Ballard Community Center to provide recreation drop-in for school-age children during teachers strike

Meghan Walker Ballard

Several community centers around the city, including the Ballard Community Center, will be open for drop-in programs for children during the teachers strike and delayed school start.

Seattle Public School announced Tuesday that the start of the school year would be delayed in response to the teachers strike. Teachers around Seattle have been protesting while contract negotiations continue between the teachers union and the Seattle school district.

Seatle Parks and Recreation in partnership with the Associated Recreation Council are offering Recreation Activity Hubs at eight community centers starting Monday, Sept. 12. Families can register online for spots starting today, Thursday, Sept. 8 for students in kindergarten through sixth grade (ages 5 to 12).

“With the start of the school year delayed, the City of Seattle is activating community centers to serve as recreation drop-in locations – providing stability and safety that we know students need after two years of pandemic disruption,” Mayor Harrell said in a statement. “We encourage teachers and the school district to urgently reach a just and fair resolution that centers our students and prioritizes their education and future.” 

The recreation hubs will be open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the following community centers:

  • Alki Community Center
  • Ballard Community Center
  • Bitter Lake Community Center
  • Jefferson Community Center
  • Rainier Beach Community Center
  • Montlake Community Center Central
  • High Point Community Center
  • Meadowbrook Community Center

Seattle Preschool Program sites operated by Seattle Public Schools are scheduled to begin on Monday, Sept. 12, but if the strike persists, the start will likely be delayed. If you are looking for childcare for preschoolers, reach out to the Child Care Aware hotline at 1-800-446-1114 to receive information on licensed child care programs in the city that have open space to provide drop-in care.  

Photo: Seattle Parks