may be dropped off in person at the Administrative Office, Thomas Center, Building B, Third Floor, Reception Desk, 306 NE Sixth Ave., Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Please email Jennifer Harrington, program assistant, at HarringtoJL@cityofgainesville.org or mail the application to:
City of Gainesville
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department
PO Box 490, Station 24
Gainesville, FL 32627-0490

The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department (PRCA) needs  volunteer coaches for Pop Warner Football and Cheer. Pop Warner is more than a game; it promotes academic success and accountability in its participants. Coaches help to foster values such as fairness, caring, citizenship, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness in our youth.

First aid/CPR and specific cheer/football certifications are required to coach. PRCA will train and pay for certifications. Volunteers will need to pass a background check and must be able to follow guidelines of Pop Warner.

Coaches are required to attend a mandatory meeting held by the Putnam Athletic League, held Saturday, July 21. Practices start the first week of August, with games and practices running through October. Additional games may be played for league and regional championships. Cheer also participates in league and regional competitions, with the possibility of playing at the national championship on Saturday, Dec 8. Some travel will be required.

Those interested in coaching may contact Guillermo Chacon, recreation leader for sports, at 352-393-8527 or chacongm@cityofgainesville.org.