Suffield Parks and Recreation is bustling with activity this fall, offering residents of all ages opportunities to stay active, get creative, build friendships, learn new skills and connect with the community. From youth sports and fitness to creative workshops, business development and social gatherings, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Our fall lineup includes Soccer, Field Hockey, Cheerleading, Dance for Preschoolers, Fitness for Kids with XGT Fitness, Adult Fitness with Total Body Fitness, our popular Lunchtime Walkers program, Painting Programs, the Suffield Business Series, the Bowling Buddies Bowling Program, Fellowship Nights and our exciting Let Grow Play Club. We are also busy preparing for Halloween activities and the upcoming holiday season!
Let Grow Play Club Takes Off in Suffield!
One of the most exciting additions to Suffield Parks and Recreation is the Let Grow Play Club, an innovative program that encourages children to use their imaginations, develop independence and learn valuable life skills through unstructured play.
Photo by Donna Carney-Bastrzcki
Let Grow Program at Spaulding School
The program was brought to Suffield Parks and Recreation by local resident, parent and instructor Anna-Kristin Daub-Murphy, who helped introduce the Let Grow concept to our community. Working in partnership with the Suffield Balance Project, Parks and Recreation introduced Let Grow in the spring with a workshop highlighting the benefits of independent, child-directed play. The positive response led to a summer camp offered on Mondays throughout the summer, and now the program is bustling as part of our fall recreation lineup. A key part of Let Grow’s summer success was Katie Carson, our Camp Director, and Ashley Ogurick, a paraprofessional at camp. Together, they helped bring the program to life through our Monday summer camps, introducing children to the benefits of unstructured play and helping lay the groundwork for the program’s continued success into the fall.
Designed for children in kindergarten through Grade 6, the Let Grow Play Club provides an unstructured, mixed-age play environment where children take the lead. Rather than following a predetermined activity schedule, children decide what to play, organize their own activities, work through disagreements and discover new ways to have fun together. With limited materials provided, their imaginations become their greatest resource. Anna-Kristin Daub-Murphy and fellow facilitator Ashley Ogurick help make the fall program a welcoming and supportive experience for participants. Their facilitator-only approach allows children the freedom to direct their own play while maintaining a safe environment. They are present to ensure children’s safety and provide first aid when needed, stepping in when necessary but allowing children the opportunity to resolve everyday conflicts independently.
This approach helps children build essential skills, including problem-solving, communication, cooperation, resilience, resourcefulness, confidence and independence. Playing with children of different ages also creates opportunities for leadership, teamwork and new friendships.
Due to the growing interest and enthusiasm surrounding Let Grow, Suffield Parks and Recreation plans to offer another session beginning in November.
The success of Let Grow in Suffield is a wonderful example of what can happen when community members bring forward fresh ideas and Parks and Recreation works with local partners to turn them into meaningful programs. From a spring workshop to a summer camp and now a thriving fall program, Let Grow has quickly become an exciting addition to our offerings.
The Holiday Season Is Just Around the Corner!
As we enjoy all the fun of fall, we are already looking forward to a wonderful lineup of holiday programs and community celebrations. We cannot wait to welcome families, friends and neighbors to these special events!
Lights, Laughter & Local Holiday Magic in Suffield!
If Hallmark ever needs inspiration for its next holiday movie, we have a suggestion: come to Suffield Alight! From festive celebrations to family traditions, local small businesses and neighbors coming together, our town has everything a holiday movie dreams of — and then some! The difference? Suffield has the real authentic holiday magic — wonderful people, cherished traditions and a community that makes the season truly special!
Save the Date for Suffield Alight!
Get ready to celebrate the season at Suffield Alight on Saturday, December 12, from 3–7 p.m. on the Suffield Town Green! This favorite community tradition brings the holiday spirit to life with festive fun, local vendors, unique gifts, and opportunities to support the small businesses that help make our community so special. Gather your family and friends, stroll through the holiday festivities, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season right here in Suffield with Tree Lighting, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Music, Food, Vendors and Fun included!
The Holiday Magic Doesn’t Stop There!
There’s more holiday cheer on the calendar! Join us for Sundaes with Santa on Thursday, December 3, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Suffield Senior Center, where families can enjoy a sweet treat, delicious dinner and make special memories with Santa. It is such a fun way to kick off the holiday season!
On Tuesday, December 22, our Bowling Buddies will celebrate at their annual Bowling Buddies Holiday Party. It’s a special opportunity for our bowlers and volunteers to enjoy the season together and celebrate the friendships that make this program so wonderful. We will have delicious dinner from Suffield Pizza, music and dancing from DJ Kevin Landolina and so much fun!
Suffield Parks and Recreation is proud to offer programs and events that bring people together throughout the year. During the holidays, those connections become even more meaningful as we support local businesses, welcome families, celebrate inclusion and create memories that make our community shine.
Find upcoming programs, special events, and registration information at suffieldrec.com. We hope to celebrate the season with you!