Frequently Asked Questions

There are several ways to explore current camps, classes and programs offered by Shaker Recreation.

• Visit the Programs section of our website for a general overview.
• Download and read the PDF version of the catalog, which is published three times a year (spring/summer, fall and winter) and mailed to Shaker residents.
• Browse our online catalog (select Catalog).

To keep up with what’s happening at Shaker Recreation, including announcements about upcoming programs:

• Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest news and events.
• Sign up for Rec ENews.

There are three ways to sign up for any Recreation program, including camps.

• Online
• In-person: Thornton Park (3301 Warrensville Center Rd.) and/or Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building (3450 Lee Rd.). Proof of residency required: driver’s license, current utility bill, lease or purchase agreement. Existing pass or swipe card holders must present proof of residency on an annual basis in order to receive resident rates when purchasing new seasonal passes or swipe cards.
• Phone: 216-491-1295 or 216-491-1360. Have credit card information ready. All major credit cards are accepted.
• Registration Office Hours Thornton Park: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm, Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm.

Unfortunately, we do not pro-rate programs based on the time of enrollment. Some programs that are continuous have fees designed to allow for payment that is not affected by start dates.

If a spot opens up, you will receive a call from a Recreation Department staff member. You can also call Shaker Recreation at 216-491-1295 to check on your status.

Program locations are published in the printed recreation catalog and in our online catalog. You can also call Shaker Recreation at 216-491-1295 for location information.

You can find detailed information and schedules for summer camps in the Winter and Spring/Summer recreation catalogs, which are mailed to all residents in mid-November and mid-February. This information is also available in the online registration system (select Programs, then Summer Camps). Visit the Summer Camp page for additional information. 

Yes, financial assistance is available through the funds listed below.

The City of Shaker Heights Recreation Department offers annual youth scholarships through the Lynn Ruffner Recreation for Youth Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and can be applied to our summer programs or camps. Applications for scholarships are available at the start of each calendar year. To make a donation, please call Rachael Wooten at 216-491-2578.

The Shaker Schools Foundation offers two scholarship opportunities that may assist with activities offered through the Shaker Heights Recreation Department. The Level The Playing Field Youth Sports Scholarships are for students in grades 1 - 12 enrolled in the Shaker Heights City School District, and provide support for any of the various Shaker Heights youth sports leagues at any recreation or travel level. The Beyond The Desk Enrichment Scholarships are for students in grades 1- 12 enrolled in the Shaker Heights City School District, and provide financial assistance for participation in classes, camps, visual or performing arts groups, and more. For more information, visit the Shaker Schools Foundation website or call 216-295-4329.

It depends on the camp. You will receive an email from your camp’s director before camp starts. In general, campers should bring water, a lunch (if an all-day camp), and sunscreen (if the camp is outdoors).

You can find current schedules at our Thornton Park Ice Arena page.

Find current admission and rental fees at our Thornton Park Ice Arena page.

Yes. Find rates for non-residents at our Thornton Park Ice Arena page.

Thornton Park pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. During the season, you can find the pool schedule on the Thornton Park pool page of our website.

Check the Thornton Park pool page for admission fees. Note: Fee schedules are published in early January for the upcoming season. 

From our popular American Red Cross swim lessons to pool-based wellness programs, our Aquatics Program has something for everyone. Visit our online catalog or download the printed recreation catalog to view a list of current aquatics classes.  Private swim lessons are also available year-round. Contact the Recreation Department at 216-491-1295 to learn more.

Shaker Heights City Schools Closure
All Recreation Department activities held in school facilities will be cancelled. Thornton Park and the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building will remain open and activities will proceed as scheduled. 

Shaker Heights City Schools Delayed Opening
Recreation Department activities within school facilities will operate on a normal schedule. Thornton Park and the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building will open on time.

City of Shaker Heights Building Closures
Thornton Park and the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building will be closed and activities cancelled. 

City of Shaker Heights Delayed Building Openings
Thornton Park and the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building will open on a delayed scheduled.

For information on closures and delays, refer to the City’s Facebook page, the Shaker Schools website, or local radio and TV stations.

Refunds are available for class or program registration cancellations by registrants up to 3 business days prior to the first program meeting. A refund request must be completed. All refunds are subject to a processing fee based on the type of program. Please allow 2-4 weeks to process all claims.

All refunds are subject to a $10 processing fee. A $5 processing fee will be applied to Senior Programs. A $25 processing fee will be applied to Camps and Fall/Winter Hockey Program (Mighty Mites). A $125 processing fee will be applied to Fall/Winter Hockey Program (Bantam, Pee Wee, and Squirts).

The City of Shaker Heights does not necessarily endorse the opinions or business affiliations of the individuals who may teach recreation classes and programs.

The City of Shaker Heights is committed to providing access to recreational programming for all residents. If you or a member of your family has a special need, call 216-491-1295 to be connected to the appropriate Program Coordinator.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. All fees are due at the time of registration. All programs will have a minimum and maximum enrollment. Once a program has reached maximum enrollment, a waiting list is often available in the event that there are cancellations. Programs which have not met minimum enrollment 72 hours prior to the first class meeting will be cancelled. Participants will be notified by phone and/or email in the event of a class cancellation due to low enrollment. 

Recreation catalogs are published three times per year. Catalogs are mailed, at no charge, to residents of the Shaker City School District. Catalogs are also available at Thornton Park, the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building, City Hall, the Shaker Heights Main Library, and the Bertram Woods branch.

The public is allowed to kayak on Lower Lake only and must launch from the Shaker Heights side of the lake. Launching on the Cleveland Heights side is prohibited.

Yes! The City annually floods three pocket parks to create rinks for our residents use. Locations: corner of Fernway & Warrington, Southington & Woodbury, and Ashwood & Onaway. Bring your own skates.