Portland Parks & Recreation Activities

To register or to obtain additional information for any Parks & Recreation programs, please call 860-342-6757, or you may go online to www.portlandct.org, click on Departments, then to Parks & Recreation.  The individual registration forms will be listed as a link on the web page. Forms can be printed, completed and returned back to the Parks & Recreation office. Registration Forms must be completed for each program prior to the program start date. The Parks & Recreation Hotline is 860-262-7234. This number is for closures and cancellations or updates.

Fall Programs

Youth Tennis Program Sept. 13 to Oct. 25 (new start date)

QuickStart Tennis is an exciting new instruction and play format for learning tennis. It is designed to bring kids into the game by utilizing specialized equipment, shorter court dimensions and modified games tailored to any age and size of the player! The program is held Tuesdays at the PHS tennis courts or in the gym if it rains.

Grades K–2: 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.; 3rd–5th, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.; and 6th–8th, 7:15 to 8 p.m.

The fee is $50.

Youth Golf Lessons with PGA Golf Pro Gerry D’Amora – Sept. 12 to Oct. 3

This workshop is designed to acquaint participants with the game of golf. The daily schedule includes demonstrations, learning the rules of golf, golf skills and techniques, learning the game (putting and chipping), golf etiquette, and more! If you have clubs, bring them. Sneakers are allowed. Lessons are held Mondays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Portland West for ages 6 to 12. The fee is $85.00.

Dance Classes with Alicia Currier – Session I Sept. 12 to Oct. 24 and Session II  Nov. 7 to Dec. 19

Pre-Ballet – A pre-ballet class for boys and girls age 2½ and older with the introduction of ballet. The children will enjoy dancing to their favorite music with the use of scarves, ribbons, beanbags using the balance beam and more. Children should wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement and slippers. Class is held Mondays, 3:45 to 4:15 at the Buck Foreman Community Center. The fee is $50 per session.

Ballet/Jazz – A ballet and jazz class for children ages 5 and older. Children will learn the basic ballet steps and will be introduced to different types of jazz, lyrical, rock and hip hop. Children should wear comfortable clothing. Class is held Mondays, 4:30 to 5:15 at the Buck Foreman Community Center. The fee is $65 per session.

Karate For Kids at CT Shorin RYU,  Route 66/143 Marlborough St.

Classes held Tuesdays, Sept. 13 to Nov. 1 (8 weeks). The fee is $60. Instructors: Michael Pelton, Sensei Robert Green and Sensei Wm. Foster.

Little Ninja’s Karate (ages 3-4) 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

This class taps into the “inner ninga” in every kid and will focus on learning some basic karate moves, listening skills, balance and coordination, taking turns and more! Parents are welcome to participate.

Karate For Kids Beginners – (ages 5-7) 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.

This class would be for children that are new to karate and would cover the basics such as kicking, punching, blocking, balance, body control, self-confidence, self defense and more in a fun, low-key atmosphere.

Karate For Kids (ages 8-13) 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Open to children with or without karate experience, with the focus on proper form, self defense, body-control, self confidence, katas and more!

Youth Gymnastics at CT Shorin RYU, Rt. 66/143 Marlborough St.

Classes held Thursdays Sept. 15 to Nov. 3 (8 weeks).  The fee is $80.

Pre-School “Tiny Tumblers” (ages 3-4) 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.

Focus will be on learning floor tumbling skills such as front rolls, back rolls, headstands and cartwheels. We will explore several basic skills on the balance beam as well as some fun and challenging obstacle courses! Open to boy and girls who love to jump, run and flip!

Beginners Class (ages 5-7) 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

This class is open to boys and girls with or without experience and will be focused on learning the basics on floor exercise and the balance beam. Each child will have a chance to learn more advanced moves based on their individual skill levels in a safe and fun environment!

Intermediate Class (ages 8-13) 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

This class is open to boys and girls that already have some gymnastics experience and will focus on floor exercise and balance beam, along with learning more advanced techniques such as round offs, back handsprings and handstands using proper form and posture!

New with Parks & Recreation

Purchase a card for 6 classes at $60. residents or $66. non-resident. We are offering a Punch Card that will be good through Spring 2012. The card is only valid for the program you choose, however, you can cross over sessions (fall, winter and spring). If you do not use all six classes, there is no refund.

Zumba! with Brian LaRoe!

Class is held Wednesdays, Sept. 14 to Nov. 9, at Valley View School from 6 to 7 p.m.  The fee is $80 for residents and $90 non-residents, or check out the new Punch Card system!

Zumba fitness uses Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic fitness program that will totally change the way you look at fitness! Once you’ve tried Zumba, you will be hooked onto the most amazing fitness program you have ever experienced! 

Pilates – With Jeaninne of Personal Euphoria!

Class is held Thursdays, Sept. 15 to Nov. 17, at the Buck Foreman Community Center. From 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The fee is $60 for residents and $70. non-residents, or check out the “New Punch Card” system!

Pilates is an exercise option for everyone! Designed to develop a strong core while maintaining loose, limber limbs, the exercises provide multiple variations to meet the needs of different body types. 

Keep an eye out for the Annual After Thanksgiving Trip to New York City!

A Few Seats Left!

Please note change is departure and game time.

Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay, Saturday, Sept. 17, at Fenway Park for a 4:10 p.m. game.

Tickets are Section Right Field Box 89. The cost is $111. Depart at 11:15 a.m. from the Brownstone Intermediate School, 314 Main St. and the bus will depart one-half hour after the game ends.