City life can sometimes be stressful. But there is an upside to urban living, namely convenience. Cities like Wilmington often offer amenities that help residents balance the pressures and responsibilities of life with fun things to do — at no additional cost!
Located in West Center City, William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center, or Hicks, is a hub for the community and the city. Under the management of Parks and Recreation, the center offers programs and activities to promote wellness with recreational, social, cultural, employment, and educational opportunities for all city residents.
But to do this, the city too must find balance. For fiscal year 2023, Parks and Recreation’s general budget was just under $9.8 million, making it the city’s fifth-largest department. That’s 5.5% of the city’s general fund. Is it money well spent? For the first time in the department’s history it is collecting the data to find out.
Using data to serve the interest of participants
Prior to September, the city never collected data regarding who used Hicks. But that information is important to meet adequate staffing levels and to provide services the community will want to engage.
Ian Smith, director of Parks & Recreation for the city of Wilmington, offered an example using the art program presented by the Delaware Art Museum. Only one child showed up for the first session. Staff didn’t have data from registration to know how many kids would show. The next session had 15 kids. But without data, the city still doesn’t know why kids became interested in the program.
Newly installed Deputy Director Melody Phillips has since made data collection routine. Shortly after her tenure began, Phillips instituted the practice so the city would have a better understanding of how to serve the community.
The department started using surveys to get feedback from youth members to learn which programs would be of interest to them. Also, a membership data system will manage registrations and gauge member interest in programs, services and recreational activities.
Find updates online, email and channel 22
Using word of mouth to learn about anything happening in Delaware is customary, so while the department had a website and online calendar, neither was being utilized to inform constituents about activities. The department had a website and online calendar, but neither was kept current. Phillips said most community center visitors often learned of activities by word of mouth.
“Last year if you’d gone to the site, it would have no information,” said Smith, the director of Parks and Recreation.
According to Smith, residents told him they wanted the department to get better at providing regular updates and accurate information.
Now the department makes regular video updates on the city government’s cable station WITN and social media channels. The calendar on the department’s website is updated with events.
The department also maintains an email list to keep parents informed about what’s going on.
More than after-school activities
As the only city-owned community center, Hicks is also a hospitality center for locals and visitors.
When the NBA’s Wilmington-based G-league team, the Delaware Blue Coats holds games in its hometown, the opposing team needs a place to practice. The gym at Hicks is where they go.
During the day, when most children are in school, adults are encouraged to use the facility for swimming, boxing or weightlifting. They can also find amenities in the adult lounge.
The adult lounge features:
- Table games
- Pool table
- Ping pong
- Free coffee
The community center is also one of the sites in Wilmington that provides meals through USDA food nutrition programs.
Dinner is served evenings between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Typically, 35 to 38 children participate, but meals are also available for seniors and those who have disabilities through the Child and Adult Care Food Program. The Summer Food Service Program is available for children 18 and younger during the summer.
Other free services available to city residents are:
- Swimming lessons
- Personal training
- Tax preparation on Wednesdays
While all generations are welcome to use the community center, adults and children are segregated.
During the school year, after 3 p.m. when children arrive, the adult lounge becomes a kids’ lounge for the 50 to 60 youth in the after-school program. Adults are only able to use the boxing gym and weight room during that time.
Adults are also not allowed in the building while summer camp is in session.
The city is also recruiting lifeguards for city pools for the summer. Pay starts at $16/hour. Interested persons should contact Andre Washington at (302) 571-4266 or Gerald Wilmore at (302) 985-1395.
Contact reporter Anitra Johnson at ajohnson@delawareonline.com with tips and story ideas. Become a subscriber to access more stories and the best in local reporting.
