Political and economic activism is also an important part of Midland's African American network. The community celebrates the Juneteenth Festivities. Facilities in these parks include picnic areas, playground equipment, jogging trails and public swimming pools. The unique 46-acre Sibley Environmental Learning Center, Chris Davidson Opportunity Park, specially designed for handicapped youngsters, and the revitalized Dennis the Menace Park are common gathering places for families with members of all ages. The YMCA operates a central facility and four branches.
Many private clubs offer comparable fitness programs.
The COM Swim Team is a non-profit organization which owns an indoor competitive swimming and Olympic diving center. Many competitive events are held at the facility each year, including an Olympic pre-qualification diving meet held in April 1995. Competitive sports, personal fitness, water safety and swimming lessons are offered by this internationally recognized organization. Other sports and hobby clubs are available for enthusiasts. A sampling of these includes the Midland Amateur Radio Club, The Chess Club, The Native Plant Society, The Midland Gem and Mineral Society, Midland junior Baseball Association, Midland United Girls Softball Association, Midland Soccer Association, Permian Basin Roadrunners Jogging Club, Flatlanders Ski Club and Midland Bicycle Association.