The Jam Program is a truly innovative and exciting offering that the City of Irving Parks and Recreation Department started to give teens a place to safely socialize, compete and learn with each other.

Overview:

It has been a priority for the Irving Parks and Recreation Department to offer the teens in this community a fun and safe place to recreate and socialize free of charge.  The Irving City Council has also realized the importance of offering such a function and so they have generously endorsed the Jam Program since 1994.

The Jam Program has been and currently is a tremendous success.  Every second and fourth Saturday of each month the Jam Program attracts 170 participants on average at the City Recreation Centers, offering such activities as dancing, basketball, dominos, video games, cards, volleyball, swimming and outings.  Even outside entertainment organizations like Outrageous Adventures were secured to offer, Sumo Wrestling, the Wall Jump, the Joust and more.   Pizza and soft drinks are provided free of charge.  Teenagers can enjoy each of the Jam Programs just by showing their Irving Parks and Recreation Identification Cards or school I.D.'s.

Goal:

The goal of the Jam Program is to offer Irving teens a place to socialize, communicate, and entertain themselves that is affordable, yet safe and supervised.

Objective:

Recreation staff will plan and organize programs that will promote quality leadership, social skills, self esteem, fellowship, sportsmanship, good attitudes, values and camaraderie.

Jam Safety:

Safety of the Jam participants is the number one concern.  It is vitally important that supervision is in place and that the rules are adhered to.

To make sure that each Jam Program is safe for all of the participants and staff, two Police Officers are in attendance at each function.   Also scheduled are six to seven staff members on duty to provide supervision and help enforce the rules and also coordinate the many aspects of the program.

Entry Requirements:

To enter a Jam Program all participants are required to show either an Irving Parks and Recreation Department Identification card or a school identification card.

To qualify for a free Parks I.D. card participants must show proof that they live or go to school in Irving.  The proof that is usually required is a drivers license, report card, class schedule or school I.D.

People who are attending a Jam function from out of town, must be accompanied by a city resident who has a Parks I.D. card.