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.

The Parks & Recreation Summer Playground Information and Summer Sport Camps are all available at the Parks & Recreation Office or on line at www.portlandct.org

Weight Watchers

Parks & Recreation currently has a very successful Weight Watchers group which meets at The Buck Foreman Community Center on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. Congratulations to the current 14 participants who have lost a total of over 157 lbs! The next session will start in early July and run for 14 weeks. If you have ever thought about joining Weight Watchers, now is the time! The convenience of an in town meeting is amazing! For full details please contact the Parks & Recreation Department.

New – Swimming Lessons

We have decided to open the YMCA Swimming Lessons program up to all town residents. We will have staff that will sign your child in and supervise them during the bus trip and lesson. The bus pick up will be at 12:30 from Gildersleeve School and drop off will be 2:45 at Gildersleeve. Sessions 1 – June 27 to July 1 (no July 4); Session 2 – July 11 to July 21; Session 3 – July 25 to Aug. 4; Session 4 – Aug. 8 to Aug. 18. The fee is $92. 

Sky Hawks Tennis

Sky Hawks Sports Tennis focuses on skill refinement as well as practice and match play to develop consistent, well-rounded tennis players. Players learn proper grips, footwork, strokes, volleys and serves during a series of drills designed to teach skills in a fun and dynamic way!  This program is open to youth ages 7 to 12. The group will meet at Portland High School Tennis Courts from 9 to noon June 27 to July 1. The fee is $99.

Sky Hawks Tee Ball Camp

This program is designed to teach the fundamental skills of t-ball, fielding, catching, throwing, hitting and base running. This program is open to youth ages 5 and 6 and will meet at Valley View School from 5 to 6:30 p.m. June 27 to July 1. The fee is $49.

SkyHawks S.N.A.G. (Starting New at Golf)

One of our most popular programs, Skyhawks Golf focuses on building the confidence of young athletes through proper technique and refining the essential skills of the game. No need to bring your own clubs, all equipment is provided! This program is for ages 5 to 8 and held Monday – Friday at Valley View School from 9 to noon. The fee is $99.

Chris Corkum’s Baseball Camp

Chris Corkum and his staff bring out the best in young athletes of all levels. The daily camp includes individual and small group instruction in fielding, throwing, hitting, pitching, base running and game situations. Campers are guided through selected activities and drills that culminate in team play. Please bring a bat and glove. The program is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 12 and held at the PHS softball field Monday – Thursday July 11 to 14, with a rain date of July 15, from 8 a.m. to noon. The fee is $105.

Skyhawks Mini-Hawk (Soccer, basketball & Baseball)

This multi-sport program was developed to give young children ages 4 to 7 a positive first step into athletics. The essentials of baseball, basketball and soccer are taught in a safe, structured environment with lots of encouragement and a big focus on fun! The program is held at Gildersleeve School Monday – Thursday, July 18 to 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The fee is $55.

Slamma Jamma Basketball Camp

This camp will have a half day session as well as a full day session and will feature skills, awards, games and special guests. The Camp is held at PHS Monday – Friday, July 18 to 22 for ages 7 to 14. The half-day camp is held from 9 to noon with a fee of $125 and the full day is from 9 to 3 p.m. with a fee of $160.

Jr. Golf with Gerry D’Amora - New Revamped Junior Golf Workshop!

This workshop is designed to acquaint youth with the game of golf. The daily schedule includes demonstrations, learning the rules, skills and techniques, golf etiquette & a chance to walk and play Portland’s Executive Course, Portland West! Your instructor is Golf Professional, Gerry D’Amora.  If you have clubs please bring them & sneakers are allowed.  The instructor will give the rain date. The clinic is held at Portland West July 18th to July 21  (Monday – Thursday) at the following times: Grade entering K – 2  will be 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.  For Grade entering 3 – 5 will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and for Grade entering 6 – 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Fee is $75 per session.

Portland’s 2011 “Come On Over” 5K Road Race will be held Friday, Aug. 12, rain or shine. You may register now or register the night of the race beginning at 5 p.m. at the Town Hall. The race starts at 6:30 p.m. Directions, road race course map, entry form, etc. is available on the Portlandct.org web site, under Parks & Recreation. Prizes awarded to top three finishers in each age category, and a T-shirt for the first 100 entrants. Entry fee:  $15 per runner/walker prior to Aug. 5 and $20 per runner/walker after Aug. 5. Cost is $10 for any Portland resident 19 and under through day of the race. 

Baseball Trips

The Parks & Recreation Office is offering the following baseball trips through Dattco bus Company to Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park. Departure from Portland will be at the Brownstone Intermediate School, 314 Main Street, and the bus will depart ½ hour after the game ends.

Red Sox vs. Baltimore, Sunday, July 10, at Fenway Park. Tickets are Section Right Field Grandstand, Section 7 for a 1:35 p.m. game. The cost is $96. Depart at 8:30 a.m.

Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay, Saturday, Sept. 17, at Fenway Park for a 7:10 p.m. game! Tickets are Section Right Field Box 89, the cost is $111. Depart at 2:15 p.m.