The City of Monroe Recreation Department addresses community recreation and leisure needs through a variety of activities and events for residents of all ages. Current programs for youth and adults include: tee ball, softball, baseball, volleyball, basketball, swimming, tennis, supervised summer playground program, concerts in the park, community gardens, and community wide special events in cooperation with other community groups and leisure service providers. The department also offers discount priced tickets to family amusement parks in Michigan and the Midwest.

The professional staff coordinates leagues, programs, and special events with the support of approximately 130-seasonal employees i.e. program directors, scorekeepers, game officials, playground leaders, lifeguards, and activity instructors. The department utilizes over 300 seasonal volunteers annually i.e. youth sports coaches, adult sports coaches, team managers, and special events/activity coordinators.

Most spring/summer programs/leagues are held outdoors in city or school district parks and playgrounds. The scheduling of recreation programs in parks is handled through the Recreation Department. Permits for use of park facilities by community groups for festivals/special events are coordinated through the Recreation Department. Requests for special permits in parks are circulated among all City departments whose operation may need to be involved in or informed of the special use proposed.

Park facilities consist of athletic fields, picnic shelters, permanent and temporary restrooms, a community band shell, roller sport courts, boat launch facilities, walking/bike path, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, bocci ball courts, drinking fountains, equipment storage areas, food concession, outdoor natural ice pond, sledding hill, playground equipment, a community built playscape, riverside fishing areas, green belts, sand volleyball courts, wooded areas, a mountain bike trail, a pond with a spray fountain, basketball courts, a public outdoor swimming pool, and parking areas. Two skateparks and a concession and storage facility for outdoor soccer came online in 2004.

Indoor program facilities are coordinated by the Recreation Department in cooperation with local schools. Most indoor programs are conducted in the fall and winter months.