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Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
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Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Registration:

Youth and Adult Athletics:

Non-Athletic Programs:

General:

Registration

Q: When are the registration dates for various activities?
A: Registration dates vary throughout the year. Click here for a listing of dates.

Q: How do I register for activities?
A: You may register either in person at the Apex Community Center, 53 Hunter Street, or by mail sent to PO Box 250, Apex, NC 27502. Registration by fax is not accepted except for placement on waiting lists after a program is full. Mail in registration WILL NOT be accepted prior to the first day of registration. If mail in registration is received prior to the first day, it will be returned to the sender and the sender will be responsible for resending / re-registering and runs the risk of not getting into a program.

Q: On the first day of registration do I need to get in line early to IMPROVE my chances of getting into an activity?
A: No, the department uses a “Lottery System” which has been approved by the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Commission to discourage camping out or waiting in line for hours in advance of registration. The lottery system is used on the first day of resident and nonresident registration only and operates under the following guidelines:

Promptly at 8:30 AM those that are present at the Community Center will be given the opportunity to randomly draw a number. Patrons will then be instructed to line-up according to their number.Each person may only draw one number. Those arriving after 8:30 AM will go to the back of the line. Registration will then be taken beginning with #1, #2, etc.

One person may only register for one family at a time. Participating in the activity during the previous year, DOES NOT guarantee a place the next season or the next year. You must register each time. Also, for the purpose of returning to the same team in Youth Athletics, that determination is made from one Spring to the next Spring and from one Fall to the next Fall.

Q: What methods of payment are acceptable?
For security purposes, we DO NOT accept credit card payment over the phone or by mail. In person registration may be made by cash, check, Visa or MasterCard. Only checks are accepted by mail. Checks should be made payable to the Town of Apex.

Q: Does the Town offer refunds for program registration and facility rentals?
A: APR&CR offers refunds for various fees and charges under policies adopted by the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Commission and the Apex Town Council. To view the department's Refund Policy, click here. Participants should fully understand and review the Refund Policy before registering or renting.

Q: How do I determine whether or not I am considered an aApex resident for registration purposes?
A: The determination of residency is critical for registration purposes and the ability to rent facilities. For program registration, the first two weeks of each registration period is limited to Apex residents only. A resident is defined as an individual that resides within the established corporate limits of the Town of Apex as defined by the Apex Planning & Community Development Department. Those interested in participating should understand that it is possible to have an Apex address, attend a school in Apex, or have Apex utilities and not reside within the corporate limits of the Town.

To look up your address to see if it is in the Apex corporate limits click here.

Q: I was placed on a “waiting list". what does that mean?
A: Most of the programs offered by APR&CR have limited spaces available. Once an activity is filled, you have the option of being placed on a waiting list. To be placed on a waiting list, you must meet all the registration procedures with the exception of paying the applicable fee. Subsequently, if someone drops from the program, APR&CR may add from the waiting list depending on the program. Once the waiting list is established, Apex residents receive priority ahead of non-residents so it is possible that a non-resident could initially be #1 on the waiting list and be bumped by a resident who is #15 on the waiting list if numbers 2-14 are also non-residents.

Q: Will my child receive special consideration if they are returning to the same league as the year before?
A: No, the only exception is that if your child meets all the registration requirements and gets registered before the league fills, then your child will automatically go back on the same team as the year before unless you specify that you do not want your child on the same team.

Q: How are age cut off dates established? Are age exceptions ever made?
A: The various age cut off dates for programs are set by a variety of guidelines including consistency across programs, NCHSAA guidelines, instructor input etc. Although we recognize, sympathize, and understand that some participants may be adversely affected no matter what day is chosen, the department does not make exceptions nor allow participants to move up or down in leagues based on skill level, ability, size, carpooling concerns, etc. The department cannot accommodate all the requests we receive for programs and activities. League assignments are made based on the participant's age as follows:

Community Center Programs: Require participant to be the age specified on or before the first day of an activity. No exceptions.

Youth and Adult Athletics

Q: How do I volunteer to be a coach?
A: You can personally contact the Program Supervisor in charge of the program you are interested in volunteering for, or you can download a Coach Interest Form from the individual program pages. To be considered, you must fill out and return the form by the established deadline. If you are selected as a volunteer coach, you must undergo a confidential background check conducted by the Apex Police Department.

Q: Where will my son/daughter play (soccer, basketball, softball, baseball etc.)?
A: All youth athletic programs are held in close proximity to Apex at one of our public park facilities or at one of the area schools where the Town has a Primary User Agreement.

Q: What are Team Placement Tryouts?
A: Most youth athletic leagues have placement tryouts to a) establish new teams, b) fill in spots vacated by players who do not return to the program, or c) balance/establish new leagues and programs. Not all players are required to attend tryouts and participants should verify their status when they sign up. Players attending tryouts are assigned a number and typically go through a variety of drills and skills tests. If a participant meets the required registration requirements with regards to time, age, fees, etc. and attends tryouts, then the participant will be placed on a team.

Q: What if my child can not go to the Team Placement Tryouts?
A: If a participant meets all the registration requirements and is unable to attend Team Placement Tryouts, they will still be placed on a team via a "blind draw". However, there is no guarantee which team the participant will be placed on.

Q: How are practices scheduled?
A: Practices are assigned based on the facilities available. Sometimes, particularly with school sites, the department has limited availability so practice times may not be consistent or optimal. Whenever possible, practices are scheduled on a rotating basis so that children can be involved in other activities while participating in one of our leagues. However, past experience has shown that there will always be conflicts and there is no way to accommodate all the special needs different families have.

Q: If there is inclement weather – how will i know if practice/games are cancelled?
A: You may contact the Athletic Hotline at 249-3348 to find out if games/practices have been cancelled (weekdays after 4pm and weekends after 8am)

Q: Are uniforms provided for youth Athletic teams?
A: Yes, to varying degrees. In youth soccer and youth basketball, participants receive a team jersey. In youth baseball and softball, jerseys, baseball pants and hat are provided. Participants must wear the department issued uniforms in order to participate.

Q: Who operates the T-Ball and pop warner football programs in Apex?
A: The Apex Jaycees operate the T-Ball (ages 5-6) and Coach Pitch (ages 7-8) and Apex Sports Authority operates the Pop Warner Flag & Tackle Football and Cheerleading Programs. Each may be reached by going to their website.

Non-Athletic Programs

Q: How can I find out about Open Gym?
A: You may a) check the department's web site, b) stop by the Community Center and pick up and Open Gym Schedule c) call the Open Gym Hotline 249-3408, or call the Community Center at 249-3402. We try to keep the open gym schedules up to date and current however that is not always possible. We suggest, you call the Community Center to verify Open Gym Schedules before coming to the center.

Q: What is the process if I register myself or my child for a class and then must miss one or more sessions?
A: Make up days are not incorporated into the class schedule as most of our instructors teach at sites other than the Community Center. Participant fees / instructor contracts are structured so that we must pay the instructor even if you do not show up or miss a class. Refunds must be requested within our approved and adopted policies which are available at the Community Center and are viewable on line. The Refund Policy is noted on our registration forms. Participants are strongly encouraged to read and understand our Refund Policies before registering for an activity.

GENERAL

Q: How may I obtain a copy of the Program Guide?
A: The department stopped direct mailing these to Apex residents in 2005. Program Guides are now available online.Registration forms and other program information may be found there as well. Program Guides may also be found at the Eva Perry Regional Library, the Apex Chamber of Commerce and at the Apex Community Center.

Q: How do I reserve a park shelter and how much is it?
A: In general, picnic shelters at town-owned parks are available for rental under certain guidelines and conditions. Only Apex residents may apply for a shelter rental. For a rental form and more information about fees and hours of operation click here.

Q: Can I rent the baseball, softball or soccer field?
A: Because of high demand and the limited number of fields available for APR&CR programming, the Town does not rent or reserve athletic fields in town-owned parks.

Q: What special events are sponsored by the Recreation Department?
A: The department sponsors and co-sponsors numerous special events throughout the year. These events are publicized in the Program Guide and also available on-line. Examples include: The Fourth of July Celebration, Concerts at the Depot, Halloween Carnival, Turkey Trot 5K Race, 2-Ball Competition, Ham Toss Basketball Shootout, Easter Egg Hunt, and the Spring Fishing Derby. In addition, the Town and Apex Festival Commission sponsor the Annual Peak Fest Street Festival the first Saturday in May.

Q: Can I bring alcohol into the park or Community Center?
A: Alcohol and other controlled substances are expressly forbidden at all times by Town ordinance in all public town operated facilities and on all Town property. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. In addition, Town ordinances prohibit the carrying of concealed weapons on Town property, on public greenways, and in Town facilities.

Q: Who do I call if I see a problem in a park?
A: The Town strives to provide public parks that are clean and safe for our patrons. Visitors who notice vandalism, suspicious behavior, or have other concerns should notify either Park Maintenance Staff (363-6469) or Apex Police Department (911 / 362-8661) immediately.

Q: Do I need a fishing license to fish in Apex Community Park Lake?
A: Residents must possess a Town fishing permit, which is free of charge. Non-residents must purchase a Town permit. Both are available at the Apex Community Center.

Q: What type of boating is allowed on Apex Community Park Lake? What about using a trolling motor?
A: The Town permits canoes, kayaks, john boats (not to exceed 14 feet) and rowing skulls on the Apex Community Park Lake. Boaters must purchase a Town of Apex boating permit in order to launch. Permits may be obtained at the Apex Community Center. Electric trolling motors are allowed. Gas operated motors are prohibited. Boats must be hand-carried to the launch area near the picnic shelters in Apex Community Park, which is accessible only from the Laura Duncan Road entrance. Launching from any other site is prohibited.

Q: When is boating allowed at the Community Park Lake?
A: Launching is permitted year round during regular park hours only. No launching or boating is permitted after sunset.

Q: Do you have part-time job opportunities in Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources? If so, how do I apply?
A: APR&CR has various seasonal openings throughout the year for evenings and weekend work. Areas of interest include athletics, community center front desk, and park maintenance. You may stop by the Community Center to get an interest form to fill out and turn in.