Youth Services Section will provide supervised programming that young people regularly attend when school is not in session. This can include before- and after- school programs at City facilities or on a school campus such as academic programs, specialty programs, and multipurpose programs that provide an array of physical, social and recreational activities.
Contact Us – Youth Services
Physical Address: 1501 E. Hadley Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Phone: (575) 541-2550
The After School Program offers programming that consists of academic assistance, a nutritional component, various recreational and creative activities, guest speakers, and age-appropriate enrichment opportunities, and special events or trips. For more information, please review the details below.
SPECIAL PROGRAM Out-of-School Time – Fall Break Camp
The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department will offer a two-week Fall Break Camp during Las Cruces Public Schools’ Fall Break and Intersession, Monday, September 23 – Friday, October 4, 2024.
The Fall Break Camp will be open to children, kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5). Camp hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Cost will be $20.00 per participant.
The camp locations will be at Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave., and at the WIA Building, 340 N. Reymond St. Breakfast and lunch will be provided during the camp.
The camp format will include fun indoor and outdoor play, arts and crafts, games, guest speakers, field trips, and more! Fees may apply for field trips.
Registration begins on Monday, September 9, 2024, until filled. Registration for the Fall Break Camp can be completed online at https://tinyurl.com/lascrucesplay or during regular business hours at the following locations:
- Parks & Recreation Department Administrative office, 1501 E. Hadley Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
- Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave.,8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
- Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center, 1401 E. Hadley Ave.,8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.
- Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Ave.,8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Space is limited and available on a first-come first-served basis.
For information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 575-541-2550.
Registration for Regular Programming
Registration for the After School Program is determined by lottery selection at sites due to capacity limits. Registration for the 2024-25 school years will run from July 1 to July 12. To register online, please select the button below, or review our in-person registration details.
In-person registration is available at the following locations during the registration period:
- Parks & Recreation department administrative office, 1501 E. Hadley Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.
- Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
- Las Cruces Regional Aquatic Center, 1401 E. Hadley Ave., 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.
- Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center, 304 W. Bell Ave., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday
Program hours are 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, and will follow the Las Cruces Public School’s calendar.
Program fees will be determined according to the Parks & Recreation Fees & Charges Policy. Please review the online registration link below or contact the department.
Scholarships are available to families with certain economic restrictions who are eligible to receive financial assistance through the department’s Youth Scholarship Fund. The intent of the scholarship fund is to offer assistance to youth wanting to participate in recreational opportunities who may not otherwise have the means. Scholarship assistance is limited to existing funds on a first-come, first-served basis and is available only to residents of Las Cruces.
For information, call the Parks & Recreation Department office at 575-541-2550.
School Sites for the After School Program
- Alameda Elementary
1325 N Alameda Boulevard
Las Cruces, NM 88005 - Cesar Chavez Elementary
5250 Holman Road
Las Cruces, NM 88012 - Sunrise Elementary
5300 Holman Road
Las Cruces, NM 88012 - Fairacres Elementary
4501 West Picacho Avenue
Las Cruces, NM 88007 - Jornada Elementary
3400 Elks Dr.
Las Cruces, NM 88005 - Loma Heights Elementary
1600 E Madrid
Las Cruces, NM 88001 - Monte Vista Elementary
4915 Peachtree Hills Road
Las Cruces, NM 88012 - Sonoma Elementary
4201 Northrise Dr
Las Cruces, NM 88011
A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven – Weed & Seed
Our Mission
The A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven, also known as Weed & Seed was designed to provide young people and community residents with a secure neighborhood facility where children can gather daily in a safe and fun environment.
As part of Parks & Recreation Youth Services, this facility provides age-appropriate afterschool and summer programming for children in grades K-5th.
Activities include completing homework, reading books, art and music appreciation, teamwork, and recreational activities. The program engages with various city partners to build mentorship and provide positive role models to children in the area who are often deprived of these social support systems.
The program is offered at the A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven Weed and Seed, 906 N. Tornillo St., and program hours of operation will be 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and will follow the Las Cruces Public Schools calendar.
Registration
Registration for the 2024-2025 school year will start July 8 to July 19.
Registration is in-person and will be hosted at A. Fielder Memorial Safe Haven located at 906 N. Tornillo St., during regular business hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
To be eligible for the program, proof of residency, income and program criteria must be met. Participants that register will be provided with program information prior to the first day of the program.
For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 575-541-2550.
The Youth Scholarship Program is for youth desiring to participate in a fee based, individually registered Parks and Recreation activity operated by the City of Las Cruces. Participants must be 17 years of age or younger, and the household must meet financial and residency eligibility requirements of the youth scholarship program.
Interested applicants must submit their application at the Parks and Recreation Administrative Office at 1501 E. Hadley Avenue.
Scholarships are available to families with certain economic restrictions who are eligible to receive financial assistance through the department’s Youth Scholarship Fund. The intent of the scholarship fund is to offer assistance to youth wanting to participate in recreational opportunities, who may not otherwise have the means. Scholarship assistance is limited to existing funds on a first-come, first-served basis and is available only to residents of Las Cruces.
Eligible Programs
The Youth Scholarship Fund can be used to subsidize the participant/activity fee on any one recreation program for one season/session including, but not limited to:
- The After School Program
- Summer recreation
- Swim lessons
- Youth sports
Fund Limitations & Qualifying Participants
The fund is available to youth 17 years of age or younger. To qualify, participants must show proof of residency and financial need.
Recipients may receive only one scholarship of up to 50% of the youth activities/programs fee; After School Program award is limited to 30%, per person, per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Recipients are required to pay the initial cost of the program. The scholarship funds will be applied to the remaining balance.
For more information about applying for the Scholarship Program, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 575-541-2550.
Donating to the Fund
Donors are needed to assist in funding this program. You can make a difference! For more information about donating, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 575-541-2550.
Documents
Youth Athletics
The programs below have been developed with the health, wellness, and safety of participants and staff in mind.
YOUTH SPORTS “ZERO” Tolerance PARENT (and family) GUIDELINES
The City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Department expects nothing but the best from our parents (and family members) when it comes time to supporting their players and their opponents. Our job as a parent (and community) is to encourage and support our children while they develop the fundamentals skills of the game and life such as team work, leadership, commitment, time management & sportsmanship.
Unacceptable conduct will result in expulsion from the game and/or remainder of the league.
Please read the Code of Conduct for Parents and Spectators below.
Leagues & Programs
There is limited availability in all divisions. Registrations are first come first served.
All registrations will be held online and in-person at Meerscheidt Recreation Center, 1600 E. Hadley Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001 (575-541-2563)
To register online, your child must have a current City of Las Cruces Parks & Recreation Activity ID card as well as updated login/user information entered into our system by Athletics staff. Call 575-542-2563 to get more information on how you can get pre-registered for upcoming leagues and programs.
2024 Basketball
Spring League
Age Divisions: 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, & 14U Boys/Girls
Registration is currently full.
League begins the week of March 18.
Fall League
Age Divisions: 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, & 14U Boys/Girls
Online Registration Opens: August 22
In Person Registration Opens: August 24
League begins the week of September 28
2024 Youth Cheer Program
Spring Program
Age Divisions: 8U & 10U
Registration is currently full.
Instruction begins the week of March 18.
Fall Program
Age Divisions: 8U & 10U
In person registration: July 18, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Instruction begins August 6
2024 Lil Sluggers T-Ball & Coach Pitch
Age Divisions: 6U, 8U & 10U
Online Registration Opens: March 28
In person Registration: March 30 from 9:00 AM – Noon
League begins the week of May 13.
2024 Youth Soccer League
Age Divisions: 6U, 8U, & 10U
Online Registration Opens: April 25
In person Registration: April 27 from 9:00 AM – Noon
League begins June 1.
2024 Indoor Volleyball
Age Divisions: 10U, 12U, & 14U
Online Registration Opens: May 16
In person Registration: May 18 from 9:00 AM – Noon
League begins the week of July 8.
2024 Football
Tikes N’ Spikes – Flag Football
Age Divisions: 6U, 8U, 10U, &11U
Online Registration Opens: July 11
In person Registration: July 13 from 9:00 AM – Noon
League begins the week of August 19
Code of Conduct
Parents & Spectators
Parents and Spectators shall support players, coaches, referees and league officials. Parents and Spectators shall not “coach” or “officiate”. Parents and Spectators agree as follows:
- Parents and Spectators will be positive role models.
- Parents and Spectators will display and instill in all players, the principals of good sportsmanship and team play.
- Parents and Spectators will conduct themselves in a manner that best serves the interests of the players.
- Parents and Spectators will do their best to provide the players a positive experience.
- Parents will make certain that their children show respect for all other players, coaches, officials and spectators.
- Parents and Spectators will not ridicule or demean players, coaches or referees.
- Parents will inform the coach of any disability or ailment that may affect the safety of their child.
- Parents and Spectators will treat all players, coaches and referees fairly and with respect.
- Parents and Spectators will comply with the decisions of league officials and observe all rules, policy and procedure as established or endorsed by the City of Las Cruces.
- Parents and Spectators will not question a referee’s call.
- Parents and Spectators will respect the opponent and avoid any confrontation with opposing players, spectators, or coaches.
- Parents and Spectators will be drug and alcohol free while at any event.
Players
Players shall…
- Obey all rules and regulations outlined in the Code at all CLC events, which include but are not limited to: games, practices, fundraisers, tournaments, and all league play.
- Display good sportsmanship and team play at all times.
- Follow the direction of the Coaching Staff.
- Make every attempt to be on time and ready to play for all games and practices.
- Notify coaches in advance of event(s) in which conflicts occur.
- Realize that they are to make a commitment to team play and have a responsibility to the team to be prepared at all events.
- Follow team policy as explained by the coach.
- Treat all facilities with respect. Clean up after yourselves.
Players shall not…
- Use abusive or profane language.
- Taunt or humiliate any other player (opponent or teammate).
- Question a call or decision made by a referee, official, or coach.
- Abuse, mistreat or mishandle any league equipment or property or facility in which an event is occurring.
- Act in an unsportsmanlike like way.
- Show up to any event without being able to perform to the best of their ability
CODE OF CONDUCT- CONSEQUENCES
All violations of the code of conduct shall be addressed on an individual basis. City of Las Cruces feels strongly about upholding the principles of the Code of Conduct and will strictly enforce the rules. Violators shall be dealt with swiftly and appropriately. The range of consequences can vary from a verbal reprimand up to formal prosecution in the judicial system for extreme cases.
By deciding to Participate in the City of Las Cruces Youth Sports League(s), you hereby agree to abide by the Code of Conduct as stated above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- After we register what is the next step?
- The volunteer team coach will contact you prior to the start of the season. They’ll set up a team meeting to discuss practices, distribute jerseys, and team schedule. Please be sure that your emails and phone numbers are current when registering.
- Where will practices be located?
- The coach will work with the parents to set up practice times and location based on their schedules.
- What equipment will my child need
- A team jersey will be provided by the coach (if purchased during registration). Some teams will get the jerseys screen printed with names and logos, if agreed upon at the team meeting. This league requires a city-issued jersey and athletic footwear.
Fees
New Participant Fee: $50 per league (with a team jersey)
Returning Player Fee: $40 per league (no jersey)
The City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department will hold the Youth Plus 1 (parent/guardian/caretaker) hiking program for youth 12 to 16 years of age, with hikes ranging from three to seven miles in length.
This popular program is free of charge and transportation is provided. Hikes take place every other Saturday to sites such as:
- Branson Canyon
- Dripping Springs
- Filmore Canyon
- Soledad Canyon
Registration
Register Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, at the Frank O’Brien Papen Community Center. Space is limited.
Requirements
Participants will be required to:
- Wear hiking boots, hats, and a backpack.
- Bring water.
- Provide their own lunch.
