City Citizen Programs (Free)
CITY OF WINTER GARDEN FREE CITIZEN PROGRAMS
The following programs and services are provided at NO COST to City of Winter Garden residents.
YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS
SMOKE ALARM PROGRAM
The Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department “Smoke Alarm Program” is a community outreach initiative to improve fire safety. To receive a smoke alarm at no cost, while supplies last, we ask that you meet the following requirements:
- Reside within the City limits of Winter Garden.
- Do not currently have a working smoke alarm in your home.
- Agree to let the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Dept. personnel install the smoke alarm.
- Agree to test and maintain the smoke alarm once it is installed.
- Agree to always follow the smoke alarm instructions in the owner’s manual.
Smoke alarms older than 10 years should be replaced. If you need a smoke alarm, batteries, or would like your smoke alarm tested, contact Fire Inspector Victoria Rutherford at 407.877.5175 ext. 2020.
CITY HALL FIELD TRIP TOURS
Learn more about City Departments. Optional Mock City Commission Meeting for students in grades 4 - 12. Offered upon request and subject to staff availability.
For more information or to register, call 407.877.5193 or email dcorbus@cwgdn.com.
WATER PLANT TOURS
Learn more about this precious resource and how it gets to your faucet by taking a group tour of the Water Plant.
Normally held the first Friday and Saturday in February.
Registration is required. Space is limited. Group tours are also available throughout the year.
For more information or to register, call 407.877.5193 or email dcorbus@cwgdn.com.
RECREATION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CLASSES & PROGRAMS
The City of Winter Garden Parks & Recreation Department offers limited scholarships year-round for all recreation programs that require a fee. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements and submit an application. The number of scholarships may be more limited in some programs, depending on space available.
Click here for scholarship application.
Questions: Recreation Department, 407.656.4111
RECREATION CLASSES
The Parks & Recreation Department offers a variety of free classes for adults throughout the year. All classes are held at Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street.
Please see list of free recreation classes below for City of Winter Garden residents.
Questions: Recreation Department, 407.656.4111
ALL AGES:
Sewing Class
Mondays & Tuesdays starting at 3:00 pm
Little Hall, 31 W. Garden Avenue
ACTIVE 50+:
Community Classes – Click here for meeting dates, times, and locations.
AARP FOUNDATION TAX-AIDE
AARP is offering free tax help to low-to moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 60 and older, at the Jessie Brock Community Center
AARP SMART DRIVER TEK WORKSHOP
Learn how new high-tech features in today’s cars can help make driving safer and easier. You will learn how the benefits of these technologies may enhance your driving safety and extend your safe driving years. You will receive a technology checklist and learn to identify the safety technologies that best suit your needs. Space is limited, so register now for this course by calling 1.877.805.0458.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
It’s time to party! Come celebrate your life’s achievements with a deserving celebration! Any 50+ resident is invited to attend and enjoy the celebration. It does not have to be your birth month to attend.
Specified date each month | 1:30 – 2:30 pm
BOCCIA BALL
Boccia is a precision ball sport like Bocce Ball and is played inside. You sit next to your opponent on the Boccia Court. It can be played one-on-one or in teams. The object of the game is to throw or roll leather-like balls so that they land as close as possible to the target ball.
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
CHAIR YOGA
Start experiencing the many benefits of yoga. This instructor led chair yoga exercise video is safe and gentle and includes low impact stretching, strengthening, and breathing routines.
Mondays | 9:00 – 10:00 am
CHAIR-O-BICS
Get moving in this recreational, self-guided chair exercise class! Participants are encouraged to use light hand weights to build strength. Use of weights is not required and is at your own risk.
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 9:00 – 10:00 am
GAMES, CARDS, & MORE
Enjoy an afternoon with friends who are playing Mexican Train Dominoes, Hand and Foot, Liverpool Rummy, Euchre, Rummikub, Mah Jongg, and more! Participants may bring a “sealed” snack to share and personal non-alcoholic beverage.
Second, Third, Fourth, & Fifth Wednesday each month | 1:30 – 4:30 pm
THE INK AND QUILL WRITING GROUP
Enjoy writing? Regardless of your ambitions or goals, you will find stimulating fellowship and writing encouragement. Learn different styles of writing and share ideas to develop plots, characters, and scenes to bring stories to life. Writers below the age of 50 who are looking to improve their writing skills are welcome to attend.
First & Third Monday of each month | 2:00 – 4:00 pm
I WANT TO KNOW SEMINOAR
This activity will address different topics that may be of interest to you. Register for one or multiple presentations below and walk away with a new idea, a new thought, and/or just a reminder of something you once knew and want to know more about. Bring a brown bag lunch if you wish.
Last Tuesday of each month
LITERARY LADIES BOOK CLUB
Join friends to read the top 10 and the classics.
Second Saturday of each month | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Living Healthy with Diabetes or other Chronic Conditions
This six-week workshop teaches the skills needed in the day-to-day management of chronic health conditions to maintain and/or increase life’s activities. Family members, friends, and caregivers can also participate. Advance registration is required as space is limited.
Thursdays | 1:30-4:00 pm
SIT, STITCH ‘N GIVE
Does life have you all tied up in knots? Join us for a chance to unwind. Come chat, knit, crochet, embroider, etc., and laugh with those who understand your desire to take a long piece of thread fiber and create a beloved "work of heart.” Beginners are welcome.
Wednesdays | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
TRAVEL WITH US!
Our community has been around the world and back. Each month someone from the senior community will share photos and interesting facts from their excursions. Come and travel with us around the world! Dessert and coffee/tea will be available. To be a presenter, please call 407-656-4155 ext. 4311.
Fourth Monday of each month | 1:30 – 3:00 pm
WEST ORANGE PAGE TURNERS BOOK CLUB
Bring a friend and discover current and classic authors. New members and titles are always welcome.
Second Monday of each month | 1:30 – 4:00 pm
CURBSIDE COLLECTION OF BULK ITEMS, APPLIANCES, & ELECTRONICS
Provided Courtesy of City of Winter Garden Public Services Department
Large bulk items such as furniture, mattresses, carpet, etc. will automatically be collected curbside at NO COST on your designated bulk items collection day. Place on the curb no earlier than the night prior to your designated collection day.
Appliances and electronics will also be collected at NO COST, but a pickup must be scheduled in advance by calling 407.656.2256. Do not place on the curb until the night prior to your scheduled pickup appointment.
Questions: Public Service Department, 407.656.2256
WINTER GARDEN FARMERS MARKET SNAP PROGRAM
SNAP benefits can be used at the Winter Garden Farmers Market for qualifying items such as fresh produce, dairy, meats, and more. Visit the EBT Tent at the Pavilion Entrance to redeem benefits before shopping. The market is held every Saturday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, at Downtown Pavilion, 104 S. Lakeview Ave. Free parking.
Questions, Economic Development Department, 407.656.4111 ext. 2266
RECURRING PROGRAMS
CITIZENS CPR CLASS
City of Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department offers a free, 90-minute Hands Only CPR Citizen Training Class throughout the year. The class is held at the Fire Department Headquarters Training Room, 1 E. Cypress Street.
Advance registration required. To register, click here and then select “Recreation Classes.”
Questions: Winter Garden Fire Rescue, 407. 877.5175
CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY
At least once a year, the Winter Garden Police Department offers a free nine-week course that addresses crime prevention, investigations, and police procedures. Participants meet one evening a week at the Winter Garden Police Department.
Questions, application, and eligibility requirements: Winter Garden Police Department, 407.656.3636 ext. 4416
WOMEN’S BASIC SELF DEFENSE CLASS
The Winter Garden Police Department hosts free basic women’s self-defense classes throughout the year. A police officer, certified using S.A.F.E. self-defense techniques, instructs the class held at the Winter Garden Police Department.
To register: Winter Garden Police Department, 407.656.3636 ext. 4405
ANNUAL SHREDDING EVENT
A free document shredding event is held yearly on the second Saturday in November to commemorate America Recycles Day. City of Winter Garden residents are invited to remove sensitive paperwork from their homes to be shredded in a safe and secure manner, which will then be recycled. Proof of residency required.
Second Saturday in November | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
848 E. Plant Street (across from the Winter Garden Library)
Questions: Sustainability, 407.877.5193
YOUTH PROGRAMS
WINTER GARDEN POLICE ATHLETIC YOUTH SUMMER PROGRAM
Applications Deadline: Specified Date in May Annually
Hosted by the Winter Garden Police Athletic League, a free eight-week WGPAL Youth Summer Camp for qualifying children, ages 5-15, is held every summer, Monday – Friday. Applications become available In May each year and must be completed by a specified date in May. Space is limited and supporting documentation is required.
Questions: Winter Garden Police Athletic League, 407.656.5416, www.wgpal.org
CITY OF WINTER GARDEN SUMMER DAY CAMP SCHOLARSHIP
Application Window: February – March
Limited scholarships for eligible youth are available for the City of Winter Garden Summer Day Camp. Hosted Monday – Friday every summer by the Parks & Recreation Department, the camp is for children entering 1st – 8th grade. Sponsorship applications are available on a preset date in February each year and must be returned by a specified date in March.
Questions: Recreation Department, 407.656.4155, efischer@cwgdn.com
YOUTH SWIM LESSONS
Free youth swim lessons are offered during the summer months at the Bouler Pool, 362 11th Street. Limited scholarships available. Registration is available at Bouler Pool.
Dates and times of the lessons vary throughout the summer. Questions: Recreation Department, 407.656.4155
HOLIDAY GIFTS FOR KIDS PROGRAM
Presented by the Winter Garden Police Athletic League
Annual Application Window: October – December
The annual Holiday Gifts for Kids Program provides presents to children in need, ages newborn through 12 years old. Applications for the program are available yearly, October – December.
Questions and eligibility requirements: Winter Garden Police Department, 407.656.3636 ext. 5416 or visit www.cwgdn.com/464/Holiday-Gifts-for-Kids
PRESCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
The Parks & Recreation Department offers the following free preschool events for children ages 3 – 5 throughout the year.
- Little Cupids Carnival - February
- Hops Egg Hunt – around Easter
- Halloween Spooktacular – October
- Cocoa & Cookies with Santa – December
All events are held from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at Jessie Brock Community Center, 310 N. Dillard Street. Stay tuned to City website and newsletters for specific date information.
Questions: Recreation Department, 407.545.4155