YOUNGSTOWN — With school out for summer, the city’s camp program will start next Monday — the same day Northside Pool opens.

The camp is not only for children “to have a good time, but we want it to be a refuge for our kids, a safe environment and something that will keep their minds going in a good way as far as structure and consistency,” said Clemate Franklin, the city’s parks and recreation director. “We want to keep them busy and keep them out of harm’s way.”

About 150 kids have signed up for the camp program that runs weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from June 5 to Aug. 4 at Wick Park, Franklin said.

The camp is free.

Those wanting to sign up can fill out applications and submit them to the parks and recreation department at city hall, 26 S. Phelps St., from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays or at the summer camp office at the former fire station at 3025 South Ave. from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

The applications are available at those two locations or on the park’s website: youngstownohio.gov/parks and then under “forms and documents.”

“There is still time to sign up,” Franklin said. “We do not have a deadline because there are some individuals who come late June because they planned a family vacation before and some leave in early July for the same reason.”

The city had planned to offer camp programs at Homestead and Crandall parks too, but chose to locate them all at Wick Park because only a combined three children had signed up for the two other parks, Franklin said.

The activities include arts and crafts, sports, field trips and various theme days, he said.

The campers will go fishing one day, they’ll learn to swim at the North Side Pool, get a visit from animals from Angels for Animals and go on day trips to Oh Wow! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology, Sports World and White House Fruit Farm. At the latter, they’ll learn to grow fruit, Franklin said.

Also, CycWard Bike Shop will teach campers about bicycle safety and how to assemble a bike with the kids getting a free bicycle at the end of camp, Franklin said.

NORTHSIDE POOL

The Northside Pool will open for the year at 1 p.m. next Monday.

It will be open 1 to 8 p.m. daily until Aug. 4.

“We’re going to have pool parties, fun days, food giveaways and other activities at the pool,” Franklin said.

Admission is going up $1 this year because of additional costs, he said. It will be $4 for those 18 and older and $3 for children.

“We are collaborating with a lot of companies and nonprofits that will be donating on certain days to purchase tickets for the public to use the pool,” Franklin said. “Those days will be free thanks to the donations.”

The original Northside Pool opened in 1939 and was demolished in 2006. The new pool opened in 2007.

It’s the only public pool left in the city. At one time, there were six in Youngstown.

Borts Pool on the West Side was last used in 2008 but had to shut down a number of times during its final years of operations because of mechanical problems. It was filled with water in 2009 but never opened because of structural issues with the pool and the city’s financial situation at the time. It was demolished in 2014.

Also, the city will have free splash pads open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting June 5, at Homestead Park on the South Side and at John White Park on the East Side as well as water sprinklers at Hillman Park on the South Side and at Wick Park on the North Side.

dskolnick@vindy.com