Reading Recreation Commission Youth Programs
Reading Recreation Commission, 320 S. 3rd St., Reading, PA 19602
About
Reading Recreation Commission Youth Programs offers a wide range of activities, including baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, tennis, volleyball, track and field, football, swim team, DEK hockey, pickleball, and a pickleball league. The programs also include a Summer Playground program and activities at 3rd & Spruce such as volleyball, the pickleball league, and latenight fun events.
• Schedule: Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special events such as latenight fun at 3rd & Spruce on July 17, 2026, from 8:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Knights at the Rec on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.
• Price: Knights at the Rec on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 8:30 p.m. to midnight is free.
The Reading Recreation Commission began operations in 2012. Its mission is to provide quality recreation programs and facilities for the residents of Reading with a primary focus on youth programs, and it uses the mission slogan “We Make Reading Look Good.” The Commission is a community partnership between the City of Reading and the Reading School District, funded in part by tax dollars, and it provides neighborhood-based recreation and learning opportunities for all ages with an emphasis on affordable programs for children.
Program offerings include youth and adult instructional sports programs and leagues, fitness classes, summer playgrounds, club activities, cultural arts programs, after school care, and community special events. The Commission is also a social service agency that feeds, clothes, and helps provide basic material needs for hundreds of city youth and their families, and it provides life skills education to at-risk youth. It has been named the 2017 PA Agency of the Year, has increased its operating budget by nearly five times over five years, expanded from two to ten full-time employees, renovated and improved seven different buildings, restored 20 parks, and raised over $700,000 in private donations and sponsorships.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Daphne E. Klahr, Ed.D., CPRE; Program Director Heather Boyer; Sports Program Manager Daryl Nelson; Assistant Sports Program Manager Brandon Mullin; Racquet Sports Director Brian Wardhammar; Program Assistant Chelsie O'Neil; 3rd and Spruce Recreation Center Manager Elvin Rodriguez; 11th and Pike Recreation Center Manager Joseph Weikel; Maintenance Supervisor John O'Mara; Food Service Coordinator Ronda Morrison; Business Manager Rebecca Swoyer; Administrative Assistant/Accounting Clerk Lizette Pizarro; and Executive Director Daphne E. Klahr, Ed.D., CPRE holds the CPRE credential. The governing board includes Donald Taddei, Jr. (President, City Representative); Jesse Leisawitz, Esq. (Vice-President, Reading School District); Ryan Yanchocik (Treasurer, City of Reading Community Representative); Patricia Wright (Secretary, Reading School District Board Member); Dr. Paige Brookins (Reading School District Board Member); Vanessa Campos (City Council Member); David McCoy (City of Reading Community Representative); Stephen Thompson (School District Community Representative); Carlos Torres (City of Reading); and Melissa Ventura (City Council Member).
Last updated July 10, 2026.
• Schedule: Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special events such as latenight fun at 3rd & Spruce on July 17, 2026, from 8:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Knights at the Rec on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.
• Price: Knights at the Rec on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 8:30 p.m. to midnight is free.
The Reading Recreation Commission began operations in 2012. Its mission is to provide quality recreation programs and facilities for the residents of Reading with a primary focus on youth programs, and it uses the mission slogan “We Make Reading Look Good.” The Commission is a community partnership between the City of Reading and the Reading School District, funded in part by tax dollars, and it provides neighborhood-based recreation and learning opportunities for all ages with an emphasis on affordable programs for children.
Program offerings include youth and adult instructional sports programs and leagues, fitness classes, summer playgrounds, club activities, cultural arts programs, after school care, and community special events. The Commission is also a social service agency that feeds, clothes, and helps provide basic material needs for hundreds of city youth and their families, and it provides life skills education to at-risk youth. It has been named the 2017 PA Agency of the Year, has increased its operating budget by nearly five times over five years, expanded from two to ten full-time employees, renovated and improved seven different buildings, restored 20 parks, and raised over $700,000 in private donations and sponsorships.
The leadership team includes Executive Director Daphne E. Klahr, Ed.D., CPRE; Program Director Heather Boyer; Sports Program Manager Daryl Nelson; Assistant Sports Program Manager Brandon Mullin; Racquet Sports Director Brian Wardhammar; Program Assistant Chelsie O'Neil; 3rd and Spruce Recreation Center Manager Elvin Rodriguez; 11th and Pike Recreation Center Manager Joseph Weikel; Maintenance Supervisor John O'Mara; Food Service Coordinator Ronda Morrison; Business Manager Rebecca Swoyer; Administrative Assistant/Accounting Clerk Lizette Pizarro; and Executive Director Daphne E. Klahr, Ed.D., CPRE holds the CPRE credential. The governing board includes Donald Taddei, Jr. (President, City Representative); Jesse Leisawitz, Esq. (Vice-President, Reading School District); Ryan Yanchocik (Treasurer, City of Reading Community Representative); Patricia Wright (Secretary, Reading School District Board Member); Dr. Paige Brookins (Reading School District Board Member); Vanessa Campos (City Council Member); David McCoy (City of Reading Community Representative); Stephen Thompson (School District Community Representative); Carlos Torres (City of Reading); and Melissa Ventura (City Council Member).
Last updated July 10, 2026.
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