News & Info: Parks & Recreation News - August 15 2017
August 15, 2017
Westford
Parks &
Recreation
News
Past and Future!
Summer Programs at Parks & Recreation:
SUMMER WEEKLY PROGRAMS: It’s been a beautiful summer for Parks & Recreation, between our new location at 22 Town Farm Road, and nine weeks of great programming! Destination Exploration, for ages 8-14: Some might say D.E. has “Gone Fishing.” This year there’s been more fishing than ever before. Supported by DE’s experienced staff, boys and girls caught and released numerous wide mouth bass, perch, and a few fighting weeds at East Boston Camp’s Burgess Pond. And Jorge, the gigantic snapping turtle, was sighted by both participants and staff. Director Donna Burnham assumed Jorge was just another urban myth before she too, witnessed his notable proportions. Additional D.E. activities included a lot of crafting, football, and paddleboarding on the pond. Kids Club, for ages 4-13: Kids Club activities included “Carnival Days”, with up to 126 children participating, some eating popcorn and cotton candy as they watched their counselors emerge soaking wet from nearby dunk tanks. Other adventures included exploring tidepools at Wingaersheek Beach, Halloween in July, and a Snow Ball Masquerade during the program’s last week. Leadership, for grades 9-11: Participants focused on concepts such as team building and creative thinking with activities like Take a Stand, where teenagers stood at different sides of the room dependent on their “stand” on various controversial issues. During the exercise, participants explained their stance working hard to be nonjudgmental as they strived to better understand the perspectives of their peers. Participating teenagers found connections with others in the program that they could never have imagined, as they made new friends, and deepened their leadership skills. Participants took CPR and First Aid Certification classes, and practiced public speaking. ReadySetGo!, for ages 4-6: RSG! children were busy both indoors and outdoors this summer. Children transformed the inside drama corner into a camping site complete with a tent and a waterfall; practiced yoga poses like cat, lizard, and airplane; and explored science and sensory play by making gak, slime, and playdough. In the sunshine, children played tennis with Nate; took swimming lessons with Parks & Recreation life guards at Forge Pond; and played in the sand with new friends. Summer Beach Party at Edwards, for ages 4-14: “Beach Party” offered three-weeks of programs, one week at the beginning of summer vacation, and two weeks at the end of summer vacation – is there a better way to start and finish a sun-filled summer in Westford? This year’s enrollment numbers for the last weeks of August were the highest ever. Venture Out, for ages 11-14: This NEW program was especially tailored for Grades 6-8 or those who just graduated from middle school. Venture Out offered a series of adventures for this summer’s participants that included Canobie Lake Park, Boston Paint Ball, and Boda Borg.
ON THE WATERFRONT: Parks & Recreation introduced new paddleboards for use at the beaches and at programs like Kids Club and Destination Exploration. Due to the rising popularity of this sport, the department will be purchasing more paddleboards for next summer! Additional highlights include Swim Lessons at Edwards, and crafting in the sand and sun during the Fun at the Beach days at Forge and Edwards.
AT 22 TOWN FARM ROAD: This summer, Parks & Recreation debuted two summer programs: Chess Wizards and Play-Well LEGO®. The programs were held in the department’s new programming space at 22 Town Farm Road. Both programs were enjoyed by all and will be continued during the school year at the WPC After School Enrichment Program.
Westford Partnership for Children (WPC) After School Enrichment Program:
We’ve Got You Covered! On August 9, Parks & Recreation sponsored a WPC After School Enrichment Program Early Registration Event for the 2017-2018 school year. Assistant Director, Michelle Collett, and WPC Site Directors answered parent’s questions about registration process and program policies, as well as provided information about the unique activities each school program will offer for Session 1 (August 29-October 27, 2017). A sampling of those programs include: Intro to STEM with LEGO ®, American Sign Language, Empow: Video Game Design, Tennis with Marcus Lewis, No-Bake Cooking, and more! For Session 1 Registration Forms, visit westfordrec.com, or the Westford Parks & Recreation Department.
Westford Parks & Recreation After School Enrichment Program for K-8, provides a safe, stimulating, and fun environment Monday through Friday, from school dismissal until 5:45 p.m. WPC has proudly served eight Westford Public Schools for over ten years.
Westford Partnership for Children (WPC) is a Parks & Recreation sponsored After School Enrichment Program in collaboration with Westford Public Schools.
Westford Community Rowing (WCR):
The WCR Junior and Masters Competitive Teams made great strides this summer advancing their rowing skills and techniques under the leadership of Coach Kasey Lumbard and Coach Mikey Sevick. WCR is now gearing up for the fall racing season with several programs that include 8th Grade Rowing, Junior Competitive Team, Adult Learn to Row, Masters Morning Competitive Team, and Masters Evening Competitive Team. Westford Community Rowing (WCR) offers programming for middle school, high school, and adult athletes from all athletic backgrounds and experience levels. You can find the 2017 Fall Racing Schedule in the new 2017-2018 Parks & Recreation Fall-Winter Brochure at westfordrec.com, starting with the famous Lucky Duck Regatta on September 17, 2017 in Westford. (Did you know that the Lucky Duck Regatta Grand Prize is Dinner for two and a 2-night stay ANYWHERE in the world?)
NEW Seasons NEW Programs at Westford Parks & Recreation:
The Westford Parks & Recreation Fall-Winter 2017-2018 Brochure has arrived! Find the brochure online at westfordrec.com, and in your mailbox later this month.
Save The Date:
Sept 12 is Town Hall Trail Day at the Farmers Market. Come enjoy the
Town Hall Trail (Rated EASY, 15 minutes, no strollers, no flip flops). To join in,
gather at the bandstand on Westford Common every hour starting at 3:00, 4:00, 5:00,
and 6:00 p.m. A member from one of the partnering organizations will lead the walk
every hour. (Rain date: Tuesday, Sept 19.)
In partnership with the Healthy Westford Committee and Westford Conservation Trust.