Portland Parks & Recreation Activities

To register or to obtain additional information for any Parks and Recreation programs, please call 860-342-6757, or you may go online to www.portlandct.org, click on Departments, then to Parks and 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 and Recreation office. Registration forms must be completed for each program prior to the program start date. The Parks and Recreation Hotline is 860-262-7234. This number is for closures and cancellations or updates.

Weight Watchers

The Parks & Recreation Department is hoping to continue to hold Weight Watcher Meetings at The Buck-Foreman Community Center on Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. Weight Watchers has begun a new program where monthly passes can be purchased online at the cost of $39.95 plus tax via a special Portal. This new program has several plusses to joining: It is much more affordable, free e-tools, automatic renewal, you can join at any time and continues rather than worrying about have to renew every 14 weeks! A minimum of 20 participants is required in order to keep the meetings running in Portland. If you are interested in joining the group, please call Parks & Recreation for information regarding registration. We are currently at 16 people!

Easter Egg Hunt

The Parks & Recreation department is holding the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31, at 10 a.m. at Valley View School. The Egg Hunt is open to Portland youth ages 1 to 10. The event is free, however, we are asking for a non-perishable food item which will be donated to the Portland Food Bank.  Participants should bring their own Easter basket. The rain/snow date will be Sunday, April 1, at 1 p.m. In case of inclement weather, please call the Hot Line at 860-262-7234. Also, members of the Neighbor to Neighbor Energy Challenge will be on hand with information regarding a free lighting visit and how to lower your home energy costs.

Yoga

This class focuses on the three main aspects of yoga (exercise, breathing and meditation) and is ideal for both the beginner and more advanced student.  Proper breathing techniques will be combined with student-appropriate exercises and techniques to help quiet the mind, strengthen the body and lower stress. Mats are provided or bring your own. Class is held at the Inner Circle Family Martial Arts Studio, 143 Marlborough St., Tuesdays, April 3 to May 22 from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. and on Wednesdays, April 4 to May 23, from 9 to 10:15 a.m. The fee is $90 for eight classes or $180 for 16 classes.

Your instructor is Marcie Loffredo.

Spring Karate Classes for Kids

April 3 to May 29

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

This class taps into the “inner Ninja” 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) – 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

This class would be for kids 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) – 5:50 to 6:30 p.m.

Open to kids with or without karate experience, with the focus on proper form, self-defense, body-control, self-confidence, katas and more. Classes are held at The Inner Circle Family Martial Arts Studio, 143 Marlborough St. (Route 66), on Tuesdays, April 3 to May 29. The fee is $60 for eight weeks.

Youth Gymnastics

Classes are held April 5 to May 31 at the Inner Circle Family Martial Arts Studio, 143 Marlborough St. The fee is $80 for eight weeks.

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

All boys and girls who love running, jumping and flipping upside down will love this class! Focus will be on a variety of basic tumbling and balance skills in a fun, fast-moving environment! In addition, we will focus on listening skills, taking turns, creative movement and teamwork. This class is ideal for preschoolers and parents are welcome to participate.

Beginners Gymnastics (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, still rings and the balance beam! In addition, each child will have a chance to learn more advanced moves based on their individual skill levels in a safe and fun environment.

Gymnastics (ages 8-13) – 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

This class is also open to boys and girls that already have some gymnastics experience and will focus on floor exercise and the balance beam; also exploring/learning more advanced techniques such as round-offs, back handsprings and handstands, and work on simple routines, proper form and posture, confidence and much more!

Cardio Kickboxing for Men and Women

This class combines an intense cardio workout, core training and real-world self-defense skills for maximum results in a fun and supportive environment.  “The toughest class you’ll love to take – and hate to miss!” Gloves are provided or you may bring your own.

Classes take place at Inner Circle Family Martial Arts, 143 Marlborough St. (Route 66), on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. starting April 3, and on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. starting April 5. Your instructor is Steve Salvatore. The fee is $80 for eight classes or $160 for 16 Classes. 

Spring Pilates

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. This class will focus on the basic principles of Pilates to start strengthening core muscles (stomach, back and gluts), and improve balance and coordination between the body’s limbs.  Class is taught by a Personal Euphoria Pilates Certified Instructor. Class is held Thursdays, April 5 to June 7, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Buck Foreman Community Center. For information, call Parks and Recreation at 860-342-6757.

Spring Zumba

The Spring Session of Zumba will be held Wednesday, April 11 to June 6, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Valley View School. Zumba is an exhilarating, effective, easy to follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party that’s moving millions of people toward joy and health! Cost is $40 per eight-week session for pre-registration (residents), $48 per eight-week session for pre-registration (non-residents) and $7 per class for drop-in’s or punch card holders (six classes - $42). Please wear comfortable clothing and low-tread sneakers. Be sure to bring plenty of water and be prepared to burn lots of calories!

Wrestling for Kids

This class will cover the basic rules and regulations of folkstyle (high school) wrestling. In addition to the rules, students will learn and practice basic stance, take downs, escapes and pinning combinations. No prior experience is necessary. Mouth guards, wrestling headgear and long sweat pants are recommended. This program is for youth ages 8 and older. Classes are held at the Inner Circle Family Martial Arts Studio on Saturdays, April 7 to May 26, from 1 to 2 p.m. Your instructors are Travis Revicki and John Stroud. Fee is $80 for an eight-week session. Please register through Parks & Recreation.

Triangle Sports Academy

The basics of soccer, basketball and baseball are introduced in a fun, safe environment with lots of encouragement. Parents must attend. The program is held Mondays, April 9 to May 21, at Gildersleeve School from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Open to boys and girls age 3 and 4 years old. The fee is $25.

Introduction to Baseball and Softball

This program is designed to introduce 4-year-olds to the game of baseball/softball. Each session will have stations in throwing, catching, hitting and base running. The program is all instructional and open to both boys and girls. Will be held on Fridays at Veteran’s Park from April 27 to June 1 from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Parents must stay and are encouraged to help. The fee is $30.