A new survey finds that 20 percent of U.S. families spend more than one-thousand-dollars a month on youth sports per child. Greater Houston's YMCA Matt Thompson said there here if you need them post-Harvey.
Most American families spend from $100-$500 a month on each child for sports.
Thompson says now more than ever, the community needs help and they can provide some financial aid.
“We do price being a non-profit to ensure to be able to offer quality programs, but also be able to offer at an affordable price. Financial assistance is always available to individuals in our community. And, now more than ever, folks may need that,” said Thompson. “Anyone who is in need and may have some struggles right now financially due to the effects of the hurricane, we’re here to help on that front.”
He adds sports is crucial in a post-Harvey world for helping children de-stress.
The YMCA Fall Youth Sports session will start on Oct. 7 rather than Sept. 30. They’ll be running the session for the normal seven weeks. Registration runs through Oct. 1 with all late fees waived.
Practices begin Sept. 25, so we are encouraging parents to register before that date so their kids can get their full amount of practices in. After Oct. 1, some YMCAs may still be accepting registrations, but that will be determined by each individual center.
Houston Park Facilities and Venues Operating Schedule Begins to Return to Normal
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department staff is working to restore facilities and services within the park system for the public’s use.
Here’s the latest list of openings:
· Golf Courses v Memorial Park Golf Course v Glenbrook Park Golf Course v Sharpstown Park Golf Course v Hermann Park Golf Course (operated by BSL for HPARD)
· Hermann Park v The Houston Zoo v The McGovern Centennial Gardens & Cheri Flores Garden Pavilion v The Houston Museum of Natural Science v The Lake Plaza area including the cafe and plaza food concessions, Hermann Park mini- train and pedal boats v The Japanese Garden
· Memorial Park v Becks Prime v Running Trails v Cullen Running Trails Center v Memorial Park Picnic Loop · Community Centers & Gyms v All Community Centers, except for Kendall Community Center, and gymnasiums are open as per regular schedule.
· Tennis Centers v Homer Ford Tennis Center v Memorial Park Tennis Center v Lee LeClear Tennis Center – Courts are playable; but, there is limited access to the Lee LeClear Club House
· After School Meal Program v Approximately 52 Community Center locations will provide after-school meal service. Please note: Kendall Community Center and River Oaks Community Center are not After School Meal Program sites.
· Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark v Is open per regular schedule
The following programs and/or facilities will be closed due to continued assessment and cleanup needs.
· Adult Sports and Ballfields - Fields are evaluated and open based on field condition. Ballfield lights will not be turned on until the fields have been released for permitting. Please note that although some fields appear to be playable, there may be other issues like damaged lights. Contact 832-394-8805 or 832-394-8804 if you have any questions.
· Cullen Park – All permits have been cancelled through October 31, 2017 as sports fields and permitting areas are under water.
· Kendall Community Center – is closed until further notice.
· Lake Houston Wilderness Park – is closed until further notice.
· Memorial Park Southside bike trails - temporarily closed due to wet conditions. Call the Trail Hotline for up-to-date information on trails open and closed states 713-863-8403 extension 1.