Parks & Rec has continued to offer a variety of over thirty new, engaging, traditional, and fun programs during the fall for children, adults and families to enjoy.
Fall Soccer began the first week of September and ran through the second weekend in November. Children in Kindergarten through Grade 6 have had a terrific time while learning the fundamentals in a fun and safe atmosphere. James Barrett, Head of Referees, has played an instrumental role in ensuring the season ran smoothly. Our sports programs have remained extremely popular and there have been many happy faces at our soccer, field hockey, Suffield spirit/cheerleading, Fitness Squad and horseback riding programs.
After not bowling in person since March 19, 2020, due to the pandemic, the Bowling Buddies are back! Even though the group has met each week throughout the pandemic on Zoom with a variety of activities including bingo games, trivia and music games, and has had other in person outdoor activities each month, The Bowling Buddies are very happy to be back in person at Spare Time Lanes and started up the fall season in September. The bowling program will run through May and offers great exercise, camaraderie and socialization while taking enhanced safety precautions. Members of the Bowling Buddies also have competed in a virtual Special Olympics bowling tournament and got very impressive high game scores. Our group has many talented bowlers.
In addition to some of our traditional programs, we have continued to increase our Family Fitness programs and have been continuing to utilize the beautiful Bruce Park Pavilion and the middle school track tremendously throughout the fall for a variety of new classes. Programs have been in-person with a few zoom options. Our talented, Suffield based fitness instructors: Laura Dromgold, Joseph Hicks, and Sarah Supino have been leading a variety of beneficial exercise programs including: Tabatha Boot Camp, Power Burn, Healthy Happy Hour, Mix it Up at the Barre, Energizing Vinyasa Yoga Flow and Dona Carney-Bastrzycki has instructed our Tuesday Lunchtime Walkers program.
The participants in our after-school specialty and enrichment classes including: Fall Painters and Crafting Fun, afterschool Indoor and Outdoor Games, pre-school Playtime and Fitness and Art Ventures, Arctic Journey, Fun Fall Crafty Creations have been having a blast. One of our highlights has been our four Halloween parties that we have had for a variety of age groups-from preschool through adult. During the Halloween parties, participants decorated pumpkins that were generously donated by Bielonko Farms, made a variety of creative crafts, enjoyed treats and even went on a mini “trick or treating” experience that was held at McAlister School and Bruce Park.
We have also continued to expand our collaborative program including working both with the Kent Memorial Library and Suffield Youth Service Departments. Our new Storytime, Games and Fun Craft Party (pre-schooler with a parent/caregiver) and our pre-school storytime and Halloween party that were led by Wendy Taylor, Children’s Librarian, and Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Director of Special Programs and were held at Sunrise Park and Bruce Park. Participants enjoyed engaging stores, quality crafts, scavenger hunts, decorating pumpkins and playtime at the new playscape.
The Youth Service collaborative programs that were led by Kate Powers, Director of Youth Services and Daniel Leonard, our Sports and Recreation Programmer, have included: Home Alone Safety, Babysitting, Cookies and Canvas, Cornhole and Pool Tournaments, Game Day Extravaganza, Paint a Pot-A Succulent and Halloween Hang-Out and have been a hit. Participants have had a blast while learning new valuable skills, playing a variety of games and taking part in intergenerational activities.
On October 9, Parks and Rec participated in Suffield’s 350th Big Parade. Various groups from Parks and Recreation programs came to march in the Big Parade. Some groups that were represented were, Bowling Buddies, recreational soccer players, Tennis in the Parks participants, and field hockey players. During the parade, participants had an exciting time listening to music, waving hello to residents, and throwing t-shirts and beads out to people watching along the route. The Parks & Rec van led the way, as it was painted to show some of the programs that are offered throughout the year. The Big Parade was a tremendous way to celebrate Suffield’s longstanding history and it was terrific to be part of the special event.
Looking forward to December and January, we will be offering a variety of programs and special events for all ages and abilities. Please visit: www.suffieldrec.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information. Programs include a bus trip to NYC, basketball, indoor pickleball, school vacation camp, crafts, fitness and yoga classes, horseback riding, STEM programs, pre-school offerings, and family events.